Press / Step up

3
11

Zone 14
4 10

6 9
1
5 8 B

7 A
2

We are passing forward still waiting to make sure we keep possession for a few yards at a time OR they have the ball
and can't play it forward or pass it back.
 SPRINT
3
11

A 4 10

6 9
1 B Zone 14

5 8 C

7
2

Ball is played long to give us time to get out in a BIG way. SPRINT. Could be us in possession or they get it but the
time factor allows us to get out.
 3 11
A
10
4

1 6 9
5 Zone 14
8

B
2
7 C

Ball is about to be played behind us we drop as a team. Body language recognition important here
 3 11

A
10
4
1 9
6
5 Zone 14
B
8
2
7
C

Pressure on ball prevents the forward pass

 A
3
11

10
4

6
1
9
5
Zone 14
8
2

Ball is wide RIGHT we slide wide LEFT as a team.

 A Simple pressing exercise
All choices defensively
will be determined by
how the opponents
play

3 A

4 B 6
C
1
5 C 8

2 D

Players with the ball pass it across in front of the defenders. Defenders adjust their positions to mirror this
movement. This is working on marking zones and marking players and distinguishing between the two
depending on where the ball is.
 Using One Word Commands to move the team around
All choices defensively
will be determined by
A B how the opponents
play

4 6

1 C
5 8

C D

Use the signal words UP, OUT, HOLD, DROP, and SLIDE, to determine the movement. Eventually we need to work
up to an 11 v 11 situation showing how to work a team as individuals, as units and ultimately a team.
 Initial defensive movements in a Shadow Play
Coach moves up and
down the field and
A B passes; players can
only shadow

C
4 6
1

5 8

C D

Here the coach moves to the outside and the whole back four and 2 central midfielders adjust their positions
across the field (slide right) to compensate for this movement, (2) being the player to apply immediate pressure
on the ball. Stop and check the defensive set up. Ask Questions.
 Shadow Play
All choices defensively
will be determined by
A B how the opponents
play
3

6
4

5 C
1 8

C D

Once they have grasped this very simple concept you can move the players to the next progression. The coach now has players to pass
the ball to (opponents).These players initially must be in STATIC positions to check the set up. You can us a rope to tie the four
defenders together to get the idea of moving as a unit. Players maintain an open stance so they can see opponents as well as the ball.
 Introduce a Striker in the Shadow Play
All choices defensively
will be determined by
A B how the opponents
play

E 6
4 C
1

5 8

2
C D

Defending team can win back the ball only with interceptions of passes not with tackles to allow us to look at the
shape they achieve. If they win it, they play the ball to the Coach and we start again.
Add more players let the game go free. Defending team can play to small goals as a reward
Stages of learning
defending, intercept
only, then full
defending B G
A

H 6 F
4
10 C
1 Statges of learning

5 E 8
G
2

C D G

If you have numbers, you can build up to an 11 v 11 game. G for Goal. Stop and ask players to fix the problem when
things are wrong. THEY decide the course of action not you. If not correct, then guide them to the right decision.
 Recovery runs from midfield and testing the back four with the ball in front of them

A B G

3
6
H F
4 10
1 C
5 E G
8

C D G

We have been caught attacking in numbers. Make the defensive challenge more difficult by putting the midfield in recovering positions to
help the back four. The back four can be patient when the ball is in midfield and keep their shape delaying the opponents until the midfield
recover back to help. Count to 3 seconds then midfielders recover
 Recovery runs by the back four, then STEP UP to leave offside

A B G
10
3
H
4 6
1 F
E C
5 G

8
2

C D G

We have been caught attacking in numbers. Make the defensive challenge more difficult by putting the midfield in recovering positions to help
the back four. The back four can be patient when the ball is in midfield and keep their shape delaying the opponents until the midfield recover
back to help. Count to 3 seconds then midfielders recover
 Must press the ball so (F) doesnt just dribble through and therefore be onside

A B G
10

3
H
6
4
1 F
E C
5 G

2 8

C D G

We have been caught attacking in numbers. Make the defensive challenge more difficult by putting the midfield in
recovering positions to help the back four. The back four can be patient when the ball is in midfield and keep their shape
delaying the opponents until the midfield recover back to help. Count to 3 seconds then midfielders recover
 A

11
3

E 6
4
F
1 H
5

J 8

2
K
7

Opponents attack us centrally. Defenders drop off slower than attackers to allow them to get closer. We want to
drop only so far then a shout “STEP UP” and we collectively step up and press the ball.
 A

11
3

E 6

4
1 F
H
5
8
J
2
7 K

Here the strikers are along the line of the last defender, that is the instance the 2 central defenders' step and leave
them offside and press the ball together.
 A

11
3
6
E
4
F
1 5 H

8
J
2

7 K

Step up – win the ball. Can do this even with 2 or 3 players as the last line of defense.
 A
11

3
6
E
4
F
1 H
5
8
J
2

7 K

The ball is passed through and (E) and (J) are CLEARLY offside.
 A
11

3
6
E 4

F
1 5 H

8
J
2

7 K

Either (4) or (5) MUST win the ball or (F) will be through on goal. Here (4) wins it and starts an attack. Having two
players to close down one player is a big advantage and should be used.
 11 A

H
3

5 6
E F
1
4
J 8

2
7 K

Both (4) or (5) MUST DROP if we are caught 2 v 2 centrally. One of the center backs has to be a GREAT COMMUNICATOR. Watching
the player on the ball and his body language, NO pressure on the ball we drop as shown
 11 A

3 H
6

E F
1 4

J 8

2
7 K

If Pressure on the ball (from 6) and we know it can't be delivered but strikers are still running forward the call is STEP
UP we let them run offside. COMMUNICATION is the KEY again.
 Our defensive shape when we have the ball with a back three

3
B
4

A F
H 10

1 6 G C
9
E
8
C
D
5
2

When we attack, we take shape like this. So its understandable we need to work on defending with this in mind it will
not be from a back 4 start position necessarily. Try to stay above the defensive line.
 Therefore our defensive shape may be this with a “back three”

A
B
3

4 F
H
10 G
6 C
1 8
E 9

5
2
D
C

Pass is intercepted by (G) and we recover like this. (8) steps into the passing lane to stop the pass to the strikers and
force the pass wide to give us time to defend and recover. Try to stay above the defensive line.
❖ A consequence of being attacking minded with both
wing backs attacking is we can be exposed.
❖Often caught 1 v 1 in wide areas because of this.
❖Defenders (center backs and defensive midfielders)
must adjust in “anticipation” of this happening.
 3
A

E 11
J B
4 8
10
F 9 C
1
6 G
5
K 7 D
H

Both wing backs attacking. We lose the ball, the most vulnerable place for us is now the wide area as shown. We
mark “goal-side” and leave the wide area open.
 3
A
J
E 11
B
4
8
10
F 9 C
1
5 6 G

K 7 D
H

If (J) is fast; we are in big trouble now as he attacks defender (4) in a 1 v 1. He could run inside to goal or into a crossing
position. Next slide shows how we can prevent this before it happens.
 3
A
4
E 11
J B
5 8
10
9 C
1 F
6 G

K 7 D
H

Here (5) adds cover to (4) if needed, and (6) drops back to cover (K)s run. If (A) passes to (J)’s feet, then (4) has time
to close (J) down and control the situation with (J) with their back to goal. Other players will try to recover back
 3
A
4
J E 11
B
6 8
10
1 9 C
F
5 G

K 7 D
H

This is what should happen; (4) moves channel side of (J) and with depth to fill the space and prevent the pass. (6)
drops in to cover or (5) if closer can do it. This may delay the forward momentum of (A) and allow recovery runs.
May force (A) to just play into the feet of (J) so we are in control.
 E
10 A
4

3 B
8
J F 11
1 6 9
5
G
K C
2
7

H
D

Now we must press through (4) who MUST delay (E), and the rest of the team can then get compact
behind; alongside and in front of the opponents. (3) and (10) can recover to the press also.
 E
4 10

3
8
J 11
1 6 9
5

2
K
7

Player positioning is now different defensively, but it doesn’t matter as long as we can create our
defensive shape. Players recover in straight lines or the shortest route back to goal; or to the ball.
 It’s clearer to see
this without too E
many opponent
players in 4 10

8 3
J
9 11
5 6
1

7 2
K

Changes: Our Center back (4) is now a left fullback; our linking midfielder (8) is a center back; our left back (3) is a
center midfielder 8, our striker (9) is a number 10; our attacking midfielder (10) is in the wide left position of 11;
and our wide left (11) is in the (9) position; and (7) and (2) cover for each other, (7) now a right back 2; and (2) now
a wide striker 7.
Changes in previous diagram:
To recap on the previous defensive recovery set up:
1. Our Center back (4) is now a left fullback 3;
2. Our linking midfielder (8) is a center back 4;
3. Our left back (3) is a center midfielder 8,
4. Our striker (9) is now a number 10;
5. Our attacking midfielder (10) is in the wide left position 11;
6. Our wide left striker (11) is in the (9) central striker position;
7. Our right fullback (2) is in 7s wide striker position;
8. Our wide right striker (7) is in right fullback 2s position.
 E

3 11
9
4
8
10
5 J
1 6
7
2

Ball goes out of play, for example, the players then rotate back into their own positions; or any part
of the game they have time to do this they must try to work back into their own positions.
 ❖In developing and actively encouraging a team to play with incedible freedom and
fluididity within the team framework set by the coach; we must also address what can go
wrong defensively using this method of playing.
❖ It can leave us vulnerable to a counter attack especially.
❖Through the freedom of movement players are often out of their own positions and may
feel a little lost if we lose the ball as to where they need to go next?
❖Often; for example: a fullback will attack up and down the field making a 50 yard run but
dreading the 50 run back to their position if we lose the ball.
❖If this is not addressed with the fullback; then that fullback may be less effective
offensively; as the thought of all the recovery runs may put them off, plus it may also be too
physically challenging for them over the course of a full game.
This is a great session to teach the players and shows how they can push opponents back even when THE
OPPONENTS have the ball.
We will try to push them back without even touching the ball ourselves. We start on the edge of our box we try to get
our back three up to the halfway line. Set Conditions will help us do this to start the process off.
Conditions:
a) Defending team cannot tackle.
b) Defending team CAN intercept a pass.
c) Attacking team must play 1 or 2 touches due to the fact defenders cannot tackle so opponents can't dribble 1 v 1.
Coaching Points:
a) Defenders press the ball as quickly as possible.
b) Try to stop the forward pass, try to force a pass across the field or backwards.
c) Defenders must recognize every opportunity to push up no matter how small a distance it may be.
d) Sometimes its 5 yards up 3 yards back for example depending on the position of ball and if there is pressure on it.
e) Try to intercept the pass and gain possession.
 Defensive pressing to push up without touching the ball

A B

3
G
4 6 10 C
1 E
8
5 F
2

C D

This session is teaching defenders how to push up and force the opponents back without touching the ball. The goal
is to start on the edge of the box, the opponents have possession but by pressing and pushing up at the right times
we force opponents back. Our aim is to get our back 3 up to the halfway line. So this is moving approximately 40
yards up the field.
 Start with equal numbers so success can be achieved

A B

3
6
G
4 10
E C
1
5
8
F
2

C D

7 v 7 plus the keeper. Set conditions are introduced to help the session. Coach to (E) and (10) presses to try to stop a
forward pass. Defending team may sneak up 2 or 3 yards if (10) can delay.
 Sliding up and across the field

A
B

4 6 G
10

1 5 C
8
E
2 F

C
D

(10) forces the sideways pass and this can also result in a pushing up a few yards from the back as well as pressing
the ball. The coach is the target for the defending team to play to when they win the ball plus is a support player for
the attacking team.
The longer the arrows the greater the distance travelled up the field each time

B
A
3

4 G
6
5 10 C
1 E
8
2 F

C
D

(3) Presses so well (B) has only a back pass to make. (8) and (10) are in passing lanes to stop a forward pass with an
interception potentially. (3) positions to stop a pass to (A). As the ball travels this gives the team a real chance to get
up several more yards. At the same time leave (E) offside.
 Danger from a first time delivery from the coach to (A) or (C).

A B

3
6 G

4 10 C
1 E

5 8
F
2

C
D

(10) Does not press the coach to then be out of position as the coach is too far away to stop a delivery. (3) presses
inside to press (G), (8) moves up and across to press (F). If the coach passes to (D) then (2) can slide across quickly as
will (8) and (10).
 Danger from a first time delivery from the coach to (A) or (C).

A
B

3
G

6 C
E 4
1
10 F
5
8

2
D
C

(E) is still offside but not interfering with play. (A) and (C) move wide to find more space and the coach plays to (C). The
defending team now need to drop back and across and lose some ground. Midfield three condense back and across to where
the ball is. Back 4 try to leave (E) offside still so don’t recover all the way goal-side. But still in good defensive shape.
 Alternatively anticipating the long ball behind them from the coach

A B

3
G
4
E 6 10 C
1
5
8
F
2

C
D

Here as the ball is travelling, we get a great call from our central defender to PRESS UP. All the players must do so, no hesitation. Now 3
players are CLEARLY OFFSIDE. Midfield players get as tight as possible to their immediate opponents by pressing up quickly too. (10) is
not close enough to intercept the pass from the coach but close enough to press very fast and perhaps force a mistake. Now we are almost
up to the half-way line and haven’t touched the ball yet.
 What might happen?

B
A

3
G
4

E 6 C
10
1 5 8

F
2

C D

If there is no forward pass for the coach, then the attacking team players may need to drop off to find space to receive and build the
play again. So now the START POSITION of the back four is actually almost on the halfway line not the edge of the box. (E) definitely
has a long run back to be onside. Strikers HATE to have to do this; running in the wrong direction !!
 Keeper - Sweeper

B
A

3 G
4
6
E 10 C
1
5
8

2 F

C D

Now we MUST have our keeper as the sweeper and he or she must move closer to the back 4 to cover for a through ball and clean
it up if they catch us out. This is just to guard against our defense getting caught flat footed with a ball in behind.
 Force the error through quick pressure and we intercept the pass and win the ball

B
A

3 G
4

1 6
E C
5 10
8

2 F

C D

Now we MUST have our keeper as the sweeper and he or she must move closer to the back 3 behind them to cover for a through
ball and clean it up if they catch us out. (10) presses aggressively and forces a bad pass by the coach trying to pass to (A) and (3)
intercepts. You can have 2 small goals to play into to score or back into the coach, or to a big goal.
 We are high but no pressure on the ball presents problems behind

A B

3
G
4
6

1 5 E C
8 10

2
F

D
C

We got up to the half-way line and achieved our goal but still don’t have possession of the ball. Now they have a free
player (G) with no pressure who likely will play it long behind us. An immediate shout of DROP is needed to guard
against this. This must be in ANTICIPATION of the forward pass even if it doesn’t arrive, we are still in command.
 We are high but no pressure on the ball presents problems behind

A B

3
G
4 6

5 E 8 C
1 10

2 F

D
C

Lots of time and space to receive the long pass under no pressure and start our own build up. This may even prevent
(G) from playing the long pass and give us even more time to adjust. We are still in a strong defensive position.
 Midfield players must track the runners who will be ONSIDE running from deep

A
3 B

4 6

G
E
5 10 C
1 8

2
F

C
D

(A), (C) and (E) are all offside but not interfering with play. (G) makes a run from VERY deep and gets in behind out back THREE
who have pressed up to leave 3 players offside. Its imperative our midfield players track these runners in this case (3) or the
opponents could easily score from this movement.
 Finally take out conditions and let it go free

A
B

3
G
6
4
C
1 E 10
5
8 F

C D

Now the big test for the defense but they can now tackle, and the opponents can dribble so the game is live..
 Add 2 small goals

A
B

3
G
4
6
10 C
1 E
5
8
F
2

C D

If defenders win it, they have 5 passes to score in the small goals.
❖ The danger is in the 6-yard box where the ball will
be delivered not wide where the ball is.
❖Too often defenders try to close down the player on
the ball from too far away and leave the gap behind
them.
❖Sometimes patience is the key here.
 3 A 11

1 4 H
B
6
E F

8
G
10
5 D

7
2

C
In the 6-yard box we would hope the keeper will take command but if it doesn’t happen?
(2) Is beaten 1 v 1, (5) moves out of position in NO MANS LAND; can't press and cant stop the cross, (4) stays in the middle and (3) stays in the
far post of the goal and (E) makes the run into the near post for the FREE HEADER TO SCORE. BALL WATCHING PROBLEMS.
 Defensive positioning when the ball is in BEHIND us

A B G

3 11

H F
4 6
1 a
C
E 8
5 G
c
2
b 7
a
D G
C

Our Wing back is caught out of position. Opponents play the ball in behind us. (2) has choices: a) Can I tackle? b)
Can I stop the cross by getting in line with it ? c) Do I recover back to goal? Where is the main danger?
What does the choice depend on?
 Recovery Runs of the defenders if working on Zonal marking

B G
11

A
3 F
H 6
4
1 a
E 8 C
5
G
c
2
b 7
a
D G
C

Just focusing on the front attackers and our back four initially here to show we would like to happen. We recover
back and position in zones in and around the 6 yard box and we pick up players who come into those zones.
Obviously midfield defenders and attackers will both recover and attack also.
 3 11
A
4
1 H B
5 6
F
E
2
8
G
10

D
7

Unlikely he will have time (but you never know). In this situation (2) has NO CHANCE to tackle or stop the cross so this is the best option. (2)
decides, I can't tackle to stop the cross, I cant get in line with the cross, I will try to get back to the near post area. So we have an extra player to
defend the cross. Will only work if (C) is uncertain what to do and wastes some time.
 11 A

1
3 H
6 B
E F
4

8 G
10

5 D
7
2

So ok; (5) is drawn out of position at the near post but cant prevent the cross (wrong decision) so (4) moves forward to fill him position and
marks the space at the near post instead; moving from the center position, (3) now takes the center position and (11) if able and has time
can then take up the back post position.. Again a better opportunity to clear the ball here.
 3 A
11
B
1
4 H
6
E
5 F

8
10 G

D
7
2

THE DANGER IS IN THE 6 YARD BOX not wide so (5) should stay.
(5) Stays at the near post, (4) stays in the middle of the goal, (3) stays at the far post so all three areas are covered.
(5) then is in position to head the ball clear and we don’t concede the goal. We now may have a counterattack on from our clearance
instead of conceding a goal.
 11 A
1
3
H B
6 F
4 E
8
2 10 G

D
5

7
C

(C) decides to dribble inside so (5) MUST now try to delay the cross by pressing. Now (5) reads the situation early enough and gets close enough
to stop (H) crossing the ball. In the meantime (2) is recovering back (or could double team). Everyone is in position in the 6 yard box should the
cross still get in. To do this (5) must really read the situation quickly to be in the right position otherwise stay at the near post.
 11 A

3 H
1 B
6
4 F
E
8

G
2 10
D
7

(5) Makes an immediate decision to close down (C) and is close enough to make it work. Try to delay (C) until (2) can recover OR to support behind
and double up. (5) MUST ONLY MAKE THIS RUN IF THEY ARE SURE OF BEING ABLE TO PRESS THE BALL AND STOP OR DELAY THE CROSS.
❖ A very common one; players need to be constantly reminded
of.
❖Players are afraid of the ball in behind them, so their start
position is too deep.
❖They must drop as the player runs to strike the ball.
 B
A
11
3

4 F C
6
E 10
1 G 9
8
5
J D
2 7
H
K

Defending on the edge of our box. Too close to the keeper so no room for him to come and claim the ball played in
behind. Opponents too close to our goal.
 B
A
11
3

4 F C
6
E 10 9
1
8
5 G
H D
J
7
2
K

With a too deep start position this is where it could end up, a big advantage to the opponents.
 A B
11
3
E
6 F 10 C
4
1 J 9
8 G
5
D
2 7 H

Defending higher now; room behind for the keeper plus room for the back 4 to drop off. At least 10 yards further out,
means their players are 10 yards further from our goal.
 A B
11
3
E F 10 C
6
4
9
1 J
5 8 G

D
2
7 H
K

Now center back (4) has headed it clear for the team and saves the keeper a lot of work.