High press team shape 8v8

Setup

1. Two-thirds of a pitch with a full-size goal. Two mini goals on the far line, one in each channel.
2. Builders: GK, back four and three midfielders. Pressers: a front three, three midfielders and two centre-backs holding a line on halfway.
3. Every attack restarts with a goal kick.

How it runs

1. Builders score in a mini goal. Pressers score in the big goal, with a bonus point for a goal within 10 seconds of a wide turnover.
2. Pressers hold a mid-block until a trigger: a pass to the full-back, a back pass, a heavy touch or a receiver facing their own goal.
3. 4 × 6 min, 2 min rest. Swap the teams at halftime.

Coaching points

• The striker bends their run onto the centre-back to cut the pass back across, so the ball can only go one way.
• On the trigger everyone moves at once: winger presses from inside out, midfield locks the nearest outlets, far winger tucks in level with the ball.
• 10–12 m between the lines and the back two on halfway. If they don't push up, the press is stretched and the middle opens.
• Arrive as the ball arrives, slow down for the last 2 m and block the line down the touchline.

Common mistakes

• One forward presses alone while the rest watch, so one pass breaks the press.
• The far side doesn't shift, leaving a free switch to the far full-back.
• The back two stay deep and the gap to midfield grows beyond 15 m.