Counter Pressing

 A Coaching Playbook Featured Session

Practice Type: Technical Practice

Learning Objective: Counter Pressing + Ball Retention After Winning It

Session Outcome: Players react immediately after losing possession to regain the ball.

Layout

• Age: U14s - Adults

• Number of players: 12 - 16

• Duration: 12 - 20 mins 

• Equipment: Balls, Cones, Bibs

• Organisation: Quarter Pitch - Half Pitch

• Description: 8 Vs 8

Session Plan

• Coaching Points: React immediately, Provide cover behind, Secure the first pass & Work together

• Coaching challenge: Press immediately after every turnover

• Common Error: Players stop after losing possession

• Progressions: Add neutral player

• Regression: Reduce the playing area

• Coach Intervention Questions: Who is leading the press? Can your first touch help your next action?

Tactics Board Breakdown 

Real World Examples