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
6m
13m
13m
13m
5m
Arrival · 6 mins
Safe zone (U7-U8)
6:00
Fun ball each activity linked to end-zone possession. Lots of touches, short queues, coach joins in.
Organisation: Half of a 5v5 pitch; 1 ball each to start.
Coaching points
Big smiles, lots of praise.
Keep the ball close when moving.
Eyes up when you can.
Progressions
Add a soft challenge or tagger.
Regressions
Bigger space, slower demo.
Technical · 13 mins
Practice picture — End-zone possession
13:00
Simple game that repeats the picture of end-zone possession with light opposition.
Organisation: Small grids or channels; rotate roles every 60–90 seconds.
Coaching points
Show me the picture with your body.
Try again quickly after a mistake.
Use both feet when you can.
Progressions
Add a mini-goal or end zone.
Regressions
Remove the defender / add a helper.
Skill · 13 mins
Drill 2 — develop End-zone possession
13:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve end-zone possession under pressure. Rotate roles often.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches so everyone is playing.
Coaching points
Play forward when you see space.
Help a teammate who is stuck.
Celebrate effort, not only goals.
Progressions
Shrink space / add a live defender.
Regressions
Unopposed patterns first.
Small-sided game · 13 mins
Drill 3 — game for End-zone possession
13:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards end-zone possession. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for end-zone possession.
Help a teammate who is stuck.
Celebrate effort, not only goals.
Progressions
Remove the condition when the theme is secure.
Regressions
Neutral helper / overload.
Plenary · 5 mins
What did we learn?
5:00
Players share one thing they tried. Coach links back to the theme in kid language.
Organisation: Circle with the ball.
Coaching points
Listen to teammates.
Name one success.
Related drills
Drill 171
Game – 7v7 (half v half)
Rules –
To get into the final third we must utilize a half turn pass through the central zone.
If ball is not received on half turn it can only go sideways or backwards
Game – 9v9 (half v half)
Rules –
To get into the final third we must utilize a half turn pass through the central zone.
If ball is not received on half turn it can only go sideways or backwards
Game:
5v5
To Score you must pass the
ball into the endzone and it
must be received by your
teammate – and controlled!
Teammate cannot enter endzone until you pass the ball.
Progression 1:
All players must touch ball
Coaching notes:
- Body shape when receiving
ball
- Movement off the ball
- Can we use a switch
- Defensive team
can we get
in line and cover?
30 min.
Team Game 5v5/6:
Pitch cut into thirds with an end zone at each end (so 5 zones in total)
When your team as the ball they can go into the next third but you can progress to the final third until every player is with you.
To score your whole team must get in the end zone with the ball.
Goals:
Comfortable in possession
Don’t Rush It
Move as a unit
Thinking about your next move straight after your pass
Communication
Tactical thinking:
What works better?
Can we pass the ball about quickly then move into next third
Is it better to have 1 or 2 people hold the ball up to allow others to progress?
Make your own decisions
Time – 15/20 minutes
