By Anonymous in Presses — Apr 21, 2023

Pressing a back 4

Pressing a back four is a simple concept that can allow the players to work as a team to win a turnover and maintain pressure on the opposition. The press assumes that we are pressing as a front 3, two attacking midfielders, a back 3 and a freeman. For more information on the default structures please refer to:

Basic formations

Starting structure

Note the emphasis is to protect the middle and force the ball wide
Additionally, we want to force the ball to their Left Half. This is so we can pressure them on our forehand and their reverse. This is the ideal outcome of the press
Everyone is man-marking except for the front three and the Freeman
The Freeman is simply occupying the space in the middle of the pitch. Looking to stay on the hotline and cover breaches in the press

Pressing a Ball to the Left Half

Front 3

The Right Striker attacks the Left Half. It is important that they do not get eliminated on the inside. The objective is to force them down the line or win a turnover
Centre Striker pushes onto Left Centre Back who just played the ball
The Left Striker tucks into the middle to prevent the transfer of the ball to the other side

Midfield

The Centre Defensive Midfielder stays with their man
Right Attacking Midfielder stays with their man. The Left half will be looking to play down the line so it is important they win the front space
Left Attacking Midfielder tucks into the middle for counter control

Defence

Freeman covers space ready to step up if someone is eliminated. Players should stay on their men unless released by the Freeman. This prevents a domino effect of players getting beaten and coming off their man
Centre Back, Right Half and Left Half stay man-to-man. Or if they are staying zonal they stay zonal

Pressing a Ball to the Right Half

Note: If not prepared to attack, you can just slide the front three across. Inciting another transfer