Back-pass trigger press
Whenever the attacking team passes backwards, the pressers must press immediately and step up. Teaches one of the clearest pressing triggers.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Attacking team builds from one end to score through gates at the other.
- Pressing team starts in a mid-block.
Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls
How it works
- Pressers hold their shape until a back-pass.
- On a back-pass, everyone steps up and presses.
- Win it and score in a mini goal within 8 seconds.
Coaching points
- Recognise the trigger together.
- Press while the ball is travelling, not after.
- Whole team steps up, not just the nearest.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Coach shouts the trigger
Make it harder
- Add more attackers
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
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More pressing drills
Pressing triggers game
A 5v5 (or 6v6) game where the defending team scores a bonus goal for winning the ball within five seconds of a trigger: a back pass, a bad touch, or a pass to the touchline.
See the drill โHigh press in a 4-3-3: front three shape
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See the drill โ3v3 press and win (pressing in threes)
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See the drill โCurved runs: cut off the switch (2v3)
Two strikers press three defenders with curved runs that block the switch, forcing play one way. Teaches the most important pressing technique for forwards.
See the drill โPressing the goal kick
The team sets up to press the opposition's short goal kick, marking the short options and trapping the receiver. Turns the opponent's build-up into your chance.
See the drill โMidfield trap: show inside, double up
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See the drill โ