I’d teach protecting a lead as managing the next moments, not defending your own penalty area.
You still need an outlet, still need to keep the ball when the pass is on, and still need enough pressure on the opposition that they cannot build attacks comfortably.
I’d give the players three game-state behaviours. Slow the game down when appropriate, keep good distances between units, and choose when to attack rather than forcing every counter.
The front player also has a job. If they drop onto the midfield line permanently, every clearance comes straight back.
In training, play the last ten minutes with one team leading by a goal. Stop only if the behaviour changes because of the score.
What I want U16s to learn is that game management is active.
Sometimes dropping five yards is right. Dropping 30 yards because everyone is nervous usually is not a plan.
