Pressing Triggers: When the Block Jumps

A 7v7 game in which the defending team waits in a mid block and can only step up to press when an agreed trigger appears: a back pass, a poor touch, the ball on the sideline or a receiver facing their own goal. Students learn to press as a unit at the right moment, not on impulse.

How to play

1. Present the four triggers with examples and give each team a card listing them (3 min).
2. Mark a 50 x 35 m field with a mid-block line 15 m from each small goal (2 min).
3. Game 1: defenders may only cross the mid-block line when a teammate shouts the trigger; then at least three press together (7 min).
4. Stop: each team discusses which trigger worked best and who should call it (3 min).
5. Game 2: each team chooses only two secret triggers and the opponents try to guess them at the end (7 min).
6. Wrap-up: each team says which triggers it thinks the other team used, and they check (3 min).

Rules

• If someone presses without a trigger, the opponents get a free restart at midfield.
• Pressing is done without contact from behind or slide tackles.
• No goalkeepers: the goals are small to avoid hard shots.
• Teams switch every game so everyone defends and attacks.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: coaches the block and shouts the triggers from the sideline.
• Hearing impairment: the trigger is also signaled with a raised arm.
• Low fitness: plays in the block as the central screen, covering fewer pressing meters.

Learning goals

• Recognize situations that favor collective pressing.
• Coordinate several players stepping up to press at once.
• Plan and hide a tactical plan from the opponent.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 20
• pinnies: 16
• balls: 6
• cards: 4

Teacher tip

The verbal cue is the heart of the task; if everyone goes quiet, stop play and name a pressing captain.

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