Pressing · 11v11 3-5-2

How to press in a 3-5-2

A 3-5-2 presses a back four by matching it: two strikers on the centre-backs, wing-backs jumping onto the full-backs, and the midfield three on their midfield three. It's aggressive and needs the back three to hold a high line, but it leaves the opponent with no free player near the ball.

Step 1 of 4

They play out in a 4-3-3. Our strikers block the middle; our midfield three mark theirs.

Drawn for 11v11 3-5-2. 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 in a 4-3-3. Our strikers block the middle; our midfield three mark theirs.
Trigger: the pass out to their full-back. Our wing-back jumps as the ball travels; the striker cuts the way back.
Their full-back looks for the winger. Our right centre-back steps onto him; the back three slide.
Two around the ball and the passes blocked. Win it.

When to use it

Against teams building with a back four and a midfield three. Press when your wing-backs are fresh; drop into a 5-3-2 when beaten.

Coaching points

Strikers start between the centre-backs and the 6, blocking the middle.
Trigger: centre-back to full-back. The wing-back jumps all the way up as the ball travels.
The near central midfielder takes their 8; the holding midfielder marks their 6.
The back three slide across: the ball-side centre-back picks up their winger.
The far wing-back tucks in to block the switch.

Who does what

Position	Their job
Strikers	Press the centre-backs and block the 6.
Wing-backs	Jump onto their full-backs.
Midfield three	Mark their three.
Back three	Hold a high line, slide, pick up their wingers.

When they change it

If they…	You…
They switch to the far full-back	Far wing-back jumps; back three slide the other way.
They play long to the winger behind our wing-back	Ball-side centre-back defends it; wing-back recovers.
They overload the middle	Strikers drop a step to screen.

Common mistakes

Wing-backs jumping late, after the ball arrives.
The back three not sliding across behind the wing-back.
Strikers leaving their 6 free.

At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11

7v7: At 7v7, a 3-1-2 presses with the same front two.
9v9: At 9v9, a 3-3-2 presses similarly.
11v11: The board: 11v11 3-5-2 against a 4-3-3 build-up.

See the full 11v11 3-5-2 formation guide for the shape, positions and drills.

Drills to practise it

3-5-2 press: wing-backs jump

U13 to adult · 14 to 20 plus a keeper

Open the drill →

Back three: cover and slide

U11 to adult · 3 to 6 defenders plus attackers

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Cover shadow pressing

U12 to adult · 6 to 10

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Pressing waves (two pressing teams)

U11 to adult · 10 to 14

Open the drill →

Touchline trap

U11 to adult · 6 to 10

Open the drill →

Questions coaches ask

Is the 3-5-2 good for pressing?

Yes, when the wing-backs jump. It matches a 4-3-3 player for player near the ball.

What happens behind the wing-back when they jump?

The back three slide across and the outside centre-back picks up the winger.

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.

More tactics boards

Without the ball

High press

How to press high as a team: the trigger, the curved run, trapping them on the touchline, who covers, and what to do when they play around you.

Watch it →

With the ball

Playing out in a 3-5-2

How a 3-5-2 plays out against a front three: the keeper as spare player, the holding midfielder, wing-backs and two strikers who drop and run. Animated board.

Watch it →

Without the ball

Pressing in a 3-4-3

How a 3-4-3 presses: front three against their back line, wing-backs jumping, the central pair stepping onto their midfield. Animated board.

Watch it →

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