Press and cover in pairs
Two defenders face two attackers plus two outside targets; one presses, one covers, and they switch roles as the ball moves. The building block of team pressing.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- 2v2 in the middle with a target player at each end.
- Ball starts with a target.
Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls
How it works
- Attackers try to get the ball from one target to the other.
- Defenders: nearest presses, the other covers at an angle.
- Win it and pass to the coach for a point.
Coaching points
- Talk: 'Press!' 'Cover!'
- Swap roles every time the ball moves.
- Cover close enough to help, far enough to see.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Targets can't pass straight to each other
Make it harder
- 3v2 for the 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
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