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📋 Session Plan

5v5 Defending Basics

A 45-minute session introducing defending without tackling for U8–U9 squads. Body shape, patience, goal-side positioning.

Duration45 min AgeU8–U9 Players12 FocusQuality, decision-making, and
ABCDE

⏱Session timeline

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▦Session blocks

1

Shadow defending pairs

0 min

Pairs. Attacker dribbles slowly, defender stays goal-side — between attacker and goal. Defender does NOT tackle. Role: stay in front. 30 seconds each, switch. Coach circulates: 'Stay goal-side. Don't dive in.'

2

Channel defending 1v1

0 min

Channel 8m × 3m. Attacker tries to dribble to the end. Defender cannot tackle — job is to make the attacker change direction once. If attacker reaches the end, reset. Coach: 'Force sideways. Patient. Wait.'

3

4v4 with defending bonus

0 min

4v4 on small pitch. Bonus rule: if a team wins the ball without tackling (e.g. attacker kicks it out, or defender intercepts a pass), their next goal counts double. Rewards patience over lunge.

4

Walk-down

0 min

Cool down lap. Ask the group: what's the defending rule we practised today? Aim for 'stay goal-side' or 'don't dive in'. Finish on a positive.

◆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).