Players know it as “Shadow steps (U7-U8)”
Kid title: Shadow steps (U7-U8). Stay goal-side, read the pass, step to intercept. Timed phases for a 50-minute U7-U8 session.
Fun ball each activity linked to marking & intercepting. Lots of touches, short queues, coach joins in.
Organisation: Half of a 5v5 pitch; 1 ball each to start.
Coaching pointsSimple game that repeats the picture of marking & intercepting with light opposition.
Organisation: Small grids or channels; rotate roles every 60–90 seconds.
Coaching pointsAdd light opposition or a constraint so players must solve marking & intercepting under pressure. Rotate roles often.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches so everyone is playing.
Coaching pointsSmall-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards marking & intercepting. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching pointsPlayers share one thing they tried. Coach links back to the theme in kid language.
Organisation: Circle with the ball.
Coaching points1 2 3 Setup – 2 queues facing a goal each, everyone with a ball. Players from each queue alternate who’s go it is. Player scores in goal directly in front then immediately defends the second goal – player from alternate queue will be attacking. Retrieve ball and join the other queue to keep ball rolling. Reactions/Transition - How quick can you defend? Attackers – go as soon as they’ve shot/been tackled Intensity, always on toes and ready to go Ball must hit net - Should be - fun, engaging, exciting, high tempo 1v1 rolling, attack/defend
Use in creator1 Setup – 1 queues facing a goal each, everyone with a ball. Player scores in goal directly in front then immediately defends the goal – player next in queue will be attacking. After defending Retrieve ball and join the other queue to keep ball rolling. Reactions/Transition - How quick can you defend? Attackers – go as soon as they’ve shot/been tackled Intensity, always on toes and ready to go - Should be - fun, engaging, exciting, high tempo 1v1 rolling, attack/defend (simplified for u7s)
Use in creator1 Setup – 1 queues facing a goal each, everyone with a ball. Player scores in goal directly in front then immediately defends the goal – player next in queue will be attacking. After defending Retrieve ball and join the other queue to keep ball rolling. Reactions/Transition - How quick can you defend? Attackers – go as soon as they’ve shot/been tackled Intensity, always on toes and ready to go - Should be - fun, engaging, exciting, high tempo 1v1 rolling, attack/defend (simplified for u7s)
Use in creator1 Setup – 1 queues facing a goal each, everyone with a ball. Player scores in goal directly in front then immediately defends the goal – player next in queue will be attacking. After defending Retrieve ball and join the other queue to keep ball rolling. Reactions/Transition - How quick can you defend? Attackers – go as soon as they’ve shot/been tackled Intensity, always on toes and ready to go Should be - fun, engaging, exciting, high tempo COACHES POINT: can we talk about hoe big/small the attackers touch should be as nearing the goal 1v1 rolling, attack/defend (simplified for u7s)
Use in creator
