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U6 · Both feet, all surfaces block · Week 2 of 6 · New games
Weaker foot
Stop It Dead to start, weaker foot only, outside lanes, a both-feet ring, a sleepy dragon, inside and outside again and free play.
- Every partUse the inside, outside, sole and laces of the foot.
- Both feetUse your weaker foot as much as your stronger foot.
- Quick feetSmall, quick touches keep the ball close.
The session in five lines
ArriveStop It Dead while you set up (7 min)
Weaker footTechnical · dribble with the other foot (7 min)
Outside lanesTechnical · outside of the foot down the lane (7 min)
Both-feet ringChallenge · how many laps? (7 min)
Sleepy dragonChase game · keep clear of the dragon (7 min)
In and outFamiliar game · other foot first (7 min)
Free playBalls out · no score (12 min)
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Minutes per stage. The last block is the conditioned game or the closing game. The dashed block is for changeovers and water.
Kit
8 conesFor gates, zones and lines. A ball eachOne for every child, plus a spare, from the bag.
Different numbers?
| Players | Groups | Who plays |
|---|
| 6 | 1 | One group of six with one adult. The other adult helps. |
| 7 | 2 | 4 and 3, one adult with each |
| 8 | 2 | 4 and 4 |
| 9 | 2 | 5 and 4 |
| 10 | 2 | 5 and 5 |
| 11 | 2 | 6 and 5 |
| 12 | 2 | 6 and 6 |
No more than six children per adult. With one adult and more than six children, ask a parent to take the second group. Stages are short on purpose: young children change activity every six or seven minutes.
1Arrive
Stop It Dead while you set up
7 min
KitA ball each4 lines or 8 cones
As each child arrives, they take a ball and dribble anywhere. Each time you pass another child, stop your ball dead under the sole, then go again.
The twist: after you stop, go with your weaker foot.
While the children play, set up the area for the next game.
Ask: Which foot did you go with?
2Weaker foot only
Technical · dribble with the other foot
7 min
KitA ball each
Everybody uses their weaker foot only. Small, careful touches. When it gets easy, speed up.
Keep calling the same three points: every part, both feet and quick feet.
Ask: Which is your weaker foot?
3Outside lanes
Technical · outside of the foot down the lane
7 min
DribbleTurn
Kit2 linesA ball each
Dribble from line to line using only the outside of the foot. Right foot down the lane, left foot back. Keep your touches small.
Ask: Which foot was better on the way back?
4Both-feet ring
Challenge · how many laps?
7 min
Round and round
Kit8 cones in a ringA ball each
Dribble round the ring all the same way. Right foot for one lap, left foot for the next. Count your laps without losing the ball. There is no timer.
Easier: use the stronger foot most. Harder: change feet every two cones.
Ask: How many laps did you get?
5Sleepy dragon
Chase game · keep clear of the dragon
7 min
KitA ball eachA bib for the adult
You are a sleepy dragon, drifting slowly with arms down. Children dribble and keep their ball clear of you, switching feet as they go. The dragon never touches anyone.
Keep calling the same three points: every part, both feet and quick feet.
Ask: Which foot did you use to escape?
6Inside and outside
Familiar game · other foot first
7 min
KitA ball each
Inside and outside from week 1. Today start with your weaker foot, then swap feet after a minute.
Keep calling the same three points: every part, both feet and quick feet.
Ask: Which foot started?
7Free play
Balls out · no score
12 min
KitA ball eachBibs on the ground
Balls out. Let the children play and invent. Everyone gets a touch, nobody keeps a score.
Keep calling the same three points: every part, both feet and quick feet.
Ask: Show me your best move.
Go deeper
Optional. The detail behind the three coaching points, for when you want more. Draft 1: starting points for a coach to adjust, not rules.
Dribbling: close and head up
Keep the ball within a stride and look up between touches.
Most useful in stages 2, 3, 4.
What good looks like
- The ball stays close, with a touch every step or two.
- The head comes up between touches to find space.
- Both feet get used, and different parts of the foot.
If you see this, try this
- Big kicks and the ball runs awayAsk for tiny touches, like tickling the ball.
- Eyes stuck on the ballCall "heads up", hold up some fingers and ask how many.
- Only the strong foot is usedPlay a round with the weaker foot only.
More detail
- Start with the inside of the foot and the sole. Add the outside and the laces later.
- Stopping and starting matter as much as running with the ball.
Ask the players
- Where is the biggest space?
- Which part of your foot kept it closest?
Change it
Easier: Walk first. Use a bigger area, or fewer players moving at once.
Harder: Smaller area, a weaker-foot round, or a defender who only shadows.