1v1 in the centre The players are in teams of 6 and work in the squares. A player stands in each corner and three of these players have a ball. The fourth player does not have a ba
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 — 1v1 in the centre
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
1v1 in the centre
15:00
1v1 in the centre The players are in teams of 6 and work in the squares. A player stands in each corner and three of these players have a ball. The fourth player does not have a ball and acts as the first receiver. None of the players can move more than 2m in either direction of the cone. The two players in the square are numbered 1 and 2 Attacker and defender.
The attacker can move anywhere he likes and use any of the players from one of the three balls, collecting a pass.
On receiving the ball the attacker has to find the corner player who is free while the defender tries to take the ball.
The drill continues for 2 mins then the middle 2 are replaced.
the players on the outside dribble slowly around making sure each side is covered.
Progressions
Progression
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins
Drill 2 — develop 1v1 in the centre
15:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 1v1 in the centre 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 1v1 in the centre
17:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards 1v1 in the centre. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for 1v1 in the centre.
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
Pressing
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
Make a circle with 8/9 on outside in bibs and 2 more inside
On the inside we have 7 non bibs
Bibs/Non Bibs
Objective is to make as many passes as you can, whichever team is in possession can use the players on the outside for “bounce/wall passes”
Outside players team with 2 in the middle to keep the ball, if the 7 inside win the ball they keep it from the centre 2 while they press quickly to win it.
Communication
1 touch from outside
Bounce passes/half turn inside
Switch 2 centre players often.
Rondo 11v7
Setup:
2 IP players in each box
2 OP players in each “small box”
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
6v6 w/ centre goal:
6v6 whole pitch
Score points by passing through the square in the middle and receiving at the other end
Defensive team:
Can we press and win the ball
Can the Player on the line cut out the “line-breaking” pass
Offensive team:
Keep the ball comfortably with the overload
Make the pass to the spare player and receive it back for a goal