CLUBHOUSE / FALL 2026
GAME MODEL & PRACTICE

Pressure the ball carrier

Club game model · 11v11 / 4-3-3

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TEAM PRINCIPLEBuild pressure on the ballSUB-PRINCIPLE

Pressure the ball carrier

The nearest defender closes space under control.

Required player actions

  • The ball-side winger accelerates while the pass travels, then slows to arrive balanced.
  • #9 or the near interior shapes the approach to remove the most dangerous forward lane.
  • The nearest fullback closes a wide receiver with inside cover and stays ready to react to the next touch.
COACHING QUESTION

Can you reduce time without being eliminated?

View example practices
Preventing build upAttacking half
12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Blue wash: Attacking half · Gold box: Ball-side pressure and supporting cover · Gold rings: key roles

Blue plays toward the top goal. The shaded area identifies the phase; supporting roles may sit outside it. All 22 players retain their 4-3-3 positions.

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EXAMPLE PRACTICES

Pressure the ball carrier

22 players · 11v11 · 4-3-3

Arrive as the fullback receives

12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Starting picture · Blue: Northbridge · Sand: opposition · Gold rings: focus players · White dot: ball

A starting picture for the practice, with the focus players highlighted. Both teams keep their 4-3-3 roles; movement and decisions develop through live play.

Organization

11v11 on a full pitch with two regulation goals, normal offside and both teams in a 4-3-3. Restart with the opposition left centre-back able to pass to their left-back, pivot or goalkeeper.

Practice task

#7 reads the pass and closes the left-back with a fast approach and controlled arrival. #8 supplies inside cover; #9 screens the return route that the team has agreed to protect.

What to observe

The receiver has less time to face forward, and #7 remains able to respond to a pass or dribble.

Progression

Vary the receiver's first touch and starting height, then let the opponent choose either fullback.

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Club-authored practice examples applying this sub-principle. Adapt pitch dimensions, bout lengths and challenge to the players; the source framework is for U13-U14.

Related sub-principles

Adapted from the supplied U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework · U13-U14 Game Model and Learning Plan, pp. 29, 34. Definitions are summarized; specific player responsibilities, coaching questions and practice examples are club applications. Not an official U.S. Soccer product or endorsement.