9v9 Defending Session
A 60-minute defending session for U12–U13 squads. Mid-block compactness, 1v1 defending, and recovery runs.
⏱Session timeline
▦Session blocks
Shadow shape warm-up
10 minFull squad in mid-block shape. Ball to various positions. Team adjusts. Walk then jog. No ball yet.
1v1 wide channel defending
15 minFour simultaneous 1v1 channels. Active defending at 80%. Coach: angle, wait, patience.
9v9 with defensive bonuses
27 min9v9. Defending team earns 2pts for any turnover in own half using compact block. Earns 1pt for any recovery run that prevents a goal. Standard goal = 1pt for attacking team.
Review
8 minHow many times did the block hold? When did it break? One coaching point.
◆What you'll need from yourself
Insisting on the shape walkthrough even though players want to skip to the game. The walkthrough installs the habit — without it the game produces chaos.
!Common problems
Players pressing individually without cover — no lone pressing.