Attacker starts in the middle square and has to try and get himself into a clear âsafe zoneâ (blue squares), he will so this by changing direction and dribbling at speed to get into space, keeping the ball close and under control. the Defenders are not allowed in the attacking zone but have to try and shut off the space so the attacker canât go where he wants to.
Watch for quick under control dribbling into the space. If there is a change of direction from the attacker can he get away quickly and leave the defender standing. Once the attacker has got himself into a safe zone 2 times he will then swap with a defender allowing that player to have a go.
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.
