Split pitch into 5 sections. Two end zones are 2 v 2 and middle zone is 3 v 3. Two thin zones are safe zones where attackers can drop in to receive passes unchallenged. Play starts to build up from the back. Whenever an attacker drops into the safe zone, one midfielder can move up to the end zone to support the attack creating a 3 v 2. Progress by allowing a defender into the safe zone only once the attacker has taken his first touch.
vision; decision making; quick pressing; limit straight passes; back foot
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.
