The Method · Session 018

One problem becomes one hour on the grass.

Coach asked · via the form
“My U13s can move the ball into the final third but we lose it every time. They rush the shot or give it back within two touches. How do I get them to keep possession up there and actually create chances?”

A working coach reads it and names the actual problem.

Diagnosis: outcome expected

Players retain possession in the attacking third under pressure, so shots come from good positions instead of rushed clearances.

PHASE 0110 min

Arrival: 4v2 corner squares

Fun, tied to the theme. Kids arrive at different times, so this needs to work whether you've got 8 or 16.

Set-up

15x15m grid. Four attackers on the corners, two defenders inside. Attackers score a point every time they complete 5 passes without losing it. Defenders score when they win it back.

Coach cue

“When you don't have the ball, get on an angle to your teammate. Never behind them.”

PHASE 0210 min

Unopposed: triangle rotations

The technique on its own. No pressure yet. Get the body shape and first touch right before we add anything.

Set-up

Three players in a triangle, 10m sides. Ball goes round the triangle. After each pass, player runs to their next position. Both directions.

Coach cue

“Open your body before the ball gets to you. If you're closed, your only option is back where it came from.”

PHASE 0315 minKey block

Interference: triangle plus one defender

Same shape, now with a defender who applies half-speed pressure. This is where the technique either sticks or falls apart.

Set-up

Same triangle. Add one defender who starts in the middle at half speed. Every 90 seconds, defender rotates. If defender wins it three times in a row, shrink the triangle.

Coach cue

“Scan before you receive. If the defender's coming, your first touch takes you away from them, not into them.”

PHASE 0420 min

Game finish: 6v6 with a scoring condition

The problem back in game context. Not a free-for-all match. A game with a condition that forces the behaviour you're trying to build.

Set-up

Pitch 30x20m, mini goals both ends. Attacking team must complete 4 passes inside the final third before they can shoot. Defensive team earns a bonus goal for every clearance beyond halfway.

Coach cue

“You've done this in the triangle. Same thing here. Scan, open, first touch away.”

The session document · as delivered

Session 018 · Written 24/06/2026By one of our coaches

Age group

U12 to U15

Duration

60 minutes

Players

12 to 16

Equipment

Balls, cones, bibs, 2 mini goals

Diagnosis: outcome expected

Players retain possession in the attacking third under pressure, so shots come from good positions instead of rushed clearances.

01Arrival: 4v2 corner squares10 min

02Unopposed: triangle rotations10 min

03Interference: triangle plus one defender15 min

04Game finish: 6v6 with a scoring condition20 min

Written by a working coach. Ready to print or download.

Session #018

Full plan with diagrams, the why behind each phase, and what to change if it's not working on the grass.

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