Comparison · Academy

Playing Through vs. Around the Press: Breaking Down Defenses

Playing Through the Press involves short, intricate passing to bypass an opponent's high pressure, maintaining possession in tight spaces. Playing Around the Press, conversely, uses longer passes or quick transitions to circumvent the pressing lines entirely, exploiting space behind them.

By TheBoxPredict Research·Oct 1, 2026· 7 min read

Playing Through the Press

Coach

Short definition

Progressing the ball with short passes and close control through an opponent's pressing lines.

Primary use

When a team has technically gifted players comfortable in tight spaces and wants to dominate possession, systematically dismantling an opponent's defensive structure. Think of a Barcelona under Guardiola, meticulously passing their way up the pitch.

Playing Around the Press

Coach

Short definition

Bypassing an opponent's pressing lines with longer passes or quick, direct play into space.

Primary use

When facing an intense, high press and needing to quickly relieve pressure, or when a team has fast attackers and wants to exploit space left behind an aggressive defense. A classic example would be Leicester City's title-winning side, hitting teams on the break.

Side-by-side comparison

Criterion	Playing Through the Press	Playing Around the Press
Definition	Progressing the ball with short passes and close control through an opponent's pressing lines.	Bypassing an opponent's pressing lines with longer passes or quick, direct play into space.
Core Mechanism	Intricate passing patterns, quick one-twos, and individual dribbling in congested areas.	Long diagonal balls, quick switches of play, or direct runs into open channels.
Primary Goal	To disorganize the press by drawing players in and then creating passing lanes behind them.	To avoid the press entirely by exploiting the space it leaves vacant.
Risk Profile	Higher risk of losing possession in dangerous areas due to tight spaces.	Lower risk of losing possession in your own third, but potentially less control of the ball.
Player Attributes	Requires excellent close control, passing accuracy, and tactical awareness from multiple players.	Demands strong long-range passing, aerial ability, and quick, intelligent runs from attackers.
Tactical Context	Favored by possession-based teams who want to control the tempo and build attacks methodically.	Often used by teams looking for rapid transitions or those facing a very aggressive, high press.

Advantages · Playing Through the Press

Maintains high possession and control of the game's tempo.
Can create numerical overloads in advanced areas once the press is broken.
Often leads to aesthetically pleasing, intricate football.
Disorients opponents, forcing them to expend significant energy pressing.

Advantages · Playing Around the Press

Quickly progresses the ball into dangerous areas, creating immediate scoring chances.
Minimizes risk in defensive areas by moving the ball away from pressure quickly.
Can exploit physical advantages or speed of attackers.
Effective against aggressive, high-pressing teams who commit many players forward.

Limitations · Playing Through the Press

Requires highly technical players and significant training to execute reliably.
High risk of turnovers in dangerous areas if execution is poor.
Can be slow to progress the ball, allowing opponents to regroup.
Vulnerable to counter-pressing immediately after losing possession.

Limitations · Playing Around the Press

Can lead to a loss of possession if long passes are inaccurate or not controlled.
May result in less control over the game's tempo and fewer sustained attacks.
Requires specific player profiles, like target men or fast wingers, to be effective.
Can be predictable if used too often, allowing defenders to anticipate long balls.

When each is useful

Reach for Playing Through the Press when

Reach for Playing Around the Press when

Real football examples

Let's look at some real-world examples to really nail this down. Take Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. Their default setting is almost always Playing Through the Press. You'll see their centre-backs, like Rúben Dias or John Stones, split wide, with Rodri dropping deep. Opponents push up, trying to hem them in. But then it's a flurry of quick, short passes – a one-two between a full-back and a midfielder, a sharp turn from Bernardo Silva in a tight pocket, a pass into Kevin De Bruyne's feet. They draw defenders in, then suddenly a gap appears, and they're through, often creating an overload in central areas. The aim isn't just to keep the ball, it's to disorganize the opposition with possession and precision.

Playing Through the Press vs Playing Around the Press explained

Now, flip that to a team like Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid, especially against a possession-dominant side. They might often opt for Playing Around the Press. If an opponent commits numbers high up the pitch, Atlético won't try to out-pass them in their own box. Instead, you'll see a quick, long ball from a defender like Stefan Savić or a deep-lying midfielder, aimed directly at the channels for Antoine Griezmann or Álvaro Morata to chase. The idea is to bypass the entire midfield press, getting the ball into dangerous areas as fast as possible, often leading to a direct shot or a quick cross. They're not looking to intricately build; they're looking to exploit the space left by an aggressive press, turning defense into attack in just a few touches.

Another example of Playing Around the Press would be Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool during their peak years. While they could certainly play through, their 'gegenpressing' often led to quick turnovers. Once they won the ball back, particularly in their own half, they weren't always looking for a slow build-up. Instead, a rapid pass from Fabinho or Jordan Henderson could instantly launch Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mané into open space down the wings, completely bypassing the opponent's defensive structure that was still recovering from its pressing phase. It's about recognizing where the space is and getting there quickly, rather than meticulously constructing an attack.

Frequently asked questions

?Can a team use both methods in the same game?

Absolutely. Elite teams often switch between these approaches based on the opponent's pressing intensity, the scoreline, and even the specific phase of play or area of the pitch they're in. Adaptability is key in modern football.

?Which method is 'better' for a team?

Neither is inherently 'better'; it depends entirely on the team's philosophy, player personnel, and the opponent they are facing. A team with technical midfielders might prefer playing through, while a team with fast forwards might favor playing around.

?Does 'Playing Around the Press' just mean hoofing the ball long?

Not necessarily. While it can involve long clearances, it's more strategically about bypassing pressure. This could be a precise diagonal pass to a winger, a quick switch of play, or a direct pass into an attacker's feet in space, rather than just aimlessly kicking it.

?How does 'pressing intensity' relate to these concepts?

A high pressing intensity from the opponent makes 'Playing Through the Press' riskier but potentially more rewarding if successful, as it creates larger spaces behind the press. Conversely, high pressing often encourages 'Playing Around the Press' to avoid the immediate pressure.