Introduction
Many goal-scoring opportunities are created during transitions. That’s why one of the most critical phases of play is the defensive transition—what happens immediately after losing possession. This phase is crucial not only to prevent conceding dangerous chances but also to recover the ball quickly and launch a counterattack. The concept of gegenpressing, or counter-pressing, focuses on forcing mistakes during the opponent’s transition and regaining control swiftly. In this article, we’ll break down three key principles: immediately pressing the ball, sprinting back to cover space, and blocking passing lanes to stop the opponent’s progression.
Jump to Press Immediately
The first reaction after losing the ball should be a decisive, coordinated effort to press the ball holder. Players positioned ahead of the ball should immediately advance to apply pressure on the opponent. This quick transition from attack to defense is vital because it limits the time and space the opponent has to make decisions. One of the best examples of gegenpressing is Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp’s management—or now under Arne Slot. These teams are known for their high-intensity pressing immediately after losing possession. Other top coaches such as Marcelo Bielsa, Hansi Flick and Vincent Kompany, have also successfully implemented these concepts with their teams.
To execute gegenpressing effectively, the entire team must attack as a cohesive unit. This way, when possession is lost, multiple players are already in position to counter-press the ball holder. At that moment, players need to quickly shift from offense to defense, starting an aggressive press. This forces the opponent into making risky decisions, often leading to turnovers in the final third and creating scoring opportunities.
Gegenpressing. Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool players changed their mindset quickly to counter-press.
Example 1. Almost all Liverpool players, except the striker, immediately jump to press, closing all possible passing options for the ball holder.
Gegenpressing 3
Example 2. FC Barcelona players quickly start to press, cutting off potential passing options for the ball possessor.
“IF YOU WANT TO APPLY GEGENPRESSING EFFECTIVELY, YOU NEED TO BUILD THE HABIT OF PRESSING WHILE RUNNING BACK FROM PLAYERS POSITIONED BEHIND THE BALL.”
Run Back Immediately
While the players in front of the ball are pressing, the real key to effective counter-pressing lies with those players positioned behind the ball holder. These players must sprint backwards with urgency to apply pressure from the back. Their involvement is essential. Without pressure from behind, the ball holder can easily turn and switch play with a simple pass. When the players from behind engage aggressively, they block this option, trapping the ball holder and preventing progression.
Gegenpressing. Run backwards to press
Example 1. Dominik Szoboszlai (AM) runs back immediately after losing the ball and presses his opponent from behind.
Gegenpressing 1 Run backwards to press
Example 2. Raphinha and Pau Victor from Barça promptly apply pressure from the back after losing possession.
Avoid the Progression
When the ball holder has more time and space, the players in front must adjust their focus. Instead of direct pressure, they should concentrate on blocking passing lanes. This forces the ball holder to pass backward or wide, reducing their chances of advancing. Meanwhile, the players behind the ball must continue their aggressive pressure. By doing so, they can quickly close down the ball holder and attempt to regain possession. This combined effort of blocking lanes from the front and pressing from behind creates a trap, making it difficult for the opponent to progress and often leading to recovering the possession.
Gegenpressing. Block passing lanes and run from behind
In the situation when the ball holder has more time, Liverpool players in front will close off passing lanes to avoid progression, while the players behind will press aggressively from the back.
Conclusion
Gegenpressing, or counter-pressing, is a demanding tactic that requires team discipline, the right mindset, and precise coordination. Its effectiveness depends on each player’s commitment to their role during the pressing phase. Players positioned ahead of the ball must engage immediately to press the ball holder, while those behind must sprint back quickly. The entire team needs to work together to close passing lanes and prevent the opponent’s progression. By incorporating these principles into training sessions, we as coaches can develop effective pressing habits, making our team quicker to react when possession is lost and better prepared to regain control.
This team principle is part of the Ekkono Method ‘Team Performance Secrets’, developed after 10,000+ hours of analyzing the best world teams. You can watch the full Performance Secret in video in our virtual campus.
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