1 Player A tries to play the dribble past the player B who is only allowed to defend in front of the cones. After the dribbling player A crosses into the middle, where 2 players wa
1v1
U11-U12Up the StepsFoundation60 mins6–14 playersProgressive load1v1Defending
Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.
Session flow
8m
15m
15m
17m
5m
Arrival · 8 mins
Warm-up — 1 on 1 on the Wings
8:00
Players arrive into a ball-rolling activity linked to the session theme.
Organisation: Small grids / mini pitches ready before players arrive.
Coaching points
Smile, connect, set the learning intention early.
High ball rolling from the first minute.
Progressions
Add directional constraints.
Regressions
Reduce pressure / enlarge space.
Technical · 15 mins
1 on 1 on the Wings
15:00
1 Player A tries to play the dribble past the player B who is only allowed to defend in front of the cones. After the dribbling player A crosses into the middle, where 2 players wait to shoot at goal. By turn start from left and right. Variations Semi-active defenders (see training tips).
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins
Drill 2 — develop 1 on 1 on the Wings
15:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 1 on 1 on the wings under pressure. Rotate roles often.
Organisation: SSG pitch with clear scoring / constraints linked to the theme.
Coaching points
Reward the theme with the scoring system.
Protect transition moments both ways.
Use guided discovery questions in natural stoppages.
Progressions
Shrink space / add a live defender.
Regressions
Unopposed patterns first.
Game · 17 mins
Drill 3 — game for 1 on 1 on the Wings
17:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards 1 on 1 on the wings. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for 1 on 1 on the wings.
Help a teammate who is stuck.
Celebrate effort, not only goals.
Progressions
Remove the condition when the theme is secure.
Regressions
Neutral helper / overload.
Plenary · 5 mins
Review & cool down
5:00
Players share one learning from the session against the intention.
Organisation: Circle with the ball.
Coaching points
Listen to teammates.
Name one success.
Related drills
Drill 93
Pulse Raiser — 4 minutes
30 seconds each on the spot x 2
Light jog
High knees
Heel flicks
Around the outside of the grid:
Side steps left
Side Steps right
Open/close the gate
Skips with arm swings
Quick feet
Come into the grid:
Jog with little direction changes
2) Dynamic Mobility — 4 minutes
Moving around the grid, avoiding each other - Do each for 20–30 seconds:
Walking lunges
Reverse lunges
Side lunges
Hamstring sweeps (touch the grass)
Knee hugs
Heal & Toe Walks
Quad Stretch (partner if needed)
Ankle bounces
Shoulder rolls and arm swings
Torso twists
3) Activation, Sharpness, Reactions – 4 minutes
Jogging around the grid, on coaches call:
Jump and head
Low clap
Up high clap
Change direction with a 2 second sprint
Squat – Jump (with soft landing)
Quick Feet (sprint on spot)
Shuffle Left/Right/Back (American Shuffle)
4) Touch/Mastery – 6 minutes
Players on the outside have a ball (at feet or in hands)
Players on inside must run to people on the outside and ask for the ball then return it as described by coach – after returning they must run to someone else and do the same.
3 minutes each, switch after 3 minutes.
Ball on floor, 1-2-1-2 pass. (30 seconds)
Ba
Setup:
2 IP players in each box
Rest players in centre box – 2 press at a time
2 passes before moving ball on
Progress to 1 pass needed before moving on
IP Objective:
Pass the ball around the outside using all the space
round the outside
OP Objective:
2 people covering each “box” and pressing as soon as
the ball enters their box
When ball leaves your “box” go back into centre and
rest
Pressing
Setup:
3 IP players in each box
Rest of players in the X between the boxes
IP Objective:
Pass the ball around the outside using all the space
round the outside
OP Objective:
1 person presses the box and rest covering the passes
between
When ball leaves your “box” go back and cover while
someone else presses
Progressions:
2 passes max in each box
2 touch max
2 people can press
Coaching points:
IP:
- 1st touch in right direction
- Make your mind up before you receive the ball
OP:
- When covering make a good decision
Do we press with a straight run or do we cover with
a Curved run?
Pressing
Setup:
3 IP players in each box
Rest of players in the X between the boxes
IP Objective:
Pass the ball around the outside using all the space
round the outside
OP Objective:
1 person presses the box and rest covering the passes
between
When ball leaves your “box” go back and cover while
someone else presses
Progressions:
2 passes max in each box
2 touch max
2 people can press
Coaching points:
IP:
- 1st touch in right direction
- Make your mind up before you receive the ball
OP:
- When covering make a good decision
Do we press with a straight run or do we cover with
a Curved run?
Pass quickly
½ touch