Gafferbook
Pressing · 11v11 4-2-3-1

How to press in a 4-2-3-1

A 4-2-3-1 presses by turning into a 4-4-2 shape for a moment: the number 10 steps up beside the striker, usually onto their holding midfielder, while the striker presses the centre-backs. The wingers take their full-backs and the double pivot marks their 8s. It's a flexible press with a lot of cover.

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Step 1 of 4

They play out in a 4-3-3. Our 10 marks their holding midfielder; the striker sits between the centre-backs.

Drawn for 11v11 4-2-3-1. 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

  1. They play out in a 4-3-3. Our 10 marks their holding midfielder; the striker sits between the centre-backs.
  2. Trigger: keeper to the right centre-back. Our striker curves onto it; the 10 stays tight on their 6.
  3. Forced wide to their full-back. Our winger jumps; our left-back steps onto their winger.
  4. Trapped by the touchline. Win it and attack.

When to use it

Against teams playing out with a single holding midfielder. Press in spells; drop into a 4-4-1-1 mid block when beaten.

Coaching points

  • The 10 marks their holding midfielder tightly, from behind if possible.
  • The striker curves onto a centre-back, blocking the pass across.
  • Wingers start inside their full-backs and jump as the ball goes wide.
  • The double pivot marks their two 8s.
  • Back four push up behind.

Who does what

PositionTheir job
StrikerPresses the centre-backs, curves to show it wide.
10Marks their 6 so nothing goes through the middle.
WingersJump onto their full-backs.
Double pivotMark their 8s, slide to the ball side.
Back fourPush up; full-back steps onto their winger.

When they change it

If they…You…
Their 6 drops in10 follows; winger and striker take the outside centre-backs.
Their keeper is used to switchThe striker presses the keeper's pass; far winger tucks in.
They play longCentre-backs attack it, pivot wins the second ball.

Common mistakes

  • The 10 pressing the centre-backs and leaving the 6 free.
  • Wingers pressing straight, opening the pass inside.
  • The pivot not stepping up behind.

At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11

7v7
At 7v7, the 2-1-2-1 presses in a similar way.
9v9
At 9v9, a 3-2-3 or 2-4-2 can press like this.
11v11
The board: 11v11 4-2-3-1 against a 4-3-3 build-up.

See the full 11v11 4-2-3-1 formation guide for the shape, positions and drills.

Drills to practise it

4-2-3-1 press: the 10 on their 6

U13 to adult · 12 to 18 plus a keeper

Open the drill →

Cover shadow pressing

U12 to adult · 6 to 10

Open the drill →

Stop the turn: pressing a target player

U10 to adult · 6 to 12

Open the drill →

Pressing triggers game

U11 to adult · 10 to 14

Open the drill →

Touchline trap

U11 to adult · 6 to 10

Open the drill →

Questions coaches ask

How does a 4-2-3-1 press?

The 10 joins the striker to make two up front for a moment, while the wingers press the full-backs.

Who marks their holding midfielder?

Usually the 10. It's one of the most important jobs in this press.

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 4-2-3-1

How a 4-2-3-1 plays out: the double pivot staggers, one drops, the 10 finds the pocket and the full-backs push on. Animated board with roles and drills.

Watch it →Winning it back

Counter-attack

How to counter-attack: win it, look forward first, sprint into three lanes and finish in a few passes. Animated in a 4-2-3-1 with roles, mistakes and drills.

Watch it →

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