75-minute session for U11–U12: win the ball back after losing it
By Marco Baleato · · About the author
Reacting straight after losing the ball is one of the habits that changes a team the most, and it can be taught from U11–U12. The idea for the players is simple: when we lose it, the closest player goes for the ball and the others close the nearest passes.
This is a complete 75-minute session for 10–14 players aged 10 and 11 (alevín in Spain). All the tasks are on the website with their diagram.
Warm-up (15 min): pressing in pairs
Start with a 4v2 in a 15 × 15 m square where the two defenders work as a pair: one presses the player with the ball, the other covers the pass through the middle. When they win it, the player who lost the ball and the one who passed it go in.
Coaching point: the first defender runs at the ball on a curve, so that the pass is only possible to one side.
Main part 1 (16 min): 3v3, win it back in 5 seconds
Two teams of three play in a small pitch; with 12 players, set up two pitches side by side. The team that loses the ball has five seconds to win it back; if they do, they score a point. The coach counts the seconds aloud.
This is the core of the session. Work in blocks of 3 minutes with a minute of rest, because the effort is high. Stop only to praise the first reaction, not to explain tactics.
Main part 2 (16 min): win it and counter
A 4v4 where winning the ball and scoring quickly counts double. Now the players see both sides: pressing well after losing it gives you the chance to attack a disorganised opponent.
With more than 10 players, rotate a team every 3 minutes. Coaching point: after the recovery, the first pass goes forward if it is possible. The players who did not win the ball run to offer width and depth.
Game (20 min) and cool-down (8 min)
A match with a single extra rule: a goal scored within 10 seconds of winning the ball back counts double. It is the best way to check whether the idea has stuck.
To finish, a circle of gentle passes and stretches, and a short talk: what did we do when we lost the ball today?
Adapting it
With fewer players, make the pitches smaller rather than changing the rules. With U13–U14, the possession game where the team that loses the ball defends is a natural next step.
You can load this session in the planner and change any task for one that fits your group better.
