Field size 25x40 yards (depending on age and how athletic the players are). 2 Teams of 6 players (Team white and Team blue). In turns, 3 players from each team play one on one to 3
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 against 1: Game to 3 Goals
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 against 1: Game to 3 Goals
15:00
Field size 25x40 yards (depending on age and how athletic the players are). 2 Teams of 6 players (Team white and Team blue). In turns, 3 players from each team play one on one to 3 small goals. All 3 pairs play at the same time. Goals can be scored in all of the opponents 3 goals. Change after max. 1 min play. Which team scores more goals? Coaching Offense: Ability to assert oneself. Feints (dummy). Change of rhythm.
Defence: Quick forward attack. Pick up the forwards tempo. Tackling on the ball. Avoid standing frontally to the opponent.
Variations
Play the first ball high or low. See variation possibilities for 1 against 1.
Progressions
Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins
Drill 2 — develop 1 against 1: Game to 3 Goals
15:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 1 against 1: game to 3 goals 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 against 1: Game to 3 Goals
17:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards 1 against 1: game to 3 goals. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for 1 against 1: game to 3 goals.
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
8v4 3 team game. (Barcelona Game).
8v4 3 team game. (Barcelona Game).
Set up three teams of 4 in different bibs
Two teams attack the goals and play against each other.
The third team acts as neutral team and plays for who ever has possession of the ball.
Relax when we have the ball. You have a massive overload. Spot the opportunities to play one touch.
Progression
Teams play 8v4 with defending team needing to win the ball and then being able to attack the team which had possession must then defend.
Look to make the pitch as big as possible when in possession. The four defenders need to work together to regain the ball
Technique when passing and moving the ball (to feet or space). Take the ball into space away from pressure.
Setup:
2 goals facing each other around 25yds
Objective:
1v1
Challenges:
X passes to O
Immediately press making a 1v1
O tries to score
Swap places after 1v1
Coaching points:
- Defensive principles – side on, recover quickly, press and cover, good communication
- Change of pace, direction, feints.
1v1
Setup:
2 goals to score in
X plays ball in
O tries to score
Objective:
1v1
Challenges:
X passes to O
Immediately press making a 1v1
O tries to score
Swap places after 1v1
Coaching points:
- Defensive principles – side on, recover quickly, press and cover, good communication
- Change of pace, direction, feints.
1v1
Game:
- Attacking team starts from half way each time balls is out of play
- Both teams get chance at attacking
Pass must go between the lines (offside trap)
5 points for corners
GK/Defenders:
Ball to half way goals to score