Pressing

Continuous Pressing Trigger Grid

Recognise the trigger to press

Pressing
Defending
Transition

Recognise the trigger to press. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Pressing
Defending
Transition
Skill Practice
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Repetition

Age

Under 10 to Adults

Duration

20 min

Players

8-18

Area / pitch size

36 x 28 yards

Difficulty

Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Bibs

Coaching focus

Recognise the trigger to press

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 36 x 28 yards area.
  2. 2Load a ball at each starting station so the next rep can begin immediately.
  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. 4As soon as one sequence ends, the next server plays in without waiting.
  5. 5Run 4-minute blocks and count total completed sequences as a squad score.

Coaching points

  • -Press on the trigger, not before it
  • -First presser sets the angle, others follow
  • -Close the pass backwards
  • -Reset fast — the value is in the volume of good reps

Progressions

  • +Add a second ball into the rotation
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Pause 15 seconds between reps to reset positions
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Split into two competing halves and compare block totals
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Pressing individually and leaving gaps
  • -Missing the trigger completely
  • -Long queues while balls are collected

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Recognise the trigger to press

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Balls, Cones, Bibs
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