Bring the players together at the end for games against each other. Create a single pitch in the playing space, but with two small goals at each end (to encourage players to pass the ball to score rather than shoot). Make teams of no more than 5 to ensure players have enough space to play. Make each team wear different coloured bibs. Roll teams on and off after either two goals or 3-4 mins (whichever comes first). If the defending team choose to place a player directly infront of each small goal (making it impossible for the opposing team to pass the ball past them) either introduce a 30 second sin-bin for the offending player or create a small zone around each goal which the defending team cannot enter.
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.
