Blues (defending team) set up as 3-3-1-1 and reds (attacking team) set up as 3-4-2.
Red team instructions - attack goal as normal but if red striker drops and recieves ball in orange box, they can continue to attack the goal with 4v3.
Blue team instuctions - attack and defend as normal but if red striker receives ball in orange box red midfielders cannot defend beyong the yellow line.
Midfield screen the deepest striker.
Defenders only step in if they can win the ball.
If defender steps, other 3 defenders narrow and deepen.
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.