Go Forward, Score #4 - U12
Go Forward, Score #4 - U12
3v1, Keep Away
Organization:
Area: 10y x 10y
Three attackers try to keep possession versus one defender. They have unlimited touches. The defender tries to win the ball and dribble it out of the grid. When he does, another player becomes the defender. The attackers try to win the ball back before he gets out.
Variation: Limit the number of touches. When an attacker takes too many, they must leave the ball for the defender, who then tries to dribble out of the grid.
Focus Points:
- Attackers keeping ball possession.
- The defender attacking and wining the ball back at the right moment and getting out of the grid asap.
Attackers
- Keep the field as large as possible.
- Movement after passing the ball. Get open right away.
- Pass with the correct speed to the correct foot.
- Receive with the correct foot to be able to quickly move the ball to the open player.
- After losing the ball, win it back as quickly as possible. Reaction. Before the defender dribbles out of the grid.
Defender
- Be active and put pressure on the ball.
- Attack the ball at the right moment; when the opponent gives a bad pass, the receiver takes a bad touch, the ball goes through the air, or the receiver of the ball is standing in a corner.
- Don't run around without purpose.
- After winning the ball, explode and dribble quickly over the sideline.

1v1 to 2v1, Transition
Organization:
Area: 20y x 20y
Set up a field with one small goal and one large goal. One player starts as a goalkeeper. The defenders start next to the small goal. The 1v1 begins when an attacker dribbles the ball onto the field and attacks the small goal. When the defender wins the ball, a second defender runs onto the field to create a 2v1. The defenders have ten seconds to score a goal. Switch sides after five minutes.
Game: Play two x five minutes and keep track of the score
Focus Points:
- Dribbling skills, 1v1 moves, finishing.
- 1v1 defending.
- Quick transition from defending to attacking.
- Quick scoring - 10 Second Rule
- Quick transition from attacking to defending.
- Run to the attacker with the ball and pressure the ball.
- Try to win the ball back within 5 seconds.
- 1v2 defending. Cut off passing lane between the two attackers.
- Force the attacker on the ball to the side of the field.
- Make angle to the goal smaller and smaller to make it easier for the goalkeeper to make a save. Work together,
- Block shots.

2v2 to 3v2, Transition
Organization:
Area: 20y x 20y
Set up a field with one small goal and one large goal with GK. The defenders start next to the small goal. The 2v2 begins when an attacker dribbles the ball onto the field and attacks the small goal. When the defenders win the ball, a third defender runs in from the half line to create a 3v2. Switch sides after five minutes.
Game: Play two x five minutes and keep track of the score.
Focus Points
Attacking:
Dribbling skills, 1v1 moves, finishing.
Keep the field wide in both 2v2 and 3v2.
Creative runs.
Defending
Role of the first defender. Pressure the ball and win the ball.
Role of the second defender. Cover.
Work together and make the field small.
Protect the ball. Block shots.
Transition Defending to Attacking
Quick reaction, explode and go forward with dribble, pass and/or run.
Try to create a scoring chance as quickly as possible - 10 Second Rule.
If that's not possible, keep ball possession.
Transition Attacking to Defending
Quick reaction.
Run to the attacker with the ball and pressure the ball.
Try to win the ball back within 5 seconds.

4+2 v 4+2 Game
Organization:
Area: 45y x 30y
The teams play a 4v4 game with goalkeepers. Two bouncers are set up on each end line, next to the goal. The attacking team can use their bouncers to relieve pressure and create scoring chances. Rotate the neutral players every couple of minutes.
Variations: Play 3+2 v 3+2, using small goals in the corners. Or play 5+2 v 5+2.
Game: Keep track of the score.
Transition:
After winning the ball look deep and try to get the ball to the bouncers quickly. Create a 'third man' situation when the bouncer is going to receive the ball.
After losing the ball, try to win the ball back as quickly as possible, cut off the passing lane forward and protect the goal.

7v7, Large Goals
Organization:
Area: 60y x 40y
Create two teams and play 7v7 (six plus a GK), with both teams playing in a 1-2-3-1 formation. Regular soccer rules apply.
Game: Keep track of the score.
Coaching Points:
Attackers:
-
In ball possession, make the field large and get into the correct build up shape.
Defenders:
-
When the opponent has the ball, make the field small by moving towards the ball and pressuring the ball
Transition:
- After winning the ball, look to play the ball forward, one touch in transition, or explode with a dribble into space.
- After losing the ball, try to win the ball back asap.
