Counter-press boxes (win it in 5)
Two possession boxes side by side. When a team loses the ball, everyone near it has five seconds to win it back before the other team can switch boxes. A game for the habit of reacting instantly.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Two 15 x 15 m boxes, 3 m apart. 4v4 (or 5v5) in one box, the other box empty.
- Coach counts five out loud on every turnover.
Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls
How it works
- Team with the ball scores by passing into the other box to a teammate who runs into it.
- Lose it: win it back within 5 seconds for 2 points.
- Play continues in whichever box the ball is in.
Coaching points
- First reaction: forwards, not backwards.
- Nearest player presses, next two close the passes.
- If you can't win it in five, get compact.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Count to 8
Make it harder
- Two touch for the team in possession
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
Free AI coaching help from Gafferbook. Ask anything about coaching your team.
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
The front three press a back four and keeper: the striker curves to show the ball one way, the far winger tucks in, the near winger jumps the full-back. Win it and finish on the big goal.
See the drill โ3v3 press and win (pressing in threes)
Three players keep the ball in their half; three pressers enter on the coach's pass and must win it within ten seconds. Teaches first presser, cover and balance in a small group.
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
Midfielders show the opponent into the middle where a second player doubles up to win the ball. Teaches a coordinated trap rather than chasing alone.
See the drill โ