Defensive Pressing

By Sean Pearson

Area Size: 18 x 22 Yards

Teams: 3 v 3 + 2

Time: 12 - 15 Minutes

Objectives

For the defending team to work together as a unit
To press the player on the ball and the surrounding players
To cut half of the field off to force the player on the ball in a direction you want

This will be a high intensity exercise so there needs to be high work rate for shorts spells with plenty of breaks between. I would suggest going for 3 minutes with a 1 minute break between each, for your coaching points and for players to gather their breath.

Set up the area with 3 v 3 in the middle and 2 neutral players on the outside. The team in possession aims to keep the ball for as long as possible, remember you are not coaching this team. You will be focusing on the team not in possession, the defending team. You want them pressing the ball together to force a turn over.

The first and easiest way to accomplish this is to show every time the ball travels to the neutral player to press this player from one side. The defending player’s body shape should be side on to cut off half of the field and force the neutral to the other side (2 quick points for the neutrals, they have 3 seconds on the ball and players are not allowed to tackle them. However, if they make a poor touch that goes into the main area, players can steal).

Defending - Pressing1

At the same time the other two defenders press the players on the side of the field that the first player is showing the neutral. They should press the side closest to them so it is easier. All players move/press as the ball is moving towards the neutral, therefore as the neutral looks up there are no ‘free’ players to pass to. With the 3 seconds and pressure of the defender this forces them into a hurried decision.

As the neutral passes the ball, the defending players anticipate the pass and aim to jump in front and steal the ball if it is a weak pass. If it is a strong pass and the receiving player maintains possession the other defenders cut off passing lines so the receiving player finds it extremely difficult to maintain possession.

Defending - Pressing2

All defenders must press at the same time to be successful. They should use the visual cue of the ball traveling to the neutral to tell them when and how. If 1 player doesn’t press, the other team will find it easier to maintain possession. This will occur more frequently as players become tired but it is important you highlight when and how they must press to accomplish success in winning the ball.

Defending - Pressing3

To increase the difficulty of this practice, add another neutral to the middle so each time the defending team are playing with numbers down. The message and actions are still the same. Press the neutral to cut off one side of the field. The other two players press the closest players the neutral can pass to on the side of the field they are being forced. If the initial defender presses correctly the neutral will not be able to play over them to the other neutral. Yes, you are leaving 2 players unmarked but right now the neutral is unable to pass to them because the defending team has made them redundant.

Once your players understand this concept they can then attempt to win the ball back directly from pressing the team in possession in the middle section.

Defending - Pressing4