Set up a 10 x 10 area fish tank (any shape you see fit - diamond, square, circle, etc) and set up small goals on the outside.
Have 4 players on the outside of the fish tank with a ball each.
1 player in the middle without a ball.
The players (fishes) on the outside try to go across the tank without the player in the middle (shark) taking their ball. If the player in the middle takes the ball he/she tries to play it outside the area into one of the goals.
Work on the basics of defending with the player in the middle.
Get him/her to choose which player to try to defend against and then work to isolate this player.
Get sideways on and show away from escape routes.
Keep a low centre of gravity and move on mainly the toes, keeping heels of the ground so reacting to turns and changes of pace becomes easier.
On winning the ball look to play quickly into the goals by playing the way your facing, or quickly turning out to play into another goal. Do not give opportunity for the attacker to win their ball back.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
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.
Most 1v1s are lost in the first second, when the defender rushes in and dives. Teach your players to slow the attacker down, take away the dangerous option and pick the right moment, and they will win far more of them.
The FA's FutureFit framework lands this season, bringing a 3v3 entry format at Under-7s. Here is what actually changes on a Saturday morning, and how to coach it well.