Six weeks of receiving and passing
U11–U12 · 12 players · 45 minutes per practice · 28 × 34 m · 6 balls · 8 cones.
Check the space and surface before play. Repeat a week when needed. Open a coach card below, then print or save as PDF. Keep the folders together. Write group-level observations in observation-sheet.csv; leave out names and health information.
Week 1: Receive Across the Body
See the next route before receiving
Watch for: Does the receiver look beyond the ball before the pass and take a controlled touch into the next route?
Repeat: Repeat with a slower ground pass and a clearly signalled exit.
Next: Add the walking shadow in week 2 once the receiver can find the exit before touching the ball.
Open printable practiceWeek 2: Play Beyond Pressure
Use support to play beyond pressure
Watch for: When the direct pass closes, do players use a return pass to create a new angle?
Repeat: Keep the shadow still and show both passing options before starting.
Next: Move to week 3 when a return pass helps the group find a different route.
Open printable practiceWeek 3: Switch and Support
Support after switching sides
Watch for: After passing across the space, does the passer move into a visible support angle?
Repeat: Walk through the switch and stop to show where the next pass can go.
Next: Add a third option in week 4 once support follows the switch without a reminder.
Open printable practiceWeek 4: Create a Spare Player
Find the extra passing option
Watch for: Do the two receivers offer different angles, and does the carrier notice the spare player?
Repeat: Freeze the carrier and let receivers find two clearly separate routes.
Next: Use the same two-option idea from a ground restart in week 5.
Open printable practiceWeek 5: Build from a Restart
Offer two routes at a restart
Watch for: Are two options available before the ground restart, and does the server support after the pass?
Repeat: Pause before each restart to let the receivers separate.
Next: Move to week 6 when the first receiver can connect a second controlled pass.
Open printable practiceWeek 6: Keep or Go Forward
Choose a forward pass or keep possession
Watch for: Can players explain which route was open and choose a return pass when it closes?
Repeat: Return to the earlier week that matches the difficulty: first touch, support or restart.
Next: Repeat the game with a new open route and compare the decisions with your earlier notes.
Open printable practiceSession Pitch original practices. Field effectiveness has not been evaluated.