Setup Width of the 18 (44 yards) x 50 yards Setup 3 zones, two end zones of 15 yards and 1 middle zone of 20 yards Place big goals at the end of the field (if you do not have big goals use mini-goals) Space balls around field to play throw ins if ball goes out on sideline Make sure each team has an equal number of midfielders (can be 4, 3, or 2) depending on numbers Teams should have an extra defender than other teams attacker but if not possible you can have even numbers Rules To start teams must play the ball through each zone in order to progress to the goal and score In beginning players must stay in their own zone Touch limit to start 2 touch in defensive third 3 touch in middle third unlimited in attacking third Progressions You Can Add One player can travel offensively and defensively into zone with ball Two or more players can travel offensively and defensively into zone with ball If ball is played from middle third into defensive third the ball then can bypass middle third into attacking third If ball is played back into a zone the ball can now be dribbled into next zone Add touches for each zone and build up to unlimited Eliminate zones and finish with free play game or touch limit game in same area
Coaching Points Focus on midfield shape in regards to getting pressure on the ball and forcing opponent to play backwards and not turn Midfield playing passing lanes and not just man marking Midfielders finding early outlet passes when creating turnovers
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
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.
