The game with player1 passing the ball into the feet of player 2 who then must attack the goal and try to score? If the defenders win the ball they can try to score on the two smal
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 into 2v2
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 into 2v2
15:00
The game with player1 passing the ball into the feet of player 2 who then must attack the goal and try to score? If the defenders win the ball they can try to score on the two small goals. The attacking players can choose to use the other attacker as support. Think about? Attackers
be brave face the defender and take him on. fast feet can you put the defender off bal-ance? Relax on the shot areas of the goal to hit, can you turn? What is the best way to receive the ball?
Defenders
When playing against two attackers you should try to hold the line, What stance should you take?
player1 can join in and offer support from behind, he is not allowed to run past the attackers?
Progressions
Progression
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins
Drill 2 — develop 1v1 into 2v2
15:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 1v1 into 2v2 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 into 2v2
17:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards 1v1 into 2v2. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for 1v1 into 2v2.
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
20yards
20yards
Drill: Collect the Treasure/Cones
Objective: Develop 1v1 skills (attacking and defending) with a focus on dribbling and decision-making.
Setup:
Create a grid (20x20 yards).
Place 10 cones in the middle of the grid, each representing "treasure."
Split players into two teams: Pirates and Defenders.
Pirates start outside the grid with a ball each.
Defenders start inside the grid without a ball.
Instructions:
The Pirates' goal is to dribble into the grid, "steal" a treasure , and dribble back out to the outside without being tackled.
Defenders try to block Pirates and win the ball. If a Defender wins the ball, they pass it out of the grid for the attacker to start again.
Each time will be timed doing the drill and the team that gets all the cones out quickest wins.
Rondo + “Burst Move” (15 mins)
Setup:
grid (10x10m)
2 defenders in the middle, rest on outside
1 ball
How it works:
Outside players keep possession using one or two touches.
As soon as a player passes, they must immediately “burst” into a new space around the edge (not just shuffle sideways), before their foot lands.
Next receiver fills the empty spot, creating a constant flow.
Coaching Points:
Focus on receiving with the back foot, head up.
Pass and move with urgency—don’t watch your pass!
“Burst” movement—push off the standing foot as the pass is played.
Call out “NAME!” every time you pass.
Progression:
Add a second ball for more challenge.
Limit to one-touch passes if appropriate.
Passing/Pressing Mix
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.