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Ball-side arrival takes the ball

U10–U15 Defensive organisation

1v2 that becomes 2v2 to mini-goals, where the backup goes to the ball or takes the spare player depending on their side; works on called switches.

Set-up

Pairs of attackers queue on the start line; the coach stands behind them with the balls. One defender in the middle of the area, facing the attackers, and two backup defenders on the side cones. Before each attack, the coach points to one of the cones (the middle defender has their back to them and cannot see) and passes to an attacker. The defending trio rotate roles after each attack and come off after 4 attacks.

Rules

  • The backup defender the coach points to sets off as the coach passes; the other stays on their cone.
  • If the backup arrives on the side of the player on the ball, they shout “Ball!” and go to them; the first defender answers “Spare!” and moves across to the other attacker.
  • If the backup arrives on the side of the attacker without the ball, they shout “I've got the spare!” and take them; the first defender then presses the player on the ball.
  • Goal: shoot into a mini-goal from inside the last 10 m.
  • 10 s attacks at most. If the defence win the ball, they run it over the start line.

Animation steps

  1. The coach points to No. 3 and passes to No. 10; No. 4 steps out to slow them down and No. 3 sets off from the right-hand cone.
  2. No. 10 runs with the ball; No. 4 delays without diving in and No. 3 approaches on the ball side.
  3. No. 3 shouts “Ball!” and goes to No. 10; No. 4 answers “Spare!” and drops off diagonally towards No. 9.
  4. Pressed by No. 3, No. 10 tries to pass to No. 9; No. 4 reads the pass and attacks the line.
  5. No. 4 intercepts (2 points) and runs the ball over the start line.

From the book “Coaching youth football”

This is one of the 613 drills in the book, which has the full drill sheet: what to look for, common mistakes, how to make it easier or harder and questions to ask the players.

See the book · €6 →

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