Why to pressure high in the final third see video clip here.

About this clip: Red team loses the ball - red team immediately organizes with 3 players pressuring - 1st defender, 2nd defender, supporting defender (note - these players are strikers and midfielders) Striker wins the ball on a good challenge. Note: the defender with ball did not play it out quickly and pays for it.

Coaching Points: When opponents have the ball always have a 1st and 2nd defender, even on the offensive side - high pressure alleviates pressure on the defense. Strikers are defenders too.

 

 

What happens when 1st and supporting defender do not react properly - see video here.

About this clip: Blue team wins ball and attacks quickly.  White team does not "DELAY" player with ball and allow support to get back. At end of play note the outside attacker coming down with no support to the defender - defender is left alone in a 2 v 1 situation - never good - this allows attacker to be 1 v 1 with the keeper.

Coaching Points: Defensive concept is to DELAY the attacker when trying to counter-attack. Support must quickly retreat to support the defenders delaying the attack. Must get numbers BEHIND the ball.