Defending
Pressing Triggers — 6v6 High Press Game
6v6 on a tight pitch
Theme
Defending
Duration
30 min
Players (min–rec–max)
18–18–18
Equipment
cones, balls, bibs
Set-up
6v6 on a tight pitch. Defending team must press when the ball goes to the opposition GK or CB — that is the trigger. When the press is on, all six players jump. If the pressing team wins it high, they score in small goals at the top of the grid. If they don't, team resets to mid-block.
Coaching points
- Press as a unit — one goes, all go; one hesitates, the press is dead
- Cut the passing lane to the safe outlet first, then win the ball
- If the press is beaten, don't chase — drop and reorganise immediately
Progressions
- Remove the small goals — team earns a point just for forcing a back-pass or long ball under pressure
- Allow the defending team only three seconds to decide whether to press or drop — forces quick decision-making