Adjusting to Different Build up Structures Why Build-Up Structures Matter Your opponent's formation in possession dictates: The number of passing lanes they create Where pressure will be effective How risky your press will be If you press the same way every game, you’ll get exposed. If you adapt, you’ll control the opponent. Common Build-Up Shapes and How to Press Them 1️⃣ 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 (Back Four + Pivot(s)) Structure: 2 centre-backs, full-backs wide, 1–2 pivots connecting play Objective: Block the pivot(s), press with front three Pressing Plan: → Striker splits the centre-backs or screens the pivot → Wingers press full-backs or wide centre-backs → 8s push onto pivots Coaching Focus: Angled runs to block passing lanes, don’t allow centre-midfield build-up. 2️⃣ 3-2 Build-Up (e.g. 3-4-3 teams) Structure: 3 CBs, 2 DMs in front forming a strong central build Objective: Use touchline as trap — press outside CBs aggressively Pressing Plan: → Winger presses outside CB → Striker closes central CB and screens pivot → Midfield shifts across to cover inside passes Risk: If pressing isn’t synchronised, you’ll get played around easily. 3️⃣ 2-3 Build-Up (Full-backs tuck inside — inverted) Structure: 2 CBs, full-backs in midfield, wingers high and wide Objective: Stay compact in midfield, press centrally Pressing Plan: → Front two split, screen CBs → CMs step up to press inverted full-backs → Wingers narrow to press interior midfielders Coach’s Tip: Don’t chase wide — control the middle, then slide across together. 4️⃣ 4-4-2 Diamond Build-Up Structure: Back four, one deep pivot, two 8s, one 10 ahead Objective: Deny vertical progression through the centre Pressing Plan: → Striker + 10 press CBs and deep pivot → Midfield diamond mirrors and marks central lanes → Full-backs ready to step onto opposition FBs Coaching Tip: Assign marking responsibilities before the game. Diamonds are compact but need clear roles. Adjusting Mid-Game Good coaches train teams to: 🧠 Recognise shape changes in the opponent 🗣️ Communicate and shift pressing roles quickly 👉 Use the “freeze and reset” method in training: stop the game, ask players where the danger is, and restart with the correct shape Summary 🟢 Opponent build-up shape changes the game 🟢 Tailor your pressing plan to block key routes and force play wide or backwards 🟢 Train flexibility and awareness — not just intensity In-Game Tactical Adjustments Why Adjust? Pressing is not static. The state of the game — score, time, fatigue, opponent strategy — all affect whether your press should: ⚽️ Stay aggressive ⚽️ Become more compact ⚽️ Shift shape or structure Elite teams train for these scenarios, so they don’t need to guess in the moment. Pressing by Game State 🟢 When Winning (Protecting a Lead) Objective: Control space, limit risk Adjustment Ideas: → Drop to mid or low block → Press only on clear triggers (e.g. bad touch, back pass) → Prioritise vertical compactness to deny through balls 🔴 When Losing (Chasing the Game) Objective: Win ball higher, take risks Adjustment Ideas: → Push line of engagement higher → Increase pressing triggers — even on neutral passes → Allow full-backs or midfielders to join press aggressively 🟡 When the Opponent Changes Shape Objective: Match or counter their build Adjustment Ideas: → If opponent moves from back 4 to back 3 — adjust wingers to press outside CBs → If they overload midfield — consider going man-oriented or matching numbers 💤 Managing Fatigue Late in the game, even great pressing teams slow down. Adjustment Ideas: → Switch to zonal pressing — conserve energy → Press in waves — press for 3 minutes, rest in shape for 2 → Use substitutions to refresh key pressing positions (9, 8s, wingers) In-Game Adjustment Checklist Situation Pressing Response Coaching Cue Winning Drop block, press less “Control, don’t chase” Losing High press, overload zones “Hunt, squeeze, gamble” Opponent changes shape Mirror or overload key zones “Scan + shift together” Tired team Press selectively “Compact and patient” Summary ✅ Great pressing teams adjust to the moment ✅ Pressing when winning is about control, not chaos ✅ Pressing when losing requires risk, energy, and support ✅ Train your players to recognise game states and adjust their role live Rotational Pressing & Shadow Cover What is Rotational Pressing? Rotational pressing is when players exchange roles during the press — maintaining pressure on the ball while preserving team structure and cover. It’s used when: → The pressing player gets bypassed → The opponent rotates or switches the ball → Your shape risks being broken by movement What is Shadow Cover? Shadow cover (also called “shadow pressing”) is a technique where the pressing player cuts off passing lanes with their body shape — without fully engaging the opponent. It’s like pressing in stealth mode. Action Goal Player angles run during press Blocks passing lane to pivot Arms out, hips turned inward Signals and shapes pressing zone Delays opponent decision Buys time for teammates to arrive Why These Tools Matter Without rotation or shadow cover: 🔴 Pressing becomes chaotic 🔴 Space opens when 1v1s are broken 🔴 Opponents escape with simple switches With these tools: 🟢 You control pressure zones 🟢 Opponents have fewer options 🟢 Your press becomes layered, not linear Coaching Questions As a coach reflect on the following: 💭 Do your players understand how and when to rotate? 💭 Are they scanning for the next role while pressing? 💭 Are they pressing the player and the passing lanes? Summary ✅ Rotational Pressing keeps structure while maintaining intensity ✅ Shadow Cover manipulates passing choices through body shape ✅ Together, they elevate your press from physical to tactical
