Coaching Shadow Pressing Like Roberto De Zerbi At Marseille – Tactical Theory

What Is Shadow Pressing?

For the purposes of this tactical analysis, shadow pressing is defined as the moment a player whose team is in possession follows closely behind an opposing player who is pressing the ball.

The aim of the shadow press, during the build-up phase, is for the shadow player to exploit the space behind the pressing striker.

The assumption is that by being so close to the striker, a midfield player will not jump to press them.

This concept was deployed consistently by Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton in the Premier League.

This tactical theory analyses the principles involved in shadow pressing and provides examples from the side De Zerbi is now in charge of, Ligue 1’s Olympique Marseille.

This shadow press analysis focuses on how ‘6’s can use this tactic to progress the ball from their centre-backs to their attacking players in the build-up phase.

The analysis will show how ‘6’s can use the space behind the presser to either angle off and receive directly from the player being pressed or use a third-player combination.

This tactical analysis will provide in-game examples of how this tactic is being deployed to help describe this tactical theory.

Also included are training session ideas which improve players in this aspect and aid coaches in implementing shadow press tactics.

Using Shadow Pressing To Create Angles

This example, from Marseilles recent match against Nice, shows their defensive midfielder shadowing a pressing strikers movement with the aim of opening up space to receive directly from the player being pressed.

In this scenario, the one striker is making a looping run to close down the goalkeeper, who has just received from his left centre-back.

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