West Ham United opened up the London Stadium this week for a full first-team training session, giving supporters and photographers rare close-up access to the squad as they prepare for upcoming fixtures. The gallery captures high-intensity drills, set-piece practice, goalkeeper work and tactical briefings under the watchful eye of the coaching staff, offering a snapshot of fitness levels and tactical tweaks ahead of matchday. With fringe players pushing for minutes and new recruits integrating into the group,the session provided clearer clues about selection and shape – and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments for fans to inspect. Scroll through the images to see the Hammers at work on their home turf.
Session Breakdown and Tactical Objectives at London Stadium
At London Stadium the session was carefully segmented to maximise sharpness ahead of the next fixture, with coaches alternating intensity and focus across the hour. The opening period concentrated on dynamic warm-ups and technical repetition, followed by targeted ball-possession phases designed to replicate match scenarios.Key segments included:
- Dynamic warm-up (15 mins) – mobility, short passing and core activation to prepare for high tempo work.
- Positional rondos (20 mins) – tight spaces to encourage quick feet and rapid transitional reactions.
- Patterned build-up (20 mins) – working full-back overlaps and midfield third combination play.
- Set-piece rehearsal (15 mins) – both offensive and defensive routines with clear marking assignments.
Tactically, the staff emphasised compact defending, rapid vertical transitions and exploiting the flanks to stretch opposition blocks. Coaches used situational constraints to reinforce pressing triggers and recovery responsibilities, aiming for a coherent team shape in and out of possession. Primary tactical objectives were highlighted as:
- Trigger-based pressing – collective engagement once the ball enters the wide half-space.
- Fast transition – immediate forward movement on turnover to exploit space between lines.
- Defensive compactness – reducing gaps between midfield and back four.
- Set-piece organisation – clearly defined roles for both zonal and man-marking scenarios.
| Phase | Drill | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Build-up | 3v2 wide | Penetrate final third |
| Press | Trigger boxes | Win high up |
| Defend | Compact block | Delay attacks |
Standout Player Performances and Fitness Assessments with Coaching Insights
Match-intensity drills at the London Stadium delivered measurable standouts – the kind of individual displays that catch the eye of both supporters and staff. Jarrod Bowen led the attack with sharp, incisive movements and finished the session with three shots on target and a high-intensity sprint count that topped the day; Kudus impressed in transitional play, completing 92% of progressive carries and showing increased sharpness in tight spaces; James Ward-Prowse dictated tempo from midfield with a standout passing sequence and two risky set-piece deliveries. Observers noted a mix of endurance and explosiveness across the squad, with younger players pushing for minutes and established figures demonstrating match-readiness through cleaner decision-making under pressure.
Fitness data and coaching feedback were integrated in real time,shaping the afternoon’s follow-up work and individual load management. Key takeaways from the technical team included targeted aerobic maintenance for wide players and controlled intensity for those returning from knocks – all aimed at optimising availability for the upcoming fixture.
- Recovery focus: hip mobility and low-impact bike work prescribed for late-session recovery.
- Tactical tweak: compact pressing intervals introduced after lunch to sharpen coordinated triggers.
- Player targets: bespoke sprint-volume caps for rotation candidates to reduce fatigue risk.
| Player | Fitness | Coach note |
|---|---|---|
| J. Bowen | 94% | Ready – maintain sprint load |
| Kudus | 90% | Increase tactical reps |
| J.Ward-Prowse | 92% | Set-piece polish, light recovery |
Set Piece Drills and defensive Shape Adjustments with Practical Recommendations
Sessions at the London Stadium concentrated on sharpening routine and reactive set-piece work, blending repetition with match-realistic pressure. Coaches ran compact circuits that emphasised clear roles: attackers timed runs, defenders occupied zones, and the goalkeeper dictated line movement. Practical recommendations included short, high-intensity bouts to simulate fatigue and decision-making under stress – for example, rotate players every 10-15 minutes and alternate between offensive and defensive responsibilities so everyone practices both delivery and blocking.Key drills used in the session were:
- Corner hybrid – mix zonal and man-marking to practice switches and blindside runs
- Wall & keeper coordination – blocking lanes, quick recovery and vocal leadership
- Short-corner counter – to rehearse immediate transition and marking at speed
| Drill | Duration | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Corner hybrid | 15 min | Timing & positioning |
| Wall & keeper | 10 min | Interaction |
| Short-corner counter | 8 min | Transition speed |
Defensive shape adjustments were broken down into simple, repeatable cues so the backline could adapt without losing structure: compress inside channels on opposition switches, maintain staggered staggered line to protect the box, and assign a free runner for late arriving attackers. Coaches recommended clear, pre-agreed triggers for shape change – a long diagonal, a second-phase cross, or a late substitution – and stressed the importance of visual landmarks (near post, six-yard line) for alignment. Practical tips from the session included short micro-sessions on recovery runs, a focus on stagger and distance (two steps between center-backs, one step to the nearest full-back) and using match clips during the cooldown to highlight correct vs. vulnerable setups so players leave the pitch with concrete corrective actions.
Training Intensity, Recovery Protocols and Preparations Ahead of the Next Fixture
Under the watchful eye of the coaching staff the training week was carefully modulated, with sessions built around targeted intensity windows rather than blanket high-load days. GPS and heart-rate metrics dictated the length and intensity of drills – short, sharp pressing sequences and conditioned small‑sided games alternated with controlled build-up work – ensuring players sharpened match-specific fitness without overreaching.subtle periodisation meant younger squad members picked up extra minutes in contact drills while senior starters focused on tactical rehearsals and set-piece clarity; injury-prevention routines and bespoke mobility work were woven into warm-ups to protect squads as the fixture approached.
recovery was treated as a tactical priority: sports science staff layered modalities to accelerate readiness and reduce soreness,with individual plans adjusted after each session. The final 48 hours featured a concise, restorative program – light activation, tactical walkthroughs and sleep optimisation – to deliver freshness on matchday. Key elements used across the group included:
- Cryotherapy & contrast baths
- Hydrotherapy circuits
- Active recovery and physiotherapy
- Nutrition, supplementation & rehydration
- Sleep monitoring and personalised rest plans
- Short tactical walkthroughs and set-piece polish
In Conclusion
The open session at the London stadium offered supporters a clear snapshot of the Hammers’ preparations as the squad builds toward upcoming fixtures. For a fuller view of the drills, individual work and team patterns on display, see the full training gallery and follow the club’s official channels for the latest updates and squad news. With training wrapped, attention now turns to matchday as West Ham move from preparation to performance.