6-Week Defending Block (U10–U11)
A structured six-week block to build defending from the ground up for U10–U11 squads. Each week layers a new concept onto the last — starting with individual 1v1 defending and finishing with organised team shape. Every session links to drills from the library so you can run it as-is.
📅How this block works
Run one focus per week across six weeks. Each week builds on the last, so by week six the concepts combine naturally in match play. Every week links to ready-to-run drills from the library — print the plan or share it to your team WhatsApp. Week six is always assessment: play, observe, and let the habits show.
1v1 defending fundamentals
Start with the individual. Teach the jockey, the approach angle, and the patience to not dive in. Everything else builds on a player who can defend their own space.
Pressure and cover
Introduce the second defender. Teach the press-and-cover relationship — one player pressures, one covers the space behind.
Defending in wide areas
Apply the 1v1 and cover principles to the wide channels, where most grassroots goals originate. Force play toward the touchline.
Recovery runs and transition
When the ball is lost, who recovers and how? Build the habit of sprinting back goal-side and the fitness to do it repeatedly.
Small-group defending
Put it together in 3v3 and 4v4 — defending as a small unit, communicating, and staying compact.
Match integration
Assessment week. Conditioned games where defending habits should now appear naturally. Observe, don't over-coach.