Station a target player inside the semi-circle at each end of the area. No outfield player is allowed in this area. Position 4 players on the outside of the area.
Play 3 v 3 inside the area. The team in possession must attempt to get the ball to their target player inside the semi-circle. Once a target player receives the ball, the team on the outside of the area replaces the team whose target player received the ball. All passes must be under head height. The shorter, narrow field ensures players must support at wide angles.
Progressions:
1. The team in possession may play the ball to any of the players on the outside of the area to receive a return pass.
2. All attacking players now have 1 touch only.
in more ways than one
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.