Escape the Press
Press Resistance
Legend
- players
- opponents or partner
- ball
- core action
How it works
Receive under pressure, identify an escape route, and execute a turn or dribble past a pressing parent.
What you need
- soccer ball
Your focus
Intermediate press resistance means being able to identify and use an escape route under pressure , not just shield. This drill trains the decision (which way to turn) with the technical execution (smooth turn at speed).
Parent passes to player. Player receives with back to parent.
Parent immediately presses, walking quickly toward the player.
Player chooses: Cruyff turn, inside cut, or roll to escape.
After escaping, dribble forward 5 yards.
Do 10 reps. Mix up turns, use all 3 options across the set.
Goal
You've nailed it when you escape cleanly 8 of 10 times, the parent doesn't win the ball.
Helpful cues
- Feel the pressure, don't look back
- Commit to the escape early
- Accelerate after the turn, don't hesitate
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Parent announces which turn to use before the press.UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Parent presses faster, player has less time to decide.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.

