U13 session: play in the gaps and between the lines
U13 session to play in the gaps and between the lines (2- and 3-player combinations): game, situation and final game, with session sheets and animated diagram.
SÉANCE PAR THÈME
4/1/20262 min read
KEEP POSSESSION AND PROGRESS session
For this session we'll work on the phase of play "keep possession / progress" and the game principle "play between the lines and in the gaps". The session is made up of a game, a situation and a game, with a slightly special objective, since it's normally used for a more attacking theme: "use combination play on the move to bring the ball forward (2- and 3-player combinations)".
So we'll use this objective not to unbalance and finish but, on the contrary, to keep possession and progress.
It's a fairly difficult session because it requires good technique and good vision from the players to succeed and progress. If it's too difficult, the players won't progress!
You'll need a full U13 pitch (8-a-side) and 14 players for this session, which can of course be adapted to 11-a-side or different numbers.
Let's get to the heart of the matter so it's easier to understand!
Game 1
For this game you'll need a pitch of standard width but with a length from one penalty area to the other (depending on numbers). The instructions force players to think collectively: since they can't play backwards (changing zone), they have to coordinate and combine to play forward by finding the gaps or breaking the lines, with plenty of help from the wing-backs to combine. And of course, don't forget the transitions when losing and winning the ball, as written on the sheet.
Situation
In this situation we keep the same dynamic: no confinement restrictions, but players are forced to combine to play into the zones. It's a situation, so as soon as the ball goes out you restart from the goalkeeper whoever has possession, and you rotate every 5 actions.
Final game
The final game is always a simpler variation of the first game, to put into practice everything seen during the session. In this game we remove the wide zones and therefore the wing-backs; the instructions stay almost the same, only the restrictions change.
The 3 activities as animated diagrams
🎧 Watch in English: on YouTube, click ⚙️ Settings › Audio track › English. You can also turn on English subtitles in ⚙️ Settings › Subtitles.