Press the build-up (7v7 and 9v9)
A phase for small-sided football: the attacking team plays out from the keeper; the defending team's front players try to win it in the first third. Respects the retreat line, then presses once it's crossed.
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: keeper, 2 or 3 defenders, 2 midfielders; they score by dribbling over the halfway line.
- Defending team: 2 or 3 attackers and a midfielder; they score in the goal.
Equipment: Goals, cones, bibs, balls
How it works
- Defending team waits behind the retreat line until the keeper plays.
- Then press the receiver, cover the next pass.
- Win it and finish quickly. Swap roles every 5 minutes.
Coaching points
- Wait for the first pass, then go.
- Press with a friend: one goes, one covers.
- If they beat the first press, sprint back in.
Formations this drill suits
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Defending team of 2
Make it harder
- Attacking team must play through midfield
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