
Setup Mark out a square pitch (size to vary depending on number of players) Use cones to create two small 'safe zones' in opposite corners of the pitch Instructions: Coach acts as 'The Big Bear', and must try to capture the players (successful tackle counts as capture) The players must dribble the ball around the area, attempting to avoid the Bear The players can use a Safe Zone, where the Bear is not allowed to enter or tackle - can only stay in SZ for 10 seconds Once a player is captured, they then join the Bear in trying to capture the remaining players Last player wins Variations: Start with 2 Bears (depending on group size) Reduce the size of the SZ's - limits the players that can hide at one time Make only 1 SZ available
Encourage the players to use the whole of the pitch, spreading out and moving away from each other as much as possible Encourage all players to dribble the ball with their heads up, looking at what's going on around them Encourage players to use both feet to ensure better dribbling and ball retention Ensure the ball is kept close to the player at all times, no hit and run passes.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
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.