SOCCER FOR LIFE

Pre-Designed Practice Session Plans

Overview
The Practice Session Plans in this package are provided to give you an idea on how to go about
introducing basic soccer activities to the players you get to coach.
There are six practice sessions plans provided covering:
1. 1v1 Duels without Possession of the Ball
2. 1v1 Duels with Possession of the Ball
3. Denying Space to Regain Possession
4. Exploiting Space to Maintain Possession
5. Preventing Scoring Chances
6. Creating Scoring Chances
We’d encourage you to use the various games and activities to guide your application of the concepts
shared in the Online Course(s). You will get an opportunity to try out some of these practice sessions
during the on-field practical workshop that follow your online training.
1V1 DUELS WITHOUT POSSESSION OF THE BALL

Soccer for Life

 Key Questions
o When should a player attempt to win the ball in a
SESSION OBJECTIVES duel? Identify a bad touch, players facing the wrong
way and receiving a bad pass.
o Primary: To create an environment that encourages
players to regain possession 1v1 situations. o Why will this help? To better understand moments to
o Secondary: Players will also be required to use effectively win the ball and avoid getting unbalanced.
searching skills to recognize and deny spaces and
gaps. o How can you be successful? Reduce the space when
you can, reduce options to exploit, anticipate and be
alert, attempt to put yourself between the ball and the
QUESTIONS FOR PLAYERS TO EXPLORE player when opportunity allows.

o Who is the focus? The defender in a 1v1 situation. o Consider: Awareness (perceive), identify the problem
(conceive), identify potential options (decide), how can
o What is our objective? To deny progression of the ball you remove options (deny), carry out action (execute)
and regain possession. & assess whether it was successful (reflect)

o Where on the field? 1v1 situations will occur

everywhere on the field. Consider where on the field
and the nature of urgency. Example: Are players in a
position where they can score?
 Session Parts
PART ONE: 4 GOAL 2V3 PART THREE: INDIVIDUAL 1V1 WAVE
o An activity that encourages players to defend when o This directional activity encourages players to defend
numbers up focusing on behaviors to regain as individuals in a 3v3 to multiple goals.
possession. o Players will also be encouraged to explore the
o Players will also be required to use searching skills to appropriate actions defending 1v1.
recognize and deny spaces and gaps.

PART FOUR: 9V9 OR 11V11

PART TWO: ATTACKING UNDERLOADS
o This game allows players to explore a representative
o This game allows players to explore a representative game that has direction, teams and goals.
environment that has direction, teams and creates 1v1
& 1v2 situations.
o Players will also be required to use searching skills to
CHALLENGE FOR HOME: DEFEND
recognize and deny spaces and gaps.
o This is a fun activity encouraging players to develop
1v1 attacking and defensive skills.
 Managing the Environment
FIELD AND EQUIPMENT CONSTRAINTS/CONDITIONS
o Setup a space that is appropriate based on the needs o Consider using & exploring ‘Constraints’ or ‘Conditions’
& number of players involved. to assist the players in making the session easier or
o Any activity that includes players scoring in a goal can more challenging. In the session examples, we will
be recreated by using two cones (goals are continue to use the language ‘MAKE IT EASIER’ &
preferable). ‘MAKE IT HARDER’
o Any activity that includes a small target goal can be
substituted with players as a target. o You can also use ‘Constraints’ & ‘Conditions’ to invite
players to solve specific problems with a repetition of
actions or solutions. EXAMPLE: If you want players to
PLAYERS dribble you can reward points to the opposition if they
regain the ball intercepting a pass. This as a result
o If activities are illustrated as using less players, then does not over constrain the players choice but does
in attendance, consider these solutions to keep create a risk vs reward scenario for the players to
players active: explore.
o Multiple stations
o Third team (consider duration inactive) o COACH CONSIDER: Avoid telling players they ‘cannot’
o Resting players/Substitutions (consider duration perform a specific action or solution. All options
inactive) can they juggle, 1v1, 2v1, etc. should be made available with rewards or risk
o Tasking players – Example: Target player vs a associated to it.
target goal
4 GOAL 2V3
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 15X15 with five players in two
teams.

o 2v3 multidirectional four goal game

o Practice starts with coach playing into a White player
(attacker)
o White attack any of the four goals.
o If Red (defender) win the ball and regain possession
play to the coach
o Rotate roles after a set time or number of repetitions.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Remove one or two of the goals.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Add an extra defender to create a

3v3.
ATTACKING UNDERLOADS
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 40X30 with ten players.

o 5v5 directional game with four zones as shown in the

diagram.
o The team in possession must have one player in each
zone, with no movement allowed between zones.
o The defending team is allowed up to two defenders in
the zone the ball is in as White drop a second
defender into the zone Red have just played into.
o When either team transitions from defence to attack,
they must work to make sure they occupy all four
zones. The in-possession restrictions apply once
more.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Separate the field into two halves.

Same concept but allow two attackers in each half
and three defenders in the half the ball is in.
INDIVIDUAL 1V1 WAVE
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 30x20 for twelve players in four
teams.

o 3v3 directional wave activity.

o Each player is locked in a channel creating a 1v1.
o Winner-stays-on game format. If the attacking team
score a goal, they stay on and the team that is behind the
goal that has conceded comes on as the attacking team
(with the ball), and the team that scored become the
defending team.

o COACH CONSIDER: Manage offside and keep it

competitive.

o COACH CONSIDER: Keep score and which team wins the

most games to encourage a constant defensive mindset

o MAKE IT HARDER: Attackers can move into another

channel to create a 2v1 situation and attempt to
unbalance the opposition OR take out the channels
7V7 OR 9V9
OBJECTIVE
o REQUIREMENT: 60X40 with fourteen players in two
teams OR 80X50 with eighteen players in two teams.

o Directional game with each team scoring on their

opponents' goal.

o COACH CONSIDER: Have balls around the playing

space and when they go out of bounds either allow
players to grab then nearest ball or the coach can
serve into the playing area.

o COACH CONSIDER: Continue to encourage the

importance and value of establishing team shape.
EXAMPLE: Red (1-2-3-1) & White (1-3-2-1) as illustrated
on the diagram.
CHALLENGES FOR HOME: DEFEND
OBJECTIVE
o Setup a space and create two gates.

o One player attempts to tag the other player who can

run in either gate.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Add a ball for the attacker.

1V1 DUELS WITH POSSESSION OF THE BALL

Soccer for Life

 Key Questions
o When should a player attack 1v1? When a player
SESSION OBJECTIVES identifies spaces or gaps to exploit.

o Primary: To create an environment that presents o Why will this help? If a player can beat an opponent or
moments to explore how to attack and beat an exploit gaps and space, they can unbalance the
opponent 1v1. opposition.
o Secondary: Players will also be required to use
searching skills to locate available gaps & space. o How can you be successful? Explore a variety of
surfaces of the foot to move the ball, bending the
knees to easily change direction and change pace
QUESTIONS FOR PLAYERS TO EXPLORE where necessary, explore deception actions such as
dropping the shoulder, step overs etc.
o Who is the focus? The attacker in a 1v1 situation.
o Consider: Awareness (perceive), identify the problem
o What is our objective? To explore movement and (conceive), identify the best solution (decide), how can
actions with the ball to beat an opponent. you get your opponent off balance (deceive), carry out
action (execute) & assess whether it was successful
o Where on the field? 1v1 situations will occur (reflect)
everywhere on the field. Consider discussing risk vs
reward with reference to where on the field. Example:
If players lose the ball can the other team score?
 Session Parts
PART ONE: NUMBERS PART THREE: CONTINUOUS 1V1
o An activity that encourages players to explore moving o This activity encourages players to be aggressive &.
and a variety of actions with the ball. controlled in 1v1 situations.
o Players will also be required to use searching skills to o An activity that allows players to explore moving with
locate available gaps & space. the ball.

PART TWO: 4V4 + 4 GOAL GAME PART FOUR: 9V9 OR 11V11

o This game allows players to explore a representative o This game allows players to explore a representative
game that has direction, teams and encourages game that has direction, teams and goals.
dribbling.
o Players will also be required to use searching skills to
locate available gaps & space.
CHALLENGE FOR HOME: 1V1 GATE
o This is a fun activity encouraging players to develop
1v1 skills.
 Managing the Environment
FIELD AND EQUIPMENT CONSTRAINTS/CONDITIONS
o Setup a space that is appropriate based on the needs o Consider using & exploring ‘Constraints’ or ‘Conditions’
& number of players involved. to assist the players in making the session easier or
o Any activity that includes players scoring in a goal can more challenging. In the session examples, we will
be recreated by using two cones (goals are continue to use the language ‘MAKE IT EASIER’ &
preferable). ‘MAKE IT HARDER’
o Any activity that includes a small target goal can be
substituted with players as a target. o You can also use ‘Constraints’ & ‘Conditions’ to invite
players to solve specific problems with a repetition of
actions or solutions. EXAMPLE: If you want players to
PLAYERS dribble you can reward points to the opposition if they
regain the ball intercepting a pass. This as a result
o If activities are illustrated as using less players, then does not over constrain the players choice but does
in attendance, consider these solutions to keep create a risk vs reward scenario for the players to
players active: explore.
o Multiple stations
o Third team (consider duration inactive) o COACH CONSIDER: Avoid telling players they ‘cannot’
o Resting players/Substitutions (consider duration perform a specific action or solution. All options
inactive) can they juggle, 1v1, 2v1, etc. should be made available with rewards or risk
o Tasking players – Example: Target player vs a associated to it.
target goal
NUMBERS
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 15X15 with eight players.

o Multidirectional activity where players keep

possession unopposed.
o Coach shouts two numbers and plays an extra ball in
to whomever shows first.
o The two numbers play 1v1 for 30 seconds before
returning to the keeping possession.

o COACH CONSIDER: Pairing up players along the same

skill level

o MAKE IT EASIER: Shout one number and the team in

possession avoid being tagged by the player dribbling.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Make the space smaller OR

progress to 2v2.
5V5 + 4 GOAL GAME
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 40x30 inc. two end zones (5) for
ten players in two teams

o 5v5 directional game with each team dribbles into the

end zone and scores in the goals.

o COACH CONSIDER: Have balls around the playing

area.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Reduce the playing space OR

number of players.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Add a constraint/condition where if

a pass is intercepted a point is rewarded to the
defending team.
CONTINUOUS 1V1
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 10X10 with twelve players.

o Multidirectional activity with two teams separated into four

groups.
o White (attacker) starts the activity, attacking the opposite
player trying to dribble the ball between either of the corner
gates.
o If Red (defender) wins the ball, they pass to the other Red
group and Red attack White.

o COACH CONSIDER: Encourage players to manage their teams

two groups, ensuring there is a minimum of two players at
each station.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Remove the two teams and focus on

repetition with defenders dribbling out of the space triggering
the next group.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Allow both groups to go at the same time.

7V7 OR 9V9
OBJECTIVE
o REQUIREMENT: 60X40 with fourteen players in two
teams OR 80X50 with eighteen players in two teams.

o Directional game with each team scoring on their

opponents' goal.

o COACH CONSIDER: Have balls around the playing

space and when they go out of bounds either allow
players to grab then nearest ball or the coach can
serve into the playing area.

o COACH CONSIDER: Continue to encourage the

importance and value of establishing team shape.
EXAMPLE: Red (1-2-3-1) & White (1-3-2-1) as illustrated
on the diagram.
CHALLENGES FOR HOME: MIRROR
OBJECTIVE
o Setup a space and create a gate.

o Players face each other between in the gate.

Encourage the player to dribble the ball to either gate
before their opponent can get there.

o COACH CONSIDER: If players do not have a sibling or

friend, practice by having a parent call a combination
of cones. Example: left cone, middle, left cone, middle,
right cone.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Start with no ball play the same

game with escape movements.
CREATING SCORING CHANCES

Soccer for Life

 Key Questions
o When should a player look to create and score? In and
SESSION OBJECTIVES around the box/goal. Example: Players do not need to
beat opponents to score, rather find enough space to
o Primary: To explore how to create space and gaps to shoot.
score.
o Secondary: Players will also be required to use o Why will this help? Space & time is reduced in and
searching skills to locate available gaps & space. around the goal, finding space and gaps to shoot and
finish is limited.

o How can you be successful? Mindset to score, head

QUESTIONS FOR PLAYERS TO EXPLORE up & search the environment and the goal, unbalance
opponent to create space/gap, quick decision &
o Who is the focus? The player in possession of the ball. execution & explore different surfaces to shoot the
ball. Example: Side foot for accuracy, toe for speed &
o What is our objective? To explore how to create laces for power.
opportunities to score.
o Consider: Awareness (perceive), identify the problem
o Where will this occur? In close proximity to goal. (conceive), identify the best solution (decide), how can
you get your opponent off balance (deceive), carry out
action (execute) & assess whether it was successful
(reflect)
 Session Parts
PART ONE: HEADS AND VOLLEYS PART THREE: 3V2 TO GOAL
o A fun activity that encourages players to create space o This activity encourages players to explore a variety of
to score aerially. actions to score with an overload.
o Players will also be required to use other coordination o Players will also be required to use searching skills to
skills ranging from throwing and catching. locate available gaps & space.

PART TWO: FINISHING AROUND THE PART FOUR: 9V9 OR 11V11

BOX o This game allows players to explore a representative
game that has direction, teams and goals.
o This game allows players to explore a representative
game that has direction, teams and encourages
players to shoot with a reduced playing area and end CHALLENGE FOR HOME: SNIPER
targets to combine with.
o Players will also be required to use searching skills to o This is a fun activity encouraging players to explore
locate available gaps & space. different types of finishes and shots.
 Managing the Environment
FIELD AND EQUIPMENT CONSTRAINTS/CONDITIONS
o Setup a space that is appropriate based on the needs o Consider using & exploring ‘Constraints’ or ‘Conditions’
& number of players involved. to assist the players in making the session easier or
o Any activity that includes players scoring in a goal can more challenging. In the session examples, we will
be recreated by using two cones (goals are continue to use the language ‘MAKE IT EASIER’ &
preferable). ‘MAKE IT HARDER’
o Any activity that includes a small target goal can be
substituted with players as a target. o You can also use ‘Constraints’ & ‘Conditions’ to invite
players to solve specific problems with a repetition of
actions or solutions. EXAMPLE: If you want players to
PLAYERS dribble you can reward points to the opposition if they
regain the ball intercepting a pass. This as a result
o If activities are illustrated as using less players, then does not over constrain the players choice but does
in attendance, consider these solutions to keep create a risk vs reward scenario for the players to
players active: explore.
o Multiple stations
o Third team (consider duration inactive) o COACH CONSIDER: Avoid telling players they ‘cannot’
o Resting players/Substitutions (consider duration perform a specific action or solution. All options
inactive) can they juggle, 1v1, 2v1, etc. should be made available with rewards or risk
o Tasking players – Example: Target player vs a associated to it.
target goal
HEADS & VOLLEYS
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: Two practice areas measuring
25X15 with ten players in two teams.

o 5v5 directional game with each team scoring on their

opponent's goal.
o Players play handball serve to each other with a volley
or header to finish.
o Players play 2v2 in each half.

o COACH CONSIDER: Have balls around the playing

surface.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Add a floating player to create an

overload.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Have players create a list where

they are to score five types of goals first.
FINISHING IN & AROUND THE BOX
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 30X25 with twelve players in three teams
and two goalkeepers.

o 4v4 directional game with each team scoring on their

opponent's goal.
o One team (Blue) stands on the end perimeter and can be used
to combine and score and are limited to one touch, although
this can be increased to two if the players need it, to
encourage them to play as quickly as possible and maintain
the speed of the game..

o COACH CONSIDER: Set a target number of goals to win. Team

Blue replaces the losing side playing in the grid.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Players receive bonus points for using the

target players OR scoring requested types of goals. Example:
One touch.
3V2 TO GOAL
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 50X30 with twelve players in two
teams.

o 3v2 directional activity

o Score as many goals in opponents' goal before time
expires.
o If defenders regain possession, they dribble in the end
zone for 2 points.

o COACH CONSIDER: Keep score to keep competitive &

Rotate roles of players so all attack and defend.

o MAKE IT EASIER: 4v1 in each half.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Create an underload for the

attacking team 2v3.
7V7 OR 9V9
OBJECTIVE
o REQUIREMENT: 60X40 with fourteen players in two
teams OR 80X50 with eighteen players in two teams.

o Directional game with each team scoring on their

opponents' goal.

o COACH CONSIDER: Have balls around the playing

space and when they go out of bounds either allow
players to grab then nearest ball or the coach can
serve into the playing area.

o COACH CONSIDER: Continue to encourage the

importance and value of establishing team shape.
EXAMPLE: Red (1-2-3-1) & White (1-3-2-1) as illustrated
on the diagram.
CHALLENGES FOR HOME: SNIPER
OBJECTIVE
o Setup four cones or objects to create two goals

o Each player/parent/sibling will take it in turn to shoot

on their opponent's goal.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Decrease the distance.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Increase the distance.

PREVENTING SCORING CHANCES

Soccer for Life

 Key Questions
o When should should players deny all space for their
SESSION OBJECTIVES opponents? In and around the box/goal. Example:
Players should not allow any space around their goal
o Primary: To explore how to deny space and gaps to eliminating scoring opportunities.
prevent opponents to score.
o Secondary: Players will also be required to use o Why will this help? To make it difficult for opponents
searching skills to recognize and deny spaces and to have time and space to score.
gaps.
o How can you be successful? Mentality to reduce the
space and stop all opportunities to score, search to
QUESTIONS FOR PLAYERS TO EXPLORE recognize dangerous spaces & force away from goal,
watch the ball, move your feet with the attackers, use
o Who is the focus? The player(s) around the ball. closest leg to the ball to block.

o What is our objective? To explore how to deny scoring o Consider: Awareness (perceive), identify the problem
opportunities. (conceive), identify potential options (decide), how can
you remove options (deny), carry out action (execute)
o Where will this occur? In close proximity to goal. & assess whether it was successful (reflect)
 Session Parts
PART ONE: 6V3 DEFENSIVE RONDO PART THREE: DEFENDING THE BOX
o An activity that encourages players to work together o This activity challenges players to protect the box and
as a small unit of to prevent the opposition playing deny time and space to prevent any shots on goal.
forward. Players will also be required to explore 1v1 defending
o Players will also be required to use searching skills to actions.
recognize and deny spaces and gaps.

PART FOUR: 9V9 OR 11V11

PART TWO: 5V5 + 2
o This game allows players to explore a representative
o This game allows players to explore a representative game that has direction, teams and goals.
environment that has direction, teams and exposes
the defending players to overload situations.
o Players will also be required to use searching skills to
CHALLENGE FOR HOME: CLEAN SHEET
recognize and deny spaces and gaps.
o This is a fun activity encouraging players to prevent
chances to score in an unopposed goal.
 Managing the Environment
FIELD AND EQUIPMENT CONSTRAINTS/CONDITIONS
o Setup a space that is appropriate based on the needs o Consider using & exploring ‘Constraints’ or ‘Conditions’
& number of players involved. to assist the players in making the session easier or
o Any activity that includes players scoring in a goal can more challenging. In the session examples, we will
be recreated by using two cones (goals are continue to use the language ‘MAKE IT EASIER’ &
preferable). ‘MAKE IT HARDER’
o Any activity that includes a small target goal can be
substituted with players as a target. o You can also use ‘Constraints’ & ‘Conditions’ to invite
players to solve specific problems with a repetition of
actions or solutions. EXAMPLE: If you want players to
PLAYERS dribble you can reward points to the opposition if they
regain the ball intercepting a pass. This as a result
o If activities are illustrated as using less players, then does not over constrain the players choice but does
in attendance, consider these solutions to keep create a risk vs reward scenario for the players to
players active: explore.
o Multiple stations
o Third team (consider duration inactive) o COACH CONSIDER: Avoid telling players they ‘cannot’
o Resting players/Substitutions (consider duration perform a specific action or solution. All options
inactive) can they juggle, 1v1, 2v1, etc. should be made available with rewards or risk
o Tasking players – Example: Target player vs a associated to it.
target goal
6V3 DEFENSIVE RONDO
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 20x10 for nine players.

o 6v3 directional rondo activity where White (attackers)

attempt to keep possession.
o Each time the attackers get the ball from one end to
the opposite side they receive a point.
o White (attackers) cannot play down the line on the
side.
o Red (defenders) look to work as a unit to regain
possession and dribble over the end line they are
nearest for two points.
o In transition White can enter the playing space to
deny.

o COACH CONSIDER: Rotate players after a set of time

or total number of points.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Make the space bigger and add an

attacker in the playing space to create a 7v3.
DEFEND THE BOX 5V5 + 2
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 40X30 with ten players in two teams +
two wide neutral players.

o 5v5 Directional game with each team scoring on their

opponent's goal.
o All attackers minus the goalkeeper must be in their
opponents half to score.
o Wide players are restricted to three touches.
o Attacking team receive two points if they score from a cross
using a neutral player.

o COACH CONSIDER: If players are unable to maintain

possession to get every player in the box, reduce the number
before scoring.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Remove neutral players

o MAKE IT HARDER: Add different constraints/conditions.

Example: If players can score first touch off a neutral player it
is worth three points.
DEFENDING THE BOX
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 40X30 with twelve players in two teams.

o 4v4 + 2 wide players for each team directional activity with

attackers trying to score on their opponent's goal.
o White (attackers) play 3v3 centrally against Red (defenders).
o Each team is in possession can use either of the attacking
wide players on the outside creating a 5v3.
o Any player can shoot on the goal from the attacking team.
o If the defending team win the ball, they can either play to the
outside players on their team in the opposite half or they can
attack the goal directly.

o COACH CONSIDER: The cones act as an offside line which

means the wide players cannot pass this point before the ball
is played to them.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Make the space smaller and remove players

to make a 2v2 + 2 neutral wide players.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Make the space bigger OR add more

players.
7V7 OR 9V9
OBJECTIVE
o REQUIREMENT: 60X40 with fourteen players in two
teams OR 80X50 with eighteen players in two teams.

o Directional game with each team scoring on their

opponents' goal.

o COACH CONSIDER: Have balls around the playing

space and when they go out of bounds either allow
players to grab then nearest ball or the coach can
serve into the playing area.

o COACH CONSIDER: Continue to encourage the

importance and value of establishing team shape.
EXAMPLE: Red (1-2-3-1) & White (1-3-2-1) as illustrated
on the diagram.
CHALLENGES FOR HOME: CLEAN SHEET

OBJECTIVE
o Setup two cones or objects to create a goal & add two cones or
objects as a marker where the attacker has to enter before
shooting on goal.

o Activity will start with a 1v1 attempting to stop any shots on goal.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Make the goal smaller.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Make the goal bigger.

EXPLOITING SPACE TO MAINTAIN POSSESSION

Soccer for Life

 Key Questions
o When should a player search for space and pass the
SESSION OBJECTIVES ball? The environment will continue to change,
players should identify when they are running out of
o Primary: To explore how to maintain possession space and move the ball to bigger spaces where
moving the ball where players have space and time. players have more time.
o Secondary: Players will also be required to use
searching skills to locate available gaps & space. o Why will this help? By searching effectively, players
will be able to find space and time or identify other
players who are afforded it.
QUESTIONS FOR PLAYERS TO EXPLORE o How can you be successful? Head up & search the
environment, keep body open to play, surface of pass,
o Who is the focus? The player in possession of the ball. weight of pass & movement to receive.

o What is our objective? To explore maintaining o Consider: Awareness (perceive), identify the problem
possession and exploiting gaps and space. (conceive), identify the best solution (decide), how can
you get your opponent off balance (deceive), carry out
o Where in the environment should you search for action (execute) & assess whether it was successful
space to maintain possession? Everywhere but (reflect)
consider where space is reduced. Example: If a team
has reduced space on one side of the field.
 Session Parts
PART ONE: RONDO TO EXPLOIT SPACE PART THREE: 3V2 TO PLAY FORWARD
o An activity that allows players to explore a o This activity encourages players to keep possession
representative game that has direction and waiting for an opportunity to exploit and lay forward
references positional responsibilities. with a pass.
o Players will also be required to use searching skills to o Players will also be required to use searching skills to
locate available gaps & space. locate available gaps & space.

PART TWO: RECOGNIZING DEAD ENDS PART FOUR: 9V9 OR 11V11

o This game allows players to explore a representative o This game allows players to explore a representative
game that has direction, teams and encourages game that has direction, teams and goals.
players to recognize where and where not space is
located.
o Players will also be required to use searching skills to CHALLENGE FOR HOME: WALL PASS
locate available gaps & space.
o This is a fun activity encouraging players to develop
1v1 skills.
 Managing the Environment
FIELD AND EQUIPMENT CONSTRAINTS/CONDITIONS
o Setup a space that is appropriate based on the needs o Consider using & exploring ‘Constraints’ or ‘Conditions’
& number of players involved. to assist the players in making the session easier or
o Any activity that includes players scoring in a goal can more challenging. In the session examples, we will
be recreated by using two cones (goals are continue to use the language ‘MAKE IT EASIER’ &
preferable). ‘MAKE IT HARDER’
o Any activity that includes a small target goal can be
substituted with players as a target. o You can also use ‘Constraints’ & ‘Conditions’ to invite
players to solve specific problems with a repetition of
actions or solutions. EXAMPLE: If you want players to
PLAYERS dribble you can reward points to the opposition if they
regain the ball intercepting a pass. This as a result
o If activities are illustrated as using less players, then does not over constrain the players choice but does
in attendance, consider these solutions to keep create a risk vs reward scenario for the players to
players active: explore.
o Multiple stations
o Third team (consider duration inactive) o COACH CONSIDER: Avoid telling players they ‘cannot’
o Resting players/Substitutions (consider duration perform a specific action or solution. All options
inactive) can they juggle, 1v1, 2v1, etc. should be made available with rewards or risk
o Tasking players – Example: Target player vs a associated to it.
target goal
RONDO TO EXPLOIT SPACE
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 16X12 with eight players.

o Directional activity where Red keep possession from one end

to the other.
o Red (attackers) on the outside of the playing space can move
across their line.
o Whereas one Red (attacker) & two White’s (defenders) are free
to move anywhere in the playing space.
o Red’s keep possession of the ball with the emphasis on
playing forward from centre backs to centre forward(as
illustrated in diagram)
o If White (defenders) win the ball they dribble across the line
where the two Red’s are located.

o COACH CONSIDER: Players might be ready to explore the

relationship of positions and the exercise. Example: 2-3-1

o MAKE IT EASIER: Make the space bigger.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Reduce the size of the playing area OR

increase the space and add two additional defenders and two
additional attackers who can move freely in the playing space.
RECOGNIZING DEAD ENDS
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 25X30 with ten players in two
teams.

o Directional game with each team scoring on their

opponents’ two goals.
o One player from each team must stay on the other
side of the field to create width.

o COACH CONSIDER: Minimum of three players required

per team.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Reduce number of players per-team.

o MAKE IT HARDER: To score the ball must be switched

once when regaining possession OR every player must
receive the ball before scoring.
3V2 TO PLAY FORWARD
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 16X12 split into two halves with eight players.

o Directional activity with a 3v2 in an 8x12.

o Red (attackers) keeps possession with intent on attempting to play
into target when possible. As the ball travels, two Red’s will
transition to the other half and one Red will be the new target to
repeat process.
o White will rotate with resting defenders who are located centrally.
o If defenders regain possession can they find a resting defender.

o COACH CONSIDER: White (defenders) can transition to the

opposite side if numbers need readjusting. If defenders regain
possession have them dribble out of the space or pass into a
target goal.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Make the space bigger.

o MAKE IT HARDER: If all players can receive the ball and exploit to
the opposite side a bonus point is received OR make it 3v3 in the
8x12.
7V7 OR 9V9
OBJECTIVE
o REQUIREMENT: 60X40 with fourteen players in two
teams OR 80X50 with eighteen players in two teams.

o Directional game with each team scoring on their

opponents' goal.

o COACH CONSIDER: Have balls around the playing

space and when they go out of bounds either allow
players to grab then nearest ball or the coach can
serve into the playing area.

o COACH CONSIDER: Continue to encourage the

importance and value of establishing team shape.
EXAMPLE: Red (1-2-3-1) & White (1-3-2-1) as illustrated
on the diagram.
CHALLENGES FOR HOME: WALL PASS
OBJECTIVE
o Find a hard surface like a wall.

o Player faces the wall and passes the ball and controls
with one touch and repeats.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Add a cone or object behind you

and complete ten before turning and dribbling the ball
and repeating.
DENYING SPACE TO REGAIN POSSESSION

Soccer for Life

 Key Questions
o When should a player reduce the space? As the ball
SESSION OBJECTIVES travels, on a bad touch, head down & facing the wrong
way.
o Primary: To explore how to regain possession by
denying space and time on the ball. o Why will this help? By denying & reducing space the
o Secondary: Players will also be required to use opposition will have less time and options when in
searching skills to recognize and deny spaces and possession.
gaps.
o How can you be successful? Mentality to reduce the
space and regain the ball, search to recognize
QUESTIONS FOR PLAYERS TO EXPLORE dangerous spaces & anticipate where the opponents
might play next.
o Who is the focus? The player(s) around the ball.
o Consider: Awareness (perceive), identify the problem
o What is our objective? To explore denying space to (conceive), identify potential options (decide), how can
regain possession of the ball. you remove options (deny), carry out action (execute)
& assess whether it was successful (reflect)
o Where in the environment should you reduce space to
regain possession? Everywhere but consider which
space is dangerous to concede. Example: Space
around the goal we are defending.
 Session Parts
PART ONE: NOTHING THROUGH PART THREE: DENY PROGRESSION
o An activity that allows players to explore defending in o This activity encourages players to deny space
pairs working together to reduce space centrally. centrally and regain possession.
o Players will also be required to use searching skills to o Players will also be required to use searching skills to
recognize and deny spaces and gaps. recognize and deny spaces and gaps.

PART TWO: 6V6 ZONED GAME PART FOUR: 9V9 OR 11V11

o This game allows players to explore a representative o This fun game allows players to explore a
game that has direction, teams and encourages representative game that has direction, teams and
players to explore how to deny forward possession. goals.
o Players will also be required to use searching skills to
recognize and deny spaces and gaps.
CHALLENGE FOR HOME: COLORS
o This is a fun activity encouraging players to deny and
reduce space.
 Managing the Environment
FIELD AND EQUIPMENT CONSTRAINTS/CONDITIONS
o Setup a space that is appropriate based on the needs o Consider using & exploring ‘Constraints’ or ‘Conditions’
& number of players involved. to assist the players in making the session easier or
o Any activity that includes players scoring in a goal can more challenging. In the session examples, we will
be recreated by using two cones (goals are continue to use the language ‘MAKE IT EASIER’ &
preferable). ‘MAKE IT HARDER’
o Any activity that includes a small target goal can be
substituted with players as a target. o You can also use ‘Constraints’ & ‘Conditions’ to invite
players to solve specific problems with a repetition of
actions or solutions. EXAMPLE: If you want players to
PLAYERS dribble you can reward points to the opposition if they
regain the ball intercepting a pass. This as a result
o If activities are illustrated as using less players, then does not over constrain the players choice but does
in attendance, consider these solutions to keep create a risk vs reward scenario for the players to
players active: explore.
o Multiple stations
o Third team (consider duration inactive) o COACH CONSIDER: Avoid telling players they ‘cannot’
o Resting players/Substitutions (consider duration perform a specific action or solution. All options
inactive) can they juggle, 1v1, 2v1, etc. should be made available with rewards or risk
o Tasking players – Example: Target player vs a associated to it.
target goal
NOTHING THROUGH
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 8X8 with 2X2 square in the middle for
seven players.

o Multidirectional 5v2 activity with White (attackers) positioned

on the outside try to keep possession and play into White
located in a central 2X2 square to score. point.
o Two Red (defenders) attempt to reduce the space and stop
them playing through the middle. If White regain possession,
they are to dribble out of the playing space to score a point.
o If the White (attackers) cannot find the central player in 30
seconds the Red (defenders win the game) and players rotate.

o COACH CONSIDER: Consider having a limit of passes on the

outside where they must attempt to play centrally for bonus
points.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Add a third defender.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Players on the outside can move inside the

playing space.
6V6 ZONED GAME
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 50X35 inc. two end zones 10x35 with
twelve players in two teams.

o 6v6 directional game with each team trying to play through or

around opponents to score on their opponents' goal.
o The playing area is is split into three zones. The middle zone is
the playing zone, and the two outer zones act as safe zones
for the team in possession to build play.

o COACH CONSIDER: The end zones can also reference where

offside starts.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Reduce playing space, remove number of

players & remove goals resulting in teams getting the ball into
the end zone to score.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Allow one opponent to enter the safe zone

to put pressure on the ball-carrier OR remove the end zone
allowing the team the autonomy to decide when to press.
DENY PROGRESSION
OBJECTIVE
o RECOMMENDATION: 20X20 with twelve players.

o 4v4+4 directional activity where both teams attack and defend

each end
o 2 targets (Yellow) + 2 wide support players (Yellow) play in
possession with both teams.
o Play starts with a target player (Yellow) located in a 5X5 box.
o To score a point, the attacking (White) team must successfully
pass to the opposite target player inside the small box and repeat.
o If the defenders (Red) wins the ball find any target player (Yellow)
and the roles rotate.
o Outside support players (Yellow) can be used to relieve pressure
but support players are limited to two touches and cannot pass
into the targets themselves.

o COACH CONSIDER: On restarts allowing the defensive team to

establish shape before the activity continues.

o MAKE IT EASIER: Make the space bigger OR remove players to

create a 3v3.

o MAKE HARDER: Remove the 5X5 square and allow targets to move
laterally.
7V7 OR 9V9
OBJECTIVE
o REQUIREMENT: 60X40 with fourteen players in two
teams OR 80X50 with eighteen players in two teams.

o Directional game with each team scoring on their

opponents' goal.

o COACH CONSIDER: Have balls around the playing

space and when they go out of bounds either allow
players to grab then nearest ball or the coach can
serve into the playing area.

o COACH CONSIDER: Continue to encourage the

importance and value of establishing team shape.
EXAMPLE: Red (1-2-3-1) & White (1-3-2-1) as illustrated
on the diagram.
CHALLENGES FOR HOME: COLORS
OBJECTIVE
o Setup four cones different colors

o Parent shouts a color or combination of colors where

the player closes the space and gets in a defensive
stance before returning.

o COACH CONSIDER: If no parent or sibling to support,

decide on a combination of colors and complete
exercise alone.

o MAKE IT HARDER: Add a recovery run after returning

to the start point simulating a ball in behind (as
illustrated with orange arrow).
 SOCCER FOR LIFE
Pre-Designed Practice Session Plans