
Make a grid area with two even sides. In the middle, use poles to separate the top grid from the bottom grid. The objective here is to defend high balls, either using a header or a volley. Adjust the grid for the amount of players you have. The player with the ball must throw the ball over the middle line of poles in to the opposition grid. If the ball hits the floor they will score. Points: Ball thrown from one side and hits the floor on the other side - 1pt The ball is either headed or volleyed out of the grid by the defending team (before it hits the floor) - 1pt defending team If the ball if caught, no points, continue play. If the ball is headed or volleyed over the middle poles and hits the floor on the other grid, 5 pts will be scored. The drill encourages attacking the ball before it bounces or hits the floor. The throws from the team in possession must be ligitimate throws
Heading the ball first time Directional headering and volleying
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
Deliberate heading is now out of U11 grassroots matches. Here is how to coach chest, thigh and foot control so your players still win the ball in the air.
Long-range goals doubled at the 2026 World Cup as teams sat deep. Here is how to coach when to shoot from distance, the technique, and the follow-up.
Under FutureFit, your Under-9s stay at 5v5, your Under-11s stay at 7v7 and your Under-13s stay at 9v9. Same pitch, same numbers, one more year. Here is how to make sure that year feels like a step forward rather than a repeat.