U14–U16 · Defending · 18 min
Trigger, Then Cover
The front three only jump a real trigger. The 8 and the far winger cover inside so a bounce doesn’t split the press.
Attack DefendSolid = passDashed = run
- Space
- Three-quarter field
- Equipment
- 10 cones · pinnies · 1 goal · 2 mini-goals · 6 balls
Organization
Pressing 6 vs build-up 7 + GK. Build-up scores in mini-goals on halfway. Pressing team scores in the big goal within 8 seconds of a win. 5 × 3-minute rounds.
Whiteboard
Diagram notes
South goal. GK and two CBs. 6 in front. Pressing 9, two wingers, an 8. Arrow: back pass to GK, 9 jumps, ball-side 8 jumps, far winger tucks.
Coaching points
- Triggers: back pass to the GK, square between CBs, or a touch that kills the ball.
- The 9 jumps the ball. The ball-side 8 jumps the next man. Far winger tucks.
- If there is no trigger, hold the line. Guessing is how you get broken.
- After a win, the first pass is forward if the 9 is on.
Phrases to use
- “Wait for a trigger.”
- “9 jumps the ball.”
- “Far side tucks.”
- “No trigger, no jump.”
Progressions
- Four-second shot clock after a win.
- Build-up may play long after two passes.
- Remove one presser.
Regressions
- Coach calls the trigger.
- Build-up two-touch.
- Freeze at the jump to check cover.
Common mistakes
The 9 jumps a CB who is facing forward with space.
That is not a trigger. Hold. Jump the back pass.
Both wingers jump and the 6 is free.
One jumps. One tucks. The 6 is the dangerous bounce.
They win it and clear it.
The press is an attack. First pass goes forward if it’s on.