Practice of the week Revisited

Practice of the Week – Reshared Practices

Last year, we ran a series called Practice of the Week, where different coaches submitted a practice they found effective and worth sharing with the larger coaching group.

We may restart this series in the future, but in the meantime, this is a great opportunity to reshare these evergreen practices, which bring variety and quality to your sessions.

You can access all practices via this link:
Practice of the Week

Additionally, our DNA resources include practices for every age group from U6 to U11:

Weekly Practices

WK 1: Switching Play Square (Alan Morgan)

Why I like it:

  • Easy setup; scalable 1v1 → 3v3

  • Teaches shielding, turning, body shape, movement, and teamwork

Setup:

  • 6 players – 1v1 in the middle

  • 8 players – 2v2 in the middle

  • 10 players – 3v3 in the middle

Recommended Age Range:

  • U8 and up

WK 2: Defending Opponents Kick Outs (Donal Hammond)

Why I like it:

  • Combines attacking and defending

  • Fun for players

  • Provides learning, cardio, and coaching moments

Recommended Age Range:

  • U12 and up

WK 3: The End Zone Game (Warren Noonan)

Why I like it:

  • No goals → avoids “goal fever”

  • Flexible for different player numbers

Recommended Age Range:

  • U8 and up

WK 4: 3v3v3v3 (Colm McCole)

Why I like it:

  • Ideal for half a 3G pitch

  • Focuses on intensity and concentration

Description:

  • Play starts with the Red GK

  • 3 reds attack 3 blues

  • When the ball goes dead, defenders rotate with the waiting team

  • Continuous play: each team attacks, defends, and rests in turn

  • If defenders win possession, they transition to attack

Coaching Points:
Attacking:

  • Attack quickly, don’t let the defense settle

  • Use width and length of the pitch

  • Play through balls, recycle the ball, use GK for recycling

  • Try 1-2s and overlaps

Defending:

  • 1 player presses, 2 cover

  • Adjust pressing as ball moves

  • Communicate constantly

  • Close down fast, then stand off and stay side-on

Recommended Age Range:

  • U12 and up

WK 5: 3v2 Attacking with 2v3 T2D (Becky Barber)

Why I like it:

  • Overload attacking practice

  • Free-flowing, keeps players thinking after losing the ball

Recommended Age Range:

  • U12 and up

WK 6: 1v1 Attacking and Defending (Rob Mullane)

Why I like it:

  • Includes long pass, 1v1 attacking & defending, keeper work, transitions, speed, and skill development

  • Engaging for kids

Recommended Age Range:

  • U10 and up

WK 7: Game of 3rds (Ray Hickey)

Why I like it:

  • High-intensity transition practice

  • Tests defensive organization and attacking capability in a pressurized, high-tempo environment

Practice Details:

  • In possession: Teams provide options, communicate, exploit overloads, make good decisions

  • Out of possession: Teams defend as a unit, protect goals, pressure ball, provide cover, hold offside line

  • Transitions:

    • Defense → Attack: exploit space or wait for support

    • Attack → Defense: intensity after losing possession

    • Goalkeeper possession: safe build-up via short or long ball

Recommended Age Range:

  • U12 and up

WK 8: The Bank Game (Niall Hogan)

Why I like it:

  • Games-based twist on traditional rondo

  • Fun and engaging

Recommended Age Range:

  • U10 and up

WK 9: 1v1 Change of Direction (Darragh O'Dwyer)

Why I like it:

  • Combines acceleration, shielding, change of direction, transition, dribbling, awareness

Recommended Age Range:

  • U8 and up





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