Key objectives
This session helps players:
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challenge safely and effectively
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think about what to do before, during and after a tackle
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consider distances, positioning and body shape when challenging.
This session helps players:
challenge safely and effectively
think about what to do before, during and after a tackle
consider distances, positioning and body shape when challenging.
Want to try this with your team? Download the session plan and give it a go.
To set up, mark out a square grid and split it into four equal boxes with a safe zone down the middle.
In this example aimed at 12–16-year-olds, the grid is 20x20 yards and starts on the edge of the six-yard box. You can adapt the space depending on the age and stage of your players.
Split your players into two teams of four plus two ‘servers’.
A player from each team will start the game in all four boxes on the grid. One player will be an attacker, and the other a defender.
The servers stand at either end of the grid with two footballs. They start the game by passing a ball to the attacker in each box.
The aim is for each attacker to try and move the ball into the safe zone to score a point. The defenders can score points by winning the ball back and returning it to the server.
When a point is scored, the attacker and defender swap roles.
Play the game for five minutes, then add up the scores across all the squares for each team. Make sure to swap the teams around so every player has a go at being a server.
If your players master this activity – or find it too hard – try adding a progression. Here are some examples:
Remember, learning takes time. So don’t alter things too quickly or too much. Using the STEP framework (Youth Sports Trust, 2002) can help keep things fun, engaging and appropriate.
Want more info on this session? Watch our tactics board explainer on YouTube.
Once you've put this session into practice, share your experience on the England Football Community.
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