A 3-2-1 has only one striker, so it can't press with a front three. Instead, the striker and the near central midfielder press together, the other midfielder covers the middle, and a wide defender steps up to the wide player. It's a press that keeps three at the back, which suits teams who want to stay safe while still winning the ball high.
Step 1 of 4
They play out. Our striker blocks the middle, the midfielders mark theirs from behind.
Drawn for 7v7 3-2-1. 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
They play out. Our striker blocks the middle, the midfielders mark theirs from behind.
Trigger: pass to a centre-back. The striker curves to show it wide; the near midfielder jumps across.
Ball goes wide: our left defender steps up onto their wide player. The others cover.
Trapped. Win it and play forward.
When to use it
Against teams playing out short, especially through one side. Press in spells and drop back into the 3-2-1 shape when the press is beaten.
Coaching points
The striker curves to push the ball one way, usually towards the touchline.
The near central midfielder jumps to the ball side to press with the striker.
The other central midfielder covers the middle.
The wide defender on the ball side steps up onto their wide player.
The other two defenders stay with their striker and cover the space behind.
With younger players
Check your league's retreat line rules first: many 7v7 formats don't allow pressing goal kicks until the ball is played. Keep the rules simple and press in short spells.
Who does what
Position
Their job
Striker
Starts the press with a curved run.
Central midfielders
One jumps to press, one covers inside.
Wide defenders
The ball-side one steps up onto their wide player; the other tucks in.
Middle defender
Marks their striker and organises the line.
When they change it
If they…
You…
They switch it quickly
Don't chase. Reset into the 3-2-1 and press the next trigger.
They go long to their striker
The middle defender attacks it; the wide defenders cover.
Their midfielder drops deep to help
Our covering midfielder follows them up.
Common mistakes
Both central midfielders pressing, leaving the middle open.
The wide defender stepping up too late.
Pressing alone with the striker.
At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11
7v7
The board: a 7v7 3-2-1 pressing a team that plays out.
9v9
At 9v9, a 3-4-1 presses in a similar way with wing-backs jumping.
11v11
At 11v11, a 3-4-3 or 5-2-3 uses wing-backs the same way.
Yes, with the striker and one midfielder pressing and a wide defender stepping up. It keeps more players back than a 2-3-1.
What does 'the wide defender steps up' mean?
The defender on the ball side leaves the back line to press their wide player, while the other two defenders cover.
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.
