Pressing · 11v11 3-4-3

How to press in a 3-4-3

The 3-4-3 presses with its front three on the centre-backs and holding midfielder, its wing-backs on the full-backs and its central pair on the 8s. Like the 3-5-2, it matches a back four, and the back three hold the line behind. The wide forwards' curved runs decide which way the ball goes.

Step 1 of 4

They play out. Our wide forwards block the passes wide; the striker screens their 6.

Drawn for 11v11 3-4-3. Pick your own format and shape and every step is redrawn for your players. Then present it or send it to your team.

Step by step

They play out. Our wide forwards block the passes wide; the striker screens their 6.
Trigger: pass to their right centre-back. Our left wide forward curves onto it.
Forced to their full-back. Our wing-back jumps as it travels; our centre midfielder blocks inside.
Trapped. Win it and attack.

When to use it

Against teams building with a back four. Press when the front three and wing-backs are fresh; drop into a 5-4-1 when beaten.

Coaching points

Wide forwards start between centre-back and full-back, blocking the pass wide.
Striker screens their 6.
Trigger: pass to a centre-back. The wide forward curves onto it, pushing it inside or back.
If it goes to the full-back, the wing-back jumps.
Central pair mark their 8s; back three hold the line.

Who does what

Position	Their job
Front three	Press the centre-backs, screen the 6.
Wing-backs	Jump onto their full-backs.
Central pair	Mark their 8s.
Back three	High line, slide behind the wing-back.

When they change it

If they…	You…
They pass into their 6	Striker presses back; central pair steps up.
They go long	Back three attack it, central pair win the second ball.
They switch	Far wing-back leads; slide across.

Common mistakes

Wide forwards pressing straight, opening the pass wide.
Wing-backs not jumping, leaving the full-back free.
Back three deep.

At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11

7v7: At 7v7, the 3-2-1 presses with fewer players.
9v9: At 9v9, the 3-2-3 is the small 3-4-3.
11v11: The board: 11v11 3-4-3 against a 4-3-3 build-up.

See the full 11v11 3-4-3 formation guide for the shape, positions and drills.

Drills to practise it

High press in a 4-3-3: front three shape

U13 to adult · 12 to 16 including keepers

Open the drill →

3-5-2 press: wing-backs jump

U13 to adult · 14 to 20 plus a keeper

Open the drill →

Cover shadow pressing

U12 to adult · 6 to 10

Open the drill →

Curved runs: cut off the switch (2v3)

U11 to adult · 5 to 10

Open the drill →

Touchline trap

U11 to adult · 6 to 10

Open the drill →

Questions coaches ask

How does a 3-4-3 press a back four?

Front three on the centre-backs and 6, wing-backs on the full-backs, central pair on the 8s.

What do the wide forwards do?

Start between centre-back and full-back and curve their runs to push the ball where the trap is.

Should we press from goal kicks?

Only if your league's rules allow it (many younger formats use a retreat line) and only as a team. A goal kick is a good trigger because everyone can get set before the ball is played.