pressing U18 soccer drills

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José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)

Exercise used by José Mourinho at Real Madrid, it will allow you to work on counter-pressing in an 8v4 situation with 4 support players. Be sure to close down spaces immediately after losing possession!

Animation: José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)
Mark out a 30x30m area and then place 2 large goals on each width. Then form a team of 4 players and a team of 8 players. The team of 4 positions itself in the area, and the team of 8 places 4 players in the area and 2 players on each length of the field.

The exercise starts with a 4vs4 within the area with 4 players as support. The objective for the team with a numerical advantage is to complete a series of 8 consecutive passes before being able to score. The objective of the defending team is to recover the ball and score without a pass limit.

Upon losing the ball, the players on the sides must quickly close the spaces and press the ball carrier. The idea is to perform a counter-pressing and recover the ball within 6 to 8 seconds after losing it.

The rules of the exercise are as follows: 
  1. The players with a numerical advantage are limited to 2 touches of the ball. The opposing players (the team of 4) have no touch limit.
  2. The team of 8 scores a point for each series of 8 consecutive passes.
  3. The team of 4 scores 1 point if they recover the ball and score on the large goal. If the opposing team recovers the ball within 6 seconds after losing it, they score 1 point.

U17 U18 U19 Seniors

Pressing

Discover our pressing U18 drills

Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play

Possession game in 4 zones with mandatory switch of play

20 min
15-21 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U20
Positional play in 4 zones where the team in possession must maintain a 3v3 (+3 neutral players) and then switch of play to another zone after 8 to 10 passes....
Fast-paced 3v1 play with speed and agility work

Fast-paced 3v1 play with speed and agility work

10 min
4-16 joueurs
Conditioning
Seniors - U17
Quick possession game in 3v1 where the reds must finish in a mini-goal before the central player touches the mannequin....
Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side

Possession game in 3 zones with transitions and numerical disadvantage on the weak side

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
Three-zone possession exercise to work on reactions to transitions, the disadvantage on the weak side, and movements preparing for a potential loss of possession and counter-pressing....
Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball

Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball

20 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
Seniors - U20
Working on ball possession under pressure with immediate reaction to losing possession to strengthen defensive transition and coordinated pressing....
Possession game in 2 zones with role change

Possession game in 2 zones with role change

15 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U15 - U16
Possession and switch of play drill in a three-zone format with role rotation between attackers and defenders....
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The U18 category includes players aged 17-18 years.
Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

Possession game in double zone with coordinated press

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U14
Possession and organized pressing drill in two adjacent zones to work on transition and counter-pressing after losing the ball....
Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player

Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Tactical
U16 - U17
This exercise used by Luis Enrique is ideal for working on communication and anticipation during a press. It is also very easy to set up!...
José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines

José Mourinho's 3v3 with two external zones and passes between the lines

25 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U16
Used at Chelsea, this drill consists of a 3v3 possession game with two external zones. It will help your players work on passing angles and playing between the lines....
Marcelo Bielsa: Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 8v6

Marcelo Bielsa: Build-up play under pressure and switch of play in 8v6

20 min
15-18 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U18
Used by Marcelo Bielsa, this drill, in the form of 8v6 game sequences, is ideal for training your players in build-up play and game construction under pressure....
Marcelo Bielsa: working on build-up play against a high press

Marcelo Bielsa: working on build-up play against a high press

15 min
12-20 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Excellent double circuit used by Marcelo Bielsa, which is ideal for working on build-up play against a high press....
Finding the free player in a 3v1 situation by Marcelo Bielsa

Finding the free player in a 3v1 situation by Marcelo Bielsa

18 min
4-20 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Inspired by an exercise used by Marcelo Bielsa, this drill will allow you to take advantage of a 3v1 situation in the wide areas....
José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)

José Mourinho's Counter-pressing Upon Losing Possession in 4v4 (+4)

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Exercise used by José Mourinho at Real Madrid, it will allow you to work on counter-pressing in an 8v4 situation with 4 support players. Be sure to close down spaces immediately after losing possession!...
Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)

Possession game and defensive-attacking transition in a 6v6 (+ 2)

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U19 - U18
Exercise to work on spacing during the defensive-offensive transition in the attacking third, with this 6v6 possession game including 2 neutral players providing support....
Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square

Double 3v2 with pressing from a central square

15 min
11-15 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - Seniors
In this 3v2 (and 3v3 with pressing), your players will be able to work on coordinated press as well as transition play when losing the ball. Used by Mauricio Pochettino during his time at Tottenham....
Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone

Pressing then possession play in 3 zones by D. Simeone

18 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U18
This exercise on 3 zones by Diego Simeone, used at Atlético Madrid during the 2013/2014 season, is ideal for working on the defensive-to-attacking transition in the defensive third, with a situation of numerical disadvantage....
3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)

3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)

20 min
15-19 joueurs
Small-sided games
U14 - U16
This exercise involves a 6v6 match with 3 attacking jokers on a reduced field. It's ideal for working on movement and decision-making under opponent pressure....
Small group possession in 4 zones

Small group possession in 4 zones

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - U17
4v2 possession exercise with switch of play and attacking-defensive transition that will require a lot of focus and intensity....
Possession game in 4v2 with quick transitions and pressing

Possession game in 4v2 with quick transitions and pressing

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Very dynamic drill in the form of 2 possession games in 4v2 with focus on pressing in tight spaces. Ideal for gradually increasing intensity!...
High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals

High press and quick attacks on 2 small goals

20 min
14-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - U17
Great exercise to train your players in quick attacks following a high press. Offered at Tottenham, it's an ideal small-sided game to end a session....
Possession play and high press in 2 zones

Possession play and high press in 2 zones

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - U17
Used by Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham, this exercise is ideal for working on the high press on the field and quick transitions. Emphasize the importance of executing the press collectively....
Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions

Ralf Rangnick's Possession Game to Work on Transitions

15 min
12-24 joueurs
Small-sided games
U20 - U17
A relatively simple possession drill to set up, but with certain constraints that will allow your players to work on transition play and counter-pressing, initiated by Ralf Rangnick....
Recovery and Switch of Play in an 8v8 on 2 Zones

Recovery and Switch of Play in an 8v8 on 2 Zones

30 min
16-20 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U18
Still based on Positional Play, this exercise allows you to work with your players on quick recovery (gegenpressing) as well as switching play under pressure. A perfect mix!...
Pressing and Gegenpressing: 4vs 2 + 4 in a double grid

Pressing and Gegenpressing: 4vs 2 + 4 in a double grid

20 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
Seniors - U19
The principle is simple: possession in the small central square, then opening up to the large square. In this drill, players learn to quickly transition from defense to attack and from attack to defense. Gegenpressing, or counter-pressing, is an important training objective....
Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation

Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U18
Through a drill with a single goal in the middle of the field, your players work on defensive-to-attacking transitions: pressing and recovery (defensive), circulation and combination play towards attack (offensive)....
Warm-up: Possession with numerical advantage and defensive pressing

Warm-up: Possession with numerical advantage and defensive pressing

15 min
12-16 joueurs
Warm-up
U20 - U18
By creating a numerical advantage situation for the attackers in a small space, your players work on both game awareness, ball movement, and ball retention (attack) as well as coordinated pressing (defenders)....
Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8

Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8

15 min
16-18 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U16
In an 8v8 setup with one team playing without a goalkeeper, your players practice counterattacking and pressing with a numerical advantage, as well as maintaining possession under opponent pressing....
Warm-up: pressing, constrained play and counter

Warm-up: pressing, constrained play and counter

15 min
12-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U16 - U18
Ideal exercise for practicing pressing and playing under pressure, as well as triggering a counterattack upon ball recovery....
Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting

Positioning of Forwards Between the Lines and Shooting

20 min
14-16 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U18
With this exercise, your forwards work on positioning between the lines to provide options in build-up play and attack construction. They also practice shooting....
Build-up and transition in 5v3

Build-up and transition in 5v3

12 min
8-10 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U20
By creating an imbalance with this 5v3, you allow your players to calmly work on the attacking-defensive transition....

Other sub-theme U18 soccer drills

U18 Agility soccer drills

  1. Athletic work in groups of 3 with the ball
  2. The 4 Colors of Unai Emery: Quickness and Reaction Time
  3. Bayern Munich: agility and quickness on a 4-cone run
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U18 Attacking transition soccer drills

  1. Possession with 3 teams and quick transition play
  2. Defending and Delaying in the Final Third in 6v6
  3. Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation
See all

U18 Build-up play soccer drills

  1. Positioned Attack and Offensive Movements (8v8)
  2. Small-sided game in 5v5 by Luis Enrique (+ 1 neutral player)
  3. Build-up play from the goalkeeper and alternating between short passing game and direct play
See all

U18 Circuit soccer drills

  1. Active endurance work in 4 phases
  2. Athletic circuit with ball: passing and agility work
  3. Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
See all

U18 Cognitive soccer drills

  1. Agility and information gathering by color and by team
  2. Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box
  3. 1v1s on small goals with a defender chasing
See all

U18 Counterattack soccer drills

  1. Quick attacks by unbalancing the defense
  2. Warm-up: pressing, constrained play and counter
  3. Pressing and Counterattack Work in 8v8
See all

U18 Counter-pressing soccer drills

  1. Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
  2. Small group possession in 4 zones
  3. Attacking transition: pressing and ball circulation
See all

U18 Defensive recovery / Tracking back soccer drills

  1. Attacking transition of J. Klopp with quick attacks in 6v6
  2. Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacking-Defensive Transition with 1v1 Duels
  3. Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
See all

U18 Defensive transition soccer drills

  1. Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team
  2. "Positional play" in 4v4 + 3 neutral players
  3. 4v4 game with line touch after each goal
See all

U18 Dribbling soccer drills

  1. Warm-up with the ball, dribbling, and slalom
  2. Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)
  3. Switch of play and shooting with a series of 1v1 duels
See all

U18 Duels soccer drills

  1. 11v11 opposition with 2v1 scenarios on the wide areas
  2. Defensive play training for the fullback
  3. Duel Training by V. Del Bosque in 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3
See all

U18 Endurance soccer drills

  1. Athletic and conditioning circuit in 4 sets
  2. Fundamental endurance with an athletic circuit over 3 stations
  3. Aerobic Power Circuit (15–15–30) in Skill-Based Groups
See all

U18 Explosive strength soccer drills

  1. Curved interval training with footwork on a 20-20
  2. Speed Work and 1v1 Duels
  3. Aerobic Power Circuit (15–15–30) in Skill-Based Groups
See all

U18 Fun Game soccer drills

  1. Luis Enrique: Switch of play in a dynamic 3v3 with a neutral player
  2. Agility and information gathering by color and by team
  3. Double 2v2 and Shooting on Full-Size Goal
See all

U18 Gaps soccer drills

  1. Build-up play: finding space between the lines
  2. 3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones
  3. 3-Team Possession Game (6v6 + 3 neutral players)
See all

U18 Motor skills soccer drills

  1. Endurance capacity circuit with ball and motor skills work
  2. Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run
See all

U18 Offensive combinations soccer drills

  1. Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4
  2. Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting
  3. Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
See all

U18 Overload soccer drills

  1. Possession game in 2 zones with role change
  2. Possession game with quick transitions upon losing the ball
  3. Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)
See all

U18 Passes soccer drills

  1. Rafael Benitez Passing Circuit with give and go, opening, and direct play
  2. 6v6 possession game with 2 neutral players and shooting on small goals
  3. Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4
See all

U18 Positional play soccer drills

  1. Offensive combination work between the lines of Pep Guardiola
  2. Warm-up: defensive block and group positioning
  3. Possession game with 3 teams and river
See all

U18 Possession soccer drills

  1. Possession Game by Claudio Ranieri on 4 Mini-Pitches
  2. Jurgen Klopp's possession play with use of the weak side
  3. Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack
See all

U18 Rondos soccer drills

  1. Rondo 8v3 and Passing Accuracy Under Pressure
  2. Short passing game and direct play with support
  3. 7v7 Possession Game with 3 Neutral Players and Gate Passes
See all

U18 Scanning soccer drills

  1. Rafael Benitez Passing Circuit with give and go, opening, and direct play
  2. Combinations with a one-touch play circuit and supporting player
  3. Zonal marking: defensive positioning and team block
See all

U18 Shooting soccer drills

  1. Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2
  2. The arena: protecting your goal with defensive duels work
  3. Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting
See all

U18 Support soccer drills

  1. 3v3 Opposition with Goalkeepers and Neutral Support Players
  2. Short passing game and direct play with support
  3. "Juego de Posición" in possession 9v9 + 2 support players
See all

U18 Transition soccer drills

  1. Pep Guardiola's Transition Work in a 5v5 Across 3 Zones
  2. Possession game and attacking transition with 3 teams of 5
  3. J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions
See all

U18 Using width soccer drills

  1. 3-Team Transition Game: Intense 2v4 Pressing in Zones
  2. Possession play and switching against a low block
  3. Switch of play, possession, and defensive positional play
See all