Patterns of play ยท U12 to adult

4-3-3 underlapping number 8

The full-back plays into the winger, and the number 8 runs inside the winger into the half-space for a cut-back. A modern 4-3-3 pattern that opens the box.

U12 to adultAges
6 to 10 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

  • Full-back, winger and number 8 on one side; striker central.
  • Keeper in goal; optional passive defenders.

Equipment: Goal, cones, balls

How it works

  1. Full-back passes into the winger's feet.
  2. Number 8 makes an underlapping run between the winger and the centre.
  3. Winger slips the 8 in; 8 cuts back or crosses for the striker.

Coaching points

  • Winger stays wide to make the space.
  • 8 times the run off the pass into the winger.
  • Cut-back to the penalty spot.

Formations this drill suits

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Walk through unopposed

Make it harder

  • Add a full-back and centre-back defending

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

Questions about this drill?

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