Excellent site with easy to navigate pages.
hello ive got a under 10s team im trying to make them pass and move and get the player who has the ball support we are playing seven a side at the moment i play 3-2-1
My team has just moved up to youth football 11 aside. Our defence is solid and our forwards skillfull and quick but we seem unable to win the ball in midfield. Our midfielders watch what is happening hoping the opposition midfielder will mess up, rather than attacking the ball. Encouragement from the sidelines does not seem to help. Can you suggest some training drills.
my under 13's dont attack the ball at corners, we lose a lot of goals because of it.
Hi, My team plays in a mini soccer league which is 7v7. Whats the best formation to play in the environment. We have played 2-3-1 all season but i was looking at 3-1-2 this season using the left and right backs as wingers aswell. Any one got any thoughts? Cheers
HI all, how can I prepare an annual training plan for football under 15 aged athletes? If you have a sample plan please attach it to your answer. Thanks!
With my U16 team, I often like to use high presses throughout matches and have scored a number of goals as a result. The problem is, often the triggers are only recognised by a few of the players, leading to a failed press. Obviously I will have to work with them on recognising press triggers, however how can I help improve the overall team shape after a press has failed? For example, say 3 players; a left midfielder, centre midfielder and centre forward in a 4-3-3 have attempted a press in the opposition's right back position. The press has failed and now the team is 3 players short and facing a counter attack.
My under 10's defenders keep getting caught forward when the opposition counter attack and we concede goals because we don't get back quick enough. How can I improve this please?
specialised training exercises o help for counter attack philosophy
Does anyone have any suggestions for how to break the go straight ahead mentality? I saw a coach implement a system where he has a counter in his hand. Passes equal 1pt, Passes back to a defender is 3 pt and a pass back to the keeper is 5. This was done in a scrimmage with the team having some sort of number of points needed per half. Has anyone ever seen this?
When my team attacks the near the opposing teams 18 box, we always seem to give the ball away to the other team and my midfield is never covered adequately. What is the best way to balance trying to attack but still maintaining shape from a defensive standpoint?
I'm coaching a u23 development squad and due to the nature of them bringing eligibility rules this year, we have a squad of variable quality. Any tips/drill/s plans around effectively coaching 433 would be awesome.
Can any fellow coaches help with ideas for drills to improve my team's ability to counter attack from the back?Thanks,Coach Jack
closing down shooting angles in 1v1 situation
is that an effective plan to counter attack
Hello all! My kids aged 9 and 7 are very slow when compared to their peers of the same age. They don't seem to fight for the ball and get and watch others play their game. They seem to lack the urgency (heart) needed for the game. (They LOVE football). How can make them move around and react faster. Any help you are able to provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks O
Hi I have quite a large squad (11) for my U9s team. Sometimes not all of them turn up but when they do managing the substitutions can be a nightmare. Have tried planning it out and making 3 subs on a rotation every 6 or 7 minutes. This works OK, just wondered how others do it? Thanks! Asked using Sportplan Mobile App
How to best combat through balls
My Under 9 team keeps starting games slowly. Normally by half time they are just getting switched on and playing like they can. What's a good pre-match warm up to get them switched on and ready to go right from kick off?
Does anyone have any suggestions for how to break the go straight ahead mentality? I saw a coach implement a system where he has a counter in his hand. Passes equal 1pt, Passes back to a defender is 3 pt and a pass back to the keeper is 5. This was done in a scrimmage with the team having some sort of number of points needed per half. Has anyone ever seen this?
Hi all, I've just started coaching a soccer team of 4 and 5 year olds and would like to discuss with my fellow coaches any drills which you have found to be safe, fun and valuable to the younger age group. I have my level 1 course under my belt and have difficulty in applying what I've learnt to the small kids. They get bored very quickly and are only interested in playing a match at the end of the session. They have no interest in passing the ball or shooting at goal whilst doing drills. Running with the ball is no problem as they are keeping active and all have a ball at their feet. As soon as they line up or have to share a ball, there are problems. I have a variety of drills which I run through with them, traffic lights, robin hood, alamo, sharks and fishes to name a few with variations of each but I crave more as everywhere I search caters for U6 upwards. I coach an U8 side midweek and have no problem with these lads as they are that bit older and have a greater level of concentration. (not by much mind). So I'm asking for advice from anyone who has coached 4 and 5 YOs and would like to know what has worked for you. PM replies welcome. Marc
in more ways than one
The coaching methodology revolution sweeping grassroots football - and how to implement it at your club this season.
Why the best coaches in 2026 are measuring intensity, not just running drills - and how you can do it without expensive technology.
Why Barcelona's favourite training exercise should be in every coach's toolkit - and how to run rondos that actually transfer to matches.
Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.