Learn How to Play Under Pressure [EVERY POSITION]
Summary
TLDRThis 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
- β½ Constant pressure is inevitable in football, so players must adapt to performing under it.
- π‘οΈ Center backs face the most pressure when opponents use a high press, aiming to block central channels and trap fullbacks.
- π CDMs can drop deeper to create passing options and relieve pressure, opening up central channels for other players.
- π Fullbacks must position themselves wisely, assessing the pressure and sometimes avoiding receiving the ball to avoid risky situations.
- π― Wingers generally face less initial pressure but are often targeted for corner traps and must learn to create space by adjusting their positioning.
- π Central midfielders face unavoidable pressure and need to play with quick touches to avoid being trapped by opponents.
- π Attacking midfielders have more freedom to move and improvise, allowing them to create space and open gaps for teammates by shifting positions.
- πͺ Strikers are under constant pressure from center backs and must use body positioning to handle this, opening space for teammates to exploit.
- β³ Playing quick, short passes helps defeat the pressure by bouncing the ball back to teammates who can see the whole field.
- π 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
β½ 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.
π¨ 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.
πββοΈ 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.
π 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.
π― 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.
π‘ 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Pressure
π‘High pressing
π‘Center back
π‘Fullback
π‘First touch
π‘Scanning
π‘CDM (Central Defensive Midfielder)
π‘CM (Central Midfielder)
π‘Attacking midfielder
π‘Bounce pass
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
video please drop a like subscribe to my
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thanks for tuning in and I will see you
next time
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