📋 Session Plan · Defending
9v9 Transitions Session
A 60-minute transitions session for U14–U15 squads. Counter-press, counter-attack, and defensive recovery.
⏱Session timeline
10m
15m
28m
7m
▦Session blocks
1
Counter-press rondo
10 min7v2 rondo. On winning possession defenders sprint to a cone and back. Trains the counter-press habit.
2
Transition drill: 5-second rule
15 min9v9. FREEZE called — defending team has 5 seconds to regain. Then drop into shape. Builds both counter-press and recovery shape.
3
9v9 transition game
28 min9v9. Goal within 8 seconds of winning possession = 3pts. Standard = 1pt. Coach announces each transition goal loudly.
4
Review
7 minHow many successful counter-presses vs failed? What made the successful ones work?
◆What you'll need from yourself
Removing FREEZE cue after the first 10 minutes — players should self-trigger on turnovers.
!Common problems
Players pressing for longer than 5 seconds — enforce the drop-into-shape strictly.