7v7 Play–Practice–Play (PPP) Sessions

Age-Appropriate Training for Building the Complete 7v7 Player

These Play–Practice–Play (PPP) sessions are designed to help coaches run engaging, game-realistic training that develops decision-making, confidence, and understanding of the 7v7 game model.

Each session focuses on a specific game moment—attacking or defending—using the PPP methodology to connect learning directly to match play.

⚽ Attacking Sessions (7v7)

• Building Up in Our Own Half
  Teaching players how to play out from the back with confidence and purpose.

• Building Up in Our Own Half – Variation B
  Additional progressions and decision-making challenges when starting attacks deeper.

• Building Up in the Opponent’s Half
  Improving movement, spacing, and combinations higher up the field.

• Building Up in the Opponent’s Half – Variation A
  Advanced options for maintaining possession and creating chances in attacking areas.

• Scoring Goals – Session A
  Creating and finishing goal-scoring opportunities through movement and timing.

• Scoring Goals – Session B
  Developing composure, finishing technique, and decision-making in front of goal.

🛡️ Defending Sessions (7v7)

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Our Own Half – Session A
  Pressing, positioning, and defensive awareness close to goal.

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Our Own Half – Session B
  Progressions on team defending, pressure, and cover in defensive areas.

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Their Own Half – Session C
  High pressing concepts and collective defensive movement.

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Their Own Half – Session D
  Advanced pressing triggers and decision-making higher up the field.

• Preventing the Opponent from Scoring – Session A
  Defending the box, delaying attacks, and protecting goal-scoring areas.

• Preventing the Opponent from Scoring – Session B
  Reinforcing defensive discipline, recovery runs, and compact team shape.

Why These Sessions Matter

✔ Game-realistic scenarios
✔ Clear attacking and defending principles
✔ Easy to implement for recreational and developing select teams
✔ Aligned with the Play–Practice–Play coaching methodology

9v9 Play–Practice–Play (PPP) Sessions

Game-Realistic Training for the 9v9 Phase of Development

These 9v9 Play–Practice–Play (PPP) sessions are designed to help coaches deliver training that mirrors real match situations. Each session focuses on key moments of the 9v9 game, supporting player development in decision-making, tactical awareness, and confidence as players transition toward the full 11v11 game.

⚽ Attacking Sessions (9v9)

• Building Up in Our Own Half – Session A
  Developing structure, movement, and options when playing out from the back.

• Building Up in Our Own Half – Session B
  Progressions that challenge players to recognize pressure and choose effective solutions.

• Building Up in the Opponent’s Half to Create Chances
  Improving possession, spacing, and combination play in advanced areas.

• Scoring Goals – Session A
  Creating quality scoring opportunities through timing, movement, and support.

• Scoring Goals – Session B
  Reinforcing finishing decisions, composure, and attacking creativity.

🛡️ Defending Sessions (9v9)

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Our Half – Session A
  Introducing pressing concepts, positioning, and defensive awareness close to goal.

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Our Half – Session B
  Progressions on team defending, pressure, cover, and balance.

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Their Own Half – Session A
  High-pressing principles and coordinated team movement.

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Their Own Half – Session B
  Recognizing pressing triggers and applying pressure effectively.

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Their Own Half – Session C
  Advanced pressing scenarios and decision-making in attacking thirds.

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Their Own Half – Session D
  Collective defensive organization to force mistakes and win possession.

• Preventing the Opponent from Scoring – Session A
  Defending key spaces, delaying attacks, and protecting goal-scoring areas.

• Preventing the Opponent from Scoring – Session B
  Reinforcing compactness, recovery runs, and defensive communication.

• Preventing the Opponent from Scoring – Session C
  Advanced defensive decision-making in critical moments near goal.

Why These 9v9 PPP Sessions Matter

✔ Aligned with U11–U12 developmental needs
✔ Game-realistic and decision-driven
✔ Easy to implement for recreational and select teams
✔ Prepares players for the transition to 11v11
✔ Built around the Play–Practice–Play coaching model

11v11 Play–Practice–Play (PPP) Sessions

Game-Realistic Training for the Full-Sided Game

These 11v11 Play–Practice–Play (PPP) sessions are designed to help coaches guide players through the complexities of the full-sided game. Each session focuses on key moments of play—attacking and defending—while reinforcing tactical understanding, decision-making, and confidence in match-realistic scenarios.

⚽ Attacking Sessions (11v11)

• Scoring Goals – Session A
  Developing movement, timing, and finishing in goal-scoring situations.

• Scoring Goals – Session B
  Improving composure, creativity, and decision-making in the final third.

• Building Up from Our Own Half – Session A
  Introducing structure and options when playing out from the back.

• Building Up in Our Own Half – Session B
  Progressions focusing on recognition of pressure and ball circulation.

• Building Up in Our Own Half – Session C
  Advanced build-up concepts emphasizing positional play and support.

• Building Up in Our Own Half – Session D
  Managing tempo and decision-making under increased pressure.

• Building Up in the Opponent’s Half – Session A
  Maintaining possession and creating attacking advantages higher up the field.

• Building Up in the Opponent’s Half – Session B
  Advanced combinations and movement to break down defensive blocks.

🛡️ Defending Sessions (11v11)

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Their Half – Session A
  Introducing pressing triggers and coordinated team pressure.

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Their Half – Session B
  Progressions on collective pressing and defensive organization.

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Our Half – Session A
  Protecting key spaces and limiting opponent progression closer to goal.

• Preventing the Opponent from Building Up in Our Half – Session B
  Reinforcing compactness, cover, and balance in defensive areas.

• Preventing the Opponent from Scoring – Session A
  Defending the box, managing transitions, and denying clear chances.

Why These 11v11 PPP Sessions Matter

✔ Game-realistic and tactically relevant
✔ Builds decision-making and team understanding
✔ Suitable for advanced recreational, select, and club-level players
✔ Supports the transition to higher levels of competition
✔ Aligned with the Play–Practice–Play coaching methodology

Useful Coaching Links

Resources to Support You On and Off the Field

Below is a curated collection of coaching resources to help you plan sessions, manage your team, and create a positive experience for players and families.

📄 Coaching Documents & Planning Tools

• 2022 Seasonal Highlights – Coaching Flyer

• 2022 Fall Coach Meeting Agenda

• 2022 Fall Practice Request Form

📘 Age-Group Training Guides - Non-PPP Instruction Manuals: Basic Youth Soccer Skills

• U6–U7 Training Guide

• U8–U9 Training Guide

• U10 Coaching Guide

⚽ Simple Training Activities (Cal South)

Age-appropriate activities designed to keep training fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate:

• U6 Activities

• U8 Activities

• U10 Activities

• U12 Activities

👪 Sideline Behavior & Parent Education

Help families understand how positive sideline behavior supports player development:

• Welcome to Sideline Smarts
  A short video resource explaining why respect and encouragement from the sidelines truly matter.

Player Safety Comes First

Below are a few recommended safety resources to help coaches recognize, respond to, and prevent injuries. These videos are provided as supplemental learning tools.

🧠 Concussion Awareness & Recovery

• Recognize to Recover – Concussion Initiative
  Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion, respond appropriately, and support safe return-to-play decisions.
  👉 View full article

❤️ Emergency Preparedness: CPR & AED

• Recognize to Recover – CPR and AED Training
  Understand the basics of CPR and the proper use of AEDs to be prepared for cardiac emergencies on and off the field.
  👉 View full article

Why This Matters

✔ Helps protect players’ health and well-being
✔ Supports informed, confident coaching decisions
✔ Reinforces LNYSA’s commitment to safe play
✔ Aligns with U.S. Soccer and SafeSport best practices