Two-Touch 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 34 x 26 yards area.
2. 2Place a marker at every receiving position so players know where to set the ball before it arrives.
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. 4Ball enters from the coach and the first receiver is on two touches from that moment.
5. 5Count completed sequences under the touch limit — best of three 3-minute rounds.

Progressions

• +Drop the central players to one touch
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Allow three touches while the picture is being learned
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two touches in your own half, free touches in the final third
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Pressing individually and leaving gaps
• -Missing the trigger completely
• -Taking a settling touch that kills the tempo