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Free practice plan · Ages 11–12 · 9v9 · 2-3-3A U12 practice plan for 9v9:
Win It and Go
When we win the ball, the first look is forward. Ninety minutes, twelve to sixteen players, and one habit from the first rondo to the last whistle: forward when it is on, and if it is not, keep it. Every activity here is free on this site, with its own page and an animated video.
- Win it and look forward first.
- Nearest player goes with the ball; the others run beyond.
Bring: Ball each, flat cones, pinnies in two colors, 4 mini goals, 2 goals.
Your job: Count how many seconds it takes to shoot after winning the ball. Tell the players the number.
The session, minute by minute
Rondo and Go
Rondo4v2 in a 10x10 with two mini goals 15 yards away. After five passes the attackers may break out: a pass to any teammate who has left the square, and a finish inside 5 seconds. One defender may chase. Players start as they arrive.
Run on the Touch
SharpenA 20x15 with a mini goal. A passer and a runner. Three sets working at once. The runner goes the moment the passer's first touch is played forward. Through ball into the runner's path; finish in the mini goal. Swap roles each go. Run it for ten minutes, then add the first progression.
HarderA cone defender the runner must go around.
If it stallsRuns too early? The runner starts behind the passer for a round.
Win and Go
SolveA 20x15 with a mini goal at each end. 3v3. Whichever team wins the ball must reach the far goal inside eight seconds. A goal inside the eight seconds counts double. Restart from the coach after every score. Run it in rounds, and add the first progression when it gets easy.
HarderSix seconds.
If it stallsNobody going forward? Every backward pass after a win costs a second.
The game: win it and go
Play9v9 in the 2-3-3. After a turnover, the team that won it has ten seconds to shoot for a double goal. Short of players? Play even teams on a smaller field. The rule stays the same. Water comes before this block, never in the middle of it.
Their corner
Set pieceLeave two players high. When we win it, look forward first. Walk it twice, then play it live.
Shorter session?
With 75 minutes, halve Sharpen. With 60, skip it and run Rondo, Solve, Play and the set piece. Never cut Play.
Match day: what to watch for
Three things to look for from the touchline:
- When we win it, do we look forward first?
- Do players run beyond the ball?
- Do we finish early?
Questions coaches ask
What if nobody goes forward after winning it?
Every backward pass after a win costs a second.
What if runs go too early?
The runner starts behind the passer for a round.
Should we always counter?
Forward when it is on. If it is not, keep it.
More free practice plans
Twenty-four sessions, twelve match days, one habit at a time
The Full Season Travel Curriculum for ages 9 to 12 is twelve weeks built around six team habits, every game drawn at 7v7 and 9v9, with a match-day page every week, the 30-minute game-day warm-up and an animated video of every activity.