Session Pitch

Create a Spare Player

Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball.

U11–U1260 minRecommended 9–15 playersVersion 1.0.1

From playful exploration to a small-sided task. A complete practice with water breaks, easy variations and numbered player roles.

Adapt for your team

Customize your session

Dimensions include a 2 m perimeter buffer. Confirm clear space and a usable surface before play.

Open coach timer

ZIP includes coach cards, maps, timeline, rotations and JSON. To save a PDF, choose Save as PDF in your browser print dialog.

Your practice

Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball.

U11–U1260 min9 players28 × 34 mField practice

Bring 9 balls and 16 cones. Use ground play and line targets. Keep water available.

  • Odd numbers: use a three-player station or rotating neutral. Every numbered slot is assigned each round.

Check the surface, boundaries and equipment before play. Pause or simplify whenever needed. Confirm local youth football rules. Numbered slots replace names.

  1. 10–10 minExplore and notice
  2. 210–22 minThree-player angles
  3. 322–25 minWater and reset
  4. 425–40 minRotating helper
  5. 540–55 minPut it into play
  6. 655–60 minSlow down and reflect
1

Explore and notice

10 min

Begin at walking pace. In shared clear space, carry or share a ball and explore this question: How did the helper change the defenders choices? Stop on a raised hand.

Use the spare angle, then move again.

Play

  • Begin at walking pace. In shared clear space, carry or share a ball and explore this question: How did the helper change the defenders choices? Stop on a raised hand.
  • Keep ground play only. No heading, sliding or body contact. Pause for water whenever needed.

Organisation

Each player works in their own clear station with one ball. Stop together on the signal.

7 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 420s activity · 60s briefing · 60s rest · 60s transition.

Adjust the challenge

Easier: Walk through the task without opposition; shorten pass distances and widen the target.

Next step: Add a second choice to explore and notice; ask players to explain the choice.

Move on: Stop the balls, walk to the next area and check all players are ready.

s24-arrival28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 9 numbered stations, 9 numbered player slots, 9 balls and 4 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 912345678928 × 34 m · 2 m perimeter bufferNumbered circle: player · small dot: ball · triangle: cone · dashed arrow: route

28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 9 numbered stations, 9 numbered player slots, 9 balls and 4 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

Round-by-round player roles
RoundAssignments
1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 4: carrier (station 4); 5: carrier (station 5); 6: carrier (station 6); 7: carrier (station 7); 8: carrier (station 8); 9: carrier (station 9)
2 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 4: carrier (station 4); 5: carrier (station 5); 6: carrier (station 6); 7: carrier (station 7); 8: carrier (station 8); 9: carrier (station 9)
3 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 4: carrier (station 4); 5: carrier (station 5); 6: carrier (station 6); 7: carrier (station 7); 8: carrier (station 8); 9: carrier (station 9)
4 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 4: carrier (station 4); 5: carrier (station 5); 6: carrier (station 6); 7: carrier (station 7); 8: carrier (station 8); 9: carrier (station 9)
5 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 4: carrier (station 4); 5: carrier (station 5); 6: carrier (station 6); 7: carrier (station 7); 8: carrier (station 8); 9: carrier (station 9)
6 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 4: carrier (station 4); 5: carrier (station 5); 6: carrier (station 6); 7: carrier (station 7); 8: carrier (station 8); 9: carrier (station 9)
7 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 4: carrier (station 4); 5: carrier (station 5); 6: carrier (station 6); 7: carrier (station 7); 8: carrier (station 8); 9: carrier (station 9)
Download map SVG

Equipment: 9 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

2

Three-player angles

12 min

Three-player angles: two receivers keep different angles around one carrier. In a three-player station both partners receive; when a group has only two players, the empty corner remains an available movement target. In larger stations, extra players observe and rotate into the trio.

Use the spare angle, then move again.

Play

  • Three-player angles: two receivers keep different angles around one carrier.
  • Keep ground play only. No heading, sliding or body contact. Pause for water whenever needed.

Organisation

3 separate stations. Roles: carrier and two receivers when the group has three players; 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.

10 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 600s activity · 60s briefing · 30s rest · 30s transition.

Adjust the challenge

Easier: Walk through the task without opposition; shorten pass distances and widen the target.

Next step: Add a second choice to three-player angles; ask players to explain the choice.

Move on: Stop the balls, walk to the next area and check all players are ready.

s24-skill28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 9 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.Station 1Station 2Station 314725836928 × 34 m · 2 m perimeter bufferNumbered circle: player · small dot: ball · triangle: cone · dashed arrow: route

28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 9 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

Round-by-round player roles
RoundAssignments
1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
2 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
3 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
4 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
5 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
6 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
7 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
8 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
9 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
10 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
Download map SVG

Equipment: 3 balls · 10 cones · 0 goals

3

Water and reset

3 min

Offer water and rest. Collect balls and walk to the next marked areas. Explain the next task before restarting.

Use the spare angle, then move again.

Play

  • Offer water and rest. Collect balls and walk to the next marked areas. Explain the next task before restarting.
  • Keep ground play only. No heading, sliding or body contact. Pause for water whenever needed.

Organisation

All players rest or reflect together.

Timing: 0s activity · 30s briefing · 120s rest · 30s transition.

Adjust the challenge

Easier: Walk through the task without opposition; shorten pass distances and widen the target.

Next step: Add a second choice to water and reset; ask players to explain the choice.

Move on: Stop the balls, walk to the next area and check all players are ready.

s24-break28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 9 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.Station 112345678928 × 34 m · 2 m perimeter bufferNumbered circle: player · small dot: ball · triangle: cone · dashed arrow: route

28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 9 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

Round-by-round player roles
RoundAssignments
Rest1: rest / reflect (station 1); 2: rest / reflect (station 1); 3: rest / reflect (station 1); 4: rest / reflect (station 1); 5: rest / reflect (station 1); 6: rest / reflect (station 1); 7: rest / reflect (station 1); 8: rest / reflect (station 1); 9: rest / reflect (station 1)
Download map SVG

Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

4

Rotating helper

15 min

Rotating helper: a third player supports whoever has possession; rotate helper every round. In a three-player station both partners receive; when a group has only two players, the empty corner remains an available movement target. In larger stations, extra players observe and rotate into the trio.

Use the spare angle, then move again.

Play

  • Rotating helper: a third player supports whoever has possession; rotate helper every round.
  • Keep ground play only. No heading, sliding or body contact. Pause for water whenever needed.

Organisation

3 separate stations. Roles: carrier and two receivers when the group has three players; 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.

12 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 720s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

Adjust the challenge

Easier: Walk through the task without opposition; shorten pass distances and widen the target.

Next step: Add a second choice to rotating helper; ask players to explain the choice.

Move on: Stop the balls, walk to the next area and check all players are ready.

s24-application28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 9 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.Station 1Station 2Station 314725836928 × 34 m · 2 m perimeter bufferNumbered circle: player · small dot: ball · triangle: cone · dashed arrow: route

28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 9 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

Round-by-round player roles
RoundAssignments
1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
2 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
3 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
4 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
5 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
6 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
7 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
8 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
9 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
10 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
11 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver / shadow (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver / shadow (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver / shadow (station 3)
12 · 60s1: receiver / shadow (station 1); 4: receiver / shadow (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver / shadow (station 2); 5: receiver / shadow (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver / shadow (station 3); 6: receiver / shadow (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
Download map SVG

Equipment: 3 balls · 10 cones · 0 goals

5

Put it into play

15 min

The neutral supports possession; find them before changing the direction of attack. Use short small-sided games. Restart with a ground pass; defenders allow space at restarts.

Use the spare angle, then move again.

Play

  • The neutral supports possession; find them before changing the direction of attack. Use short small-sided games. Restart with a ground pass; defenders allow space at restarts.
  • Keep ground play only. No heading, sliding or body contact. Pause for water whenever needed.

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.

5 rounds × 144 seconds. Timing: 720s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

Adjust the challenge

Easier: Walk through the task without opposition; shorten pass distances and widen the target.

Next step: Add a second choice to put it into play; ask players to explain the choice.

Move on: Stop the balls, walk to the next area and check all players are ready.

s24-games28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered pitches, 9 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.Pitch 1Pitch 21A3B5A7B9N2A4B6A8B28 × 34 m · 2 m perimeter bufferNumbered circle: player · small dot: ball · triangle: cone · dashed arrow: route

28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered pitches, 9 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

Round-by-round player roles
RoundAssignments
1 · 144s1: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 7: team B (station 1); 9: neutral (station 1); 2: team A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2)
2 · 144s1: neutral (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 7: team A (station 1); 9: team B (station 1); 2: team B (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: team A (station 2)
3 · 144s1: team B (station 1); 3: neutral (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 7: team B (station 1); 9: team A (station 1); 2: team A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2)
4 · 144s1: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 5: neutral (station 1); 7: team A (station 1); 9: team B (station 1); 2: team B (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: team A (station 2)
5 · 144s1: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 7: neutral (station 1); 9: team A (station 1); 2: team A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2)
Download map SVG

Equipment: 2 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

6

Slow down and reflect

5 min

Choose easy-paced movement, then ask: How did the helper change the defenders choices? Each player can answer with a gesture or one sentence. Check equipment and finish together.

Use the spare angle, then move again.

Play

  • Choose easy-paced movement, then ask: How did the helper change the defenders choices? Each player can answer with a gesture or one sentence. Check equipment and finish together.
  • Keep ground play only. No heading, sliding or body contact. Pause for water whenever needed.

Organisation

All players rest or reflect together.

2 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 120s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

Adjust the challenge

Easier: Walk through the task without opposition; shorten pass distances and widen the target.

Next step: Add a second choice to slow down and reflect; ask players to explain the choice.

Move on: Stop the balls, walk to the next area and check all players are ready.

s24-close28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 9 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.Station 112345678928 × 34 m · 2 m perimeter bufferNumbered circle: player · small dot: ball · triangle: cone · dashed arrow: route

28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 9 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Use an extra passing option to keep or advance the ball. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

Round-by-round player roles
RoundAssignments
1 · 60s1: rest / reflect (station 1); 2: rest / reflect (station 1); 3: rest / reflect (station 1); 4: rest / reflect (station 1); 5: rest / reflect (station 1); 6: rest / reflect (station 1); 7: rest / reflect (station 1); 8: rest / reflect (station 1); 9: rest / reflect (station 1)
2 · 60s1: rest / reflect (station 1); 2: rest / reflect (station 1); 3: rest / reflect (station 1); 4: rest / reflect (station 1); 5: rest / reflect (station 1); 6: rest / reflect (station 1); 7: rest / reflect (station 1); 8: rest / reflect (station 1); 9: rest / reflect (station 1)
Download map SVG

Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

After the practice

How did the helper change the defenders choices?

Save field notes

Try next

Pass Through GatesReceive and MovePlay Together