Gegenpressing: winning it straight back

Step by step

1. We lose it near their box. The nearest three go straight away: five seconds to win it back.
2. Squeeze the space. Close the ball, block the pass inside, cover the next player. The rest push up.
3. Won it! Attack straight away, before they get back into shape.

When to use it

It works best when you lose the ball in the opponent's half with several of your players close by. If the ball is lost with nobody near it, recovering into shape is usually the better choice.

Coaching points

• The nearest player goes to the ball at once. Speed matters more than a perfect tackle.
• The next two close the easy passes: one blocks the pass inside, one covers the player nearest the ball.
• Set a time limit, such as five seconds. If you haven't won it by then, drop back into shape.
• Players behind the ball stay connected so a long pass over the top doesn't catch everyone out.
• When you win it, attack quickly: the other team has just spread out to attack, so there is space.

With younger players

For younger groups, call it "win it back": when we lose the ball, the closest two players chase straight away and everyone else gets goal-side. Count the five seconds out loud in training games.