⚽ Pre-Season
Formation Introduction
Pre-season is the right time to introduce a new formation or re-introduce last season's shape.
Formation Introduction — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Good habits and standards set from day one
◆Why this drill works
Pre-season is the right time to introduce a new formation or re-introduce last season's shape. Players need to see it, walk through it, and understand their specific role before applying it under match pressure. Shadow play then a constrained game embeds the shape in two 15-minute phases. The invest
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- Walk through formation with cones marking positions. Show every player their position and three responsibilities: in possession, out of possession, on transitions.
- Shadow play phase: coach plays balls to different positions. Team adjusts as a unit. Walk pace first, jog after 5 minutes.
- Constrained game: 7v7 or 9v9 with players in positional zones for first 10 minutes.
- Remove zone restriction. Observe how much shape holds naturally.
- Debrief: three questions — 'Where do you start?', 'Where with the ball?', 'Where when we lose it?'
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls6
- Cones12
- Bibs8
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Good habits and standards set from day one
- Quality maintained as the workload builds
Correct when you see
- Letting standards slip — set the tone now
- Neglecting recovery between sessions
- Going too hard too early — pre-season builds progressively
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Agility Ladder | Build the base. | Check price → |
| Value | Marker Cones (50-pack) | Conditioning circuits. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Technical work. | Check price → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Formation Introduction suitable for?
This drill suits U11–U12. Build the intensity progressively and scale the workload to the group.
How many players do I need for Formation Introduction?
This drill works well with around 12 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does Formation Introduction take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 23 minutes to run it — about 26 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.