
Create two connecting areas about 20x20 each. Set cones about 6 yards outside each area for the green defenders. Assign one attacker (red) that begins in one of the areas. The coach (yellow) plays the ball to the attacker who then takes 2-4 dribbles. The defender nearest the area with the attacker will pressure the ball once the coach plays the ball. The defender is applying light pressure not aiming to win the ball. Once the attacker is under pressure, they will play the ball back to the coach then open up to the other area to receive the ball back. When the attacker opens up to the other area, the defender will drop off and be a cover defender, while the other defender pressures the ball in the other area. Play continues with the attacker returning the ball to the coach and opening up to the other area. Rotate defenders and attacker after several repetitions.
The pressure defender needs to drop immediately when the attacker gives up the ball and moves. The cover defender needs to be alert and ready to react and move into the area to become the pressure defender as attacker receives the next ball.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
Four Halloween-themed games sneak a full warm-up, finishing, rondo and small-sided game into one junior football session this week.
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.