Quality delivery and timed runs across the face. Timed phases for a 50-minute U7-U8 session.
Fun ball each activity linked to crossing & far-post runs. 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 crossing & far-post runs 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 crossing & far-post runs under pressure. Rotate roles often.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches so everyone is playing.
Coaching pointsSmall-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards crossing & far-post runs. 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 4 5 Shooting Build Up: P1 plays 1-2 with P2 then passes to P3 who “drops” the ball back to P2 to put it wide. P1 makes the run to get the cross in P2 & P3 both get in box crossing their run. - Aim for corner, concentrate on technique, Is there a rebound? Follow on Next 3 players straight in to go after the ball has went wide Do different job each time Coaching Points: Technique Use voice to get attention Duplicate from left and right if numbers allow.
Use in creatorRace > Dribble > Shoot: Team Race First place runs, collects a ball, dribbles then shoots into mini goal, as soon as they have scored next player can go, first team to score with all their balls wins.
Use in creatorThrough The Gate - 2nd runs Square with 2 teams - 2 teams inside playing “keep-ball” - Points from passing through gates Passes must be received on the outside by someone making a run – players cannot wait outside and most run to receive. Gates in 2 colours, on coaches call only 1 colour gate can be used. Communication Timing Scanning 2nd runs Progression: Player on outside must complete a pass back to team mate for the goal Progression 2: Teams players are numbered and players making runs must be in order 1,2,3,4,5 etc
Use in creatorThrough The Gate - 2nd runs Square with 2 teams - 2 teams inside playing “keep-ball” - Points from passing through gates Passes must be received on the outside by someone making a run – players cannot wait outside and most urn to receive. Gates in 2 colours, on coaches call only 1 colour gate can be used. Communication Timing Scanning 2nd runs Progression: Player on outside must complete a pass back to team mate for the goal Progression 2: Teams players are numbered and players making runs must be in order 1,2,3,4,5 etc
Use in creator
