| Session length | 75 minutes, breaks included |
|---|---|
| Suggested group | 10–16 players |
| Space | Several 25 × 20 yard areas |
| Equipment | Balls, bibs, flat cones; secure any goals before use |
Your practice, minute by minute
- 0–10minutes
Arrival game
Let players join a small game as they arrive. Observe the theme before giving instructions. Use extra fields to keep teams small.
- 10–22minutes
Side-on shielding and release
Keep the ball within playing distance, place the body between the opponent and ball, then release through a free side of the square. Swap roles after 15 seconds.
Open setup & variations ↗ - 22–34minutes
Turn away from a chasing defender
Before reaching the cone, the attacker turns toward either side exit. The defender tries to win the ball cleanly. Change roles after each run.
Open setup & variations ↗ - 34–46minutes
1v1 with a supporting passer
The attacker may dribble past the defender or combine with the neutral to reach an end gate. Change all three roles every minute.
Open setup & variations ↗ - 46–52minutes
Drinks and transitions
Distribute this time between activities. Add further breaks whenever players or conditions require; shorten activities to keep the session within its planned length.
- 52–72minutes
Final game
Play a normal small-sided game. Look for ball mastery decisions without requiring a particular number of passes. Rotate teammates and roles.
- 72–75minutes
Player reflection
Ask each pair to share one useful decision and one thing to try next time. Gather equipment together and follow the team’s pickup procedure.
Your coaching focus
Look for players who can slow down without losing the ball. Offer them a new direction before asking for more speed.
Adapt for U11–U12
Ask players to explain the options they saw. Build pressure gradually, rotate responsibilities, and finish with a game in which the coaching theme can appear without a forced passing rule.
If attendance or space changes
- With fewer players, keep the same theme and use pairs or 2v2 instead of waiting for a full team.
- With more players, duplicate a field or station rather than adding a long queue.
- If an activity is too hard, use its easier variation before changing the entire session.
- Treat these timings as a plan, not a requirement to continue when conditions are unsuitable.
After practice
Write down one example of the theme appearing in the final game and one obstacle players encountered. Repeat the useful activity next week with a small adjustment. A familiar game can reveal progress more clearly than a completely new session.
KEEP IT SIMPLEGive every player repeated chances to stop, move, and turn with their own ball.
Practical suggestions to adapt to your players. This resource has not received independent coach or referee review. How our content is prepared.