Play on a 50 x 35 pitch with two areas marked out as dumping areas. Set the teams up into 3-2-2. The Game Start the game from the GK who must play out into the defenders or into th
Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.
Session flow
8m
18m
18m
16m
5m
Arrival · 8 mins
Warm-up rondo — Dumping the ball.
8:00
Players arrive into a ball-rolling activity linked to the session theme.
Organisation: Small grids / mini pitches ready before players arrive.
Coaching points
Smile, connect, set the learning intention early.
High ball rolling from the first minute.
Progressions
Add directional constraints.
Regressions
Reduce pressure / enlarge space.
Whole game · 18 mins
Conditioned game — Dumping the ball.
18:00
Directional game with a condition that makes dumping the ball. the easiest path to success. Multi-ball restarts.
Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch; bibs.
Coaching points
Recognise when dumping the ball. is on.
In possession: create and use space.
Out of possession: organise early.
Progressions
Tighten space or add a scoring bonus for the theme.
Regressions
Add a neutral / bounce player.
Part practice · 18 mins
Dumping the ball.
18:00
Play on a 50 x 35 pitch with two areas marked out as dumping areas. Set the teams up into 3-2-2. The Game Start the game from the GK who must play out into the defenders or into the dumping zone for the 4 or 8 to set back. The defenders can then look to pass into the midfield or through to the second dump
Once the ball has been set back the receiving player can choose to run into the next zone.
The receiving player can choose to play forwards, if it is on to do so. Think about
Try to set the ball back with an open body position.
Progressions
Again the football can then be played forward from there. Progression
After each set back 1 player can move into the next zone to create overloads. Progression 2
Progression 3
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Game · 16 mins
Transfer game — Dumping the ball.
16:00
Open or lightly conditioned game. Freeze only to reinforce one coaching point from dumping the ball..
Organisation: Age-appropriate pitch and numbers.
Coaching points
Catch them being good when the theme appears.
Manage challenge vs success live.
Progressions
Remove all conditions.
Regressions
Reintroduce the theme condition for 3 minutes.
Plenary · 5 mins
Review & cool down
5:00
Players share one learning from the session against the intention.
Organisation: Team huddle.
Coaching points
Link back to Four Corners and next session.
Related drills
20yards
20yards
20yards
Drill: Collect the Treasure/Cones
Objective: Develop 1v1 skills (attacking and defending) with a focus on dribbling and decision-making.
Setup:
Create a grid (20x20 yards).
Place 10 cones in the middle of the grid, each representing "treasure."
Split players into two teams: Pirates and Defenders.
Pirates start outside the grid with a ball each.
Defenders start inside the grid without a ball.
Instructions:
The Pirates' goal is to dribble into the grid, "steal" a treasure , and dribble back out to the outside without being tackled.
Defenders try to block Pirates and win the ball. If a Defender wins the ball, they pass it out of the grid for the attacker to start again.
Each time will be timed doing the drill and the team that gets all the cones out quickest wins.
1
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
1
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)
Game:
- Attacking team starts from half way each time balls is out of play
- Both teams get chance at attacking
Pass must go between the lines (offside trap)
5 points for corners
GK/Defenders:
Ball to half way goals to score