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U10 · Passing block · Week 4 of 6 · Play it
Three zones
A possession game with zones. Find the front player, then play it in the target zone.
- Show for itThe player in the middle zone moves to where the passer can see them.
- Play forwardLook to the front player first, back if it is blocked.
- Pass and moveAfter you pass, run to a new space to help your team-mate.
The session in five lines
ArriveOne-Two Pairs while you set up (8 min)
Three zonesBack, middle, front. Reach the front player. (12 min)
Timed challengeTwo lanes. How many passes to your target? (8 min)
4 v 4 target zoneReceive the pass in the zone to score. (12 min)
Match with conditionsFour different players touch it before a goal counts. (15 min)
812812155
Minutes per stage. The last block is the conditioned game or the closing game. The dashed block is for changeovers and water.
Kit
6 conesPlus 2 goals. Use small goals, or two cones for each goal. 2 ballsOne per lane. Plus the match ball. BibsTwo colours for the two teams. Plus one for a defender.
Different numbers?
| Players | Three zones | 4 v 4 target zone |
|---|
| 6 | Two lanes of 3, no defenders | 3 v 3 |
| 7 | 3 and 4, the 4 has one defender | 4 v 3 |
| 8 | 4 and 4, one defender each | 4 v 4 |
| 9 | 4 and 5, one defender each | 5 v 4, swap the spare often |
| 10 | 5 and 5, one defender each | 5 v 5 |
| 11 | 5 and 6, two defenders in the 6 | 6 v 5, swap the spare often |
| 12 | 6 and 6, two defenders each | 6 v 6 |
Mark the zones with four cones on each side, which is eight cones across two lanes. In the target zone game, the same lines and the target zone use six cones.
1Arrive
One-Two Pairs while you set up
8 min
KitA ball per pairA cone
As the first children arrive, they pair up with a ball and a cone. One passes to the other, runs past the cone and takes the pass back.
While the children play, set up the area for the next game.
Ask: Where did you run?
2Three zones
Possession game · back, middle, front
12 min
Kit6 conesA ballBibs for the defenders
Use a pitch about 25 metres by 15, split into three zones: back, middle and front. The attackers start in the back zone with the ball. They have to pass it to the front zone player. Two defenders play in the middle zone and try to win the ball. A defender who wins it swaps with the attacker who lost it.
The pass can go back to the middle first, then forward. The front player gets a point when they receive the ball.
Find the pass round the defendersIf the ball keeps going back and forth in the same zone, ask what the middle player can do so the front player gets it.
Coaching points
- Show for it
- The player in the middle zone moves to where the passer can see them.
- Play forward
- Look to the front player first, back if it is blocked.
- Pass and move
- After you pass, run to a new space to help your team-mate.
Ask: Who can see the front player?
3Timed challenge
Two lanes · how many passes to your target
8 min
60seconds
KitThe same 6 conesA ball per laneBibs for the defenders
Play the same game in two lanes next to each other, one group per lane. Count each time the ball reaches the front player. Play for one minute, then try to beat your own score. A defender who wins the ball swaps in and play carries on.
Keep calling the same three points: show for it, play forward, pass and move.
Ask: Which pass worked best to get it to the front?
44 v 4 target zone
Pass into the zone to score
12 min
KitThe same 6 conesA ballBibs for the defenders
Two teams play in one pitch with a target zone at each end. A team scores a point when a player receives a pass inside the target zone. After a point or a turnover, the other team attacks the other zone. A team-mate has to be in the zone to receive. You cannot run into the zone with the ball.
Keep calling the same three points: show for it, play forward, pass and move.
Ask: How did you get a player free in the zone?
5Match with conditions
Four different players touch it before a goal counts
15 min
Fewer than 4 players touched it: no goal4 or more players touched it: goal
KitMatch ballBibs, two colours2 goals
Move into a match and play for 15 minutes. A goal only counts if at least four different players on the team have touched the ball in that move. Two players passing back and forth does not count. Coaches can call "touches?" and the team count out loud.
Coaching points throughout: show for it, play forward, pass and move.
Ask: Who has not touched it yet?
Go deeper
Optional. The detail behind the three coaching points, for when you want more. Draft 1: starting points for a coach to adjust, not rules.
Being an option
Give the player with the ball a pass to play and a clear line.
What good looks like
- Offers a forward option and a safe option, so the passer has two choices.
- Moves when the ball moves, so the shape stays connected.
- Time the movement: arrive as the passer is ready, not before.
If you see this, try this
- Everyone stands in a straight lineStagger the players, so each pass has an angle.
- The support is too close to the ball and the defender covers bothSpread out so one defender cannot cover two options.
More detail
- The best support gives the passer an angle past the nearest defender.
- Wide players stay wide to stretch the defence; others offer depth and cover.
Ask the players
- What options did the passer have?
Change it
Easier: More players in support.
Harder: Fewer players in support, or a defender who presses.
Playing forward
Look forward first. Pass sideways or back only if the forward pass is blocked.
What good looks like
- Look for the forward pass first, then the sideways or back pass.
- Pass when the runner is moving and the gap is open.
- The runner starts as the pass is played, not before.
If you see this, try this
- Always passes sidewaysAsk "was the forward pass on?" before each pass.
- Plays forward into a defenderA safe pass is right when forward is blocked. Keep the ball.
More detail
- Forward passes break through defenders, safe passes keep the ball. Both are right at times.
- The receiver should be ready to turn or lay off. Think about the next pass.
Ask the players
- Was the forward pass on? Why did you play it, or not?
Change it
Easier: More space or fewer defenders.
Harder: Reduce the space, or limit touches.