
This exercise focuses on defending the final 3rd. The attacking team also get to practice quickly getting the ball into areas that allow goals to be scored. The attacking team start with the ball on the edge of the marked area (just larger than the 18 yard box and just wider). Which can be adjusted for the number of players. The aim for the attacking sid eis to string 5 passes together and then shoot as quickly as possible The aim for the defending team is to win the ball. The defending team have successfully won the ball when they can win the ball and play a pass to their team mate. When the defending team have accomplished this 3 times the teams swap from attacking to defending.
The main focus of this execise is winning the ball by defending in unison. Key points being: 1. Communication 2. Forcing the attacking team into areas (i.e. away from goal, specially as they approach and following the 5th pass) For the attacking team: 1. It's about setting up the play to be in the best position to shoot after the 5th pass. Ideally the 6th touch would be the shot 2. There are plenty of player actions that need to be executed by both teams in order for this to be successful. Not least: - positioning - communication - body positioning - anticipation - completing the pass and the next movement to support or make space
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.