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Player arrivals and departures
Use anonymous numbers from 1 to 99. Changes take effect before an activity begins; each activity needs 4–16 players.
Your practice
After a loss, recover to the central route before deciding who delays and who covers.
U11–U1260 min8 starting players28 × 34 mField practice
Bring 8 balls and 16 cones. Use ground play and line targets. Keep water available.
Look for progress
The first recovery movement protects the target rather than follows the ball.
Two recovering players take different delaying and covering positions.
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. Identify the target being protected, walk toward its central route and only then name nearest or cover. Share the ball when needed; an observer watches the same decision and takes a ball turn on the next assigned round.
Find the target, then share the jobs. The recovery route is chosen before approaching the ball.
Run the activity
Identify the target being protected, walk toward its central route and only then name nearest or cover.
Pause on a raised hand and point to the space you chose.
Swap the ball on the round signal and notice this feature: The recovery route is chosen before approaching the ball.
Play
Identify the target being protected, walk toward its central route and only then name nearest or cover.
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 recovery route is chosen before approaching the ball.
If you see: Both players chase toward the side where the ball was lost.
Try: Freeze the new carrier and trace a direct route to the protected target.
Organisation
2 separate stations. Roles: carrier, nearest defender, covering defender, supporting receiver; 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.
Easier: Rehearse recovery with the new carrier holding a still ball.
Next step: Move the turnover location from the centre to a side.
Move on: Stop the balls and identify the start positions for recover toward the middle.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: After a loss, recover to the central route before deciding who delays and who covers. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show turnover recover 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. Change possession: A gentle pass announces a change of ownership. 2. Recover the middle: Former attackers recover centrally; the new carrier waits. 3. Set the new roles: One delays; a partner covers when available.
C = carrier · D = nearest defender · V = covering defender · S = supporting receiver. Times are activity seconds; briefing, rest and transition are separate.
Use two attackers and two defenders. Coach announces a change of possession by asking for a gentle pass to the other pair.
Find the target, then share the jobs. The recovery route is chosen before approaching the ball.
Run the activity
At the change, former attackers point to the target they now protect.
Walk toward the central ball-to-target route.
Nearest player stops at a safe gap; partner moves into deeper cover.
Play
At the change, former attackers point to the target they now protect.
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 recovery route is chosen before approaching the ball.
If you see: Both players chase toward the side where the ball was lost.
Try: Freeze the new carrier and trace a direct route to the protected target.
Organisation
2 separate stations. Roles: carrier, nearest defender, covering defender, supporting receiver; 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.
Easier: Rehearse recovery with the new carrier holding a still ball.
Next step: Move the turnover location from the centre to a side.
Move on: Stop in place, recall the recovery route is chosen before approaching the ball. and walk to water with the balls still.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: After a loss, recover to the central route before deciding who delays and who covers. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show turnover recover 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. Change possession: A gentle pass announces a change of ownership. 2. Recover the middle: Former attackers recover centrally; the new carrier waits. 3. Set the new roles: One delays; a partner covers when available.
C = carrier · D = nearest defender · V = covering defender · S = supporting receiver. Times are activity seconds; briefing, rest and transition are separate.
Offer water and rest. Leave balls still outside the walking route. Before restarting, show the next decision: Recovery shape survives the first pass after the turnover.
Find the target, then share the jobs. 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: Recovery shape survives the first pass after the turnover.
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 hold shape through the next pass before the restart signal.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: After a loss, recover to the central route before deciding who delays and who covers. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.
After the recovery positions are formed, the new carrier may make a gentle side pass to a receiver. No foot or body tackles.
Find the target, then share the jobs. Recovery shape survives the first pass after the turnover.
Run the activity
Former attackers recover centrally and name their new roles.
Carrier chooses a side pass; nearest defender adjusts to the new ball side.
Cover protects the target route and intercepts only if the loose pass enters that space.
Play
Former attackers recover centrally and name their new roles.
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
Recovery shape survives the first pass after the turnover.
If you see: The covering player abandons the target to chase the side pass.
Try: Stop after the pass and point to the uncovered target route before resetting cover.
Organisation
2 separate stations. Roles: carrier, nearest defender, covering defender, supporting receiver; 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.
Easier: Announce the side pass after both defenders are settled.
Next step: Allow a return pass and a second handover.
Move on: Stop the station balls, show the game target lines and explain this condition: After a turnover, protect the central end-line route before screening the next pass; attack by controlled ground passes.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: After a loss, recover to the central route before deciding who delays and who covers. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show turnover recover 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. Change possession: A gentle pass announces a change of ownership. 2. Recover the middle: Former attackers recover centrally; the new carrier waits. 3. Set the new roles: One delays; a partner covers when available.
C = carrier · D = nearest defender · V = covering defender · S = supporting receiver. Times are activity seconds; briefing, rest and transition are separate.
After a turnover, protect the central end-line route before screening the next pass; attack by controlled ground passes. 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.
Find the target, then share the jobs. Track the first recovery movement after a loss and the cover position after the next pass.
Run the activity
Before each round, explain the scoring condition: After a turnover, protect the central end-line route before screening the next pass; attack by controlled ground passes.
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: Track the first recovery movement after a loss and the cover position after the next pass.
Play
Before each round, explain the scoring condition: After a turnover, protect the central end-line route before screening the next pass; attack by controlled ground passes.
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
Track the first recovery movement after a loss and the cover position after the next pass.
If you see: The covering player abandons the target to chase the side pass.
Try: Stop after the pass and point to the uncovered target route before resetting cover.
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 side pass after both defenders are settled.
Next step: Allow a return pass and a second handover.
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, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: After a loss, recover to the central route before deciding who delays and who covers. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show turnover recover 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. Change possession: A gentle pass announces a change of ownership. 2. Recover the middle: Former attackers recover centrally; the new carrier waits. 3. Set the new roles: One delays; a partner covers when available.
Round-by-round player roles
Round
Assignments
1 · 180s
1: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 7: team B (station 1); 2: team A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2)
2 · 180s
1: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 7: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: team A (station 2)
3 · 180s
1: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 7: team B (station 1); 2: team A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2)
4 · 180s
1: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 7: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: team A (station 2)
Leave the balls still and walk comfortably within your own station. Recall one choice from the session, then ask: Where did your first recovery movement take you?
Find the target, then share the jobs. The first recovery movement protects the target rather than follows the ball. Two recovering players take different delaying and covering positions.
Run the activity
Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
Point to the movement you remember without a ball, then reflect: Where did your first recovery movement take you?
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
The first recovery movement protects the target rather than follows the ball. Two recovering players take different delaying and covering positions.
If you see: The review names only the score and misses the choice that led to it.
Try: Ask for one specific example: Track the first recovery movement after a loss and the cover position after the next pass.
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, 8 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: After a loss, recover to the central route before deciding who delays and who covers. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.
