U14+ Pressing Session
A 90-minute session for U14-U18 squads — building from the press triggers concept to a full 9v9 collective press, ending with realistic match scenarios.
⏱Session timeline
▦Session blocks
Arrival Triangle
0 minTwo-touch constraint from minute 4. U14+ technique can honour it. Set the tone — discipline matters in this session.
Dynamic Dribbling Square (extended)
0 minPre-pressing-session warm-up. Add the 'taggers' progression from minute 8 — bridges into defensive mindset. By minute 12 players are warm and competitive.
Pressing Triggers (refresher)
0 minEven at U14+, refresh the basic press-triggers concept in a smaller-sided format before scaling to 9v9. The principles must be clear before complexity is added.
Collective Pressing (9v9)
0 minThe session's centrepiece. Run all 4 phases. Build in 90-second water breaks between phases. The intensity is real — watch for fatigue-induced poor decisions, not just poor effort.
Conditioned 5v5 (no constraints)
0 minFree play to apply the pressing work. No constraints — just see if the press happens organically when triggers appear. Coach observes and notes for next session.
Reflection Circle
0 minUse the analytical question: 'when did we press well today, and when should we have dropped instead?' Reveals tactical understanding.
◆What you'll need from yourself
Clear demonstrations and high energy. Keep the session moving with minimal queuing, and reinforce one or two key coaching points rather than overloading players with information.
!Common problems
Players standing in queues (set up enough stations to keep everyone active) and the session running too long on one activity (keep blocks tight and move on while engagement is high).