Learn How to Play Under Pressure [EVERY POSITION]

Summary

This video provides essential strategies for handling pressure in various football positions. It explains how center-backs, fullbacks, central midfielders, wingers, attacking midfielders, and strikers can effectively manage intense opposition pressure through tactics such as positioning, quick passes, and shoulder-checking. For each position, tailored advice is given to navigate high-pressure situations, with emphasis on minimal ball touches, awareness of the field, and creating passing options. Bonus tips highlight the importance of speed in play and keeping a strong field vision to stay calm and composed under constant pressure.

Takeaways

• ⚽ Constant pressure is inevitable in football, so players must adapt to performing under it.
• 🛡️ Center backs face the most pressure when opponents use a high press, aiming to block central channels and trap fullbacks.
• 🏃 CDMs can drop deeper to create passing options and relieve pressure, opening up central channels for other players.
• 📐 Fullbacks must position themselves wisely, assessing the pressure and sometimes avoiding receiving the ball to avoid risky situations.
• 🎯 Wingers generally face less initial pressure but are often targeted for corner traps and must learn to create space by adjusting their positioning.
• 📊 Central midfielders face unavoidable pressure and need to play with quick touches to avoid being trapped by opponents.
• 🔄 Attacking midfielders have more freedom to move and improvise, allowing them to create space and open gaps for teammates by shifting positions.
• 💪 Strikers are under constant pressure from center backs and must use body positioning to handle this, opening space for teammates to exploit.
• ⏳ Playing quick, short passes helps defeat the pressure by bouncing the ball back to teammates who can see the whole field.
• 👀 Scanning the field constantly through shoulder checks and maintaining good positioning are crucial for feeling comfortable and distributing the ball under pressure.

Q & A

What is the primary challenge when playing football under constant pressure?

The primary challenge is making quick decisions while being closely marked by opponents. Players need to avoid losing possession and make smart passes to evade traps set by the opposition.

How can a center-back deal with high-pressing opposition?

A center-back can deal with high-pressing opponents by passing quickly to fullbacks, central midfielders, or going long to bypass pressure. Scanning the field and creating wider angles for passing also helps break the press.

What should a fullback do if they are trapped in the corner by the opposition?

A fullback should avoid asking for the ball if tightly marked, or if they receive it, use their first touch effectively to move out of pressure. They can also communicate with teammates to avoid dangerous passes into pressure.

Why is the first touch important when playing under pressure?

A good first touch allows players to control the ball and make quick decisions, avoiding further pressure from opponents. A bad first touch can trigger even more intense pressure and increase the likelihood of losing possession.

How does playing as a winger differ in terms of pressure compared to other positions?

Wingers often face less initial pressure than central players because they are positioned wide. However, once they receive the ball, they can be trapped in the corners by fullbacks and opposing midfielders, especially if the opposition is forcing play wide.

What strategy should central midfielders use to handle constant pressure?

Central midfielders should aim to play one or two-touch football, moving constantly to create space and passing options. They should also rely on bouncing passes back to teammates and scanning the field to anticipate pressure.

What role does mental strength play for central midfielders under pressure?

Mental strength is crucial for central midfielders to stay calm and make quick, smart decisions under pressure. They need to be confident in their ability to hold the ball briefly and distribute it effectively without panicking.

How can an attacking midfielder use their freedom to escape pressure?

Attacking midfielders have more freedom to move around the field, so they can shift wider or improvise to create space. This movement can pull defenders out of position, opening gaps for themselves or teammates.

What is the key to playing effectively as a striker under pressure?

The key for strikers is to use their body to shield the ball from center-backs, bounce the ball off to teammates, and move into the 18-yard box for goal-scoring opportunities. They should lean into the pressure rather than avoiding it.

What are the two bonus tips for playing under pressure effectively?

The two bonus tips are: 1) Touch the ball as little as possible to speed up play and avoid extra pressure. 2) Always position yourself to see the entire field by scanning and shoulder-checking, allowing you to feel more comfortable and distribute the game efficiently.

Outlines

00:00

⚽ Breaking the Pressure in Football as a Center Back

The video starts by discussing how playing under pressure in football is inevitable and offers tips for performing well in such situations. As a center back, when the opposition applies high pressing, their goal is often to block central channels and force errors. The opposition may let the goalkeeper play short to the center back, then block passing options back to the goalkeeper. To beat this, the center back can ask the CDM to drop deeper or position the fullbacks higher. Alternatively, playing long balls can bypass traps and alleviate pressure.

05:01

🚨 Dealing with Pressure as a Fullback

Fullbacks often face pressure from opponents trying to trap them in corners. However, they have the advantage of being able to see the field and the pressure coming toward them, unlike central midfielders. Fullbacks should avoid receiving the ball in dangerous positions if they are tightly marked, but must work on their first touch to escape pressure. If their first touch is poor, opponents can press higher and create riskier situations. The fullback's positioning, decision-making, and awareness are crucial in avoiding dangerous traps set by the opposition.

10:03

🏃‍♂️ Managing Pressure as a Winger

Wingers experience less initial pressure than central players because opponents typically force the ball wide. Once the winger has the ball, pressure comes from fullbacks. Playing against fast and aggressive fullbacks can be challenging, so wingers should either make inverted runs to create space or move wider to drag their markers out of position. These strategies help wingers receive the ball in more advantageous areas and allow them to create chances while managing pressure.

🔄 Handling Pressure as a Central Midfielder or CDM

Central midfielders (CMs) and central defensive midfielders (CDMs) face relentless pressure in the middle of the field. CDMs have slightly more freedom to drop deep and receive the ball while scanning the field, but CMs have to manage pressure from all sides. To deal with this, they should focus on one- or two-touch passing to avoid losing the ball. Constant movement and scanning of the field allow them to find space and create opportunities for their team. If a player struggles with playing under pressure in this role, it may not be the right position for them.

🎯 Adapting to Pressure as an Attacking Midfielder or Striker

Attacking midfielders (AMs) have more freedom to improvise under pressure compared to central midfielders. They can shift wide to exploit gaps and drag markers out of position. Being a high-risk, high-reward position, AMs tend to receive extra pressure from opponents, especially if they wear the number 10 jersey, signaling they are a key player. Strikers, on the other hand, must embrace pressure from the opposition's center backs. By leaning into this pressure, strikers can create opportunities for themselves and their teammates, inviting pressure to free up space for others.

💡 Bonus Tips for Managing Pressure

The video ends with two crucial tips to help players perform better under pressure. First, players should aim to touch the ball as little as possible, making quick decisions and passing swiftly to reduce the time spent under pressure. Second, players need to position themselves where they can see the entire field and maximize their first touch. Regular shoulder-checking and field scanning are essential for effective decision-making under pressure. These habits can make a significant difference in feeling comfortable while playing in high-pressure situations.

Keywords

💡Pressure

Pressure refers to the intense challenge players face from opponents who try to limit their time and space on the ball. It is a core theme of the video, as the narrator discusses how players in various positions deal with high pressing from opponents. For example, defenders are often pressured to make mistakes, while midfielders are forced to think quickly and release the ball faster.

💡High pressing

High pressing is a strategy used by the opposing team to apply immediate pressure on defenders or midfielders when they have the ball, usually in their own half. This tactic forces mistakes and limits passing options, particularly for center backs. The video explains how high pressing teams aim to trap players like fullbacks or center backs in dangerous areas of the field.

💡Center back

A center back is a defensive position in football, responsible for stopping the opposition’s attacks, often under pressure from opposing strikers. In the video, the center back's role is highlighted, especially when they are being pressured to distribute the ball quickly or avoid being trapped by high pressing forwards.

💡Fullback

The fullback is a defensive position usually on the side of the field. The video describes how fullbacks often face pressure in wide areas, where opponents try to trap them in corners. However, they have a slight advantage since they often face the opposition’s goal and can better see the field and pressure coming their way.

💡First touch

First touch refers to the initial control a player has when receiving the ball. A good first touch is essential for evading pressure from opponents. The video emphasizes the importance of mastering a good first touch, especially under pressure, as a bad touch can trigger an immediate attack from the opposition.

💡Scanning

Scanning involves a player frequently looking around the field before receiving the ball to be aware of the positions of both teammates and opponents. The video suggests that constant scanning is crucial, particularly for central players, as it helps them prepare for pressure and make better decisions when distributing the ball.

💡CDM (Central Defensive Midfielder)

The CDM is a midfield role focused on defensive duties and protecting the defense from opposition attacks. The video discusses how CDMs can drop deeper to receive the ball and distribute it to relieve pressure. They often position themselves to see the whole field, giving them a better chance to make effective passes.

💡CM (Central Midfielder)

A CM is responsible for controlling the flow of play and linking defense with attack. In the video, it is mentioned that CMs are under constant pressure and must learn to play with quick, simple passes. If a CM struggles to handle this pressure, they may be more suited to other positions, such as CDM or attacking midfielder.

💡Attacking midfielder

An attacking midfielder plays just behind the forwards and is responsible for creating goal-scoring opportunities. The video explains how attacking midfielders often have more freedom than central midfielders, allowing them to improvise and drift into wider positions to escape pressure and create space for themselves or teammates.

💡Bounce pass

A bounce pass is a quick, short pass that helps relieve pressure by immediately returning the ball to a teammate who can see more of the field. The video suggests that using bounce passes is an effective way for central players to escape pressure, particularly when they first receive the ball from a CDM or center back.

Highlights

Playing under pressure is inevitable in football, and learning to perform in such conditions is crucial.

High-pressing teams aim to trap defenders, especially center backs, by blocking central channels and limiting passing options.

As a center back, to beat opposition pressure, your best options include passing to a fullback or playing long to avoid traps.

Center backs should demand the central defensive midfielder (CDM) to drop deeper, creating more passing options.

When the opposition high presses, creating wider angles for goalkeepers to pass helps avoid central or fullback traps.

Fullbacks should always place themselves in a position where they can see the field to assess incoming pressure better.

The first touch is critical for fullbacks under pressure; a bad touch invites more pressure from the opposition.

Wingers often face less pressure than other positions initially but can still be trapped in the corners by the opposition.

As a winger, creating more space to receive the ball by stepping away from tight marking can relieve pressure.

For central midfielders, learning to play with limited touches and quick ball release is essential to avoid pressure.

Attacking midfielders have more freedom to improvise and exploit gaps compared to central midfielders, making it easier to escape pressure.

Strikers need to lean into opposition center backs, using their pressure to bounce passes and create space for teammates.

The less time you hold the ball, the less pressure you invite from the opposition, allowing quicker and more effective play.

Mastering shoulder checks and scanning the field constantly will help players position themselves to manage pressure effectively.

Always position your body so you can see the entire field, maximizing your first touch and making distribution easier under pressure.

Transcripts

does playing under pressure limit your

performance when you're playing football

well you better get used to it because

for the most part you're going to be

under constant pressure this video is

going to make it much simpler for you to

perform when you're under pressure near

the end of the video I'll give you a

bonus tip where it will change the way

you play when you get that constant

pressure from the opposition depending

on the position you're playing the

opposition that's putting pressure on

you will of course change if you are a

center back most likely you're going to

be getting the pressure if the

opposition is high pressing your team

otherwise it's going to be more

comfortable for you to receive the ball

from your goalkeeper and distribute the

game but if the opposition is high

pressing now the opposition Strikers or

attacking midfielders will be putting

that pressure on you most likely if they

are losing they going to want to put

that pressure on to win that ball from

you and force you for your mistakes the

opposition is high pressing and putting

the pressure on you and you're a center

back most likely the opposition goals is

to trap you what happens then is they

allow you to start short so they allow

your goalkeeper to play the first ball

to you as a center back to beat this

pressure what can you do as a center

back your goalkeeper started short found

you and now you have the ball and most

likely the pressure that the opposition

is going to put on you is to block the

central channels so as a center back you

can't find those passing channels to

your Center mid or your central

defensive midfielder then the other

player that puts the pressure on most

likely will cover the channel where you

can't pass it back to your goalkeeper

because what happens if you pass it to

your goalkeeper your goalkeeper will go

along and you're going to beat that

pressure so you are forced to pass to

your fullback and you passed it to your

fullback now the opposition's goal is to

trap your fullback on the corners they

can win the ball and quickly

Counterattack and not allow your team to

switch the game of course this is

subject to change but for the most part

the high pressing teams aims for this

traps these little traps they set so you

lose the ball in the dangerous areas

there are a couple of options that you

can do where you can demand your CDM to

drop deep you have extra passing options

this will allow a positions attacking

midfielder to come higher up with the

CDM so you're opening Central channels

for your central midfielders or

attacking midfielders to receive the

ball or you can create wider angle for

your goalkeeper to pass so now your

fullbacks are pushing higher and you're

basically playing that fullback role as

a center back you are getting the

pressure on but your fullback is higher

and if you pass it to your fullback the

risk zone is away from your goal the

opposition is not going to be marking

you manto man cuz they can't come up

that high risking the central gaps so

you have these two options to break the

opposition pressure or an easy way is to

just go long and avoid the central or

the fullback traps from the Geto where

you can find your long options your

Striker or switching the game to your

Winger ERS could be a great option for

you to avoid this high pressure from the

opposition if you're a fullback most

likely you're going to be getting more

pressure from the opposition as I said

in the center back getting the pressure

they going to want to find you and

opposition is going to force you to play

to your fullback where you're going to

be trapped in the corners and how do you

avoid this as a fullback the good thing

is when you're a fullback and you are

getting the pressure most likely unlike

the CM or the CDM you're going to be

facing the opposition's net which makes

it a little bit easier because you

actually can see the pressure that

you're getting where if you have too

much pressure you can ask your center

backs or CDM Whoever has the ball not to

play it to you because it could be very

dangerous for you to receive the ball

when you're marked tight by the

opposition so the basically the goal is

to place yourself in a position as a

fullback where you can see the field and

you can see the pressure and if it's too

risky you just don't ask for that ball

or tell your teammates not to play it to

you but of course like any other

position if your fullback Winger Center

back doesn't matter you going to have to

maximize your first touch where your

first touch is the first thing that will

get you out of the pressure because if

you have the pressure on and if you have

a bad first touch now the opposition is

triggered by your Bad Touch so they can

come even higher and take more risks to

pressure and trap you into the corner if

you're a Winger the pressure that you're

going to get is going to be fairly

similar to fullback position because the

opposition will force you your team to

play the ball wide and the opposition

will aim to trap you into the corners it

is kind of a good thing and Winger is

one of those positions where you get

probably the Lesser pressure than the

other positions because Winger is one of

those positions um the opposition likes

to force the ball to the wide side of

the field to you or to the fullback

where you're going to have lesser

pressure initially but as soon as you

receive the ball you're going to get the

pressure but you can be a little bit

more comfortable able mentally to

receive the ball wide because you know

that you are most likely not going to

get that initial pressure like your

central midfielder or your central

defensive midfielder so you're going to

be most of the time facing the

opposition's net where you're going to

be seeing things and you're going to

know when that pressure is coming to you

sometimes the opposition's fullback be

getting tighter to you as you're

receiving the ball now you can always

step away from the opposition and create

yourself a bigger space to receive the

ball most likely you're going to get

more pressure as a Winger if you're

playing against a Pacey and annoying

fullback playing against a Pacey

fullback could be quite annoying instead

of staying wide you could make inverted

run and allow your fullback to overlap

or you can go wider and further away

from the fullback to actually pull them

away from the position to create more

space more gaps for yourself to receive

the ball if you are playing CDM or CM

honestly I don't think there is a way to

avoid the pressure no matter where you

are on the pitch you're going to get

that pressure CDM little less because

you can always drop deep to receive the

ball and kind of force yourself to face

your positions net but as a CM you are

not going to have that freedom because

you're going to be right in the middle

where you are right beside the

opposition CM or CDM or attacking

midfielder even where you're not going

to be able to get out of this pressure

as a CDM if you get the constant

pressure drop deeper receive the ball

and make sure you position your body to

see the entire field which will make

things a bit easier for you where you're

going to be able to push your center

backs further away and now you're

receiving the ball deeper where you can

see the entire field and you have

options to pass the worce case pass it

back to your goalkeeper or pass it long

instead of learning to play Under

Pressure as a CDM learn to get out of

the pressure where you are creating

yourself that safe Zone where you're

away from the pressure and you can

distribute the game easier and make your

job a lot easier where you learn to find

those gaps only way you can do this is

by scanning and shoulder checking and

seeing where everybody is and where your

center backs are where the opposition is

so one thing I can suggest if you're a

central midfielder if you don't think

you are good at playing under pressure

and if you're getting constant pressure

but you're losing the ball well it might

not be the right position for you

because as a centerman you got to have

to be prepared to learn to play Under

Pressure otherwise you're just not going

to be a good Central midfielder so you

can always play the central defensive

midfielder role or you can always play

the attacking midfielder role best way

to deal with these pressures as a

central midfielder is mental game you're

going to have to improve yourself

mentally so you are comfortable when

you're receiving the ball under pressure

and the other way to do this is always

moving and not being stationary on the

field easy way to deal with the pressure

as a central midfielder is to play one

two touches if you're holding the ball

longer you're going to invite more

pressure now you have no option to pass

the ball to and most likely you're going

to lose the ball so your goal should be

creating angles with your central

defensive midfielders or your center

backs even you can always play those one

two touches Just Bounce it back off to

your central defensive midfielder or

your center backs even and create angles

where you can do one two touch create

space and receive the ball again because

most likely the first ball you receive

from your CDM or from your center backs

you're going to be under pressure so

your goal is to get into that space with

the second ball where how can you do

this by playing your first ball very

simple so your central defensive

midfielder passed it to you you passed

it back now you give yourself wide angle

where you are checking off to a space

where you can receive the ball again

which you defeated the first pressure

that you got or if the players that's

marking you following you now you're

creating a space for your central

defensive midfielder to take their space

and go with the ball or if they're not

following you now you created a space

for yourself so the secret to be

successful to play Under Pressure as a

central midfielder I'll reveal it in a

second but first if you're enjoying this

video so far please drop a like And

subscribe to my channel and now let's

get into that the secret to play Good

Under Pressure as a central midfielder

is to hold the ball less because you got

to do everything you can to avoid the

pressure and the longer you hold the

ball you're going to invite more

pressure and you're going to be less

successful because the first B you'll

receive from your Center back or your

CDM you're never going to have the space

that is to Bounce It bouncing means the

opposition can't intercept it the ball

goes back to the player who can see the

entire field and the only way to defeat

this pressure is to get yourself out of

that pressure after you bounce it back

so now the second ball you can be facing

the opposition's net finally we get to

the attacking midfielder and the striker

what do you do when you're under

pressure

as an attacking midfielder or striker so

if you're an attacking midfielder yes

you're going to be as under pressure as

your central midfielder but unlike the

central midfielder you have more freedom

and you have chance to improvise where

your central midfielder doesn't have

this option allowed where they're going

to have to be Central because if your

team loses the ball they are where they

are supposed to be but as an attacking

midfielder this is why you're going to

have more freedom yes you do have your

defensive roles and you do have to be

somewhat Central you are not as critical

when it comes to defending as an

attacking midfielder so you can actually

float more and you can actually find the

gaps where you can go wider to receive

the ball almost where your Winger is

force your Winger to make inverted runs

if you're staying wide so you can find

these gaps just by improvising more

often than your central midfielders and

the other problem is playing the

attacking midfielder position is the

number you're wearing most likely you're

wearing the number 10 this means that

you are one of the dangerous players of

your team so the opposition just

naturally puts that pressure extra

pressure on number 10 just because it's

number so more dangerous you are the

more pressure you're going to invite

from the opposition improvising as an

attacking midfielder will move the

opposition CDM if the opposition CDM is

marking you or their Center back you're

actually moving them out of the position

so if you are shifting wide if the

opposition CDM is following you now

you're Crea get central space for your

team to attack or progress the game but

if the opposition is not tracking you

when you are shifting wide now you're

creating that space for yourself so

there are bonuses of playing this free

role as a striker you'll be under

constant pressure from the opposition

center backs which are probably the

strongest players on the field so yes

you're going to be under pressure and

you're going to learn to play Under

Pressure if you don't do this very good

I don't think you are cut out to be a

striker so you're going to have to learn

to lean your body into that pressure

where you using the opposition center

backs to receive the ball you're

bouncing it off and going back in the 18

most likely there is no point trying to

turn or trying to avoid this pressure

unless you are just oneon-one and you

are not getting any help from your

teammates but if you are getting help

from your teammates from your attacking

M or from your central midfielders

you're going to have to bounce it off

your teammates could see your fingers

and as soon as you make a turn get

inside the 18 now your Wingers can

provide with their crosses to find you

in the 18 for you to score your main

goal as a striker to get tied to the

center backs make them as uncomfortable

as possible to move them out of the

positions by inviting more pressure to

yourself so you can open up spaces for

your attacking midfielder or Central

midfielder or the opposite side Winger

to cut inside so you want to actually

not avoid the pressure as a strike

you want to get into pressure and make

the opp position

uncomfortable and the bonus tip I talked

about in the beginning there are

actually two the first one I already

said it in the previous tips you're

going to need to touch the ball as

little as possible no matter what

position you're playing football is not

about how long you can hold the ball how

many players that you can dribble around

football is about releasing it quick and

make the game fast the faster you make

the game and the better your your team

is going to be and the Lesser pressure

you're going to be under and the second

bonus step which is the most important

one in my opinion how can you feel

comfortable about playing Under Pressure

if you make things surprise now you

can't actually see the field and you're

never going to feel comfortable to

receive the ball and never going to feel

comfortable to distribute the game so

the best way to do this is to always

learn to position yourself where you can

see the entire field this comes with

great first touch and this comes with

shoulder checking and scanning as much

as you can so you're going to have to

get a good habit of positioning your

body where you can see the field and you

can distribute the game and you can do a

lot of shoulder checking and maximize

your first touch I hope you enjoy this

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thanks for tuning in and I will see you

next time