Relationship between 'Pressing Intensity' & 'Counterpress'

[therealquiz]

Hey,

Long time FM player (CM97/98) but first time poster so apologies if this has been covered.

Can anyone explain the difference counterpress makes to a tactic when your already playing with a high line of engagement and high pressing intensity.

I've got 3 lines of thought on this atm.

1) That it just generates an even more intense press. The pressing equivelent of the 'very attacking' or the old 'overload' mentality.

2) That it increases the pressing intesity of your deeper midfielders and defenders so you play with a high pressing intensity all over the pitch; where as if its unchecked the high line of engagement and high pressing intensity just referes to your forward line.

3) That couterpress activates a high pressing intensity immediately upon loosing the ball and that if the ball is not recovered within a short space of time then your players will revert to pressing intensity you have selected on the on the 'out of possesion' screen (if that makes sense).

Any thoughts are much appreciated.

Edited February 4, 2021 by therealquiz
correcting grammer

[Experienced Defender]

1 hour ago, therealquiz said:

Can anyone explain the difference counterpress makes to a tactic when your already playing with a high line of engagement and high pressing intensity

Counter-press is a transitional instruction, whereas pressing intensity is a regular defensive instruction.

Therefore, counter-press (if selected) applies only in the defensive transition phase. It is the phase of play between the moment you lost the ball and the moment your team has consolidated its defensive shape.

Pressing intensity, on the other hand, applies when the defensive transition phase is over and your players are already back in their regular defensive shape. 

The exact opposite of counter-press is regroup. Instead of trying to win the ball back as soon as they lost it, the instruction tells your players to immediately get back into their basic defensive shape and then defend from there according to your regular out-of-possession instructions.

Of course, you don't have to use either counter-press or regroup. Leaving both unselected can often be the best option actually. 

1 hour ago, therealquiz said:

That couterpress activates a high pressing intensity immediately upon loosing the ball and that if the ball is not recovered within a short space of time then your players will revert to pressing intensity you have selected on the on the 'out of possesion' screen

Yes, exactly that  

NOTE: counter-press applies involves all your players except for those in the back-line. 

[therealquiz]

Thanks for clearing that up. I was hoping that was the case.

Edited February 5, 2021 by therealquiz
typo