Player A drives the ball into the centre of the pitch. Player B runs onto the ball taking his first touch into space. Player A sprints out to defend the ball. Player B must try and
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 Running on to the ball finishing with a shot.
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 Running on to the ball finishing with a shot.
15:00
Player A drives the ball into the centre of the pitch. Player B runs onto the ball taking his first touch into space. Player A sprints out to defend the ball. Player B must try and shoot for goal as soon as he is within shooting distance. After the drill is completed player B collects the ball and joins the defending queue while player A joins the attacking queue.
What is the best touch to take when you arrive at the ball? What parts of the foot can you shoot with and why?
How should the defender travel to the ball?
Progressions
Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins
Drill 2 — develop 1v1 Running on to the ball finishing with a shot.
15:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 1v1 running on to the ball finishing with a shot. 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 Running on to the ball finishing with a shot.
17:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards 1v1 running on to the ball finishing with a shot.. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for 1v1 running on to the ball finishing with a shot..
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
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
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)
Game:
Waved attacks
Can we play a pass through the defence with the overload and finish
4v3 plus GK
Defenders following defensive principals
Once shot has been made defenders have 10 seconds to get their positions before next wave comes
GK/Defender:
Defenders must pass ball back to waiting groups to win or GK collects/saves
Player passes ball into player then tries to defend both “goals”
player with ball tries to pass to player in goal, then takes their place
If they don’t score they become the defender Defender & goal players join the queue
Decision making pass/control/shot
