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Pre-match activation

Pre-match activation — U11-U12

Raise intensity with the ball before kick-off. Timed phases for a 60-minute U11-U12 session.

U11-U12 Whole–Part–Whole Foundation 58 mins 10–14 players Match intensity Transition Possession
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More actions
Practice timer

58:00

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

Arrival linked to Pre-match activation

8:00

Ball-each or light rondo that previews pre-match activation. Raise intensity gradually.

Organisation: Arrival grids as players arrive; continuous ball supply.

Coaching points
  • On toes, scan early.
  • Quality first touch under light pressure.
  • Compete with a smile.
Progressions
  • Add a second ball or time pressure.
Regressions
  • Bigger space, fewer touch limits.
Whole game · 15 mins

Conditioned game — Pre-match activation

15:00

Directional game with a clear condition that makes pre-match activation the easiest path to success.

Organisation: Pitch size matched to age; bibs and multi-ball restart.

Coaching points
  • Recognise when pre-match activation is on.
  • In possession: create and use space.
  • Out of possession: organise early, stay compact.
Progressions
  • Tighten space or add a scoring bonus for the theme.
Regressions
  • Add a neutral pivot / bounce player.
Part practice · 15 mins

Part practice — Pre-match activation

15:00

Isolated repetition of the key action for pre-match activation, then rebuild toward the game picture.

Organisation: Lanes or grids; 1–2 coaches / helpers feeding balls.

Coaching points
  • Detail the technique before adding speed.
  • Disguise intentions where possible.
  • Recover shape after each action.
Progressions
  • Live defender / timed finishing.
Regressions
  • Unopposed patterns first.
Game · 15 mins

Transfer game — Pre-match activation

15:00

Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from the theme.

Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; keep balls ready.

Coaching points
  • Can we transfer tonight’s theme without the condition?
  • Communicate the next action early.
Progressions
  • Remove all conditions.
Regressions
  • Reintroduce the theme condition for 3 minutes.
Plenary · 5 mins

Plenary review

5:00

Players answer: What was the theme? When was it hardest? What will you try next match?

Organisation: Team huddle.

Coaching points
  • Player voice first.
  • Link to upcoming fixture if relevant.

Related drills

Warmup

Warmup: Players in Lines, simple pass to player in front then run to back of the line Maximum 2 touches 1 if we can After a few rotations change the run to the back of the opposite line Coaching Points: Focus on the quality of the pass – especially when you get out of breath and gassed. 2) Always alert ready to receive the ball 3) MAKE IT WORK – If the pass/touch is off make it work, treat it like a match! Warmup

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Passing Warmup

Warmup: Players in Pairs, standing opposite each other with a ball in the middle. One player runs and and receives the pass in the middle and passes it back, they then shuttle back to the start and start again Each Player will do 10 passes, 8 passes, 6 passes, 4 passes, 2 passes In between each set of passes the players will switch over. IF A PASS MISSES OR BALL GOES STRAY THEN THEY MUST START AGAIN (with the 10,8,6,4,2 – whichever they were on) Coaches walking in between getting in the way Coaching Points: Focus on the quality of the pass – especially when you get out of breath and gassed. Player not running times the pass to get to them as they return to the middle Passing Warmup

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Warmup Continuation

Pass and move – left/right: Players in Pairs, standing opposite each other – 1 with ball Player 2 must do a number 8 shape around the 2 cones and as they come round each cone will be passed the ball to return on the left then right foot Ball will be passed 10 times with each foot, then players switch Process will be repeated doing 8 passes, then 6, 4, 2. Coaching Points: Focus on the quality of the pass – especially when you get out of breath and gassed. Player not running times the pass to get to them as they arrive Warmup Continuation

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Passing & Drag backs – u7 girls

Warmup: Players in Pairs, standing over the ball in the middle One player uses drag backs to take the ball all the way back to their cone and then passes it to the player in the middle Once they’ve passed the ball they must do their second job which is “get back to the middle” The other player will then drag the ball back to their cone and pass it back repeat Coaching Points: Focus on the quality of the pass Passing & Drag backs – u7 girls

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