If GK claims a cross, or shot, and we have numbers back, here is one way we might look to counter.
Female defender shows wide, to try and pull an opposing player out with her and create space for the approaching midfielders.
Male defender might consider checking out wide and then back centrally, to draw an opposing player, and/or be available for an easy pass to feet.
Midfielder who is already wide can look up the line
Midfielder who is more central should look to attack the opposite channel upfield
Midfielders shuold look first to recieve a short ball, before the midfield, and if that ball is not available, continue towards the attacking third, in space. One midfielder should stay within the defensive half, or at least centrally, to look for an outlet, or a second pass from a defender.
Forward should be finding open space and trying to occupy the last defender
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.