Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Individualised Practice - Press Phase - Pressing with a front 3

Block 2 (5 mins)

Block 2: Walkthroughs & Detailed Pressing Triggers for Bullseye Players

Objective:

• Reinforce pressing principles for the front three.
• Identify key pressing triggers and coordinated movements.

Pressing Roles & Responsibilities

• Striker (9)

  • Show the opposition one side by shaping runs accordingly.
  • Direct the press to force play into a predictable area.

• Ball-Side Winger

  • Start in a narrow position to prevent central progression.
  • Force the opposition wide by covering inside passing lanes.
  • Pressing Trigger: Ball played to the full-back → Immediate press.

• Opposite-Side Winger

  • Tuck inside, ready to press the center-back or intercept a switch of play.

• CAM (10)

  • Stay high and apply aggressive pressure on the deep-lying pivot.

• CM (8)

  • Organize and guide the front four’s press to force play wide.
  • If the ball enters central areas, be ready to engage and win possession.

Problem-Solving Scenarios & Adjustments

Scenario: Opponent Uses Two Deep-Lying Pivots

• If both opposition CMs drop deep to receive outside our pressing structure:
  • Adjust from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-1-2-3.
  • The CAM (10) and CM (8) each mark a pivot.
  • Ball-Side CM (8) follows aggressively.
  • Opposite-Side CM (8) stays deeper, acting as a safety net.
  • Use a seesaw movement either side of the striker (9) to maintain compactness.
  • Force any passes into the pivots backward, allowing the team to step higher up the pitch.

Key Tactical Detail:

• Non-ball-side full-backs must be ready to push up and engage, leaving the furthest man unmarked temporarily to maintain pressing intensity.

Attacking Transition Focus

• Encourage immediate forward play when possession is won high.
• Prioritize direct, goal-oriented actions (shot, through ball, quick combination).

Block 4

Block 4: Dealing with a Center-Back Stepping Into Midfield

Scenario:

• The opposition center-back (CB) steps forward into midfield, often after a switch through the goalkeeper.
• This is an unlikely scenario when pressing effectively but could occur if pressing triggers are missed.

How to Respond?

• Defensive Shape & Organization

  • Maintain compactness while dropping into a structured defensive block.
  • Continue forcing play wide or long, denying direct central progression.

• Adjustments to Pressing

  • Striker (9): If pressing trigger is missed, recover centrally to screen passes back into midfield.
  • Ball-Side Winger: Adjusts position to block inside passing lanes while engaging the full-back if the ball is played wide.
  • Opposite-Side Winger: Tucks in slightly to maintain compactness and remain ready for a switch.
  • CAM (10): Engages any deep-lying pivot or supports screening central passing options.
  • CM (8): Helps direct defensive shape, ensuring midfield remains difficult to play through.

• Defensive Principles in This Scenario

  • Prioritize protecting central areas while keeping pressure on wide outlets.
  • Encourage opposition to play long, reducing their ability to build effectively.
  • If the CB steps in but plays sideways or backwards, reset pressing triggers and look to regain control of the press.

Attacking Transition Focus:

• Recognizing when the opponent is overcommitted centrally.
• If possession is won, exploit space quickly—either through direct play into advanced areas or using wide options if the opposition full-backs have pushed high.