Compact shape, slide together, protect the middle. Timed phases for a 60-minute U9-U10 session.
Ball-each or light rondo that previews defending as a unit. Raise intensity gradually.
Organisation: Arrival grids as players arrive; continuous ball supply.
Coaching pointsDirectional game with a clear condition that makes defending as a unit the easiest path to success.
Organisation: Pitch size matched to age; bibs and multi-ball restart.
Coaching pointsIsolated repetition of the key action for defending as a unit, 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 points8v4 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.
Use in creatorSetup: Each team has 4 defenders, 2 attackers & a GK Defenders locked in a square Attackers free to roam their channel (4 squares wide) Objective: Defenders play ball into attackers to score goal Challenges: Defenders keep ball across their 4 square channel until attacker shows an opportunity Attackers work as a team to get ball from 4 defenders 1 and 2 touch Progression: Attackers must pass to each other before scoring Progression 2: When defender plays ball into attacking channel they can join that channel and leave their square Progression 3: When defender plays a pass they must swap grid with another defender Break the line
Use in creatorSetup: Each team has 3 defenders, 1 attacker & a GK Defenders locked in a square (or 2) Attackers free to roam their channel (4 squares wide) Objective: Defenders play ball into attackers to score goal Challenges: Defenders keep ball across their 4 square channel until attacker shows an opportunity Attackers work hard to get ball from 3 defenders 1 and 2 touch Progression: Attackers must score quickly or pass back Progression 2: When defender plays ball into attacking channel they can join that channel and leave their square Progression 3: When defender plays a pass they must swap grid with another defender Break the line u10s
Use in creatorSetup: 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
Use in creator
