U11 Defending — Recovery Runs and 2v1

Reaction-based warm-up suits this session — recovery defending is about reading and reacting fast. End with 30-second sprints over 15 yards (3-4 reps) to prime the legs for the recovery work to come.

Core block. Two attackers vs one defender, defender starts behind play and has to recover. Coach the recovery LINE — defender runs goal-side on the ball-side, NOT in a straight line back to the goal. By rep 8, defenders should be visibly choosing better recovery angles.

Modified rule: when a team loses possession in the attacking third, the team that wins the ball gets 5 seconds free of pressure (defending team must drop). This forces a clear RECOVERY moment in every transition. Defenders practice the recovery sprint AND the delay-don't-engage habit. Coach pauses occasionally to call out good and bad recovery angles.

Generous 8-minute cool-down — recovery defending is leg-heavy. 5 min static stretches focusing on hamstrings and hip flexors, then 3 min circle. Question: 'when the attacker had broken through — did delaying or tackling work better for you?'. Most U11s discover delay was more effective; embed that lesson.