U7 · Dribble to score block · Week 3 of 6 · More feints

Wiggle and burst

Block weeks123456
The session at a glance
  1. ArriveBeat the Ghost while you set up (8 min)
  2. Wiggle burstTechnical · wiggle, then burst (10 min)
  3. Beat runChallenge · a streak of beats (8 min)
  4. 3v2 attackOpposed · three attackers, two defenders (8 min)
  5. Beat countFamiliar game · active defender (8 min)
  6. Feint match3v3 · a feint is worth a point (14 min)

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 player for the first games, one per group after that.
BibsTwo colours for the two teams. Plus one for a defender.
Different numbers?
PlayersGroupsWho plays
61Two teams of three on one small pitch, with the other adult helping
724 and 3, one adult with each; one player rotates out each game
824 and 4, each as 2v2 plus a rotating player
93Three teams of three on a carousel
1025 and 5, each group as 3v2 plus a rotating player
1126 and 5, with rotating players
122Two pitches of 3v3

No more than six players per adult. Stage 6 is a 3v3 carousel on up to four small pitches, so nobody waits. Every player plays about the same time.

Arrive

Beat the Ghost while you set up · 8 min

KitA ball each2 lines or 4 cones

As each player 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 players play, set up the area for the next game.

Set up

Nothing to set up. Players start as they arrive, each with a ball, beside the area you are building.

How it runs
  1. Dribble to a pitch line.
  2. Beat an imaginary defender with a move.
  3. Dribble back and choose a different move.
  4. Finish every beat with a burst.
What to look for
  • Different moves each time
  • A burst after every move
Easier

Use one move you know.

Harder

Use your weaker foot for the beat.

Ask: Which move did you pick?

Wiggle and burst

Technical · wiggle, then burst · 10 min

Kit12 cones, a line of 6 for each playerA ball each

Wiggle your feet over the ball as if you will go one way, then burst the other. Each player has a line of six cones. Wiggle at every cone.

Set up

A lane for each player with six cones in a line, a few steps apart. Each player has a ball.

How it runs
  1. Dribble to the first cone.
  2. Wiggle your feet over the ball as if you will go one way.
  3. Burst the other way past the cone.
  4. Do the same at every cone.
What to look for
  • Quick small wiggles, not big swings
  • Bursts that start straight after the wiggle
Easier

Wiggle at every second cone.

Harder

Add a shoulder drop to the wiggle.

Ask: Which cone fooled you?

Run of beats

Challenge · a streak of beats · 8 min

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.

Set up

Pairs in lanes. One attacker with a ball, one defender in a bib, and a line to cross.

How it runs
  1. The attacker beats the defender and counts one.
  2. Keep going: every beat adds one to the streak.
  3. When the defender wins the ball, start again at one.
  4. Swap roles after each go. The longest streak wins.
What to look for
  • Players choosing when to try a move
  • Defenders staying active but fair
Easier

The defender walks.

Harder

The defender may tackle softly.

Ask: How long was your streak?

3v2 attack

Opposed · three attackers, two defenders · 8 min

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.

Set up

One small goal. Groups of five: three attackers with a ball and two defenders in bibs. Others wait in a line.

How it runs
  1. The player with the ball dribbles at a defender.
  2. If the defender stays, pass to the free player.
  3. If the defenders do not come, keep going and shoot.
  4. Swap roles after each go.
What to look for
  • The free player making themselves easy to see
  • The dribbler drawing a defender first
Easier

The defenders start a few steps back.

Harder

The defenders may close down quickly.

SafetyBalls only go toward the goal. Keep the area behind and beside it clear, and ask players to wait while others fetch.

Ask: Where was the free player?

Beat count

Familiar game · active defender · 8 min

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.

Set up

Pairs in lanes. One attacker with a ball, one defender in a bib, and a line to cross.

How it runs
  1. The attacker dribbles at the defender and beats them.
  2. Today the defender may take one step toward the attacker.
  3. Count how many you beat in a row.
  4. Swap roles after each go.
What to look for
  • Attackers using pace as well as feints
  • Defenders taking only one step
Easier

The defender stands still.

Harder

The defender may take two steps.

Ask: How many did you beat?

Feint match

3v3 · a feint is worth a point · 14 min

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.

Set up

A small pitch with a small goal at each end and no goalkeepers. Two teams of three, one team in bibs. Spare players wait at the side.

How it runs
  1. Play 3v3. Score in either goal.
  2. A goal counts double if the scorer made a feint to beat a defender first.
  3. Restart with a pass after each goal.
  4. Everyone plays up front in turn.
What to look for
  • Players trying a feint near goal
  • Players beating a defender before they shoot
Easier

Any beat counts, not only a feint.

Harder

Only a feint followed by a shot within a few touches counts double.

Ask: Who made a feint?

Go deeper

Optional. The detail behind the three coaching points, for when you want more. 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 player 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

  • Why did you shoot there?

Change it

Easier: Closer to goal, with no defender.

Harder: A closing defender, or a goalkeeper.

Up next: week 4 of 6Back to the lineFree

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