Pressing Triggers — 8v8 Zonal Press

8v8 on half a field. The defending team presses in a 4-4 mid-block shape. Coach shouts 'trigger' when a designated cue occurs (back pass to CB, heavy touch, GK ball). On the trigger, the nearest forward presses and the shape compresses immediately. Rotate attacking and defending groups every 6 minutes.

• Press is only useful if the team moves together — one man charges and leaves gaps, it's worse than no press
• First presser angles the run to cut the easy pass, not just sprint at the ball
• CDM Hartley: stay connected — you're the hinge between the pressing line and the defensive block

• Remove the coach shout; players must identify the trigger themselves
• Add two wide gates on the halfway line — press must force play toward a gate to score a rep