In this session, Birmingham City Under-9 to Under-21 individual development coach Danny Brain takes a group of Under-16 players through a series of practices designed to develop their ability to get in behind the opposition’s back line.

The session – filmed exclusively for Coaches’ Voice – begins with a warm-up and activation led by academy sports scientist Jack Whittle. Brain, who is also the academy’s lead Under-13s coach, is then assisted by academy coach Leon Clarke in taking six attackers through two practices designed to train their movement and runs in behind a defensive line. The coaches also focus on quality of pass in behind, as well as the crossing and finishing skills of the attackers. For the final practice, the attacking players join with other units for a 10v9 conditioned game on a full-sized pitch, in which their learning is tested.

It’s a session that expertly builds the theme while providing important repetition of the skills in focus. Brain and Clarke provide clear, constructive feedback while engaging with the players to test and enhance their learning. We hope you enjoy it!