How to Counter a High-Pressing Team

13 July 2025

High-pressing teams can be an absolute nightmare to play against. They swarm like bees, suffocating your passing lanes and forcing mistakes. If you've ever played against one, you know how frustrating it can get. But don’t worry—there's always a way out!

In this guide, we'll break down exactly how to beat a high-pressing team with clever tactics, smart positioning, and a cool head. So, lace up your boots, and let’s dive in!

🏆 Understanding the High Press

Before we talk about countering it, we need to understand what a high press actually is.

A high-pressing team applies relentless pressure on your players in the defensive and midfield areas, trying to win the ball back as soon as possible. Their main objectives are:

- Forcing mistakes – Pressing you into errors that lead to turnovers.
- Winning the ball high up the field – Creating quick scoring opportunities.
- Disrupting your build-up – Preventing you from playing out comfortably from the back.

Teams like Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp and Manchester City under Pep Guardiola have mastered this tactic, making life extremely difficult for their opponents.

Now that you know what you’re up against, let’s discuss how to counter it.

🎯 1. Stay Calm and Organized

First things first—don’t panic!

A high press is designed to make you feel rushed. The moment you start rushing, you’re playing into their hands. Instead:

- Keep a clear structure and ensure teammates know their roles.
- Avoid unnecessary risks—play simple, smart passes.
- Stay composed under pressure; if you panic, mistakes will happen.

Think of it like playing chess. Every move should be deliberate and well thought-out.

⚡ 2. Use Quick, One-Touch Passing

One-touch passing is your best friend against high-pressing teams. When you move the ball quickly, it’s tough for the opposition to get a solid foothold.

- Play with short, crisp passes rather than holding onto the ball too long.
- Utilize triangles—always have two passing options nearby.
- Avoid dribbling in risky areas—stick to passing as much as possible.

Imagine you’re juggling a hot potato. Don’t hold onto it—keep it moving!

🏃‍♂️ 3. Switch the Play Often

High-pressing teams love to swarm one side of the pitch. You can break their press by quickly switching play to the opposite flank.

- Look for cross-field passes to shift the attack.
- Use overlapping full-backs to stretch their defensive shape.
- Take advantage of diagonal passes to disrupt their structure.

Think of the high press like a pack of wolves chasing you. Instead of running straight into them, escape by switching directions!

🧠 4. Play Direct When Necessary

Tiki-taka football is fun, but sometimes it’s just not practical. If playing out from the back isn’t working, don’t be afraid to go direct.

- Launch long balls into space for your forwards to chase.
- Get your target striker to hold up play and bring others into the game.
- Exploit runners in behind when defenders push too high.

Long balls aren’t always pretty, but when used wisely, they’re an effective weapon against the press.

🚀 5. Utilize Wide Areas

High-pressing teams tend to focus their energy in central areas. That means the wings can often be your escape route.

- Use your full-backs and wingers to stretch the opposition.
- Play quick give-and-go passes near the touchline.
- Cross the ball early to create chances before the press fully engages.

If the middle of the pitch is like quicksand, the wings are your lifelines—use them wisely!

🎭 6. Create Overloads in Key Areas

One of the best ways to disrupt a pressing team is to outnumber them in certain areas of the pitch.

- Form triangles and diamonds in midfield to create passing outlets.
- Make sure midfielders drop deep to offer more options.
- Have one defender or goalkeeper act as an extra passing option.

More players in one area mean more options, and more options mean less panic.

🏗️ 7. Adjust Your Formation

Sometimes, tweaking your formation can undo a high-pressing system. Some tactical adjustments that work well include:

- Switching to a three-at-the-back system for extra security.
- Using a double pivot in midfield to provide more stability.
- Deploying a false nine to drag defenders out of position.

A slight tweak in formation can throw the opposition off their rhythm and make their press less effective.

⚽ 8. Encourage Your Goalkeeper to Play Smart

Modern goalkeepers are more than just shot-stoppers—they’re key to breaking the press.

- Have your keeper play as a sweeper to offer an extra passing option.
- Ask them to launch quick counter-attacks when the opposition overcommits.
- Train them to stay composed under pressure when playing out from the back.

Think of your goalkeeper as an extra outfield player—use them wisely!

🎯 9. Take Advantage of Their High Line

One of the weaknesses of a high-pressing system is that the defensive line tends to be pushed high up the pitch. If you can exploit this, you’re in for some golden chances.

- Use fast attackers to run in behind.
- Look for through balls between the center-backs.
- Time your runs carefully to stay onside and capitalize on gaps.

Got a speedy striker? This is their time to shine!

🚀 10. Stay Fit and Match Their Energy

High-pressing teams rely on relentless energy. You need to match their intensity or they’ll run all over you.

- Work on stamina and fitness in training.
- Stay mentally engaged for 90 minutes—no lapses in concentration.
- Maintain sharp movement off the ball to create space.

If they’re pressing hard in the last 10 minutes and you’re tired, you’re in trouble. Stay fit to fight fire with fire.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Beating a high-pressing team isn’t about magic tricks—it’s about smart play. Stay composed, move the ball quickly, and look for spaces to exploit. Stick to the plan, stay disciplined, and before you know it, you’ll be making even the best pressing teams look ordinary.

So next time you face a team that’s pressing the life out of your squad, remember these tips and turn the tables on them. You’ve got this!