How to Effectively Play a High Press

Many coaches like to implement a high press, but only some do it correctly. To be clear, a high press refers to putting pressure the other team’s Goalie, Centerback, or Fullback when they have the ball. When executed correctly, this can be an extremely effective technique, forcing the other team to make a mistake and even give up an easy goal.

However, a high press can also have the opposite effect and make it easier for the other team to move the ball up the field and score.

With this in mind, here’s how to correctly implement a high press, based on two core fundamentals:

Never Press on Your Own 

Rule number one for a high press is to never press on your own. In other words, don’t rush a defender or goalie by yourself, with none of your teammates nearby. If you’re alone, there’s a good chance they’ll be able to take one quick pass around you to relieve the pressure.

Since none of your teammates are nearby, no one will be there to stop your opponent from advancing up the field. Ever watched a match where a defender suddenly dribbles all the way up the field, with no one in their way? It’s usually because a Forward or Winger attempted a high-press, but forgot about the buddy system.

If you’re going to press, do it with a teammate. If the opponent moves around you, your teammate will be there to halt their progress and continue applying pressure. If you don’t have a teammate with you, drop back to the point that you do so that you can defend as a team.

Remember: You Don’t Have to Win the Ball

Secondly, it’s important to remember that a high-press can still be successful even if you don’t win the ball from your opponent. Though it’s great when you do, the other common option from pressing the defenders is that they’re more likely to make a mistake, like a sloppy pass that your midfielders can easily intercept.

It’s much harder to make a clear pass, set up a play, or communicate with your teammates when you’re under pressure. So, by quickly trying to win the ball from a goalie or defender, you’re preventing the other team from gaining momentum and getting comfortable. As long as the opponent is unable to advance up the field or put the ball where they want it to go, your high-press is successful.

So, don’t think you have to win the ball during a high-press. Just make sure you’re applying enough pressure to inhibit your opponent’s next move.

Seeing an Effective High-Press in Action

If you’re a Forward or a Winger, an effective high-press can be an essential tool in your arsenal. However, it’s difficult to learn how to properly execute this technique if you’ve never seen it in action. 

That’s why we created BGTV, a massive library of professional footage organized by position with analysis from professional players. Each clip features a high-level player making a smart decision - like executing a high-press with a teammate - with breakdowns explaining how the player knew what to do in this situation.

The more high-level footage you watch, the easier it is to implement the same techniques in your own matches.

Ready to check out BGTV? Use code FREEMONTH1 to get the first month free.