Pressure 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 32 x 24 yards area.
2. 2Position a recovering defender behind each working player, starting two yards back.
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 defender is released the moment the ball leaves the server's foot.
5. 5The working player scores by completing the action before pressure arrives; the defender scores by blocking it.

Progressions

• +Defender starts level rather than behind
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Defender presses at jogging pace only
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two defenders alternate so pressure is constant
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Pressing individually and leaving gaps
• -Missing the trigger completely
• -Facing your own goal and getting trapped by the press