Pressing is a quite famous playing style that is commonly used by football teams nowadays. For football enthusiasts, this playing style is nothing new, but there are still many who do not know what pressing is. So what is pressing? The advantages and disadvantages of playing this style, as well as ways to escape pressing from the opponent, will be discussed in the following article.
What is pressing?
Pressing" is an English term that means "pressure." However, when used in football, it is translated as "closing down" or applying pressure on the opponent. Many people mistakenly believe that this is a tactic for playing football, but in reality, it is a way to regain possession of the ball from the opponent. In simpler terms, it is just a pass to circulate the ball among teammates. Or it could also be a shot with the aim of scoring a goal against the opponent's net. Read more: The top 10 which site is 100% accurate for football predictions free?
Nowadays, pressing is applied by many football teams with the aim of showcasing their dominance. In addition, with the tactics of many coaches, there are now many ideas being used to combine with the pressing style of play, making it increasingly diverse and with a stronger frequency.
Advantages and disadvantages of pressing gameplay
Pressing is a style of football applied to increase pressure on the opponent. It aims to control the ball and force the opponent to make mistakes to score goals. Pressing can also be both an attacking and defensive strategy when applied correctly.
One of the advantages is that it helps regain possession of the ball quickly. However, to play pressing effectively, teams need technical skills as well as physical fitness to move and win the ball in the shortest possible time. It can be seen that pressing is widely applied, especially since the time of Coach Pep Guardiola at Barcelona. If the team is under pressure, the coach may signal the entire team to winning tips the ball back within 6-7 seconds. This helps them control the ball well, wear down the opponent's stamina, and ultimately achieve victories.
Some disadvantages of pressing may include disrupting the defensive system and the spacing of players in the overall tactical setup, which can lead to quick goals conceded.
Playing pressing also requires players to have good health, endurance, and agility to apply pressure on the opponent. Most players may not have enough stamina to press throughout the entire match.
Some popular types of pressing nowadays
Pressing is not just a tactic to exert pressure on the opponent but also encompasses various types. Below are 4 common types of pressing for your reference:
Area pressing
Area pressing, or alternatively known as pressing individual opponents in specific situations, involves pressuring specific players of the opposing team in particular circumstances. This typically occurs when the opponent is pushed towards a touchline, limiting their options for ball disposal. Each player applies pressure to a specific opponent until they are unable to handle the ball effectively, thus increasing the chances of winning possession.
Attack pressing
Attack pressing is one of the most commonly used tactics aimed at putting pressure on the opponent. With the attack pressing style, the coach arranges the team to press in the opponent's half. The other half will be positioned anywhere on the field to facilitate quick and efficient combinations with teammates.
This helps their team quickly assert dominance, dominate possession, and score goals against the opponent. The attacking pressing style creates significant pressure, forcing the opponents to quickly retreat to defend their goal. However, this presents a good opportunity to score and increase the chances of winning.
In contrast to the attacking pressing style, the Midfield Press involves players concentrating in the midfield area. Positioned here, the team can conveniently apply pressure on the opponent. The Midfield Press tactic can both attack and provide the safest defensive cover for the goal. Immediately after encountering dangerous and unexpected situations, players swiftly move back to protect the goal.
The Midfield Press style is highly effective; however, it still has its limitations. In cases where the opponent counterattacks swiftly with accurate passes, they can easily overcome this tactic.
Defensive pressing
Defensive pressing is a tactic used to apply pressure on the opponent in one's own half of the field. Players will not attack in the opponent's half but instead focus on solid defending for their own goal. Teams with strong forwards and midfielders often employ this tactic. When they gain possession, they quickly transition to the opponent's half and score if presented with a good opportunity.
Above, I have explained what pressing is as well as introduced some common types of pressing nowadays. Through this article, I hope it helps you understand more about the terminology in football. Sign up for an soccer hot today account today to bet on your favorite team and participate in exciting games at Wintips bookmaker. Wish you good luck and have a winning streak.