Pressing Triggers 4v4 + 2

Recognise pressing triggers and press as a coordinated unit — first defender pressures, the rest shift to cut passing lanes and win the ball high.

A 30x35 grid with two small goals at each end. 4v4 with two neutrals supporting whoever has possession. The defending team looks to win the ball back quickly.

1. Teams play to the small goals; the team out of possession works on pressing.
2. Trigger to press: a back-pass, a loose touch, or a pass to a player facing their own goal.
3. On the trigger, the nearest player presses the ball and the unit squeezes up together.
4. Win the ball within six seconds and you score a bonus point for a quick transition.
5. Reset on a goal or when the ball leaves the area.

• Press on the trigger, not before — stay compact until then.
• First defender shows the ball one way; team-mates lock the inside lanes.
• Squeeze the line up together so there is no space behind the press.
• Win it and go forward immediately — punish the transition.

• Players press on their own enthusiasm rather than on the trigger — freeze and identify what the trigger actually was.
• The first presser sprints in straight and gets played around — curve the run to cut the easy pass.
• Teammates watch the press instead of jumping to the next pass — everyone moves on the trigger, not just the nearest player.

• Restrict the pressing team to a six-second window to win it.
• Add a halfway line they must press beyond.
• Reward winning the ball in the attacking third double.

• Add a third neutral to make keeping the ball easier.
• Slow it to walking pace to rehearse shape.
• Name the trigger out loud before each press.

• Bonus point for winning possession within six seconds of the trigger.