Soccer Defending

Pressing Trigger Drill

Teaches the team to press collectively when a specific trigger occurs — typically a back pass or slow ball.

20 minDuration
12 playersGroup size
AdvancedDifficulty
30×20 mSpace needed
Bibs, 2 balls, conesEquipment

Setup

Set up a 30×20 m grid with two teams. Coach feeds balls in to trigger press moments.

Instructions

  1. Defending team waits in a mid-block shape.
  2. Coach passes to a specific player — that pass is the trigger.
  3. Nearest defender presses immediately; rest of team shifts and covers.
  4. If defending team wins ball, they counter-attack to target goals.

Coaching Points

✓ Press must be immediate on the trigger — no hesitation.
✓ Pressing player must cut off the easy pass first.
✓ Team must shift as a unit, not individually.

Progressions

→ Add a time limit — if press doesn't win ball in 5 sec, team drops.
→ Make it a full 7v7.
→ Vary which player triggers the press.

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