game

Develop through the game

Use the game to support individual development

GAME

Using a Game Model to develop your players

A game model helps to outline what you want your team to do in the four key moments of the game:

Attacking
Attack to defense transition
Defending
Defense to attack transition

For players U10 and under we recommend that coaches focus on two game moments:

Attacking
Defending

For players U11 and above we recommend coaches focus on all four game moments.

Learn more about how to use a game model with your team by clicking each age group. These game models are intended as guides and can be adapted according to the needs of your players and club.

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U11-U12 Game Model

The game of soccer moves regularly before four moments of the game: Attacking, attack to defense transition, defending, defense to attack transition
The goalkeeper plays an active role in all moments of the game

Attacking - when we have the ball

Creating attacking shape (height / width / depth) to encourage forward play
Try to play forward into the attacking half through clever individual or combination play
If you can’t play forward, try and keep the ball until you can
In the attacking half, use 1v1s, passing to a free player and crosses along the ground to create chances and score goals

Attack to defense transition - when we lose the ball

Immediately try to get the ball back and prevent the other team playing forward
If we can’t get the ball back immediately, recover quickly into a defending shape
Delay counter-attacks to allow players to recover and reorganize
In the defending half, stop goalscoring opportunities and regain the ball

Defending to attack transition - when we win the ball back

Think forward and play forward
Use fast attacks to create chances and score goals
Provide support ahead of the ball
If we can’t play forward, keep the ball and move into our attacking shape

Defending - when we don't have the ball

Stop the other team from playing forward
Try to win the ball high up the field through pressing and compactness using a high front and backline
If the other team plays through the pressure, recover quickly
In the defending half, stop goalscoring opportunities by closing off the center of the pitch

Recommended Resources

Click each resource to download a PDF overview

GAME

using a game model to develop players

A game model helps to outline what you want your team to do in key moments of the game

GAME

Game model templates - 2 moments

Create your own game model that moves between two moments of the game

Game