Ready-to-use coaching plan
Six weeks of receiving and passing
A connected U11–U12 pathway, from an open first touch to choosing when to keep the ball or go forward.
A pathway you can repeat
The complete download contains six existing original practices, each set to 45 minutes for 12 players, with six balls, eight cones and a clear 28 × 34 m area including a 2 m perimeter buffer. Open START-HERE.html to find every printable coach card, map and rotation.
Use one focus each week. Watch the first attempt, choose one cue, then watch the game. Record what the group did and decide whether to repeat, simplify or move on. Six weeks is a suggested order; move at the team's pace.
For other numbers, space or time, open the relevant practice below and adjust it before downloading. Keep observations anonymous and on your device.
Week 1
Receive Across the Body
Focus: 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?
If it needs more time: Repeat with a slower ground pass and a clearly signalled exit.
When ready: Add the walking shadow in week 2 once the receiver can find the exit before touching the ball.
Open week 1 practice Keep a private observationWeek 2
Play Beyond Pressure
Focus: Use support to play beyond pressure
Watch for: When the direct pass closes, do players use a return pass to create a new angle?
If it needs more time: Keep the shadow still and show both passing options before starting.
When ready: Move to week 3 when a return pass helps the group find a different route.
Open week 2 practice Keep a private observationWeek 3
Switch and Support
Focus: Support after switching sides
Watch for: After passing across the space, does the passer move into a visible support angle?
If it needs more time: Walk through the switch and stop to show where the next pass can go.
When ready: Add a third option in week 4 once support follows the switch without a reminder.
Open week 3 practice Keep a private observationWeek 4
Create a Spare Player
Focus: Find the extra passing option
Watch for: Do the two receivers offer different angles, and does the carrier notice the spare player?
If it needs more time: Freeze the carrier and let receivers find two clearly separate routes.
When ready: Use the same two-option idea from a ground restart in week 5.
Open week 4 practice Keep a private observationWeek 5
Build from a Restart
Focus: Offer two routes at a restart
Watch for: Are two options available before the ground restart, and does the server support after the pass?
If it needs more time: Pause before each restart to let the receivers separate.
When ready: Move to week 6 when the first receiver can connect a second controlled pass.
Open week 5 practice Keep a private observationWeek 6
Keep or Go Forward
Focus: Choose a forward pass or keep possession
Watch for: Can players explain which route was open and choose a return pass when it closes?
If it needs more time: Return to the earlier week that matches the difficulty: first touch, support or restart.
When ready: Repeat the game with a new open route and compare the decisions with your earlier notes.
Open week 6 practice Keep a private observation