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TITLE: #85 Different Pitches PLAYERS: 9–16 players DURATION: 60 minutes TAGS: U8, U10, U12, 9-a-side, 7-a-side, Developing, Passing, Small-Sided Games DESCRIPTION: A session for ages 8–12 using different pitch shapes and sizes to create varied challenges. The warm-up is a 2v1 possession exercise. The skill development pits teams in 3v3 on four different pitch shapes. The session ends with a zonal 7v7 on three zones where players stay in their zone. OBJECTIVES: - Adapt passing and movement to different playing spaces - Understand how pitch size and shape affects team play - Develop zonal awareness and positional discipline EQUIPMENT: balls, cones (to mark multiple different pitches and zones), bibs, mini-goals WARM UP: 2v1 possession: Groups of 3 in their own space. Two players keep the ball from one defender. Competition: which pair keeps it the longest? If the defender wins the ball, they swap with the player who lost it. Easier: larger area. Harder: smaller area; limit touches. MAIN ACTIVITY: Skill dev — 3v3 on four different pitch types: Create four varied pitches (e.g., long-thin, wide-short, square, L-shaped). Teams of 3v3, 1v1 in each half plus goalkeepers. Players experience each pitch and must adapt their play. Rotate teams through each pitch. Easier: 2v1 in one half, no goalkeepers. Harder: limit touches per player. Game application — 7v7 in three zones: Two teams of 7. Divide pitch into three zones. 2v2 in each zone plus a goalkeeper for each team. Players restricted to their zone. Teams play through each zone to score. Rotate players through zones after a goal. Easier: allow play straight to the end zone. Harder: must pass through each zone before scoring. COACHING POINTS: - How does the space affect the way you can play? - What are the advantages and disadvantages of each pitch shape? - Do you always have to play forward from the middle zone? - Can you find positions in your zone to support the player on the ball? PROGRESSIONS: - 3v3 easier: 2v1 in one half, no goalkeepers - 3v3 harder: limit touches; one area smaller for best players - 7v7 easier: allow teams to skip zones and play directly to the end - 7v7 harder: must pass through each zone sequentially before scoring