8v4 in a 40m x 20m rectangle divided into four areas, in each section there is a 2v1. The attackers have one player who stays in the middle. The four defenders change places with f
2v1
U11-U12Up the StepsFoundation75 mins6–14 playersProgressive loadAttacking1v1
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
20m
20m
22m
5m
Arrival · 8 mins
Warm-up — 8v4 with many 2v1's
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 · 20 mins
8v4 with many 2v1's
20:00
8v4 in a 40m x 20m rectangle divided into four areas, in each section there is a 2v1. The attackers have one player who stays in the middle. The four defenders change places with four attackers every 4-5 minutes. The attacking team must visit all 4 square on a possession before they can launch an attack on the goal. If the defenders win the ball they can attack the goal, once they win the ball they are allowed to leave the boxes to support the attack. Think About
Good first touch essential to control the ball and opens up the play. Crisp passing along the ground with inside of foot. Support players move off the ball must help player in
possession. High tempo: don't dwell on the ball unnecessarily. Use feints and one-twos to open up space. Pass to the closest team-mate wherever possible.
Progressions
Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 20 mins
Drill 2 — develop 8v4 with many 2v1's
20:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 8v4 with many 2v1's 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 · 22 mins
Drill 3 — game for 8v4 with many 2v1's
22:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards 8v4 with many 2v1's. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for 8v4 with many 2v1's.
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
3v3+3 (+5 with coaches)
3v3 inside the circle with bounce players on the outside
2 touch If possible
Which team of 3 can get the most passes
Movement to get into position after passing
Players outside cant be tackled but passes can be intercepted
2 teams inside playing “keep-ball”
Players on the inside split into 2 teams.
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”
As soon as possession changes outside players switch allegiance.
Communication
1 touch from outside
Switch teams from outside to replace inside team when ball is lost.
3v3+3 (+5 with coaches)
4v4 inside the circle with bounce players on the outside
2 touch If possible
Which team of 3 can get the most passes
Movement to get into position after passing
Players outside cant be tackled but passes can be intercepted
2 teams inside playing “keep-ball”
Players on the inside split into 2 teams.
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”
As soon as possession changes outside players switch allegiance.
Communication
1 touch from outside
Can you get the ball from coach to coach multiple times?
4v4 + coaches
Rondo Variation
Square with 3 teams
- 2 teams inside playing “keep-ball”
Players on the inside split into 2 teams.
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”
As soon as possession changes outside players switch allegiance.
Communication
1 touch from outside
Switch teams from outside to replace inside team when ball is lost.
Make a circle with roughly half players outside and half players inside.
Players on the inside split into 2 teams.
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”
As soon as possession changes outside players switch allegiance.
Communication
1 touch from outside
Switch teams halfway through and bring outside players inside.
Rondo Variation