10 v 8 to the Endline
A big overload against a deep block, where the only way through is to make them lean one way and go the other.
Younger teams attack where the ball is. This is the session where a team learns that pulling a defense to one side is how space appears on the other.
Starting at Core — your team is set to mixed.
30 min in the practice phase · Teams of ten and eight — a large-roster session
- Ages 11–13
- Teams of ten and eight — a large-roster session
- 30 min in the practice phase
- Cones, pinnies in two colors, balls
Grab Cones, pinnies, balls.
Build Mark a 50-by-80-yard field with a 30-yard-deep defensive zone marked across it.
Place Attackers in a 1-3-3-3 with the ball; defenders in a 4-3-1 inside their zone.
A long field with a deep band marked across the defending end, a big attacking side against a compact defending one.
- 1
Organize the players
Mark the field and the deep zone, set the two shapes, start the ball with the attackers.
“You're getting over that line — dribble it or pass it. They're stopping you.”
- 2
Show the jobs
Point out that eight players cannot cover 50 yards of width, and ask where the space will be.
“Use space, be open, switch the field.”
- 3
Play
Run continuously. The first time the attack works one side and then switches and a gap opens, stop it there and let them look.
“Draw them to one side, then switch the attack to the other side.”
Look for The switch played EARLY — before the near side is fully closed, not after it has failed.
- 4
Switch and repeat
Rotate who defends, and swap the shape if one side is dominating.
“New defenders. Same job.”
Too hard? Take a defender off, 11 v 7, so the switch is easier to find. Too easy? Give the defenders a goal and a keeper — now they can hurt you on the counter.
Go deeper · 3 notes
Why it works
A deep block cannot be beaten by width alone or by directness alone; it has to be moved. The numbers make the movement the only remaining answer.
What they learn
The pass that beats a block is usually the one before the one that scores.
What's next
Getting into the box when the switch arrives.
Where does this come from?
US Soccer and Massachusetts Youth Soccer — their published nine-a-side session plans for U13 and up.
A governing body published this — the same organization that writes the rules your league plays by.