Transitions ยท U12 to adult

Rest defence game

When attacking, a team must always keep two players behind the ball (rest defence). Teaches balance in attack so counter-attacks can be stopped.

U12 to adultAges
12 to 16 plus keepersPlayers
Full or two-thirds pitchArea
15 to 20 minsTime

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

Set-up

  • Normal game; coach marks a line at halfway.
  • Two teams.

Equipment: 2 goals, cones, bibs, balls

How it works

  1. When attacking, two players must stay in their own half.
  2. Concede on a counter while breaking this rule: double goal.
  3. Coach checks positions on every attack.

Coaching points

  • Rest defenders: stay connected and aware of runners.
  • Communicate who stays.
  • Step up to stop counters early.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Three players stay back

Make it harder

  • One player stays back

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

Questions about this drill?

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