// team · advanced · 22 min

🔺 High-Press 5v5

Trap on sideline; force long ball.

team 22 min defending

22:00

remaining

Duration presets

Steps

Pressing team forces play toward a sideline trap.
Win the ball high or force a long, hopeful clearance.
On a long ball won, restart the press immediately; 4-min rounds.

Make it easier or harder

Easier: Reduce to 4v4 in a smaller area — easier to maintain the press shape with fewer players and shorter distances to cover. Try: 5v5 Pressing Triggers.

Harder: Give the defending team only 3 seconds to press after the trigger fires, and add a fitness consequence (3 burpees) if the press is beaten by a forward pass. Next: 5v5 Switch & Squeeze.

// more about this drill

Why this drill matters

A high press — applying coordinated defensive pressure in the opponent's half, near their goal — is the most aggressive defensive shape in the game. When executed correctly, it wins the ball in dangerous positions and leads directly to high-quality chances. Teams like Liverpool and Bayern Munich have made it a tactical identity. This drill develops the organization, fitness, and collective decision-making needed to press high without being easily bypassed.

What you'll need

Multiple balls for quick restarts
Cones for a 40×30 yard area with a pressing activation zone (opponent's half)
Two full-size goals with goalkeepers
10 players: two teams of 5
Bibs
Coach or assistant to restart quickly after each sequence

Coaching points

Press initiation: the team starts in a high shape (4+1 or 3+2) near the halfway line. The moment the ball goes backward in the opponent's build-up, all five players advance together.
Proximity: press players must be within 5–6 yards of their nearest opponent before initiating. Pressing from distance is ineffective.
Blocking passing lanes: the 2 non-pressing players position to block the switch (lateral pass) and the long ball — eliminating the opponent's escape routes.
After winning: counter-attack immediately from the high position. This is the highest-value scoring opportunity in the game — play forward in 1–2 touches.
Reset if bypassed: if the press is played through, all 5 players must sprint back into a low or mid-block immediately, not continue pressing from behind.

Common mistakes

Only one or two players press — the high press requires all 5 to move together. A 'partial press' is the worst of both worlds.
Pressing players dive in — the press is about cutting passing lanes and forcing mistakes, not winning the ball in a 1v1 tackle.
No one blocks the switch — opponents escape high presses by switching the ball wide. Someone must always cut off the long switch.
Over-pressing when the ball is already forward — once the opponent's ball goes forward, drop, don't press. The high press works in their build-up phase only.
No organization of the press — players press as individuals rather than as a system. Define triggers and roles before running the drill.

When to use this drill

Use in sessions specifically focused on high-pressure defensive systems. Best for teams with good fitness levels and basic positional understanding (U15+). Also excellent as a pre-game tactical session when the opposing team builds slowly from the goalkeeper.

Frequently asked questions

How fit do players need to be for a high press?

Very fit — a sustained high press lasts 60–90 minutes. However, a smart high press (pressing for only 10–15 minutes at key times) is achievable for most fit teams.

What happens if the opponent's goalkeeper kicks long?

The high press fails — accept it. The defensive unit must immediately transition to winning the second ball. High-press teams must be excellent at second-ball duels.

Can a team combine high press with counter-attack?

Yes — many elite teams use the high press to win the ball in high areas, then counter directly. The proximity to the opponent's goal makes it highly effective.

Is there a risk of the high press tiring the team?

Yes — condition players with multiple 3-minute high-press rounds with rest between. Never sustain for 90 minutes without planned drop-off periods.