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📋 Session Plan · Defending

5v5 Defending Basics

A 30-minute introduction to defending for U8–U9 squads. Shadow defending, goal-side awareness, and the basics.

Duration30 min AgeU8–U10 Players10 FocusGoal-side positioning, shadow
ABCDDDD

⏱Session timeline

8m
12m
10m

▦Session blocks

1

Shadow tag warm-up

8 min

In pairs: one player mirrors the other's movement. No ball. Builds the defensive footwork and reactive body position.

2

Shadow defending with ball

12 min

Same pairs. Player with ball dribbles slowly. Defender mirrors 1-2m away. No tackling — pure body shape and positioning.

3

5v5 with defending awareness

10 min

5v5 with mini goals. Coach calls out good defending: 'GOOD BODY SHAPE!' 'YOU'RE GOAL-SIDE!' The language shapes the habit.

◆What you'll need from yourself

Simple objectives: face the ball, stay goal-side. Don't introduce tackling technique at this age — the body shape comes first.

!Common problems

Players diving in immediately — 'wait, wait, wait' is the coaching cue.