CLUBHOUSE / FALL 2026
GAME MODEL & PRACTICE

Protect against the attempt

Club game model · 11v11 / 4-3-3

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TEAM PRINCIPLEDeny the finishSUB-PRINCIPLE

Protect against the attempt

Block, challenge or save with balance, then react to the next ball.

Required player actions

  • The nearest defender closes the shooting line while remaining balanced enough to react to a feint.
  • #1 sets in relation to the ball and defenders, then secures the shot or directs the rebound away from immediate danger.
  • #4, #5 and #6 react after the block or save to clear, secure or challenge the next ball.
COACHING QUESTION

Is the danger over after the first contact?

View example practices
Denying chances & scoringDefending half
12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Blue wash: Defending half · Gold box: Goal protection and delivery zone · Gold rings: key roles

Blue plays toward the top goal. The shaded area identifies the phase; supporting roles may sit outside it. All 22 players retain their 4-3-3 positions.

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EXAMPLE PRACTICES

Protect against the attempt

22 players · 11v11 · 4-3-3

Block the cutback finish

12453681079111GK2RB4RCB5LCB3LB6DM8RCM10LCM7RW9ST11LWNORTHBRIDGE ATTACKS ↑ · 1-4-3-3
Starting picture · Blue: Northbridge · Sand: opposition · Gold rings: focus players · White dot: ball

A starting picture for the practice, with the focus players highlighted. Both teams keep their 4-3-3 roles; movement and decisions develop through live play.

Organization

11v11 on a full pitch with two regulation goals, normal offside and both teams in a 4-3-3. Start with the opposition right winger near the byline and their midfielders arriving for a cutback; our defensive unit is live.

Practice task

#6 and the nearest interior read the cutback. The closest defender closes the shooting line, #1 sets and the centre-backs control the striker. Continue after the shot, block or feint until the game naturally moves on.

What to observe

The attempt is contested without a reckless lunge, and another defender remains ready for a pass or rebound.

Progression

Let the receiver feint, take an extra touch or pass across goal, testing balance and the decision to commit.

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Club-authored practice examples applying this sub-principle. Adapt pitch dimensions, bout lengths and challenge to the players; the source framework is for U13-U14.

Related sub-principles

Adapted from the supplied U.S. Soccer Player Development Framework · U13-U14 Game Model and Learning Plan, pp. 31, 34. Definitions are summarized; specific player responsibilities, coaching questions and practice examples are club applications. Not an official U.S. Soccer product or endorsement.