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U7 · Dribble to score block · Week 3 of 6 · More feints
Wiggle and burst
Beat the Ghost to start, wiggle and burst, a run of beats, a 3v2 attack, beat count again and a 3v3 feint match.
- Change paceSlow down, then burst past the defender.
- Show itShow the ball one way, then go the other.
- Look to scoreLook up and shoot when you see the goal.
The session in five lines
ArriveBeat the Ghost while you set up (8 min)
Wiggle burstTechnical · wiggle, then burst (10 min)
Beat runChallenge · a streak of beats (8 min)
3v2 attackOpposed · three attackers, two defenders (8 min)
Beat countFamiliar game · active defender (8 min)
Feint match3v3 · a feint is worth a point (14 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
12 conesPlus 2 goals. Use small goals, or two cones for each goal. 6 ballsOne per child for the first games, one per group after that. BibsTwo colours for the two teams. Plus one for a defender.
Different numbers?
| Players | Groups | Who plays |
|---|
| 6 | 1 | Two teams of three on one small pitch, with the other adult helping |
| 7 | 2 | 4 and 3, one adult with each; one player rotates out each game |
| 8 | 2 | 4 and 4, each as 2v2 plus a rotating player |
| 9 | 3 | Three teams of three on a carousel |
| 10 | 2 | 5 and 5, each group as 3v2 plus a rotating player |
| 11 | 2 | 6 and 5, with rotating players |
| 12 | 2 | Two pitches of 3v3 |
No more than six children per adult. Stage 6 is a 3v3 carousel on up to four small pitches, so nobody waits. Every child plays about the same time.
1Arrive
Beat the Ghost while you set up
8 min
KitA ball each2 lines or 4 cones
As each child arrives, they take a ball and dribble to a pitch line. Beat an imaginary defender with a move, dribble back, and pick a different move each time.
The twist: finish every beat with a burst.
While the children play, set up the area for the next game.
Ask: Which move did you pick?
2Wiggle and burst
Technical · wiggle, then burst
10 min
ApproachShow itBurst
Kit12 cones, a line of 6 for each childA ball each
Wiggle your feet over the ball as if you will go one way, then burst the other. Each child has a line of six cones. Wiggle at every cone.
Keep calling the same three points: change pace, show it and look to score.
Ask: Which cone fooled you?
3Run of beats
Challenge · a streak of beats
8 min
ApproachShow itBurst
KitA ball per pairBibs for the defenders1 line or 2 cones
The longest streak of beats wins. When a defender wins the ball, start again at one. Swap roles after each go. There is no timer.
Easier: the defender walks. Harder: the defender may tackle softly.
Ask: How long was your streak?
43v2 attack
Opposed · three attackers, two defenders
8 min
DribblePassShoot
Kit1 small goalA ball per groupBibs for the defenders
3v2 with a goal. The player with the ball dribbles at a defender. If the defender stays, pass to the free player. If not, keep going.
SafetyBalls only go toward the goal. Keep the area behind and beside it clear, and ask children to wait while others fetch.
Keep calling the same three points: change pace, show it and look to score.
Ask: Where was the free player?
5Beat count
Familiar game · active defender
8 min
ApproachShow itBurst
KitA ball per pairBibs for the defenders1 line or 2 cones
Beat count from week 1. Today the defender may take one step toward the attacker.
Keep calling the same three points: change pace, show it and look to score.
Ask: How many did you beat?
6Feint match
3v3 · a feint is worth a point
14 min
ApproachShow itBurst
Kit2 small goalsA ball per groupBibs, two colours
3v3, a goal at each end. A goal counts double if the scorer has made a feint to beat a defender first. Everyone plays up front in turn.
SafetyBalls only go toward the goal. Keep the area behind and beside it clear, and ask children to wait while others fetch.
Keep calling the same three points: change pace, show it and look to score.
Ask: Who made a feint?
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.
Beating a defender
Show it, change pace, and go past.
Most useful in stages 2, 3, 5.
What good looks like
- Pretend to go one way with a lean or a small touch.
- Then a big touch past the other side.
- Speed up after the move. The change of pace does most of the work.
If you see this, try this
- Slows down for the trick and stays slowThe first step after the move is a big touch and a sprint.
- Dribbles straight into the defenderShow the move a few steps before the defender.
More detail
- Start with a defender who walks. Make it a real defender only when most players succeed.
- Let every child have a go at both sides.
Ask the players
- Which way did you pretend to go?
Change it
Easier: A cone instead of a defender, then a defender who walks.
Harder: A defender who jogs, then plays normally.
Shooting: when and where
Look at the goal, pick a spot, and shoot while you have the chance.
What good looks like
- Look at the goal, and the goalkeeper, before you shoot.
- Pick a corner. Low and away from the goalkeeper is hard to save.
- Shoot early, before the defender closes you down.
- Follow the shot in for a rebound.
If you see this, try this
- Waits too long and the shot is blockedIf there is space and a goal, shoot.
- Always shoots at the goalkeeperPick a corner and look at it before you strike.
More detail
- Control the ball or shoot first time? Both are right at times. Ask the player to decide.
- Disguise: look one way and shoot the other. It helps the shot surprise the goalkeeper.
Ask the players
Change it
Easier: Closer to goal, with no defender.
Harder: A closing defender, or a goalkeeper.