Session Pitch

Keep or Go Forward

Recognise when to keep the ball or advance.

U11–U1260 minRecommended 10–16 playersVersion 1.0.1

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

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

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Your practice

Recognise when to keep the ball or advance.

U11–U1260 min10 players28 × 34 mField practice

Bring 10 balls and 16 cones. Use ground play and line targets. Keep water available.

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 minForward window
  3. 322–25 minWater and reset
  4. 425–40 minKeep then break
  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: What changed before you chose to go forward? Stop on a raised hand.

A safe pass can open a forward route.

Play

  • Begin at walking pace. In shared clear space, carry or share a ball and explore this question: What changed before you chose to go forward? 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.

s29-arrival28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 10 numbered stations, 10 numbered player slots, 10 balls and 4 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.Station 1Station 2Station 3Station 4Station 5Station 6Station 7Station 8Station 9Station 101234567891028 × 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. 10 numbered stations, 10 numbered player slots, 10 balls and 4 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.

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); 10: carrier (station 10)
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); 10: carrier (station 10)
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); 10: carrier (station 10)
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); 10: carrier (station 10)
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); 10: carrier (station 10)
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); 10: carrier (station 10)
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); 10: carrier (station 10)
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Equipment: 10 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

2

Forward window

12 min

Forward window: check an open exit; take it or return to the server if closed.

A safe pass can open a forward route.

Play

  • Forward window: check an open exit; take it or return to the server if closed.
  • Keep ground play only. No heading, sliding or body contact. Pause for water whenever needed.

Organisation

3 separate stations. Roles: carrier, receiver, signal observer; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 4 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 180s 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 forward window; ask players to explain the choice.

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

s29-skill28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 10 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: Recognise when to keep the ball or advance. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.Station 1Station 2Station 31471025836928 × 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, 10 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: Recognise when to keep the ball or advance. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

Round-by-round player roles
RoundAssignments
1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver (station 1); 7: signal observer (station 1); 10: observer / next carrier (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver (station 2); 8: signal observer (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver (station 3); 9: signal observer (station 3)
2 · 60s1: observer / next carrier (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver (station 1); 10: signal observer (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver (station 2); 3: signal observer (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver (station 3)
3 · 60s1: signal observer (station 1); 4: observer / next carrier (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 10: receiver (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 5: signal observer (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver (station 3); 6: signal observer (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
4 · 60s1: receiver (station 1); 4: signal observer (station 1); 7: observer / next carrier (station 1); 10: carrier (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver (station 2); 8: signal observer (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver (station 3); 9: signal observer (station 3)
5 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver (station 1); 7: signal observer (station 1); 10: observer / next carrier (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver (station 2); 3: signal observer (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver (station 3)
6 · 60s1: observer / next carrier (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver (station 1); 10: signal observer (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 5: signal observer (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver (station 3); 6: signal observer (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
7 · 60s1: signal observer (station 1); 4: observer / next carrier (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 10: receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver (station 2); 8: signal observer (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver (station 3); 9: signal observer (station 3)
8 · 60s1: receiver (station 1); 4: signal observer (station 1); 7: observer / next carrier (station 1); 10: carrier (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver (station 2); 3: signal observer (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver (station 3)
9 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver (station 1); 7: signal observer (station 1); 10: observer / next carrier (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 5: signal observer (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver (station 3); 6: signal observer (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
10 · 60s1: observer / next carrier (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver (station 1); 10: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver (station 2); 8: signal observer (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver (station 3); 9: signal observer (station 3)
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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.

A safe pass can open a forward route.

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.

s29-break28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 10 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.Station 11234567891028 × 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, 10 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.

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); 10: rest / reflect (station 1)
Download map SVG

Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

4

Keep then break

15 min

Keep then break: connect two short passes and move forward when the observer opens a route.

A safe pass can open a forward route.

Play

  • Keep then break: connect two short passes and move forward when the observer opens a route.
  • Keep ground play only. No heading, sliding or body contact. Pause for water whenever needed.

Organisation

3 separate stations. Roles: carrier, receiver, signal observer; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 4 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 180s 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 keep then break; ask players to explain the choice.

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

s29-application28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 10 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: Recognise when to keep the ball or advance. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.Station 1Station 2Station 31471025836928 × 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, 10 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: Recognise when to keep the ball or advance. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

Round-by-round player roles
RoundAssignments
1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver (station 1); 7: signal observer (station 1); 10: observer / next carrier (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver (station 2); 8: signal observer (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver (station 3); 9: signal observer (station 3)
2 · 60s1: observer / next carrier (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver (station 1); 10: signal observer (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver (station 2); 3: signal observer (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver (station 3)
3 · 60s1: signal observer (station 1); 4: observer / next carrier (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 10: receiver (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 5: signal observer (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver (station 3); 6: signal observer (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
4 · 60s1: receiver (station 1); 4: signal observer (station 1); 7: observer / next carrier (station 1); 10: carrier (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver (station 2); 8: signal observer (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver (station 3); 9: signal observer (station 3)
5 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver (station 1); 7: signal observer (station 1); 10: observer / next carrier (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver (station 2); 3: signal observer (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver (station 3)
6 · 60s1: observer / next carrier (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver (station 1); 10: signal observer (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 5: signal observer (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver (station 3); 6: signal observer (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
7 · 60s1: signal observer (station 1); 4: observer / next carrier (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 10: receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver (station 2); 8: signal observer (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver (station 3); 9: signal observer (station 3)
8 · 60s1: receiver (station 1); 4: signal observer (station 1); 7: observer / next carrier (station 1); 10: carrier (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver (station 2); 3: signal observer (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver (station 3)
9 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 4: receiver (station 1); 7: signal observer (station 1); 10: observer / next carrier (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 5: signal observer (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver (station 3); 6: signal observer (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
10 · 60s1: observer / next carrier (station 1); 4: carrier (station 1); 7: receiver (station 1); 10: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 5: receiver (station 2); 8: signal observer (station 2); 3: carrier (station 3); 6: receiver (station 3); 9: signal observer (station 3)
11 · 60s1: signal observer (station 1); 4: observer / next carrier (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 10: receiver (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 5: carrier (station 2); 8: receiver (station 2); 3: signal observer (station 3); 6: carrier (station 3); 9: receiver (station 3)
12 · 60s1: receiver (station 1); 4: signal observer (station 1); 7: observer / next carrier (station 1); 10: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 5: signal observer (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2); 3: receiver (station 3); 6: signal observer (station 3); 9: carrier (station 3)
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Equipment: 3 balls · 10 cones · 0 goals

5

Put it into play

15 min

Choose an end-line score or three connected passes for a point; explain the choice at the break. Use short small-sided games. Restart with a ground pass; defenders allow space at restarts.

A safe pass can open a forward route.

Play

  • Choose an end-line score or three connected passes for a point; explain the choice at the break. 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.

s29-games28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered pitches, 10 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.Pitch 1Pitch 21A3B5A7B9N2A4B6A8B10N28 × 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, 10 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.

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); 10: neutral (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: neutral (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: team A (station 2); 10: team B (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 B (station 2); 4: neutral (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2); 10: team A (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 A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: neutral (station 2); 8: team A (station 2); 10: team B (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 B (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: neutral (station 2); 10: team A (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: What changed before you chose to go forward? Each player can answer with a gesture or one sentence. Check equipment and finish together.

A safe pass can open a forward route.

Play

  • Choose easy-paced movement, then ask: What changed before you chose to go forward? 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.

s29-close28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 10 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.Station 11234567891028 × 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, 10 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.

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); 10: 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); 10: rest / reflect (station 1)
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Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

After the practice

What changed before you chose to go forward?

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