Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.
Session flow
6m
11m
11m
12m
5m
Arrival · 6 mins
Catch the rabbit (U5-U6)
6:00
Fun ball each activity linked to pressing triggers. Lots of touches, short queues, coach joins in.
Organisation: Half of a 5v5 pitch; 1 ball each to start.
Coaching points
Big smiles, lots of praise.
Keep the ball close when moving.
Eyes up when you can.
Progressions
Add a soft challenge or tagger.
Regressions
Bigger space, slower demo.
Technical · 11 mins
Practice picture — Pressing triggers
11:00
Simple game that repeats the picture of pressing triggers with light opposition.
Organisation: Small grids or channels; rotate roles every 60–90 seconds.
Coaching points
Show me the picture with your body.
Try again quickly after a mistake.
Use both feet when you can.
Progressions
Add a mini-goal or end zone.
Regressions
Remove the defender / add a helper.
Skill · 11 mins
Drill 2 — develop Pressing triggers
11:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve pressing triggers under pressure. Rotate roles often.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches so everyone is playing.
Coaching points
Play forward when you see space.
Help a teammate who is stuck.
Celebrate effort, not only goals.
Progressions
Shrink space / add a live defender.
Regressions
Unopposed patterns first.
Small-sided game · 12 mins
Drill 3 — game for Pressing triggers
12:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards pressing triggers. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for pressing triggers.
Help a teammate who is stuck.
Celebrate effort, not only goals.
Progressions
Remove the condition when the theme is secure.
Regressions
Neutral helper / overload.
Plenary · 5 mins
What did we learn?
5:00
Players share one thing they tried. Coach links back to the theme in kid language.
Organisation: Circle with the ball.
Coaching points
Listen to teammates.
Name one success.
Related drills
Pressing
Setup:
2 IP players in each box
Rest players in centre box – 2 press at a time
2 passes before moving ball on
Progress to 1 pass needed before moving on
IP Objective:
Pass the ball around the outside using all the space
round the outside
OP Objective:
2 people covering each “box” and pressing as soon as
the ball enters their box
When ball leaves your “box” go back into centre and
rest
Pressing
Setup:
3 IP players in each box
Rest of players in the X between the boxes
IP Objective:
Pass the ball around the outside using all the space
round the outside
OP Objective:
1 person presses the box and rest covering the passes
between
When ball leaves your “box” go back and cover while
someone else presses
Progressions:
2 passes max in each box
2 touch max
2 people can press
Coaching points:
IP:
- 1st touch in right direction
- Make your mind up before you receive the ball
OP:
- When covering make a good decision
Do we press with a straight run or do we cover with
a Curved run?
Pressing
Setup:
2 IP players in each box
Rest of players in the X between the boxes
IP Objective:
Pass the ball around the outside using all the space
round the outside
OP Objective:
1 person presses the box and other covers pass
When ball leaves your “box” go back and cover while
someone else presses
Progressions:
2 passes max in each box
2 touch max
2 people can press
Coaching points:
IP:
- 1st touch in right direction
- Make your mind up before you receive the ball
OP:
- When covering make a good decision
Do we press with a straight run or do we cover with
a Curved run?
Pressing/Quick
Passing
Warmup:
Players in Pairs, standing opposite each other with a ball in the middle.
One player runs and performs 1-2 pass then shuttles back
Other player then repeats
Coaching Points:
Focus on the quality of the pass – especially when you get out of breath and gassed.
Player not running times the pass to get to them as they return to the middle
Pressing Warmup