From Celtic’s high press, designed to suffocate teams, Motherwell’s aggressive press from a mid-block, and Champions League sides strategically leaving players in space when their team is without the ball. These differing tactics are designed to punish teams in their most vulnerable moment — the seconds after losing the ball. This follow-up tactical analysis takes these concepts to the training ground, providing example practice exercises that coaches can implement with their own teams. This tactical analysis will help teams improve their coordinated pressing traps and, just as importantly, take advantage of these situations to create goalscoring opportunities. The individual tactics and techniques involved in pressing can be improved via drills that provide the opportunity for lots of repetitions.We also include how these individual actions translate into the big team picture and the triggers for their use.
Hexagon Passing Pattern With Pressing
The above image, included in the previous tactical theory, shows Celtic pressing during their win over Bundesligaopposition RB Leipzig.The following drill focuses on the actions of the ball-near centre-forward who pressed the centre-backs by sprinting at their inside leg. This movement is designed to force teams to play down one side of the pitch.Even if he does not win the ball from the centre-back, the forward’s action makes the play predictable to his teammates behind him. This simple passing pattern is designed to give the maximum number of repetitions for players to replicate the movements of the Celtic striker. Pressing can be the most physically intense aspect of the game. This exercise also aims to prepare players physically for the session to follow. Therefore, it can be added as an extension to the warm-up.The drill has the additional benefit of technically preparing the press opposition, allowing them to provide a realistic challenge for the pressing team. The in-possession players are set up to represent a back four. The ball’s movement mirrors that of being swung from one side, the right in the example shown, to the full-back on the opposite side. The starting position of the striker, as shown here, can be exaggerated towards one centre-back. This would encourage the opposition to play to the other centre-back who may have been identified as the weakest. By focusing on the weaker of the two, the pressing team increases their chances of winning the ball from the centre-back and decreases the likelihood of a clean pass into midfield. For example, a right-footed player playing on the left may present a vulnerability that coaches want to exploit.Player ‘A’ starts the exercise by rotating the ball around the hexagon shape in a continuous loop.The players interchange between passing and pressing, as shown above. The size of the hexagon can be adapted to suit both the level of the players involved and the desired level of physical output.When player ‘A’ passes to ‘B’, ‘B’s’ first touch, towards the next centre-back, is the pressing trigger for ‘C’ to begin their run. ‘C’ sprints at the inside leg (right) of ‘D’ to force the ball wider. Each player rotates in the sequence shown – A to B to C etc.The initial passing sequence only involves shadow pressing with the presser, not actually stealing the ball in order to keep the exercise running. A live press and a challenge for the player representing the central forward can be introduced. In this example, as soon as ‘B’ releases the ball, ‘C’, from the same starting position as before, can begin sprinting after the ball. To increase the chances of getting close to the ball and to encourage the quick build-up play of the in-possession payers, ‘D’ must then drive with the ball halfway towards the next player (orange marker) before releasing the ball.The aim of the pressing player can be to either dispose of the player on the ball or, to allow the drill to continue, get close enough to the centre-back to ‘tag’ the dribbling player.From a building-up point of view, the receiving players now have to concentrate on receiving with the correct body shape, attacking the space quickly and playing firm, accurate passes to the next player.
6 Vs 3 Hexagon Rondo
As with passing exercise, this rondo is designed to mimic pressing against a back four. Depending on the level of player working with, the size may need to be reduced to give the defending team a realistic chance of winning the ball. Six in-possession players are positioned just inside the shape.Their goal is to combine for as many passes as possible without losing the ball. The player responsible for giving up posesion then switches with one of the defending (pink) players in the middle. The attacking players can be given a two-touch limit to encourage quick play. Alternatively, they could be given a mandated two-touch minimum. The requirement of taking a touch can be used to both allow the defending players a chance to practice the pressing movements and act as a way to simulate the pressing trigger. This is a particularly useful rule if the standard of players working with are well adept at playing one touch.
Hexagon Rondo to Goal
This rondo set-up can then be expanded and adapted into a breakout rondo. Here, if the initial pressing team gains possession of the ball, the game continues with the now-in-possession team attacking towards a goal while the dispossessed team tries to recover. Coaches may want to emphasise the closest player to the goal, taking up positions that still contribute to the press. Should they receive the ball, this will make it very hard for the opposing team to recover in time to prevent a shot at goal. The free player should be fed the ball immediately upon possession being won. This should be followed by quick, supportive movements from their teammates.This simulates a tactic applied by various Champions League clubs analysed in the previous tactical theory.
Mid-Block Game
The above image, which is also included in the previous tactical theory, shows the set-up of Motherwell’s mid-block in their Scottish Premiership game against Celtic. In this example, Motherwell, with its two forwards and three central midfielders, prioritises protecting the central area and half-spaces. This game-related practice, taking place on three-quarters of a full-size pitch, is designed to allow coaches to implement Motherwell’s pressing structure. The attacking team (green) takes up the formation that the working team is expected to face in the next game.Here, it is a 4-3-3 to mimic Celtic’s attacking structure, with the three forwards removed. The defending team sets up like Motherwell with the back five removed. The aim of the attacking team is to score into one of the three small-sided goals. These goals are set in the half-spaces and central area of the pressing team’s defensive third.If a team wishes to initiate their press higher up the pitch, these goals can be moved to suit. The aim of the pressing team, whilst protecting an area the size of the width of the box, is to trap the opposition down one side. This can be achieved by initially crowding the central area before reacting to the wide pass quickly.With the ball-near midfielder applying pressure to the ball, aided by the pass being made predictable, the front two should help that player by creating a diagonal line. This line prevents the ball from being played centrally and also stops the opposition from swinging the ball across their backline. As shown in this tactical diagram and implemented by Motherwell, this requires the midfielders to cover the full width of the pitch. Should it not be done correctly in the first instance, not only would this leave gaps that could be exploited, but the midfield could also find themselves chasing endlessly around the pitch.If the coach desires, as included in the breakout rondo and shown in the image above, a player can be left in space ahead of the ball.By taking a position as shown above, the forward could still make it difficult for the opposition to swing the ball whilst providing an attacking outlet. This requires an element of trust in the defensive qualities of the players behind the ball. Whether or not this tactic is employed, having a plan for what to do once the ball is won is pivotal. Especially if a team is playing against a higher-quality opponent, these transitional moments may be their best realistic chance of scoring.
Conclusion
The above pressing exercises are relevant for coaches working with players at all levels who wish to improve their pressing efficiency and, ultimately, their chance creation.These practices allow coaches to refine the technical aspect of pressing for individual members of the team.Whether or not the aim is to press high and keep the ball far from your own goal or to sit deeper in a defensive block, a plan must be created for actions once the ball is regained. There must be clear instructions on what the aim is when the ball is won.This provides the opportunity to punish sides at their most vulnerable and, as Jürgen Klopp has alluded to, make your pressing tactics your best playmaker.
Lennon Miller is currently impressing in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell. Here is an in-depth tactical analysis and scouting report of the midfielder.
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