Exercise focuses on defensive structure & quick feet. Players work in group of 4 (as shown on picture) Coach passes to one of zone (for example in the middle zone) Central back moves forward to receive the ball, makes a pass back to coach using 1 touch. Rest of defenders are working on structure. Central back moves to his right and right back moves to his left to cover free zone. Left back moves to the right to cover central back's zone Make 3-4 passes for one group. Then group moves forward to white cones. Then they start to run high knees. Second coach shouts the colour, players have to react, sprint to cone and back. Always high knees running behing white cone. 4-5 reaction sprints
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.
