Pressing Soccer Drills – Recover Lines & Man Marking

The following drills are from the new book “Pressing – Games” by coach Steven Turek. These exercises, are made to enhance team coordination and strategic play.

1 + 1 vs. 1 to 3 vs. 2 – Recovering Lines

Organisation & Procedure
This game format is divided into two phases. All players are positioned according to the diagram. The game starts with a pass from the left forward to the right forward player. The player receiving the ball decides with the first touch in which half of the field he shoots at the goal. Depending on the half he uses, he is pursued by the opposing defender from that half and put under pressure during the shot on goal. After the shot on goal, a 3 against 2 situation arises involving all players.

Coaching Points & Tips

• In addition to the players constantly in action, the focus is especially on the two players initially not involved.
• These players can and should position themselves optimally for the upcoming counter-attack even during the goal attempt.

6 vs. 7 + 1 – Altering Lines, Man-Marking

Organisation & Procedure
Set up a playing field according to the illustration. In each of the two offensive outer zones, there is a player positioned who cannot be attacked by the defenders. Within the playing field, six players defend against five attackers. The defenders counter-attack towards both mini-goals. The attacking team has a player between both mini-goals.

Coaching Points & Tips

• Due to the inability to press the outer players, this game format provokes numerous crosses.
• These crosses must then be defended in a small numerical advantage.
• It is, therefore, a very game-like scenario.
• Especially when the ball is played to an outer position, the focus should be on quickly finding man-marking.
• The closely positioned mini-goals simulate a quick play-out after winning the ball.