Excellent site with easy to navigate pages.
I run a U11 team that is reasonably successful and plays with confidence and spends a lot of the time on the front foot. However we seem to get caught week after week by the simple long ball over the top and would welcome some tips/drills to help the lads improve this part (it's driving me mad!). Thanks in advance.
How to defend in and out of posssesion as a back 3
Any suggestions for coaching the defences at attack from flanks?
How can we defend the through ball from a faster team?
Team keep getting thrashed every week - where to start? Having been the sole coach/manager of a little league team for the past two years, this year I lost all my senior players. I was therefore presented with 10 brand new lads, some of whom have never played competitive football. We are 8 games in and my lads are getting thrashed every week. The main problems are that they cannot get the ball out of their half, positions are usually a mess, finishing and chance creation are non-existent, and they don't apply any pressure or are unable to tackle. The main problems are keeping the ball as a team, getting it in the opponents half and staying there, and creating/finishing chances. I only have 1 and a half hours a week with them. I don't really know what to do, and I'm a little desperate. Does anybody have any advice? Thanks for literally anything.
Hi has anyone got any advice on drills to help with the transition of 7v7 to 9v9 ? also what are your preferred formations please ? thanks
wish to change my team shape has been said best formation to understand is a 4231 shape
I have a fantastic group of U12's (9 a side), who I encourage to play with the ball on the floor, quick passing football. We are a very attacking minded team, but that is our weakness - we need to remember that we do not have 8 strikers.Does anybody have any drills or tips for making sure that midfielders remember midfield?
Hi, My team plays in a mini soccer league which is 7v7. Whats the best formation to play in the environment. We have played 2-3-1 all season but i was looking at 3-1-2 this season using the left and right backs as wingers aswell. Any one got any thoughts? Cheers
defending the long ball
I am coaching 11 7 to 8 year olds what is the best way to teach them about positioning
in more ways than one
The coaching methodology revolution sweeping grassroots football - and how to implement it at your club this season.
Why the best coaches in 2026 are measuring intensity, not just running drills - and how you can do it without expensive technology.
Why Barcelona's favourite training exercise should be in every coach's toolkit - and how to run rondos that actually transfer to matches.
Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.