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📋 Session Plan

U13 Set Pieces — Throws & Free Kicks

A 75-minute session covering the two most-overlooked set-piece sources — long throws and direct free kicks. Patterns, technique, decision-making.

Duration75 min AgeU13–U14 Players12 FocusQuality, decision-making, and
ABCDE

⏱Session timeline

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▦Session blocks

1

Arrival Pairs

0 min

Two-touch constraint from minute 4. The communication rhythm of this drill carries directly into the set-piece work where calling teammates matters.

2

Dynamic Dribbling Square

0 min

Standard 16×16 yard square. Add the called-skills element from minute 4. Players warm without specific set-piece focus — that comes next.

3

Long Throw — Attacking Patterns

0 min

First half of the technical work. Run all 4 phases. By the end, the squad should know the near-post throw routine and have at least 1-2 throwers who can deliver into the box.

4

Attacking Free Kicks

0 min

Second half. The two attacking patterns (direct and indirect). Run all 4 phases. Different routines from the throw work but similar pattern-recognition demand.

5

Live SSG with set-piece restart rule

0 min

Free 5v5 with one rule: every restart from the attacking half is either a free kick or a long throw (coach's call). Forces lots of set-piece reps under realistic match conditions.

6

Reflection Circle

0 min

Question: 'Which routine felt closest to working in matches?' Senior youth answers reveal which patterns have transferred.

◆What you'll need from yourself

Clear demonstrations and high energy. Keep the session moving with minimal queuing, and reinforce one or two key coaching points rather than overloading players with information.

!Common problems

Players standing in queues (set up enough stations to keep everyone active) and the session running too long on one activity (keep blocks tight and move on while engagement is high).