High Press: Front Three

Set up

Field

A full pitch, with a goalkeeper in each goal.

Players

22 or more players. Eleven a side. White build out from the back through their full backs. Red defend in a 4-3-3, with the front three leading the press.

Keeper

Yes. The goalkeeper holds a starting position around the penalty spot.

How it runs

1. 1.Start with the ball played to the White goalkeeper.
2. 2.White must build through its fullbacks.
3. 3.The Red front 3 initially allow the goalkeeper to distribute to a fullback.
4. 4.As the ball leaves the goalkeeper's hands, Red locks on and begins the press.
5. 5.The left wide forward presses the right fullback on a curved approach.
6. 6.The central striker blocks or discourages the pass into the nearest center back.
7. 7.The far-side wide forward positions to intercept a switch across the back.
8. 8.The midfielders stay goal-side and ball-side of their marks.
9. 9.The defensive midfielder screens central passes and organizes the press with communication.
10. 10.The fullbacks stay narrow beside the center backs.