Combination Pressing Trigger Grid

Objective

• -Recognise the trigger to press
• -Press as a connected unit
• -Win the ball high up the pitch

Setup

1. 1A grid with a build-up zone and a pressing zone in a 38 x 30 yards area.
2. 2Add a neutral bounce player on each side line inside a marked yard-wide channel.
3. 3Balls in the build-up zone, two sets of bibs.

How to play

1. 1The build-up team plays out and the pressing team waits for the trigger.
2. 2A backwards pass or heavy touch triggers the press.
3. 3Pressing team scores by winning the ball inside the zone.
4. 4The first pass must go into the bounce player before the practice opens up.
5. 5A sequence only scores when three different players have touched the ball.

Progressions

• +Demand a one-touch set from the bounce player
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Allow the bounce player unlimited touches
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Bounce players can join the attack once per round
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Pressing individually and leaving gaps
• -Missing the trigger completely
• -Two players combining over and over while the third stands still