U18 · Session 9
Tuesday, October 13 · 18:45 · Northbridge Training Ground · Field 3
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Session objectives
- Deny central access, see the runners and finish the defensive action.
- Recognize the opposition’s behavior and adjust the collective response.
- Explore solutions under pressure, then use one successful solution in the final game.
Equipment: Two full-size goals, balls, two sets of bibs, flat markers and cones.
Explore the positional problem
Organization
11v11 in a 4-3-3 on a full-width pitch. Restart in the defending half. Back four, pivot and goalkeeper protect the box; wingers and interiors recover to help. The centre-forward provides an outlet near halfway. Rotate players in the same role after each bout so all squad members practise.
Game task
Start with a pass to the opposition right winger. The recovering left winger tracks the overlap or helps deny the cross; left-back engages and the centre-back covers. Interiors track late runners, pivot screens the cutback and far fullback protects the far post. After a regain, connect the centre-forward and play out.
Coach observation
See ball and runner, protect inside first and recover as a connected back line.
Roles to connect
- Fullback / winger: share pressure and recovery against the overlap.
- Centre-backs / pivot: communicate runners and central cover.
- Goalkeeper: read the delivery, control the rebound and organize the next action.
Sample club session. Adjust space, load and challenge for the age group and players; all diagrams retain 11v11 / 4-3-3 roles.