What is pressing in soccer?
Pressing in soccer means running to close down the player who has the ball, so they have less time and space to play. One player goes to the ball and a teammate covers the space just behind, so the team is not beaten by one pass.
Other names: pressing, pressure.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Press: diagram
How to press as a team
- The nearest player goes to the ball quickly, then slows down for the last steps so they are not dribbled past.
- A second player covers just behind and to the side.
- A third player watches the far side, in case the ball is switched.
- Everyone moves together. A press by one player alone is easy to pass around.
Common mistakes
- Two players both rushing to the ball, which leaves a free opponent behind them.
- Running in at full speed and being beaten by one touch.
- Pressing when teammates are too far away to help. Then it is better to drop back.
In 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal
In 7v7 the rule of thumb is “one goes, one helps”. In 9v9 and 11v11 coaches talk about pressure, cover and balance. In futsal a wide press works with a teammate who blocks the pass back inside.
Questions about the press
What is a high press?
Pressing near the other team’s goal, to win the ball close to where you can score.
What is the difference between pressing and marking?
Pressing goes toward the player with the ball. Marking is staying close to a player who does not have the ball yet.
When should a team not press?
When the nearest player cannot get there in time or nobody can cover behind. Then the team recovers toward its own goal first.
Lessons that teach it
- Who Goes, Who Helps? (11v11 lesson)Decide together. One player puts pressure on the ball; another looks after the next danger.
- One Presses, One Covers (9v9 lesson)Approach the ball with support behind; adjust cover when the attack moves.
- Touchline Press: Close the Return (Futsal lesson)Coordinate a wide press with a teammate screening the inside return.
- Front Pair: When Can Midfield Join? (9v9 lesson)Three-three-two has two strikers facing three backs. A wide midfielder can join the first pressure only when the other midfielders protect behind.
Related soccer terms
- MarkStaying close to an opponent, between them and your goal, so they cannot receive the ball easily.
- Goal-SideStanding between an attacker and your own goal.
- CounterattackA fast attack straight after winning the ball, before the other team can get back into shape.
- TackleUsing your foot to take the ball away from an opponent.
- All soccer terms, A to Z92 soccer words in plain English, from advantage to yellow card, 18 with a diagram
- Soccer rules for kids16 rules explained for kids, each with a diagram: offside, handball, throw-ins and more
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.