U14s Defending Masterclass

U14 Reds · Coach: Mark Thompson · 90 minutes

Penhill United FC

Thursday, 14 May 2026

Session Objectives

Session Plan

PhaseActivityDurationNotes
Warm-Up

Dynamic Stretches & Jockeying

12 minDefensive postures in warm-up
Technical

1v1 Defending Channel

High-volume ball mastery session for pre-season preparation....

15 minFocus on patience
Technical

Press & Cover Pairs

Lateral shuffling between cones maintaining low athletic stance....

15 minCommunication essential
Tactical

Back 4 Sliding

Standing tackle technique practised with approaching ball carrier....

20 minWhole unit moves together
Game Phase

5v5 Directional

One team sits deep, other presses high — contrasting styles....

20 minReward clean sheets
Cool-Down

Cool-Down & Video Review

8 minShow clips from last match
Total Duration90 min

Additional Notes

Bring tablet for video review. Extra bibs needed.

Drill Details

Pre-Season Ball Work

High-volume ball mastery session for pre-season preparation.

Objectives:
  • Volume
  • Reintroduction
  • Season preparation
Equipment:

Cones, Balls, Poles

Players:

4–10

Key Coaching Points:
  1. Ensure correct body shape throughout
  2. Encourage communication between players
  3. Progress difficulty when players are comfortable
  4. Provide individual feedback regularly

Defensive Shuffle Drill

Lateral shuffling between cones maintaining low athletic stance.

Objectives:
  • Footwork
  • Low centre of gravity
  • Agility
Equipment:

Cones, Balls, Bibs

Players:

8–18

Key Coaching Points:
  1. Ensure correct body shape throughout
  2. Encourage communication between players
  3. Progress difficulty when players are comfortable
  4. Provide individual feedback regularly

Tackle Timing

Standing tackle technique practised with approaching ball carrier.

Objectives:
  • Tackle technique
  • Timing
  • Balance
Equipment:

Balls, Bibs

Players:

8–18

Key Coaching Points:
  1. Ensure correct body shape throughout
  2. Encourage communication between players
  3. Progress difficulty when players are comfortable
  4. Provide individual feedback regularly

5v5 Low-Block vs Press

One team sits deep, other presses high — contrasting styles.

Objectives:
  • Style understanding
  • Tactical flexibility
  • Problem solving
Equipment:

Cones, Balls, Bibs

Players:

8–18

Key Coaching Points:
  1. Ensure correct body shape throughout
  2. Encourage communication between players
  3. Progress difficulty when players are comfortable
  4. Provide individual feedback regularly
Penhill United FC · Club Hub · Printed 07/05/2026