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Keep or Go Forward
U11–U12 · Session Pitch · v2.0.0
A team keeps passing safely but misses the instant a forward window appears. Make possession purposeful.
Your practice
Recognise when to keep the ball or advance.
U11–U1245 min12 starting players28 × 34 mField practice
Bring 6 balls and 8 cones. Use ground play and line targets. Keep water available.
Look for progress
Keep the ball while forward routes are closed.
Use a newly open route after checking the receiver's position.
Share balls within numbered stations. Rotate carrier, receiver and observer roles at each round.
45 minutes: retain a separate application task, with shorter exploration and game blocks.
Check the surface, boundaries and equipment before play. Pause or simplify whenever needed. Confirm local youth football rules. Numbered slots replace names.
Begin at walking pace in the numbered stations. With the ball still, compare an open forward line with a nearby return receiver and explain which is available. Share the ball when needed; an observer watches the same decision and takes a ball turn on the next assigned round.
A safe pass can open a forward route. Forward movement follows an open window rather than a fixed pass count.
Run the activity
With the ball still, compare an open forward line with a nearby return receiver and explain which is available.
Pause on a raised hand and point to the space you chose.
Swap the ball on the round signal and notice this feature: Forward movement follows an open window rather than a fixed pass count.
Play
With the ball still, compare an open forward line with a nearby return receiver and explain which is available.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Forward movement follows an open window rather than a fixed pass count.
If you see: The carrier goes forward because it is their turn to attack.
Try: Ask for a spoken open or closed reading before movement.
Organisation
4 separate stations. Roles: carrier, receiver, signal observer; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 3 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 84s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.
Easier: Keep the forward cue fixed for each attempt.
Next step: Observer may change the cue after a return pass.
Move on: Stop the balls and identify the start positions for forward window.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 4 numbered stations, 12 numbered player slots, 4 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Recognise when to keep the ball or advance. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show decision game using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See the options: Look for a carry, pass or safe return. 2. Choose a clear route: Choose the route that is clear now. 3. Keep the next option open: Move to help the next player with the ball.
Carrier faces a forward line with a receiver behind or beside the ball. A signal observer controls whether the line is open.
A safe pass can open a forward route. Forward movement follows an open window rather than a fixed pass count.
Run the activity
Check the observer before the next action.
Carry or pass forward when open.
If closed, connect the short return and walk to a fresh angle.
Play
Check the observer before the next action.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Forward movement follows an open window rather than a fixed pass count.
If you see: The carrier goes forward because it is their turn to attack.
Try: Ask for a spoken open or closed reading before movement.
Organisation
4 separate stations. Roles: carrier, receiver, signal observer; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 3 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 120s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.
Easier: Keep the forward cue fixed for each attempt.
Next step: Observer may change the cue after a return pass.
Move on: Stop in place, recall forward movement follows an open window rather than a fixed pass count. and walk to water with the balls still.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 4 numbered stations, 12 numbered player slots, 4 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Recognise when to keep the ball or advance. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show decision game using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See the options: Look for a carry, pass or safe return. 2. Choose a clear route: Choose the route that is clear now. 3. Keep the next option open: Move to help the next player with the ball.
Offer water and rest. Leave balls still outside the walking route. Before restarting, show the next decision: The player notices the change while retaining control.
A safe pass can open a forward route. Every player has a rest opportunity and understands the next start position.
Run the activity
Stop every ball and offer water or seated rest.
Check the surface, clear the next station and keep boundary buffers empty.
Name what to look for next: The player notices the change while retaining control.
Play
Stop every ball and offer water or seated rest.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Every player has a rest opportunity and understands the next start position.
If you see: Players begin moving balls while others cross the area.
Try: Keep every ball still until the area is clear and all players have heard the start signal.
Easier: Demonstrate only the first action, then begin slowly.
Next step: Invite a player to point out the next receiving or observation position.
Move on: Show the first decision in keep then break before the restart signal.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 12 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Recognise when to keep the ball or advance. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.
A carrier and receiver connect short passes while an observer keeps the forward route closed, then opens it.
A safe pass can open a forward route. The player notices the change while retaining control.
Run the activity
Make two calm supporting passes and change the angle between them.
Look for the observer opening the route.
Use the opening on the next suitable touch, or keep possession if the receiver is not ready.
Play
Make two calm supporting passes and change the angle between them.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
The player notices the change while retaining control.
If you see: The pair continues the pass routine without looking up.
Try: Stop after each second pass for a deliberate forward scan.
Organisation
4 separate stations. Roles: carrier, receiver, signal observer; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 3 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 128s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.
Easier: Announce the opening before the pass arrives.
Next step: Vary when the route opens instead of always after two passes.
Move on: Stop the station balls, show the game target lines and explain this condition: Choose an end-line score or three connected passes for a point; explain the choice at the break.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 4 numbered stations, 12 numbered player slots, 4 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Recognise when to keep the ball or advance. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show decision game using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See the options: Look for a carry, pass or safe return. 2. Choose a clear route: Choose the route that is clear now. 3. Keep the next option open: Move to help the next player with the ball.
Choose an end-line score or three connected passes for a point; explain the choice at the break. Use the numbered teams and neutral roles for this pitch. Agree line targets inside the shown area. Restart with a gentle ground pass; opponents retreat at least two metres until the first touch.
A safe pass can open a forward route. Compare a point earned by keeping possession with one earned by recognising a real forward opening.
Run the activity
Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Choose an end-line score or three connected passes for a point; explain the choice at the break.
Play within the marked pitch using the current numbered roles; restart from the nearest boundary after the ball leaves.
At the next pause, give one observed example: Compare a point earned by keeping possession with one earned by recognising a real forward opening.
Play
Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Choose an end-line score or three connected passes for a point; explain the choice at the break.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Compare a point earned by keeping possession with one earned by recognising a real forward opening.
If you see: The pair continues the pass routine without looking up.
Try: Stop after each second pass for a deliberate forward scan.
Organisation
2 pitches. Teams use numbered A/B slots. Odd groups use a neutral who helps the team with the ball. Rotate slot assignments between rounds; everyone plays and each odd-pitch player takes a neutral turn.
Easier: Pause at each restart to show the available choice. Announce the opening before the pass arrives.
Next step: Vary when the route opens instead of always after two passes.
Move on: Stop every ball, bring the numbered groups together and leave a clear space for walking or seated reflection.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered pitches, 12 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: Recognise when to keep the ball or advance. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show decision game using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See the options: Look for a carry, pass or safe return. 2. Choose a clear route: Choose the route that is clear now. 3. Keep the next option open: Move to help the next player with the ball.
Leave the balls still and walk comfortably within your own station. Recall one choice from the session, then ask: What changed before you chose to go forward?
A safe pass can open a forward route. Keep the ball while forward routes are closed. Use a newly open route after checking the receiver's position.
Run the activity
Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
Point to the movement you remember without a ball, then reflect: What changed before you chose to go forward?
Share one observed example or say that you need another look; count the players and equipment before finishing.
Play
Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Keep the ball while forward routes are closed. Use a newly open route after checking the receiver's position.
If you see: The review names only the score and misses the choice that led to it.
Try: Ask for one specific example: Compare a point earned by keeping possession with one earned by recognising a real forward opening.
Easier: Allow a pointing gesture or one word instead of a spoken explanation.
Next step: Invite a player to explain what they would change if the same route closed next time.
Move on: Check every player and collect stationary equipment before leaving the area.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 12 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Recognise when to keep the ball or advance. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.
