Cover shadow pressing
Pressers learn to block the pass behind them with their body (the cover shadow) while pressing the ball. Pressing that takes away options, not just the ball.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Attackers around the outside of a square with a target in the middle.
- Two or three pressers.
Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls
How it works
- Attackers try to pass into the middle target.
- Pressers press the ball while keeping the target behind them.
- Point to attackers for each pass into the target; pressers score by intercepting.
Coaching points
- Press on a curve with the target in your shadow.
- Body between the ball and the pass you want to stop.
- Second presser covers the next option.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Bigger square
Make it harder
- Two targets inside
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