Pressing

Time: 30 | Age groups: U12-U16, U17+

Aims and outcomes

Players will understand:

• How presssing fits into the principles of play
• What is meant by pressing
• The different ways to press
• How pressing fits into tactic

The team will benefit from:

• Understanding why they focus on certain skills and tactics in training
• Knowing how to attack more effectively in a game situation

What you'll need

Different class types required different resources. This table sets out what we think you'll need in each scenario, but feel free to amend it if you find something that works for you.

Resources

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File	Download
Lesson Plan
Slides
Presentation notes
Handout
Quiz
Certificate

Activities

When you've delivered the class you'll want to embed the learning with some practical activities. We recommend trying some or all of the activities below in your coaching sessions to put the theory into practice.

Pressing rondo

If you want to improve your team’s defensive performance, use this activity to teach players when to press and when to hold, so they can control play even if they don’t have possession. MORE

Pressing and counter attacks

This session explores the reality that pressing is never only individual action. It also looks at the importance of the first sprint and quick reactions, and appraises the activity of all players in forcing an opponent into an error. MORE

Under pressure

This is all about teamwork and teammates using the ball or stopping opponents from winning it. Press hard and the defenders will win the three balls in the fastest time – the clock starts ticking the second the first ball is kicked so players must move quickly. MORE

Work your centrebacks

Central defenders working together with a keeper and a defensive midfielder is a good way control the dangerous areas in front of goal and repel attacks away from that area. MORE