Split the groups into 4 and put the attackers on the inside cones and the defenders on the outside. The coach plays the ball in front of the attacker who must aim to dribble throug
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 Running onto the through ball.
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 Running onto the through ball.
15:00
Split the groups into 4 and put the attackers on the inside cones and the defenders on the outside. The coach plays the ball in front of the attacker who must aim to dribble through one of the sets of cones before shooting at goal. The defender has to track back and attempt to regain the ball and make a clearance. Look for Quick acceleration, can you escape, can you get a across the defender. Questions
What direction would you want your fist touch to go? How can you shake off the defender?
What is the best way to make a regain in this drill?
Progressions
Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins
Drill 2 — develop 1v1 Running onto the through ball.
15:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 1v1 running onto the through ball. 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 Running onto the through ball.
17:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards 1v1 running onto the through ball.. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for 1v1 running onto the through ball..
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
Fun Races Warmup (dribbling/passing)
Dynamic Warmup:
Forward Zig Zag through, running technique over “hurdles” then round cone. – COLLECT CONE FROM END AND BRING TO START
Run alongside cones putting doing quick feet touching both feet in between each cone , running technique over “hurdles” then round cone. X2 – COLLECT CONE FROM END AND BRING TO START
Backward Zig Zag through, running technique over “hurdles” then round cone. – COLLECT CONE FROM END AND BRING TO START
2 footed hop, running technique over “hurdles” then round cone. – COLLECT CONE FROM END AND BRING TO START
With ball:
Forward Zig Zag through dribbling ball close to feet, leave ball and jump hurdles – COLLECT CONE FROM END jump back over hurdles and dribble ball back to next player
Fun Races Warmup (dribbling/passing)
Final Races:
Dribble ball round end cone and bring all the way to back and pass through whole teams legs back to front player so they can go X3
Whole team turns round moves backwards, must pass ball through everyones legs to front player who joins the back and repeats until they reach finish line.
20yards
20yards
Drill: touches
Setup: Use cones to create a grid (20x20 yards). Each player has a ball.
Instructions:
Stand in between cones do 10 skills then go find another ball
- toe taps
Tik toks
Then dribble round and go through as many gates as possible
Add defenders that don’t tackle but have to stand in the gates stopping people going through them
Key Coaching Points:
Keep the ball close.
Heads up to avoid collisions.
Use different parts of the foot (inside, outside, sole).
GOAL
GOAL
GOAL
GOAL
Dribbling & Protecting:
Yellow Team trying to dribble through as many goals as possible and get as many points as possible
Blue Team defenders must use their ball to knock yellow teams balls away and reset them to zero goals
Few rounds see how can get the most points
Rotate defenders
Notes:
Each time defender wins ball or the ball passes halfway switch to opposite end with the other team starting with possession
Yellow team:
Objective is for inside player to receive the ball and dribble passed half way line or pass to opposite end, can bounce ball back to starting player as many times as needed.
Coaching Point:
Can we get tight – arm out touching the player at all times
Always be behind the player so that you can see both players and the ball
Blue team:
Stop the yellow player reaching half way.
HOW?
- Get tight to the player and don’t allow a turn
- Make sure you can see both players and the ball at all times
Defensive Principals 1.3 (1v2)
2nd (Covering) player.
Can always see player and ball
Expect the first player to get beat and mark the through ball
Which way is 1st defender trying to force the defender? Is my position correct?
If 1st defender gets beat then press
Movement to cover
1st Defensive player.
Press the ball – prevent the turn
If defender turns and breaks out then 2nd defender presses and I become covering player