Pressing triggers 6v4

Setup

1. Mark a 40 × 30 m area with two small goals on one end line.
2. Six attackers start near the small goals and build out. Four defenders start in a compact block in the middle.
3. The coach stands on the side with the balls.

How it runs

1. Attackers score with 8 passes in a row, or by dribbling over the far end line.
2. Defenders press only on a trigger: a pass to the touchline, a back pass, a bad touch, or a player facing their own goal.
3. Defenders who win it score in a small goal. Inside 6 seconds of winning it, a goal counts double.
4. Swap the four defenders every 4 minutes.

Coaching points

• Hold your shape until the trigger. Then go together, not one at a time.
• Nearest player presses the ball, curving the run to block the inside pass.
• Next players squeeze the short passes; the far player tucks in.
• Win it and finish fast, while the attackers are still spread out.

Common mistakes

• One defender chases alone and the shape breaks.
• Pressing a player who is facing forward with time on the ball.
• Winning it, then passing backwards instead of going to goal.