Green Light

Objectives: Recognize and execute the six pressing triggers collectively; curve-press to steer wide; jump lines behind the press. Serves 2.3/2.4.
Field: 60×44yd, two big goals, GKs. Equipment: goals, bibs, balls, coach's green/red cards (optional visual aid early).
Organization: Both teams play normal directional soccer with one overlay: goals scored within 10 seconds of a trigger-initiated regain count double. Coach (early sessions) flashes green when a trigger occurs — later, players must call it themselves ("GREEN!"). Triggers reviewed on a board pre-session.
Coaching points: (1) First presser sprints on the trigger and curves to kill one side; (2) second defender presses the next pass before it's played; (3) everyone else jumps a line — compactness travels with the press.
Progressions: Remove coach's calls (players own it) → restrict to two nominated triggers to sharpen recognition → 10v10 on 3/4 field.
Regressions: Freeze-replay the first trigger of each half to walk the picture · possession team plays with an extra player (more triggers occur).
Common mistakes: Players: one hunter pressing alone (a solo press is a self-pass to their free man); pressing the ball but leaving the easy out. Coaches: coaching effort ("press harder!") instead of cues — the trigger list is cognitive, teach recognition.
Timing: 25–30 min as main block. Expected outcomes: Audible player-called presses; double-goals from regains; opponents forced long.
Variations: "Trap Tuesday" — only the touchline trap counts double (2.4.5) · block-to-press version: teams start in mid-block, may only press on triggers.
Diagram description: Standard pitch rectangle; snapshot moment of a back-pass trigger — striker's curved pressing run arrow, winger jumping to the fullback, midfield line shifted up, far-side winger tucked centrally.