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Pressing in a way that blocks passing lanes while closing down the ball. Instead of running straight at someone, you angle your approach to cut off their options and force the ball where you want it to go. If you're in someone's "shadow," the ball can't reach you. It makes pressing efficient because you don't need a player marking every possible receiver - one presser can cut off multiple passes with their body shape.
Roberto Firmino was celebrated for his cover shadow technique at Liverpool - when pressing the opposition centre-back, he'd shape his body to block the pass to the holding midfielder, forcing the ball wide where teammates could trap it.
Robbie
Jan 28, 2026
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