U7 · Dribble to score block · Week 5 of 6 · Match

Dribble match

Block weeks123456
The session at a glance
  1. ArriveFree Play Corner while you set up (8 min)
  2. Match 1Match · pick a condition (10 min)
  3. Match 2Match · pick a condition (10 min)
  4. Match 3Match · pick two conditions (10 min)
  5. Match 4Match · players pick the condition (10 min)
  6. Free matchMatch · no conditions (8 min)

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 player for the first games, one per group after that.
BibsTwo colours for the two teams.
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

Free Play Corner while you set up · 8 min

KitA ball each4 lines or 8 cones

Put balls and bibs out, and cones in a bag if they want them. Players invent their own games. The one rule: everyone gets a touch. Ask them to beat a defender in their game.

While the players play, set up the area for the next game.

Set up

Put balls and bibs out, and cones in a bag if players want them. There are no instructions beyond the one rule below.

How it runs
  1. Players make up their own games.
  2. One rule: everyone gets a touch.
  3. Ask them to include beating a defender in their game.
What to look for
  • Players creating their own rules
  • Quieter players joining in
Easier

Give a starting idea, such as a game with a goal.

Harder

Ask them to make their game harder as they go.

Ask: What is your game called?

Match 1: go forward

Match · pick a condition · 10 min

Choose one condition

Kit2 small goalsA ball per groupBibs, two colours4 cones for the corners of the area

3v3 on a small pitch with a goal at each end and no goalkeepers. Choose one of the three conditions, tell both teams, and play. Change it at half time if it is not working. Rotate players so everyone gets to attack.

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. Read the three condition cards and choose one.
  2. Tell both teams the condition and how a goal scores.
  3. Play 3v3 and keep the score on the pad.
  4. At half time, ask if the condition is working. Change it if not.
What to look for
  • Players bringing the ball forward with confidence
  • Players choosing to take on a defender
Easier

Pick Dribble only, and ignore the score.

Harder

Pick the Take-on zone and keep score.

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

Ask: Which condition made you take players on?

Match 2: beat a player

Match · pick a condition · 10 min

Choose one condition

Kit2 small goalsA ball per groupBibs, two colours4 cones for the corners of the area

3v3 on a small pitch with a goal at each end and no goalkeepers. Choose one of the three conditions, tell both teams, and play. Change it at half time if it is not working. Rotate players so everyone gets to attack.

Set up

The same small pitch, goals and teams. Swap the players round so teams are different from the last match.

How it runs
  1. Read the three cards and choose one.
  2. Explain how a beat is rewarded.
  3. Play 3v3 and keep the score on the pad.
  4. Rotate players so everyone gets to attack.
What to look for
  • Players taking on a defender near goal
  • Players going the other way after showing the ball
Easier

Pick Beat to score and count any beat.

Harder

Pick Both feet, so the shot must follow work with both feet.

Ask: Who beat a player, and what did you do?

Match 3: put two together

Match · pick two conditions · 10 min

Choose one condition

Kit2 small goalsA ball per groupBibs, two colours4 cones for the corners of the area

3v3 on a small pitch with a goal at each end and no goalkeepers. Choose one of the three conditions, tell both teams, and play. Change it at half time if it is not working. Rotate players so everyone gets to attack.

Set up

The same small pitch, goals and teams. Mix the teams again.

How it runs
  1. Read the three cards. Each combines two conditions.
  2. Choose one pair and explain both rules.
  3. Play 3v3 and keep the score on the pad.
  4. Afterwards, ask whether two rules were harder than one.
What to look for
  • Players remembering both rules
  • Players talking to each other about the rules
Easier

Use a pair where one rule is a goal bonus.

Harder

Pick a pair of conditions that change how the ball is moved.

Ask: Was it harder with two conditions? Why?

Match 4: your choice

Match · players pick the condition · 10 min

Players choose, or deal one

Kit2 small goalsA ball per groupBibs, two colours4 cones for the corners of the area

3v3 on a small pitch with a goal at each end and no goalkeepers. Each team picks a condition from the cards, or the coach deals one. Tell the other team, play, then swap.

Set up

The same small pitch, goals and teams. Spread the cards out where the players can see them.

How it runs
  1. Each team picks a condition from the cards, or the coach deals one.
  2. Tell the other team what you picked and why.
  3. Play 3v3 and keep the score on the pad.
  4. Swap conditions after a few minutes.
What to look for
  • Teams explaining their choice
  • Players trying the rule on purpose
Easier

Both teams use the same condition.

Harder

Teams change their condition after each goal.

Ask: Which condition did you pick, and did it help?

Free match

Match · no conditions · 8 min

Kit2 small goalsA ball per groupBibs, two colours4 cones for the corners of the area

3v3 with no conditions. Let the players play. Watch for the dribbling and taking on that they practised in the conditioned matches.

Set up

The same small pitch, goals and teams. Take the cards away.

How it runs
  1. Play 3v3 with no conditions.
  2. Rotate players so everyone gets to attack.
  3. Watch quietly and notice who takes players on.
What to look for
  • Players taking on a defender without being asked
  • Players going forward with confidence
Easier

Let the players restart quickly after each goal.

Harder

Bring back one condition the players liked.

Ask: What did you take from the conditions into this game?

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, 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 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.

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