Full-Team Press vs. Counter-Press
Press Resistance
Legend
- players
- opponents or partner
- ball
- core action
How it works
Play out against an organized counter-press immediately after winning possession to simulate elite match demands.
What you need
- cones
- soccer ball
- scrimmage vests
- goals
Your focus
The highest level of press resistance is holding the ball immediately after winning it , when the opponent counter-presses at maximum intensity. Training this specific scenario develops the composure and technical quality needed to retain possession against high-press elite teams.
8v8 on a full field. Team A has the ball and maintains possession.
When Team B wins possession, Team A immediately counter-presses at maximum intensity for 6 seconds.
Team B (now possessing) must escape the 6-second counter-press and advance the ball.
Award 3 points if Team B retains possession through the 6 seconds.
Award 2 points if Team A wins the ball back within 6 seconds.
Play 20 minutes; track counter-press wins and press-resistance escapes.
Goal
It's clicking when you play out cleanly under the immediate counter-press at least 4 times per 10-minute game, the opposition's pressure creates chances for you, not the other way around.
Helpful cues
- When you win the ball, protect it first, the counter-press is coming
- Play away from the pressure: if they press left, play right
- 6 seconds is short, one good touch and one good pass is enough
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
4-second grace period before the counter-press begins.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Counter-press must win ball in 4 seconds or concede 1 point to the possessing team.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.
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.