Pressing

Transition Counter Press Box

Win the ball back within seconds of losing it

Pressing
Transition
Possession

Transition Counter Press Box is a 20-minute pressing drill for 8-16 players, suitable for Under 11 to Adults at intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones, bibs, mini goals. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.

Back to drill library
Pressing
Transition
Possession
Small-Sided Game
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed

Duration

20 min

Players

8-16

Pitch size

36 x 30 yards

Ability levels

Intermediate / Advanced

Objectives

  • -Win the ball back within seconds of losing it
  • -Coach the reaction of the closest players
  • -Prevent the opposition's first forward pass

Setup

  1. 1A compact box with mini goals at each end in a 36 x 30 yards area.
  2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
  3. 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.

Coaching instructions

  1. 1Normal small-sided rules with a six-second counter-press window.
  2. 2Winning the ball back inside six seconds scores a point.
  3. 3If the window passes, the team must drop into shape.
  4. 4Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
  5. 5On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.

Coaching points

  • -Nearest player presses instantly
  • -Block the forward pass first
  • -Recognise when to stop pressing and drop
  • -First reaction after the turnover decides the moment — forward or secure

Common mistakes

  • -Standing and complaining after losing the ball
  • -Everybody pressing the same player
  • -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover

Where this drill fits

Build a session with this drill

Related drills