⚽Counter-Pressing Starts with Ball Possession

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1. ⚽Counter-Pressing Starts with Ball Possession

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⚽Counter-Pressing Starts with Ball Possession

In a previous article, we explained how closely counter-pressing and positional play are linked. Guardiola's concept of dividing the field into zones isn't solely driven by his preference for possession-based football. For a team to effectively implement counter-pressing after losing the ball, they must first position themselves well during possession. This is evident in the following example:

When in possession, the player with the ball lacks connections with teammates around them. These connections are essential not only for maintaining possession but also for transitioning into counter-pressing after a turnover. Ideally, the team’s positioning during possession should already create support for each other in the event of a loss of the ball. If the distances between players are too wide, this is not possible. In such a scenario, the principles of effective pressing are difficult to follow: while the team may apply immediate pressure to the ball carrier, they won’t have numerical superiority near the ball and won't be able to cover all of the opponent’s potential options. The opponent can simply pass their way out of pressure.

On the other hand, if too many players are crowded around the ball, while more pressing principles can be maintained, counter-pressing becomes easier for the opponent to bypass. All the opposing team has to do is quickly move the ball to a different area. In this case, it becomes difficult to quickly recover into a solid defensive shape after a failed counter-press.

Therefore, adhering to the principles of positional play is also crucial for effective transitions. Keeping the right distances between players helps when possession is lost: the team can create numerical superiority, support each other, immediately hunt the opponent, and direct them into the desired zone. Should the counter-press fail, they can easily transition back into a compact defensive shape.

It’s no surprise that modern positional play models aren’t focused solely on the benefits of maintaining possession. The team structure is also key in gaining an advantage after losing the ball.

In this video segment, the current coach of the Canadian national team discusses his interpretation of structure, using an example from his time coaching in Leipzig. He explains why a clear structure is so vital—not just for creating offensive opportunities, but also for maintaining defensive stability. He also elaborates on how a well-organized structure allows his team to seamlessly transition into pressing after losing possession.

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