Tactics / Pressing

Press their goal kick

When they take a goal kick and want to play short, push up and mark a player each, so the keeper has to kick long.

Out of possessionFrom 9v9Match moment: Press their goal kickMatch moment: Their keeper has it

BACK LINE UP TO HALFWAYGK9117108645
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

A goal kick is a moment we can plan for. If every short pass is covered, the long kick is a 50-50 we are ready for, with our defenders facing the ball.

What players do

  • Forwards stand between the keeper and the centre-backs, ready to press.
  • Midfielders mark their midfielders tightly, goal side.
  • Defenders push up to halfway, facing the ball, ready for the long kick.
  • Everyone sets before the kick is taken.

Common mistakes

  • Only the forwards press, so the keeper passes into midfield.
  • Defenders stay deep, so the long kick lands in a huge gap.
  • Running in late after the kick is taken.

With young players

Not allowed below 9v9: in 3v3, 5v5 and 7v7 the retreat line means everyone must drop to halfway at goal kicks. From under-12, practise it as a team.

Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch, showing the part where it happens. Orange attacks left to right and the other team is in blue; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.

Put it into your own team's plan in the team builder, and see what it asks of each player.

Next: Show them inside, then trap

What it asks of each player

The same idea, from every line of the team. Set it up for your own team in the team builder.

  • GK
    Goalkeeper
    • Come up to the edge of your box behind the high line.
    • If they go long, it lands on our half: come out and claim anything over the top.
    • Tell the back line how high to stand.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Push up to halfway; win the long ball facing it.
    • Each defender picks up one forward before the kick is taken.
    • Get in front of your forward to head or block the long ball (no heading in matches up to under-11: block it with your body or chest).

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Mark your midfielder tightly.
    • Stand touch-tight to your midfielder so the keeper cannot pass to them.
    • Be the first to the second ball after the long kick.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Stand between the keeper and the centre-backs; curve to block the short pass.
    • Wait until the keeper places the ball, then step in together.
    • If they pass short anyway, press the receiver on the curve, towards the touchline.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

Start with the first, and build up to the game.