| Session length | 60 minutes, breaks included |
|---|---|
| Suggested group | 8–14 players |
| Space | Several 20 × 15 yard areas |
| Equipment | Balls, bibs, flat cones; secure any goals before use |
Your practice, minute by minute
- 0–8minutes
Arrival game
Let players join a small game as they arrive. Observe the theme before giving instructions. Use extra fields to keep teams small.
- 8–18minutes
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 ↗ - 18–28minutes
Stop-start escape
The attacker briefly slows or stops the ball, then accelerates into one of two exit gates. Reset roles after each short attempt; defenders progress to controlled pressure.
Open setup & variations ↗ - 28–38minutes
Two-gate 1v1 attack
The attacker scores by dribbling through either gate under control. If the defender wins the ball, they counter over the opposite line. Switch roles after each attempt.
Open setup & variations ↗ - 38–43minutes
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.
- 43–57minutes
Final game
Play a normal small-sided game. Look for ball mastery decisions without requiring a particular number of passes. Rotate teammates and roles.
- 57–60minutes
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
Check that protection leads to a next action. A player who can escape or connect a pass is learning more than one who simply stands over the ball.
Adapt for U9–U10
Let players solve an initial round before intervening. Add one opponent or one decision at a time. Connect the theme to their small-sided match format without fixing children in one role.
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 SIMPLEUse close control and body position to retain the ball without holding an opponent.
Practical suggestions to adapt to your players. This resource has not received independent coach or referee review. How our content is prepared.