Press one, screen two (3v5 keep-ball)
Three defenders work as a pressing unit: one presses the ball, two block passing lanes behind. Five attackers try to keep it. Teaches young players that pressing is a team job, not a chase.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- 5 attackers spread around a 20 x 20 m square, 3 defenders inside.
- Coach outside with spare balls.
Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls
How it works
- Attackers score a point for every 6 passes in a row.
- Defenders: one presser at a time, the other two screen the nearest passes.
- Win it and dribble out of the square for 2 points. Swap defenders every 2 minutes.
Coaching points
- Presser: curve your run to show them one way.
- Screeners: stand in the lane, not on a player.
- Swap jobs as the ball moves: nearest goes, others screen.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- 4 attackers, bigger square
Make it harder
- Attackers two touches
- Defenders win a point for a pass intercepted
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