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U8 · Pass and receive 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.
- Pass to feetUse the inside of your foot and pass to your teammate's feet.
- Eyes upLook before the ball arrives, so you know where to go next.
- Soft first touchCushion the ball and take it into space.
The session in five lines
ArrivePass and Move Pair while you set up (8 min)
Feet to feetFamiliar game · watch the pass (10 min)
Eyes-up threeFamiliar game · watch the eyes (8 min)
Keep from oneFamiliar game · watch the movement (8 min)
Pass to scoreFamiliar game · watch the choice (8 min)
MatchMatch · equal time (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
GoalsUse small goals, or two cones for each goal. 5 ballsOne per group, plus a spare. BibsThree colours, for two teams and goalkeepers.
Different numbers?
| Players | Groups | Who plays |
|---|
| 6 | 1 | Two teams of three, with every child taking a turn in goal |
| 7 | 2 | 4 and 3, one adult with each |
| 8 | 2 | 4 and 4 |
| 9 | 2 | 5 and 4 |
| 10 | 1 or 2 | 5v5 on one pitch, or two groups of five |
| 11 | 2 | 6 and 5, with rotating players |
| 12 | 2 | 6 and 6, or two games of 3v3 |
No more than six children per adult. In 5v5 every child takes a turn in goal. Nobody waits: a child who is not playing has a job, such as defender, counter or collector.
1Arrive
Pass and Move Pair while you set up
8 min
KitA ball per pair
As the first children arrive, they pair up with a ball and pass, count their passes in a row and move after each pass. Today is a festival: every game is one the children know.
While the children play, set up the area for the next game.
Ask: How many passes in a row?
2Feet to feet
Familiar game · watch the pass
10 min
PassLookTouch
KitA ball per pair
Feet to feet. Watch the inside of the foot and the pass to feet.
How it works: Pairs, about five metres apart. Pass with the inside of the foot, to your partner's feet, and take the ball under control before you pass it back.
3Eyes-up triangle
Familiar game · watch the eyes
8 min
PassLookTouch
KitA ball per group
The eyes-up triangle. Watch who looks before the ball arrives.
How it works: Groups of three in a triangle. Look at your next teammate before the ball reaches you, then pass. Count how many passes in a row your group can make. There is no timer.
4Keep from one
Familiar game · watch the movement
8 min
PassLookTouch
KitA space about 12 by 12 mA ball per groupA bib for the defender
Keep from one. Watch who moves after passing.
How it works: 2v1 in a small square. The attackers pass and move so the ball always has a safe passing line. If the defender wins it, swap with the one who lost it.
5Pass to score
Familiar game · watch the choice
8 min
PassLookTouch
Kit1 goalA ball per groupBibs, two colours
Pass to score. Watch who finds the free player.
How it works: 3v2 with a goal. The attackers pass and move, and shoot when the pass is on. If the defenders win it, they pass to the coach to restart.
6Five-a-side match
Match · equal time
14 min
What did you see?
Kit2 goalsBibs, three coloursA ball
A 5v5 match, with every child taking a turn in goal. Rotate teams and the goalkeeper so every child plays the same amount. The coach counts minutes, not goals. Watch who passes to feet and who looks first.
What the block is forBy week 6 most children should pass to feet and look before the ball arrives. 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.
Passing: the inside-foot pass
Stand beside the ball, strike through the middle, and follow through.
Most useful in stage 2.
What good looks like
- Standing foot beside the ball and pointing at the target.
- The ankle is firm and the strike goes through the middle of the ball.
- Follow through towards the target.
If you see this, try this
- The ball bobbles or liftsHit the middle, keep the ankle firm, and stay over the ball.
- Too hard for the receiverPass to the feet at a speed they can control.
More detail
- Look at the receiver, then the ball, then pass. Think about what the receiver wants to do next.
- Mix the passes: ask for a different pass each time, short and longer.
Ask the players
- Could your teammate control that easily?
Change it
Easier: Shorter passes, and a bigger target.
Harder: A defender who tries to intercept, or a smaller area.
Look before you receive
Know where the defenders, teammates and space are before the ball arrives.
What good looks like
- A quick look before the ball arrives: where are the defenders, teammates and space?
- Look again after the first touch, before the next decision.
If you see this, try this
- Only looks once the ball is at their feetAsk "what did you see?" before the ball comes.
- Looks up but does not use itGive a job: count the defenders, or find the free teammate.
More detail
- Teach it as a habit: look, receive, look, play.
- Players can practise looking in warm-ups, with no ball.
Ask the players
- What did you see before the ball came?
Change it
Easier: No defender, so the look is easy.
Harder: A defender who closes down, so the look must be quick.
Stopping and receiving
Take the ball under control so the next action is easy.
What good looks like
- The foot gives back as the ball arrives, so it does not bounce away.
- The first touch goes where you want to go next, not just anywhere.
- Looks before the ball arrives, so the touch has a plan.
If you see this, try this
- The ball bounces awayRelax the ankle and pull the foot back a little on contact.
- The ball dies, then the player starts againTake it into the space with the first touch.
More detail
- A good first touch is one that makes the next action easy.
- Receive on the move when you can. Standing still gives defenders time.
Ask the players
- Where did your first touch take you? Was that the best space?
Change it
Easier: Softer, slower passes, with no defender.
Harder: Add a defender who closes down once the pass is played.