U7 · Dribble to score block · Week 6 of 6 · Show me

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Block weeks123456
The session at a glance
  1. ArriveCopy a Friend while you set up (8 min)
  2. Change paceFamiliar game · watch the pace (10 min)
  3. Beat countFamiliar game · watch the feint (8 min)
  4. 1v1 to goalFamiliar game · watch the finish (8 min)
  5. 2v1 attackFamiliar game · watch the choice (8 min)
  6. 3v3 gameGame · attack a defender at speed (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

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. 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

Copy a Friend while you set up · 8 min

KitA ball each4 lines or 8 cones

As each player arrives, they take a ball, pick a friend and copy what the friend does. Every game today is one the players know, so you can watch.

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. Each player takes a ball and picks a friend.
  2. Copy what your friend does with the ball: dribble, turn, stop, change speed.
  3. After a minute, pick a new friend.
  4. There is no leader. Everyone copies and everyone is copied.
What to look for
  • What each player copies
  • Players choosing a new friend

Ask: What did you copy?

Change of pace

Familiar game · watch the pace · 10 min

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.

Set up

Mark a start line and a far line with cones. Each player has a ball and starts on the start line, spread out.

How it runs
  1. Dribble slowly toward the middle, as if a defender is there.
  2. At the middle, take a big touch and burst away.
  3. Dribble back slowly and go again.
  4. Show it once yourself before the players try.
What to look for
  • Who slows down, then bursts
  • Who takes a big touch to start the burst

Beat count

Familiar game · watch the feint · 8 min

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.

Set up

Pairs in lanes. One attacker with a ball, one defender in a bib standing side-on with arms down, and a line to cross.

How it runs
  1. The attacker dribbles at the defender.
  2. Show the ball one way, then burst past on the other side.
  3. Go back for another. Count how many you beat in a row.
  4. Swap roles after each go.
What to look for
  • Who shows the ball and goes the other way
  • Who keeps their count going

1v1 to goal

Familiar game · watch the finish · 8 min

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 player swaps in.

Set up

A small goal at one end. Pairs wait in a line at the other end, one ball per pair, defenders in bibs. Keep the area behind and beside the goal clear.

How it runs
  1. The attacker dribbles at the defender, who closes down but stays on their feet.
  2. The attacker beats them with a change of pace.
  3. As soon as there is space, shoot.
  4. The winner stays on. A new player swaps in.
What to look for
  • Who shoots as soon as there is space

2v1 attack

Familiar game · watch the choice · 8 min

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.

Set up

One small goal. Groups of three: two attackers with a ball and one defender in a bib. Others wait in a line.

How it runs
  1. The ball carrier dribbles at the defender.
  2. If the defender stays with the dribbler, pass to the free teammate.
  3. If the defender goes to the teammate, keep going and shoot.
  4. Swap roles after each go.
What to look for
  • Who dribbles, and who passes

3v3 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 players it is a test.

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 with no conditions. Score in either goal.
  2. Restart with a pass after each goal.
  3. Rotate players every few minutes.
  4. Watch quietly and tick off names on your checklist.
What to look for
  • Players attacking a defender at speed
  • Players changing pace
  • Players shooting as soon as there is space
What the block is forBy week 6 most players 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. 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.

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

  • Why did you shoot there?

Change it

Easier: Closer to goal, with no defender.

Harder: A closing defender, or a goalkeeper.

Up next: block 2Pass and goGoalside Plus

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