TRANSFORM YOUR TEAM'S SEASON WITH PROFESSIONALLY PLANNED SESSIONS
Use our expert plans or build your own using our library of over 700+ drills, and easy-to-use tools.
JOIN NOW
I need help with defensive sets and communication. I coach U13 and I am having trouble devising a dril which gets them communicating but mostly helps get them more aware of their own defensive line. I still have boys who are very ball focussed and I need them to start looking up and down their line and the other teams to make sure they are numbered up and there are no holes. Any ideas?
Peter
You are right to be thinking about getting them to communicate in defense. I have written a simple and easy practice for you which I have attached. You can develop this by mixing up the numbers or by getting the coach to use a ball as a way of moving the attackers and then throwing the ball in to start the attack.
The key is that the defenders are reacting to the movement of the attackers and having to both look and communicate with each other as the attackers shift from left to right.
Good luck and I hope this helps you.
Simon

in more ways than one
Tacklers are aiming lower, so carriers who dip late put heads at risk. Teach footwork, a strong early body height and leg drive to win the collision safely.
The hooker's brake foot moved from trial into full law in July 2026. Here is how to coach it so your front row stays stable, legal and safe.
Your players can pass beautifully in a warm-up grid. Then a defender closes, their lungs are burning, and the ball goes to ground. Here is how to build catch-pass skills that hold up when it matters.
Use our expert plans or build your own using our library of over 700+ drills, and easy-to-use tools.
JOIN NOW