Underload 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. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
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 attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Pressing individually and leaving gaps
• -Missing the trigger completely
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early