Pressing 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.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Opposition keeper and build-up players in their shape.
- Pressing team positions to mark short options.
Equipment: Goal, cones, bibs, balls
How it works
- Keeper takes a short goal kick.
- Pressing team presses the receiver and closes options together.
- Win it and finish quickly; build-up team scores in mini goals at halfway.
Coaching points
- Set up in a shape that covers the short options.
- Press on the first pass, not before.
- Win it and shoot within 8 seconds.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Build-up team two-touch
Make it harder
- Build-up team can go long
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 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 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