Understanding & Exploiting Pressing Triggers – Tactical Theory

In this tactical analysis, we examine build-up play and explain how opposition-pressing triggers can be exploited to overcome the press.

We will analyse the most common pressing triggers and their influence on available space and passing lanes.

Cover-Shadow Exploitation

In order to find solutions to overcome the opposition press, one needs to examine the consequences of pressing triggers on the available space and passing options.

On an individual level, an advantage that appears due to pressing triggers is the shrinkage of the cover-shadow of pressing players.

In the following, we explain the reasons for the decrease of space covered by the cover-shadow during the press.

The idea behind the concept of the cover-shadow is simple.

A defending or pressing player always covers a certain area of the pitch as he could intercept a pass into that particular area.

In terms of this covered space, it is necessary to differentiate between a moving player and a player holding his position.

Whereas it is easier to intercept a pass from a static position, it is harder when moving.

A pressing player will move towards the ball carrier and, therefore, will not have both feet on the ground.

This makes it harder to change directions.

As a consequence, less space will be covered behind the pressing player.

This turns players that were initially positioned within the cover-shadow into possible passing options.

Overplaying The Press Through Open Space

Pressing always opens up space in other areas of the pitch.