Pressing waves (two pressing teams)
Two teams of three take turns pressing a team of four or five. When the first wave is broken, the next wave goes. Short, sharp, high-energy pressing with built-in rest.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Possession team of 4 or 5 in the area.
- Two pressing teams of 3 wait at either end.
Equipment: Cones, 3 sets of bibs, balls
How it works
- Wave 1 presses until the possession team completes 8 passes or the ball is won.
- Then wave 1 jogs off and wave 2 sprints on from the other end.
- Points: possession team 1 per 8 passes; pressers 2 per win. Swap teams every 4 minutes.
Coaching points
- Sprint in together, not one at a time.
- First player sets the direction; others follow the cue.
- Recover properly: walk back, breathe, get ready.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Possession team 5, pressers 2
Make it harder
- Pressers must win it within 10 seconds
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