Pressing and defensive structure
Pressing triggers
The cues that tell a team when to leave its defensive shape and pressure the ball aggressively.
Why it matters
Pressing is most effective when players move together around a recognizable cue rather than chasing the ball independently.
What to watch
- Back passes, poor touches, or passes toward a touchline starting pressure
- The nearest presser shaping where the next pass can go
- Teammates closing the likely escape routes behind the first press