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📋 Session Plan · Pressing

7v7 Adult Pressing Session

A 60-minute pressing session for adult amateur squads. Builds counter-press, mid-block press, and the 5-second rule as a weekly habit.

Duration60 min AgeU16–adult Players14 FocusCounter-press, 5-second rule, mid-block press habit
ABCDDDD

⏱Session timeline

12m
20m
20m
8m

▦Session blocks

1

Counter-press rondo

12 min

5v2 rondo. On losing possession the outer players counter-press — 5 seconds to win it back. If they don't: reset. Count how many times the counter-press works per 5-minute block.

2

5-second press rule 7v7

20 min

7v7 in a 40x30 grid. On losing possession: 5-second press. If not won: drop into mid-block shape. Award 2pts for turnover in opposition half. The 5-second rule enforces the habit.

3

Full-intensity 7v7 press game

20 min

Same rules but at full intensity. No coaching — just competition. Coach observes. Debrief afterward.

4

Debrief

8 min

Count how many 5-second presses succeeded vs failed. What made the successful ones work? Players answer.

◆What you'll need from yourself

Trusting the 5-second rule to do the coaching. Don't intervene during the game — the constraint teaches. Intervene only in the debrief.

!Common problems

Players continuing to press after 5 seconds. Enforce the reset strictly in the first block. If they don't drop into shape, stop play and reset from scratch.

?Frequently asked questions

What age group is 7v7 Adult Pressing Session suitable for?
This session is designed for U16–adult. Adjust pitch size, ball size and numbers to suit your squad if they sit outside this range.
How many players do I need for 7v7 Adult Pressing Session?
This session works well with around 14 players. With fewer, reduce group sizes or rotate players through the blocks; with more, run extra stations so everyone stays active.
How long does 7v7 Adult Pressing Session take?
Allow around 60 min in total for this session, including the warm-up and main blocks.
What does 7v7 Adult Pressing Session focus on?
A 60-minute pressing session for adult amateur squads. Builds counter-press, mid-block press, and the 5-second rule as a weekly habit.

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