
6 players = 4 red, 2 black 1 ball Set up a long but narrow pitch approximately 15m x 30m, with a goal at either end. Divide pitch length ways into three equal zones using flat disk markers. The two outer zones are for the red team and the red team and the middle zone is for the black team. Attackers and defenders must stay in their own zone. The ball starts at one end of the pitch with a red player. The ball must be crossed through the black teams zone to the red team on the other side. The ball is worked down the pitch by continuing to cross the ball. Rules Attackers can only go for goal once ball is crossed 3 or more times. If black team intercept ball, the ball must return to the start. Once a goal is scored, 2 of the red team swop with the 2 black players. If the ball is intercepted by the black team more twice, 2 players from the red team swop with the 2 players from the black team. Progression: One player from the balck team is allowed in one of the red teams zones. Progression 2: Defenders can now move anywhere on the pitch.
Strike ball firmly with inside part of toe of shoe. weight should be over the ball.
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.