Session Pitch

Partner Defending

Delay the carrier with a covering teammate.

U9–U1030 / 45 / 60 minRecommended 8–12 playersVersion 2.0.0

Two defenders move to the same carrier and leave the target uncovered. Give the nearest player and covering player different jobs.

Adapt for your team

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

30 minutes combines the application challenge with the game. Every length includes instructions, water and transitions.

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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

    Delay the carrier with a covering teammate.

    U9–U1060 min8 starting players24 × 30 mField practice

    Bring 8 balls and 16 cones. Use ground play and line targets. Keep water available.

    Look for progress

    • One defender delays from a clear gap while the partner covers behind.
    • Exchange responsibilities when the ball changes side.

    Check the surface, boundaries and equipment before play. Pause or simplify whenever needed. Confirm local youth football rules. Numbered slots replace names.

    1. 10:00–10:00Prepare the first decision
    2. 210:00–22:00Delay and cover
    3. 322:00–25:00Water and reset
    4. 425:00–40:00Cover call
    5. 540:00–55:00Use the choice in a game
    6. 655:00–60:00Recall one useful choice
    1

    Prepare the first decision

    10 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Begin at walking pace in the numbered stations. In a four-person station, point to the carrier, nearest defender, covering defender and supporting receiver before anyone moves. Share the ball when needed; an observer watches the same decision and takes a ball turn on the next assigned round.

    One delays; one covers. The covering player can still see ball and target.

    Run the activity

    1. In a four-person station, point to the carrier, nearest defender, covering defender and supporting receiver before anyone moves.
    2. Pause on a raised hand and point to the space you chose.
    3. Swap the ball on the round signal and notice this feature: The covering player can still see ball and target.

    Play

    • In a four-person station, point to the carrier, nearest defender, covering defender and supporting receiver before anyone moves.
    • 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 covering player can still see ball and target.

    If you see: Both defenders stand level with the carrier.

    Try: Freeze and move the cover player back toward the 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.

    7 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 420s activity · 60s briefing · 60s rest · 60s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Keep the carrier still and rehearse only defender positions.

    Next step: Allow a sideways carry before the pass.

    Move on: Stop the balls and identify the start positions for delay and cover.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show delay cover 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. Protect the route: Nearest defender protects space; no contact. 2. Change the ball side: Second defender covers behind when available. 3. Hand over nearest and cover: The old nearest defender drops; the partner now delays.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show delay cover 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. Protect the route: Nearest defender protects space; no contact. 2. Change the ball side: Second defender covers behind when available. 3. Hand over nearest and cover: The old nearest defender drops; the partner now delays.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    2 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
    3 · 60s1: covering defender (station 1); 3: supporting receiver (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 7: nearest defender (station 1); 2: covering defender (station 2); 4: supporting receiver (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2); 8: nearest defender (station 2)
    4 · 60s1: nearest defender (station 1); 3: covering defender (station 1); 5: supporting receiver (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: nearest defender (station 2); 4: covering defender (station 2); 6: supporting receiver (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2)
    5 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    6 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
    7 · 60s1: covering defender (station 1); 3: supporting receiver (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 7: nearest defender (station 1); 2: covering defender (station 2); 4: supporting receiver (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2); 8: nearest defender (station 2)
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    Equipment: 2 balls · 8 cones · 0 goals

    2

    Delay and cover

    12 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Use a carrier, supporting receiver and two defenders. Defenders protect an end-line target without body or foot tackles.

    One delays; one covers. The covering player can still see ball and target.

    Run the activity

    1. Nearest defender walks toward a safe delaying gap.
    2. Covering defender stays behind and slightly inside toward the target.
    3. Carrier rolls to the receiver; defenders stop and name who is now nearest.

    Play

    • Nearest defender walks toward a safe delaying gap.
    • 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 covering player can still see ball and target.

    If you see: Both defenders stand level with the carrier.

    Try: Freeze and move the cover player back toward the 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.

    10 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 600s activity · 60s briefing · 30s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Keep the carrier still and rehearse only defender positions.

    Next step: Allow a sideways carry before the pass.

    Move on: Stop in place, recall the covering player can still see ball and target. and walk to water with the balls still.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show delay cover 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. Protect the route: Nearest defender protects space; no contact. 2. Change the ball side: Second defender covers behind when available. 3. Hand over nearest and cover: The old nearest defender drops; the partner now delays.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show delay cover 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. Protect the route: Nearest defender protects space; no contact. 2. Change the ball side: Second defender covers behind when available. 3. Hand over nearest and cover: The old nearest defender drops; the partner now delays.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    2 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
    3 · 60s1: covering defender (station 1); 3: supporting receiver (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 7: nearest defender (station 1); 2: covering defender (station 2); 4: supporting receiver (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2); 8: nearest defender (station 2)
    4 · 60s1: nearest defender (station 1); 3: covering defender (station 1); 5: supporting receiver (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: nearest defender (station 2); 4: covering defender (station 2); 6: supporting receiver (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2)
    5 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    6 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
    7 · 60s1: covering defender (station 1); 3: supporting receiver (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 7: nearest defender (station 1); 2: covering defender (station 2); 4: supporting receiver (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2); 8: nearest defender (station 2)
    8 · 60s1: nearest defender (station 1); 3: covering defender (station 1); 5: supporting receiver (station 1); 7: carrier (station 1); 2: nearest defender (station 2); 4: covering defender (station 2); 6: supporting receiver (station 2); 8: carrier (station 2)
    9 · 60s1: carrier (station 1); 3: nearest defender (station 1); 5: covering defender (station 1); 7: supporting receiver (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: nearest defender (station 2); 6: covering defender (station 2); 8: supporting receiver (station 2)
    10 · 60s1: supporting receiver (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: nearest defender (station 1); 7: covering defender (station 1); 2: supporting receiver (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: nearest defender (station 2); 8: covering defender (station 2)
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    Equipment: 2 balls · 8 cones · 0 goals

    3

    Water and reset

    3 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Offer water and rest. Leave balls still outside the walking route. Before restarting, show the next decision: The role exchange is completed before the next attack.

    One delays; one covers. Every player has a rest opportunity and understands the next start position.

    Run the activity

    1. Stop every ball and offer water or seated rest.
    2. Check the surface, clear the next station and keep boundary buffers empty.
    3. Name what to look for next: The role exchange is completed before the next attack.

    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.

    Organisation

    All players rest or reflect together.

    Timing: 0s activity · 30s briefing · 120s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    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 cover call before the restart signal.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. 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)
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    Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    4

    Cover call

    15 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Keep the same four roles and two possible receiving sides. Defenders call nearest and cover as the ball travels.

    One delays; one covers. The role exchange is completed before the next attack.

    Run the activity

    1. Carrier passes to a side receiver.
    2. New nearest defender calls and approaches at walking pace.
    3. Partner retreats into cover before the next pass begins.

    Play

    • Carrier passes to a side receiver.
    • 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 role exchange is completed before the next attack.

    If you see: The old nearest defender continues following the ball.

    Try: Pause on the pass and ask each defender to point to their next spot.

    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.

    12 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 720s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Stop the ball after each pass to complete the role exchange.

    Next step: Carrier may return the ball to change sides again.

    Move on: Stop the station balls, show the game target lines and explain this condition: Defenders earn a point for intercepting a ground pass; no body tackling.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show delay cover 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. Protect the route: Nearest defender protects space; no contact. 2. Change the ball side: Second defender covers behind when available. 3. Hand over nearest and cover: The old nearest defender drops; the partner now delays.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show delay cover 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. Protect the route: Nearest defender protects space; no contact. 2. Change the ball side: Second defender covers behind when available. 3. Hand over nearest and cover: The old nearest defender drops; the partner now delays.

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

    5

    Use the choice in a game

    15 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Defenders earn a point for intercepting a ground pass; no body tackling. 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.

    One delays; one covers. Record a side change where one defender delays and the other still protects the target.

    Run the activity

    1. Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Defenders earn a point for intercepting a ground pass; no body tackling.
    2. Play within the marked pitch using the current numbered roles; restart from the nearest boundary after the ball leaves.
    3. At the next pause, give one observed example: Record a side change where one defender delays and the other still protects the target.

    Play

    • Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Defenders earn a point for intercepting a ground pass; no body tackling.
    • 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

    Record a side change where one defender delays and the other still protects the target.

    If you see: The old nearest defender continues following the ball.

    Try: Pause on the pass and ask each defender to point to their next spot.

    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.

    4 rounds × 180 seconds. Timing: 720s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    Easier: Pause at each restart to show the available choice. Stop the ball after each pass to complete the role exchange.

    Next step: Carrier may return the ball to change sides again.

    Move on: Stop every ball, bring the numbered groups together and leave a clear space for walking or seated reflection.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show delay cover 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. Protect the route: Nearest defender protects space; no contact. 2. Change the ball side: Second defender covers behind when available. 3. Hand over nearest and cover: The old nearest defender drops; the partner now delays.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show delay cover 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. Protect the route: Nearest defender protects space; no contact. 2. Change the ball side: Second defender covers behind when available. 3. Hand over nearest and cover: The old nearest defender drops; the partner now delays.

    Round-by-round player roles
    RoundAssignments
    1 · 180s1: 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 · 180s1: 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 · 180s1: 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 · 180s1: 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)
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    Equipment: 2 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    6

    Recall one useful choice

    5 min

    Players this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 · 8 attending

    Leave the balls still and walk comfortably within your own station. Recall one choice from the session, then ask: Who was covering when the first defender moved?

    One delays; one covers. One defender delays from a clear gap while the partner covers behind. Exchange responsibilities when the ball changes side.

    Run the activity

    1. Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
    2. Point to the movement you remember without a ball, then reflect: Who was covering when the first defender moved?
    3. 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

    One defender delays from a clear gap while the partner covers behind. Exchange responsibilities when the ball changes side.

    If you see: The review names only the score and misses the choice that led to it.

    Try: Ask for one specific example: Record a side change where one defender delays and the other still protects the target.

    Organisation

    All players rest or reflect together.

    2 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 120s activity · 60s briefing · 90s rest · 30s transition.

    Adjust the challenge

    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.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.

    24 × 30 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: Delay the carrier with a covering teammate. 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)
    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)
    Download map SVG

    Equipment: 0 balls · 4 cones · 0 goals

    After the practice

    Who was covering when the first defender moved?

    Choose an observation and find your next practice

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