Defending ยท U11 to adult

Tracking runners into the box

Midfielders must follow late runners into the box when the ball goes wide. Teaches the discipline that stops cut-back goals.

U11 to adultAges
6 to 12 plus a keeperPlayers
Half pitchArea
15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

Set-up

  • Wide attacker with the ball, two midfield runners, two defending midfielders.
  • Keeper in goal.

Equipment: Goal, cones, bibs, balls

How it works

  1. Wide attacker dribbles to the byline.
  2. Midfield runners make late runs; defending midfielders track them.
  3. Cut-back or cross; defenders block or clear.

Coaching points

  • See the ball and your runner.
  • Track goal-side, all the way.
  • Don't ball-watch at the edge of the box.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Runners jog

Make it harder

  • Third runner arrives late

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

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