Pressing is a process in which the defending team intends to pressure the opponent which possesses the ball. The idea behind this is to give the opponent less time to create plays and ultimately force the opposing team into turnovers.

To help players understand when and how to press an opponent, the concept of “pressing triggers” can be introduced. These are a set of circumstances that should prompt players to go and press their opponents. Pressing triggers can include a 'bad touch', weak foot, back to goal, hesitation and slow passes by opposing players.