Build pressure on the ball

Club game model · 11v11 / 4-3-3

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TEAM TACTICAL PRINCIPLE

Make forward play difficult and create a realistic opportunity to win it.

Sub-principles

SUB-PRINCIPLE 01

Move as a collective unit

Shift with the ball to guide play toward an area the team can defend.

Blue wash: Attacking half · Gold box: Ball-side pressure and supporting cover · Gold rings: key roles

Required player actions

#9 directs the first pass with the approach angle and stays connected to the ball-side winger.
#8 or #10 shifts behind the winger while #6 and the far interior close the central escape.
Both fullbacks and centre-backs slide with the midfield; #1 adjusts to the new ball position.

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SUB-PRINCIPLE 02

Pressure the ball carrier

The nearest defender closes space under control.

Blue wash: Attacking half · Gold box: Ball-side pressure and supporting cover · Gold rings: key roles

Required player actions

The ball-side winger accelerates while the pass travels, then slows to arrive balanced.
#9 or the near interior shapes the approach to remove the most dangerous forward lane.
The nearest fullback closes a wide receiver with inside cover and stays ready to react to the next touch.

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SUB-PRINCIPLE 03

Engage when a regain is possible

Recognize an exposed ball, slow pass or poor touch before challenging.

Blue wash: Attacking half · Gold box: Ball-side pressure and supporting cover · Gold rings: key roles

Required player actions

The pressing winger attacks an exposed touch only when able to reach the ball without abandoning balance.
#8 or #10 steps into a slow inside pass with #6 covering the space behind.
The fullback times a challenge from the receiver's touch, keeping the centre-back informed and avoiding a blind lunge.

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SUB-PRINCIPLE 04

Cover and balance

Supporting defenders remove immediate passing options and protect inside.

Blue wash: Attacking half · Gold box: Ball-side pressure and supporting cover · Gold rings: key roles

Required player actions

#8 covers inside the pressing #7; #10 performs the same job behind #11 on the other side.
#6 protects the next central pass while the far interior and winger narrow to remove easy escapes.
The ball-side fullback supports underneath and the centre-backs retain cover against a direct ball.

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SUB-PRINCIPLE 05

Prevent the escape switch

Close the route out of pressure while maintaining team connections.

Blue wash: Attacking half · Gold box: Ball-side pressure and supporting cover · Gold rings: key roles

Required player actions

#9 adjusts the run to discourage a return across the centre-backs or through the goalkeeper.
The near interior blocks the inside connection while #6 screens the central player who could switch play.
The far winger narrows to anticipate the switch, then travels on the ball if the opponent escapes.

View example practices (2)

Staff observations / Build pressure on the ball

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Adapted from the supplied U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework · U13-U14 Game Model and Learning Plan, pp. 29, 34. Definitions are summarized; specific player responsibilities, coaching questions and practice examples are club applications. Not an official U.S. Soccer product or endorsement.