Players know it as “Target practice (U7-U8)”
Kid title: Target practice (U7-U8). Arrive late, body shape for first-time finishes. Timed phases for a 50-minute U7-U8 session.
Fun ball each activity linked to finishing patterns. 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 finishing patterns 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 finishing patterns under pressure. Rotate roles often.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches so everyone is playing.
Coaching pointsSmall-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards finishing patterns. 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 points20yards 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.
Use in creator1 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 creatorGame: - 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
Use in creator
