Counterpressing

Applying pressure immediately after losing the ball is called counterpressing or Gegenpressing. Thus the team does not beat retreat during the defensive transition. Instead, all players chase the ball. Therefore, they can avoid opposing counterattacks and are able to win the ball back quickly. Moreover, by pressuring the opponent immediately after them gaining ball possession, the counterpressing team can take advantage of the relatively disorganized opposing formation and create own counterattacks. The points of reference for a counterpressing strategy can vary. There are space-orientated, passing lane-orientated, duel-orientated, and ball-orientated counterpressing approaches.