Setup three small goals on each end line of a 20 x 30m pitch. two teams play 4v4. Each team defends the three goals on its own end line and attacks the other three. After a goal th
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 — 4v4 on three goals
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
4v4 on three goals
15:00
setup three small goals on each end line of a 20 x 30m pitch. two teams play 4v4. Each team defends the three goals on its own end line and attacks the other three. After a goal the attackers keep the ball and attack the other three goals.
a neutral player helps which ever team has the ball. progression 2
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins
Drill 2 — develop 4v4 on three goals
15:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve 4v4 on three goals 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 4v4 on three goals
17:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards 4v4 on three goals. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for 4v4 on three goals.
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
Drill 133
6v6 – 6 goals:
setup three small goals on each end line of a 20 x 30m pitch.
two teams play 6v6.
Each team defends the three goals on its own end line and attacks the other three.
Focus
Keep possession, switch of play
8v4 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.
2 teams:
- Keeper in goal
- Defenders on half way
- Attackers on half way
- Attackers start with ball and on coaches say they start to attack.
- Can defence get back and delay the attack?
- Can midfield get back and defend/recover quickly?
- ATT get goals for scoring
- DEF get goals for stopping the attack
Setup:
2 goals facing each other around 25yds
Objective:
1v1
Challenges:
X passes to O
Immediately press making a 1v1
O tries to score
Swap places after 1v1
Coaching points:
- Defensive principles – side on, recover quickly, press and cover, good communication
- Change of pace, direction, feints.
1v1