Last updated: 3 August 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Makin, FA Level 2 Football Coach
Pressing is the tactic of immediately and collectively applying pressure to the ball-carrier (and nearby passing options) the moment possession is lost, attempting to win the ball back quickly and high up the pitch. Introduced widely by Arrigo Sacchi and later systematised by coaches including Juergen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, pressing requires intense co-ordinated movement and high aerobic fitness. Metrics like PPDA (passes allowed per defensive action) are used to quantify pressing intensity.
Key points
- Collective pressure on ball after losing it
- Aims to win ball back high and quickly
- Popularised by Klopp, Guardiola
- Measured by PPDA (passes per defensive action)