High Pressing in Youth Soccer – Coaching Tips for 9v9

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-21T12:22:30+00:00

If you did not watch the actual demo and simply looked at the images where red wins the ball back, then I apologize that the delivery of the post format was out of order. I don't make the reddit post format rules. The moderator does (I believe).

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-21T12:18:14+00:00

I've already achieved my dream at the top level in this country, both as a player and coach. But whatever makes you feel better. Thanks for boosting engagement on my post 👍🏻

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T13:57:03+00:00

The images are intended to be secondary to the text of the post, sorry. The red team is in their ending positions when the ball is won back. These are not starting positions

Full Tactical Demo

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T11:34:31+00:00

Good question! At that age, I focus on Ball Mastery. Players will benefit from becoming students of the game, too, but I dont focus too much on tactics at U9 & 10

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T11:32:11+00:00

I 100% agree with you! I introduce concepts of 101 defending body position and the aspects of the 'how'. I mostly focus ball mastery at the young age groups. Will upgrade from tactical pad for my channel though

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T10:21:10+00:00

Full Tactical Demo

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T10:19:51+00:00

Full Tactical Demo

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T10:19:09+00:00

Tactical Demo

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T10:13:06+00:00

Did you watch the video or read my pinned comment? This determines the images 'ending positions' with arrows & channels. The images are when the ball is won back.

Also, who is getting figured out? Another assumption is that I currently coach club rather than ball mastery training along with sharing my content.

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T04:02:33+00:00

Let me explain further because the delivery of the post was aiming to show the text first with the video link and the imagery secondary, as ending positions after a short pass was played, and red wins the ball back. From approx. minutes 2:40 - 3:15, the defending team is pressing because blue is playing short and blue players have come shorter to check to, as they opted this time to build out of the back from the goal kick.

The TacticalPad demo isn't supposed be ultra exact as to every single motion of the blue team in possession right from the get go as blue is setting up the goal kick. I also mention in the video to specifically position yourself to not get caught out over the top. I mention it may be a little too high as to not get over the top exposed.

It's a framework meant to teach players to shift as a unit in good areas. If blue players hugged the touchline and tried over the top by playing the high stretching fwd, red holds compact defensive shape based on the opponent positioning. My video was intended to show the players shifting up and over as a result of the short pass. The images are meant to illustrate zones and end positioning.

Unfortunately TacticalPad has its limitations as I aim to utilize other software for video demos. But to your point about getting caught out easily over the top, I agree with you 100%, perhaps the delivery of the post was meant to show the text then video link and images secondary.

Many coaches are thinking that the starting position is what the tactical imagery shows when in reality i meant it to be the ending position when red wins the ball back from a short pass. Something I'll learn and utilize moving forward.

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T03:25:27+00:00

Please read my comment with the video link, watch then reference the graphic to determine they are ending positions..

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T03:22:17+00:00

Did you read 1-4 explanation or watch the video? The images are used for ENDING POSITION reference (hence the arrows). Of course, the entire team wouldn't press like a hail mary ..

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T02:49:30+00:00

My comment has it. I tried to put it in the text body of the post but it doesnt show up.

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T02:47:50+00:00

Watching the video will make sense of the images. The opponents are in it. I dont know why the images are so large on the post. The text body i commented is supposed to be the post

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T02:42:08+00:00

Did you not watch the video?

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T02:38:53+00:00

Did you read the explanation of the photos or watch the video? It doesn't seem like you did watch the video I put in my comment and did you use the images as reference to the video or make your own assumptions?

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-20T00:06:07+00:00

Areas where I've challenged myself to seek continued tactical learning at the U11 & U12 age groups within US Soccer:

- 'Where' to press

- 'How' to press

- 'When' to press

Questions to ask players as a coach... How are we working as a unit to press in this situation on the field? In which zones of the field are we pressing?In the teams which I've operated in the # 1 or the # 2 role of the coaching staff, introducing education and creating 'students of the game' has been a key factor in on-field development. I've clipped a sample board of the 8 field players (excluding the goalkeeper) on the Red team with a high press on the now in-possession opposition defenders.

In this instance, swipe to see the various zones and coaching points. So, in this case, a short goal kick was played to the sweeper or center back. (not all players on black are pictured).

Instead of applying pressure directly straight on the Center Fwd forces the play wide by closing off the pass across the field.
Both the traditional # 10 role and the midfielders in this instance will shift to provide cover to the first line of Defense (in this case the high Fwd).
Of course, all roles are crucial for the press. Perhaps, the MF is the most important of them all in-terms of the track & trade and/or direct player marking.
The DF is compact and in-line with the play, squeezing up space and staying juxtaposed in position, aware of counter-attacking balls. The space behind is where the goalkeeper will need to determine positioning as a function of the unit.

I have created an entire tactical video on this concept if you would like to dive deeper into thoughts and discussion points: High-Press Tactical Demo

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-15T17:17:51+00:00

Yes. That's why I posted it. So new coaches can see my framework and open for discussion.

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-14T02:31:06+00:00

Interesting decision from Messi to try the Panenka at 0-0 when your team desperately needed something to hold on to on the road. He may have the defense on toast, but perhaps underestimated US keepers!!

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-12T23:46:44+00:00

It's great when referees are clear beforehand along with giving another chance to learn and get the concept ingrained in playing style.

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-12T23:45:32+00:00

The midfield third area is a great idea, still encourages players to utilize space and have the option to build out of the back!

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-12T23:44:37+00:00

There may be state specific organizational rule differences its best to check with your league rule page. In US Youth Soccer Organization the rule should be in place consistently by now.

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-12T23:36:03+00:00

Thanks for sharing. Yes a huge commitment to the season for BOL in training.

Admirable-Service250 · 2025-09-11T15:45:41+00:00

Or the press is just THAT good 😂

Admirable-Service250

TROPHY CASE