The AI coach that reads your tactics board.

In “Why The Line Steps Up”, phase 2, the left-back’s press opens space behind him because the covering defenders remain deep. The danger zone highlights that gap.

• LB, left-back: at x = 30.5 m, he is only 4 m from the ball carrier. He can apply pressure, but he is nearly 12 m ahead of his centre-backs.
• The near centre-back: he is about 20 m from the left-back. That leaves too much ground to cover if their winger plays behind the press.
• The two centre-backs: they are 15 m apart, with their 9, the striker, ahead of and between them. Both must keep sight of his run.

On the pitch: as the left-back travels to press, move the near centre-back forward and towards that flank, with the other centre-back and the right-back sliding across together. Aim first for 8–10 m of cover behind and inside him.

The trigger matters: step up when the ball carrier is under pressure, not simply because the left-back has jumped. If the winger can look up and pass freely, protect the space behind instead.

Your nearest central midfielder picks up their 10 between the lines. A centre-back only steps out if the midfielder cannot get there and there is cover behind.

Keep the jobs clear:

• Ball-side central midfielder: get goal-side of their 10, close enough to stop him turning. If he receives facing his own goal, keep him facing that way.
• Other central midfielder: tuck in and protect the pass into their striker. Do not both chase the 10.
• 4 and 5, your centre-backs: stay connected. If one steps forward, the other covers the striker and the full-backs narrow.

Aim for roughly 10–12 metres between midfield and defence when settled, then squeeze as the ball travels backwards. A bigger gap gives their 10 room whichever player you assign.

Your touchline cue: “Nearest midfielder gets tight, the other protects. Centre-backs talk.”

Does their 10 drop behind your central midfielders, or move wider into the space behind your wide midfielders? That changes who takes him.

Our 4-3-3 presses their 4-2-3-1 goal kick, using the pass to a full-back as the trigger. The winger approaches from outside to block the touchline route and invite an inside pass, where our midfield is ready to trap the receiver.

An under-14 session developing the reaction immediately after losing possession. A progressive possession warm-up leads into counter-pressing practice, then directional play and a game where players decide whether to press together or recover their shape.

Page 20: “False triggers: when to wait”, Chapter 03, “Read: the triggers”.

Do not jump to press when:

• The ball-carrier faces forward with time and space.
• Your jump leaves an opponent free behind you, with nobody taking responsibility for him.
• Your supporting line is too far away.
• A long aerial pass gives the receiver time to control without pressure.

The Pressing Playbook, chapter 03, p. 20

Instead, block the passing lane and guide play towards where you want it. Stay close enough to arrive on the next genuine trigger. The book’s message is: “Waiting is not passive.” The Pressing Playbook, chapter 03, p. 20