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11v11 defending sessions

6 11v11 defending sessions for grassroots football coaches. 11v11 is now the format from U14 upwards under Future Fit.

Reviewed by James Whitlock, FA Level 2 coach · Last updated 20 September 2026

Sessions6Formats11v11FocusQuality, decision-making, and enjoyment

⏱Session timeline

Adult Defending Shape — 75 Minutes

U16–adult · 75 min — A 75-minute session building defensive organisation for adult squads: back-four structure, high press triggers,…

Adult Defensive Blocks — Mid and Low

U16–adult · 60 min — A 60-minute session for adult squads learning to defend in mid-block and low-block structures. When to press, when…

Adult Tactical Shape — In Possession and Out

U16–adult · 90 min — A 90-minute session establishing the squad's tactical shape both in and out of possession. The session to run early…

9v9 Defending Session

U12–U14 · 60 min — A 60-minute defending session for U12–U13 squads. Mid-block compactness, 1v1 defending, and recovery runs.

U14 Box Defending

U14–U15 · 90 min — 90-minute defensive third specialist session. Centre-back partnership, defending crosses, defending corners. The…

U16 Defensive Organisation — Press, Shape, Counter

U16–U17 · 75 min — A 75-minute session building defensive structure for U16 squads: high press with defined triggers, back-four…

▦Session blocks

All defending sessions

16 sessions

5v5 defending sessions

3 sessions

7v7 defending sessions

8 sessions

9v9 defending sessions

6 sessions

?FAQ

What is 11v11 defending sessions?
6 11v11 defending sessions for grassroots football coaches. 11v11 is now the format from U14 upwards under Future Fit.

Is this free to use on SimpleDrills?
Yes — all coaching content on SimpleDrills, including this page, is free to view, print, and use with your team.

Recommended kit

Disc Cones (50-pack)

Top pick

Define defensive zones and trigger points precisely.

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Training Bibs (10-pack)

Distinguish attacker and defender groups at a glance.

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Training Footballs (4-pack)

Keep intensity up without stopping for balls.

Check price on Amazon

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Coaches tip: Post-session recovery nutrition matters as much as the drills themselves — MaxiNutrition's recovery range is built for exactly this.

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