Gafferbook
Pressing ยท U11 to adult

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.

U11 to adultAges
10 to 14Players
40 x 30 m with goalsArea
20 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Small-sided pitch, two goals with keepers.
  • Coach calls out triggers at first, then the players do it themselves.

Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls, goals

How it works

  1. Play a normal game.
  2. When a trigger happens, the nearest player presses and teammates squeeze up.
  3. Win it back within five seconds: bonus goal.

Coaching points

  • First presser: curve your run to cut off one side.
  • Second player covers; everyone else moves across and up together.
  • If the trigger doesn't happen, stay patient and compact.

Formations this drill suits

2-3-1 (7v7) drills3-2-1 (7v7) drills2-1-2-1 (7v7) drills3-1-2 (7v7) drills3-3-2 (9v9) drills3-2-3 (9v9) drills2-4-2 (9v9) drills3-4-1 (9v9) drills4-3-3 (11v11) drills3-5-2 (11v11) drills4-4-2 (11v11) drills4-2-3-1 (11v11) drills3-4-3 (11v11) drills

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Coach calls 'press' to show the trigger

Make it harder

  • Bonus only if the press leads to a shot within 10 seconds

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

Questions about this drill?

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More pressing drills

High 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 โ†’

3v3 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.

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Curved 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.

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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.

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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.

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Touchline 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†’