Win it, play forward early, support the runner. Timed phases for a 60-minute U11-U12 session.
Ball-each or light rondo that previews counter-attack transitions. Raise intensity gradually.
Organisation: Arrival grids as players arrive; continuous ball supply.
Coaching pointsDirectional game with a clear condition that makes counter-attack transitions the easiest path to success.
Organisation: Pitch size matched to age; bibs and multi-ball restart.
Coaching pointsIsolated repetition of the key action for counter-attack transitions, then rebuild toward the game picture.
Organisation: Lanes or grids; 1–2 coaches / helpers feeding balls.
Coaching pointsOpen or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from the theme.
Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; keep balls ready.
Coaching pointsPlayers answer: What was the theme? When was it hardest? What will you try next match?
Organisation: Team huddle.
Coaching points1 2 3 Setup – 2 queues facing a goal each, everyone with a ball. Players from each queue alternate who’s go it is. Player scores in goal directly in front then immediately defends the second goal – player from alternate queue will be attacking. Retrieve ball and join the other queue to keep ball rolling. Reactions/Transition - How quick can you defend? Attackers – go as soon as they’ve shot/been tackled Intensity, always on toes and ready to go Ball must hit net - Should be - fun, engaging, exciting, high tempo 1v1 rolling, attack/defend
Use in creator1 Setup – 1 queues facing a goal each, everyone with a ball. Player scores in goal directly in front then immediately defends the goal – player next in queue will be attacking. After defending Retrieve ball and join the other queue to keep ball rolling. Reactions/Transition - How quick can you defend? Attackers – go as soon as they’ve shot/been tackled Intensity, always on toes and ready to go - Should be - fun, engaging, exciting, high tempo 1v1 rolling, attack/defend (simplified for u7s)
Use in creatorScenario Attackers: We’ve just won the ball and are now counter attacking The ball has came from our third to the LWB or RWB who are at half way We want to attack using width and we want our WB and CM to utilise the switch if necessary We want forwards getting into the box along with the WB on the side which doesn’t have the ball Scenario Defenders: Under pressure from counter attack Protect the middle and shift/left and right to protect the goal/box When the ball is won the goal is to play it out and “pass” it into one of the goals. Hold Middle Utilize Switch When ball is going into box, one attacks it one goes edge 5v4 initially DEF: GK & 3 CBs ATT: ST, 2xCM, 2x WB (2 teams)
Use in creatorScenario Attackers: We’ve just won the ball and are now counter attacking The ball has came from our third to the LWB or RWB who are at half way We want to attack using width and we want our WB and CM to utilise the switch if necessary We want forwards getting into the box along with the WB on the side which doesn’t have the ball Scenario Defenders: Under pressure from counter attack Protect the middle and shift/left and right to protect the goal/box When the ball is won the goal is to play it out and “pass” it into one of the goals. Hold Middle Utilize Switch When ball is going into box, two attack it one goes edge 7v7 DEF: GK, 3 CBs, 2x WB, 1xCM ATT: 2xST, 3xCM, 2x WB
Use in creator
