Nikos Kolompourdas is a UEFA ‘Pro’ Licensed coach currently with at Al Nasr FC (Dubai). Prior to Al Nasr, he worked in both Greece and Cyprus with Paok FC and Agia Napa. Nikos enjoyed an 11-year professional career in Germany (FC Koln), Greece (Paok FC, Iraklis FC) and Cyprus (Sotiris, Larnaka)

Pressing refers to the practice of chasing down the ball in order to win back possession. In its simplest form, the nearest man to the ball will put pressure on the opposition to force errors, turnovers and to disrupt the opponents’ rhythm. To be successful players must understand their roles individually, in small groups and as a team while pressing; uncoordinated and disorganised ‘pressing’ can result in wasted effort and offer the opponent options to maintain possession.

The following activities develop: (1) Concepts of ‘Pressing’ at the individual and small group level, (2) Concepts of how to avoid / maintain possession against a ‘Pressing’ team.

1.

Setup:

Playing area divided into 4 zones. Four Defenders (Red) start at central yellow cones.  2 Balls utilised at same time.

Instructions:

PRESSING / AVOIDING THE PRESS:

Play begins with 2 of the Defenders entering the gris to apply pressure – this creates a 3v1 situation. Defender must work on elements of pressing to attempt to regain possession; the players in possession must attempt to avoid the press + keep the ball through quick ball circulation and movement (2-touch max).

After minimum of 5 passes the players can pass the ball into the opposite grids – NOTE: the 2 balls must always be in diagonal grids (shaded / un-shaded in diagram).

This is the cue for the next 2 Defenders to enter and press!

*Rotate Defenders after 2-3 min.

Coaching Points:

• Defenders:
  • Individual elements of Pressing – speed of approach, direction of approach, intercepting, tackling
• Possession group:
  • Quick ball circulation / passing
  • Angles of support
  • Communication – verbal + non-verbal

2.

Setup:

Playing area divided into 2 zones.  Perimeter players (Green) play the role of Fullbacks.  Each half consists of a 3v2.

Instructions:

PRESSING / AVOIDING THE PRESS:

Play begins with 2 of the Defenders becoming ‘active’ to Press. The 3 Players in possession must attempt to get 5 passes / maintain possession against the pressure; they can use the 2 Fullbacks as support players = 5v2.

A third Defender (D in diagram) can cross over the midline to offer defensive support; this creates a 5v3 situation.

The possession team must now recognise the moment to avoid the ‘Press’ and attempt to switch the ball to the opposite half of the playing area.

Play is continuous.

Coaching Points:

• Defenders:
  • Pressing Individually – speed of approach, direction of approach, intercepting, tackling
  • Pressing as a Group: Immediate pressure on ball, teammates cut passing lanes to other players, squeeze the space, angles of support
  • Communication is vital
• Possession group:
  • Quick ball circulation / passing
  • Angles of support
  • Communication – verbal + non-verbal
  • Recognise moment when to avoid the ‘Press’ = switch the ball if possible!

3.

Setup:

Playing area divided into 2 zones. Perimeter players (Green) play the role of Striker (ST) + Central Defender (CD). Each half consists of a 3v2.

Instructions:

PRESSING / AVOIDING THE PRESS:

Play begins with 2 of the Defenders becoming ‘active’ to Press. The 3 Players in possession must attempt to get 5 passes / maintain possession against the pressure; they can use the 2 Perimeter as support players. A third Defender (D in diagram) can cross over the midline to offer defensive support; also, 1 Red player may cross offer to offer support – this creates a 5v3 situation.

The possession team must now recognise the moment to avoid the ‘Press’ and attempt to switch the ball to the opposite half of the playing area.

Play is continuous across the grids.

Each time the possession teams successfully switch play = 1 goal.

Coaching Points:

• Defenders:
  • Pressing Individually – speed of approach, direction of approach, intercepting, tackling
  • Pressing as a Group: Immediate pressure on ball, teammates cut passing lanes to other players, squeeze the space, angles of support
  • Communication is vital
• Possession group:
  • Quick ball circulation / passing
  • Angles of support
  • Communication – verbal + non-verbal
  • Recognise moment when to avoid the ‘Press’ = switch the ball if possible!