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Win by one.

Win by one

The basic rule of the game is that you can only win by one goal. The game begins as a normal 4 v 4 game with the usual rules. When a goal is scored, the team that scored must just

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U15-U16 Game-related Advanced 65 mins 8–14 players Game tempo Transition
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Practice timer

65:00

Pitch layout
Players Ball Pass / movement Cones / markers

How to use this session

  1. Set the learning intention before players arrive.
  2. Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
  3. Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
  4. Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.

Session flow

Arrival · 8 mins

Warm-up rondo — Win by one.

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.
Whole game · 18 mins

Conditioned game — Win by one.

18:00

Directional game with a condition that makes win by one. the easiest path to success. Multi-ball restarts.

Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; bibs.

Coaching points
  • Recognise when win by one. is on.
  • In possession: create and use space.
  • Out of possession: organise early.
Progressions
  • Tighten space or add a scoring bonus for the theme.
Regressions
  • Add a neutral / bounce player.
Part practice · 18 mins

Win by one.

18:00

The basic rule of the game is that you can only win by one goal. The game begins as a normal 4 v 4 game with the usual rules. When a goal is scored, the team that scored must just try and keep possession and can't score into the goal. If they do, the goal is disallowed and a goal kick ensues. If the other team then equalise and make it 1-1, either team can then score to make it 2-1. The team leading then just has to keep possession. This is an excellent possession game and also allows a team to play out time by keeping possession, which is why I limit the game to just 5 minutes. As well as possession, teams also have to attack with speed when needing to score and the game also focuses on transition.

Organisation: Balls: 10; Bibs: 4; Cones: Y; Goals: 2

Coaching points
  • Stay player-centred: ask before telling.
  • Keep ball rolling time high.
  • Connect the practice to the game picture.
Progressions
  • Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.
Regressions
  • Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Game · 16 mins

Transfer game — Win by one.

16:00

Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from win by one..

Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch and numbers.

Coaching points
  • Catch them being good when the theme appears.
  • Manage challenge vs success live.
Progressions
  • Remove all conditions.
Regressions
  • Reintroduce the theme condition for 3 minutes.
Plenary · 5 mins

Review & cool down

5:00

Players share one learning from the session against the intention.

Organisation: Team huddle.

Coaching points
  • Link back to Four Corners and next session.

Related drills

1v1 rolling, attack/defend

1 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 creator

1v1 rolling, attack/defend (simplified for u7s)

1 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 creator

Drill 178

Game: 6v4 4v4 + 2 spare players who are always on the IP team IP – IP team has to score OP – To win the ball and transition To transition the ball has to go round the cone When goal is scored the IP team start again Always a 6v4 with the Ip team having 2 extra players. Coaching notes: - Body shape when receiving ball - Movement off the ball - Defensive team can we get in line and cover? 20 min.

Use in creator

1v1 rolling, attack/defend (simplified for u7s)

1 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 creator

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