Concept · Intermediate
High press
Pressing the opposition in their own half immediately after their build-up. The aim is to win the ball close to the opponent's goal and/or force a mistake.
Full guide: High Press vs Low Block: Two Ways to Defend
How it works on the pitch
Typical trigger: a square pass to the centre-back (a 'backward' pass that buys time to close in). The striker curves his run to block one exit, and the team steps up as a unit, leaving the opposition with no passing option. Risk: if the press is broken, an enormous space opens in behind a now-high defensive line.
Gaffer FC teaches 12 concepts like this one with interactive examples and a tactical minigame where you make the call. See inside the app.