Objective
Integrate defensive transition after losing the ball, with the decision to press or drop back and the goalkeeper's support.
Exercise details
- Sport
- Football
- Exercise type
- Defensive Transition
- Ages
- U9–U23
- Players
- 11
- Duration
- 18 min
- Space
- 36 x 26 m
- Equipment
- Ball, cones, bibs, 1 full-size goal, 2 mini goals
How it works
Two teams of five; one goalkeeper defends the big goal. One team attacks the big goal and the other the two small ones.
Directional 5v5 game. After losing the ball, the team that was attacking the big goal presses if it has a chance of winning it back; if not, it drops back to defend the mini goals. The other team tries to score there quickly. The coach puts a new ball into play to restart without waiting.
Variations and progressions
- Simplify (U11–U12): 4v4 + goalkeeper in a smaller space.
- Progress (U13+): maximum 8 seconds to score after winning the ball.
- Use short sets with rests.
Coaching tips
- Immediate first step.
- One player presses and the others balance the sides and protect the passing lines.
- The goalkeeper communicates depth.
- Avoid leaving an attacker free.
This exercise is a sample from Spooru's library: more than 700 exercises, plus sessions and season plans, constantly growing.
Related methodology guides
More sample exercises
More than 700 exercises and season plans ready to use
Create your free account and plan your team's season with exercises, sessions and a calendar.