Turning session: no going back

Session plan

Want to try this with your team? Download the session plan and give it a go.  

Organisation

This is a small-sided game with two attackers, two defenders and two neutral players. Set up an area that’s long and narrow, with a halfway line splitting it into two zones. Begin with one attacker, one defender in each zone, and a neutral player on either pitch. The players can’t move between zones. 

How to play

A neutral player starts with the ball. They pass it to an attacking player in the zone nearest to them. The attacking player must use a turn to get past the defender, then pass the ball across the halfway line to their teammate in the other zone. This player must turn past the next defender and pass the ball to the neutral player at the other end of the pitch. If they succeed, they score a goal.  

It's important to note that:

• once the pass is received from the neutral player, the attackers can't pass back to them 

• if the defenders win the ball back, they pass it to the nearest neutral player and become the attackers. 

As your team play, encourage them to try different turns. Examples include: 

• a drag back  

• using a stepover to change direction when facing the defender 

• flicking the ball and running around the defender. 

If you have lots of players, try setting up two or three areas parallel to each other. Goalkeepers could become the neutral players and practise rolling or passing the ball to the attackers.  

If you have an odd number of players, add a defender to a zone or remove a neutral player. If a neutral player is removed, attackers should aim to run over the end line of the area to score a goal. The remaining neutral player is then responsible for all restarts, so ensure they have a few balls to hand. 

By using a long, narrow pitch, this game increases the opportunity to practice turning and provides players with enough space to dribble at defenders. It also encourages players to consider their position and movement before receiving a pass.
 

Progression

If your players master your activity – or find it too hard – try adding a progression. Here's one idea you could use.

Create a 6v6 game using a larger pitch that’s still long and thin. You can use goals at either end with a goalkeeper on each team. The game starts with the keeper passing the ball to a teammate in their half of the pitch. This player must pass forwards or turn and dribble past a defender. In this game, players don’t have to stay in their zones, but they can’t pass the ball backwards. If a player dribbles over the halfway line and scores, award three goals. This encourages your team to run and turn with the ball. 

Whatever progression you choose, remember that learning takes time. So don’t alter your activity too quickly – or too much. Try using the STEP framework (Youth Sports Trust, 2002). This helps keep things fun, engaging and appropriate.  

Once you’ve put this session into practice, share your experience with the England Football Community.