now we set up an area replicating half a pitch. if one is avalable use this if not create one as best you can. split the group up into three. two attacking groups and one defending group. one attacking group will start with the ball in the centre of the pitch. the other attacking group shall start on the wing without the balls, with the defending group stood to one side with 1 defender taking up a defensive position in the middle of the area.
the attacker with the ball will pass it out to the attacker on the wing. the attacker on the wing will progress with the ball towards the middle of the pitch creating space on the wing for the attacker in the middle to run behind and overlap. the attacker with the ball must decide to either run with it past the defender in the middle or wait for the over lapping run and pass it to the overlapping attacker for them to run with the ball and put a cross in.
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.