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U7 · Dribble to score block · Week 6 of 6 · Show me
Show me
Familiar games all session. The coach watches for the three things and ticks them off, with no score.
- 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
ArriveCopy a Friend while you set up (8 min)
Change paceFamiliar game · watch the pace (10 min)
Beat countFamiliar game · watch the feint (8 min)
1v1 to goalFamiliar game · watch the finish (8 min)
2v1 attackFamiliar game · watch the choice (8 min)
3v3 gameGame · attack a defender at speed (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
8 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
Copy a Friend while you set up
8 min
KitA ball each4 lines or 8 cones
As each child arrives, they take a ball, pick a friend and copy what the friend does. Every game today is one the children know, so you can watch.
While the children play, set up the area for the next game.
Ask: What did you copy?
2Change of pace
Familiar game · watch the pace
10 min
SlowBurst
Kit2 linesA ball each
Change of pace. Watch who slows down, then bursts.
How it works: Dribble slowly toward a pretend defender, then take a big touch and burst away. The defender cannot tell when the burst is coming. Show it once, then let them play.
3Beat count
Familiar game · watch the feint
8 min
ApproachShow itBurst
KitA ball per pairBibs for the defenders1 line or 2 cones
Beat count. Watch who shows the ball and goes the other way.
How it works: Attacker against a soft defender, who stands side-on with arms down. Beat them with a feint and a burst, then swap roles. Count how many you beat in a row. No timer.
41v1 to goal
Familiar game · watch the finish
8 min
ApproachBeatShoot
Kit1 small goalA ball per pairBibs for the defenders
1v1 to goal. Watch who shoots as soon as there is space.
How it works: 1v1 with a goal. The defender closes down, but must stay on their feet. The attacker beats them and shoots as soon as there is space. The winner stays on and a new child swaps in.
52v1 attack
Familiar game · watch the choice
8 min
DribblePassShoot
Kit1 small goalA ball per groupBibs for the defenders
2v1 attack. Watch who dribbles, and who passes.
How it works: 2v1 with a goal. The ball carrier dribbles at the defender. If the defender stays with the dribbler, pass to the free teammate. If not, keep going and shoot.
63v3 game
Game · attack a defender at speed
14 min
What did you see?
Kit2 small goalsA ball per groupBibs, two colours
3v3 with no conditions. Watch who attacks a defender at speed, who changes pace and who shoots as soon as there is space. Tick them off below. Do not tell the children it is a test.
What the block is forBy week 6 most children should attack a defender at speed in 3v3. If not, repeat the block for two more weeks before moving on.
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, 4.
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.
Most useful in stages 4, 5, 6.
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.