Press & Cue

Before you start

• Set up reference cone lines to designate acceleration and deceleration zones.
• Pair players into attacker-defender roles where the attacker plays the ball into the defender.

Movement sequence

1. Pass the ball into the attacker to initiate the drill.
2. Use three to four power steps to accelerate forward toward the reference line and put pressure on the ball.
3. Decelerate promptly as you approach the attacker to get your body under control.
4. Establish proper side-on body stance with one foot forward, body weight on the front foot, and continuous foot movement.
5. Reach out an arm's length to touch or gauge distance from the attacker, tag, and jog back.

Key points

• Pressing cue: React to whether the attacker's first touch is good (be safe) or bad (change pace to attack the ball).
• Acceleration: Execute three to four explosive power steps.
• Deceleration: Slow down quickly and bring the body under control.

Common mistakes

Arriving at full speed without decelerating, making it easy for the attacker to beat you. Misjudging the attacker's first touch and failing to adjust acceleration accordingly.

Practice notes

This drill establishes the fundamental rhythm of closing space: explosive acceleration followed by controlled deceleration.