Stop the turn: pressing a target player
A defender presses a target player from behind to stop them turning, while teammates block the lay-off options. Teaches how to defend the striker or 10 receiving with their back to goal.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Target player in the middle, two passers behind, two support players nearby.
- Defender behind the target, plus a covering midfielder.
Equipment: Cones, bibs, balls
How it works
- Passer plays into the target.
- Defender gets tight and stops the turn; midfielder screens the lay-off.
- Target scores by turning through a gate; defenders win it and counter.
Coaching points
- Arrive as the ball arrives: tight, not touching.
- Stay on the target's side, see the ball.
- Don't dive in: wait for the heavy touch.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Target must turn without a lay-off
Make it harder
- Target can lay off to support players
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.
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See the drill โ3v3 press and win (pressing in threes)
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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
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See the drill โ