Set up a line of defenders on both sides of your 18 yard box and two lines of attackers roughly in line with the edge of the center circle.
On the coach's call the attackers should sprint towards the goal. At the same time the defender should run out and try to do the following:
This drill replicates how first defenders should run out and defend against an attacker who is bearing down on goal.
Repeat several times on both sides. All players should have a go at defending as defending is everyone's responisbility on the pitch and starts from the front the moment your team loses possession!
Encourage defenders to run out quickly but not to over commit!
Adopt a surf position when defending, mirror the attacker and try to channel them away.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
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.
Most 1v1s are lost in the first second, when the defender rushes in and dives. Teach your players to slow the attacker down, take away the dangerous option and pick the right moment, and they will win far more of them.
The FA's FutureFit framework lands this season, bringing a 3v3 entry format at Under-7s. Here is what actually changes on a Saturday morning, and how to coach it well.