Midfield 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.
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 tries to pass from one end to the other.
- Three or four midfield pressers.
Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls
How it works
- First presser shows the ball carrier inside.
- Second presser steps in to double up.
- Win it and score through a gate quickly.
Coaching points
- Angle of press decides where they go.
- Double up from the blind side.
- Others cover the passing lanes.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Attackers two-touch
Make it harder
- Add an extra attacker
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 โTouchline trap
Pressers force the ball carrier towards the touchline and use it as an extra defender to win the ball. A simple, effective team pressing idea.
See the drill โ