Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Match Prep - Building Against a High Press 4-4-2-D Using Wide Overloads

Block 1

Block 1: Opposition Forcing Predictable Build – Locking One Side

The opposition uses their front two to screen and direct play to one side, with the nearest midfielder jumping out to press the full-back, reducing options and increasing pressure on the ball.

Tactical Solution: Use of Overloads and Rotations to Escape Pressure

Blue Team Tactical Detail (3-4-1-2):

Goalkeeper:

• Start centrally in the 6-yard box

• Read opposition pressing cues

• Identify strong side vs weak side based on positioning of opposition front two and diamond

• Play quickly to exploit unbalanced pressure

Back Three:

• LCB: Open body shape to receive and play outside the press, combining into the advancing LB

• RCB: Maintain full width for switch of play if LCB is locked

• CB: Central option for rotation and switch if needed

Full-Backs:

• LB: High and wide on the touchline, offering a progressive passing lane

• RB: Hold width for second-phase switch, capitalising on delayed opposite side pressure

CDM:

• Start high near the top of the box ("top of the D")

• Lure the opposition 10 forward, creating a deeper space behind

• Act as part of a 4v3 build-up overload including GK and CBs

LCAM/RCAM (Advanced Midfielders):

• LCAM: Stay high and narrow, pinning the opposition wide midfielder and offering a bounce option

• RCAM: Drift centrally into the circle to occupy opposition diamond’s far side and open switch option to RB

Front Three:

• ST: Pin both CBs by staying high, centrally between them

• LW: Pin the opposition full-back. If that FB jumps inside to press, creates a channel for the 9 to attack

• RW: Inside shoulder of the opposition FB — ready to make a run beyond if space opens on the near side

Coaching Points:

• Recognise the overload: 4v3 at the base — use GK and CBs to provoke pressure

• Timing of the release: Full-backs must receive beyond pressure with body shape to drive

• Third-man runs: If opposition cut direct pass, use bounce into CAMs to release FBs

• Stretch the pitch: Ensure FBs and RCB/LCB maintain width to force the block to shift

• Trigger the switch: CAM movement into central zones should trigger diagonal switches into RB

• Final third entries: When wide entry is made, ST and opposite winger must arrive in the box; CAM supports edge

Coach Interventions:

• “Can we provoke the press, then play out through the free full-back?”

• “CBs — how are we using our positioning to manipulate the first line?”

• “CAM — recognise when to hold and when to bounce to release wide players.”

• “Wingers — pin the FB and create the space we want to exploit.”

Block 3

Block  3:

The opposition transitions to a full-pitch man-for-man press, matching players all over the pitch:

• Full-backs press full-backs,

• The CDM from the opposition diamond drops onto the deepest line,

• All midfield options are tightly marked, restricting short build-up options.

Red Team Tactical Solution:

Use vertical stretching and movement off the ball to unbalance the press and create a central target for the striker (ST) to receive directly:

• Stretch central midfielders wide and high to vacate space centrally.

• Allow GK or CB to clip directly into the ST dropping short to link.

• Use wingers on the outside of full-backs to offer penetrating runs beyond the press on the set.

Tactical Detail (Red Team – 3-4-1-2 Structure):

???? Goalkeeper (GK):

• Positioned centrally on the 6-yard box.

• Identify early which side presents the better exit route based on body shape and pressure.

• If passing to a CB, support with an immediate angle for a first-time clipped pass into the ST.

Centre-Backs (CBs):

• Right CB: Deeper (aligned with top of 6-yard box), open body shape, ready to play first-time clipped pass into ST using inside foot.

• Left CB: Positioned just outside the box, in line with the penalty spot, keeping enough depth to draw pressure from the ST and manipulate the opposition press.

• Work in tandem with GK to disguise and execute direct vertical play.

Full-Backs (RB/LB):

• Start high — aligned with the bottom edge of the centre circle, dragging their markers away and vacating the zone in front of the ST.

• Encourage vertical separation between units to increase space for central progression.

CDM (6):

• Start high at the top of the ‘D’, positioned opposite the ball-side CB.

• The goal is to lure the opposition CAM into a tighter marking role, increasing space centrally.

• Operates as part of a 4v3 overload including GK and CBs.

Attacking Midfielders (CAMs):

• Both positioned high and wide (bottom edge of the circle, width of 18-yard box).

• Their role is to pull central markers wide, freeing the lane into the ST.

• Prepare to receive the second phase or rotate inside once the press is broken.

Striker (ST):

• Pin both CBs as high as possible — remain central and in-between.

• Drop into the vacated space to receive the clipped pass from GK or CB.

• On receiving, set the ball for wide progression or play into the opposite winger's run.

Wingers (RW & LW):

• RW: Positioned channel-side of the opposition FB, ready to time forward runs across the ST to link play or receive on the second phase.

• LW: Also channel-side of the opposition FB, ready to exploit the space left by the ST dropping in — runs in-behind must be timed to match the ST’s movement and draw.

Key Coaching Points:

• Manipulate individual markers by stretching the pitch vertically and horizontally.

• Timing of movements critical — ST drop must be coordinated with clipped pass.