THE BASIC IDEA
What Is A High Press?
A high press happens when the defending team pressures the opposition close to their own goal.
Instead of dropping back and protecting deeper areas, the pressing team sends players forward to pressure defenders, midfielders and sometimes the goalkeeper.
The objective is often to force a mistake and regain possession close to goal.
UNDERSTANDING THE PRESS
Pressure Creates Space
A pressing player cannot be in two places at the same time.
When an opponent moves forward to pressure the ball, they usually leave another area less protected.
The attacking team's job is to identify where that free space or free player has appeared.
Don't only look at the pressure. Look at the space the pressure leaves behind.
EXAMPLE 1
Find The Free Player
Imagine two opposing forwards press your two centre backs.
A midfielder drops into the build-up and creates three players against the opponent's two.
The two pressing forwards now have to cover three build-up players. If the ball moves quickly, one player should become free.
PRINCIPLE 1
Create An Extra Player
One of the simplest ways to beat pressure is to create a numerical advantage around the ball.
If two opponents press, try to create three passing options in the build-up.
If three opponents press, the goalkeeper may become the fourth player.
Create A 3v2
A midfielder can drop between or beside the centre backs to create an extra build-up player.
Use The Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper can become another passing option and help create a numerical advantage.
PRINCIPLE 2
Use The Goalkeeper
In possession, the goalkeeper is not only responsible for stopping shots.
During build-up, the goalkeeper can function as another outfield player.
If an opponent decides to press the goalkeeper, another attacking player may become free.
PRINCIPLE 3
Make The Press Cover More Space
A compact build-up can make pressing easier. Opponents can pressure several passing options within a small area.
Width forces the pressing team to cover a larger area.
Centre backs can separate, fullbacks can provide width and midfielders can position on different vertical lines.
The pressing team can control several nearby passing options.
Wider positioning forces the pressing players to cover much more space.
PRINCIPLE 4
Attract The Press
It may seem dangerous to invite opponents toward your own goal, but controlled pressure can create opportunities.
If a centre back has time on the ball, they may carry it forward until an opponent decides to press.
That pressing movement can free another player.
Sometimes the goal is not to avoid pressure. The goal is to attract pressure and then play through it.
PRINCIPLE 5
Use The Third Player
High presses often block obvious forward passing lanes.
This is where the third-man concept from the previous lesson becomes valuable.
Instead of forcing a direct pass through the press, use another teammate to change the passing angle.
THE REWARD
Attack The Space Behind The Press
Beating the first pressing line can completely change the situation.
Several opponents may now be behind the ball and unable to immediately defend the next action.
The attacking team should recognize this moment and look forward quickly.
Under Pressure
Multiple opponents are positioned close to your own goal and trying to win possession.
Space To Attack
Once the press is broken, those opponents may be behind the ball and the attack can accelerate.
ANOTHER SOLUTION
You Don't Always Have To Play Short
Playing through a press is not always the best solution.
If the opposition commits many players forward, there may be large spaces behind their pressing structure.
A longer pass into a striker, winger or space behind the defense can bypass several pressing players immediately.
DECISION MAKING
Short, Through Or Over?
Good build-up teams are not predictable. They recognize what the opposition is giving them.
Short
Use nearby players when you have a numerical advantage.
Through
Find midfielders behind the first pressing line when lanes appear.
Around
Switch the ball toward the opposite side when the press becomes overloaded.
Over
Play longer when the opposition leaves dangerous space behind their pressure.
BE CAREFUL
Recognize Pressing Traps
Pressing teams do not always attack the ball immediately.
Sometimes they intentionally leave a player looking open because they want the pass to be played there.
Once the ball travels toward that player, several defenders can suddenly close the space.
An open player is not always a safe player. Scan the pressure around the receiver before making the pass.
COMMON MISTAKES
What Teams Get Wrong
Playing Too Slowly
Slow circulation allows pressing players to recover and move toward the next pass.
Standing On The Same Line
Flat positioning reduces passing angles and makes pressing easier.
Ignoring The Goalkeeper
Leaving the goalkeeper out of the build-up removes a potential numerical advantage.
Forcing Short Passes
If the opposition commits heavily forward, the best option may be to play beyond the press.
Relaxing After Beating The First Line
Breaking the press creates an advantage, but that advantage can disappear quickly.
LESSON SUMMARY
Remember These Six Ideas
Pressure near the ball creates space somewhere else.
Create numerical advantages against the first pressing line.
Use width and different heights to make the press cover more space.
Use the goalkeeper and third-man combinations to create free players.
Once the press is beaten, look forward and attack the space quickly.
Play short, through, around or over the press depending on what is available.
Breaking A Low Block
Learn how to create chances against compact teams defending deep near their own penalty area.