Coaching
Training Sessions and Methodology
Library plans
- Possession & Build-Up PlayU13 – U17 · Medium intensity · 90 min
- Attacking TransitionsU13 – U17 · High intensity · 90 min
- Defensive Shape & PressingU13 – U17 · High intensity · 90 min
- Finishing & Shooting TechniqueU12 – U17 · Medium intensity · 90 min
- 1v1 Attacking & Defending DuelsU11 – U17 · High intensity · 90 min
- Set Piece ExecutionU13 – U17 · Low intensity · 90 min
- Speed of Play & Quick CombinationsU13 – U17 · Medium intensity · 90 min
- Small-Sided Conditioning GamesU12 – U17 · High intensity · 90 min
Defensive Shape & Pressing
90 minutes Stay compact as a unit and press on clear triggers.
24 cones · 2 sets of bibs · 12 balls · 2 full-size goals
- 01Warm-Up15 min
Shadow Defending
Pairs mirror each other across a line. The defender stays goal-side at all times.
- › Low centre of gravity
- › Side-on body shape
- 02Technical20 min
1v1 & 2v2 Channel Defending
10-yd wide channels. Defenders delay, jockey, and tackle when the touch is heavy.
- › Close down quickly, then slow down
- › Show the attacker onto their weaker side
- 03Tactical25 min
Back Four Shift vs 6 Attackers
Back four and two midfielders defend a big goal. Attackers move the ball side to side.
- › Shift as a unit with the ball
- › Cover and balance
- › Press on a backward pass
- 04Game20 min
Pressing Trigger Game 8v8
The defending team scores a bonus point for winning the ball back within 6 seconds.
- › Press together or not at all
- › Cut off passing lanes
- 05Cool-Down10 min
Recovery & Debrief
Light jog, static stretching in a circle, then a two-minute team huddle.
- › Ask players to name one thing that improved their defending today
- › Hydrate and check in on any knocks