Players know it as “Spy passes (U7-U8)”
Kid title: Spy passes (U7-U8). Scan before the ball arrives; open body to play forward. Timed phases for a 50-minute U7-U8 session.
Fun ball each activity linked to spy scanning & receiving. 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 spy scanning & receiving 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 spy scanning & receiving under pressure. Rotate roles often.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches so everyone is playing.
Coaching pointsSmall-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards spy scanning & receiving. 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 pointsBall movement/pass With the ball Warmup Rules – Half players have ball Constant movement with the ball Looking for a “line breaking pass” between 2 people to a spare person Aims – Passing/Receiving Break Lines Scanning Communication Setup - Grid 20x30 (or 18yard box) Length – 10 minutes
Use in creator1 point 2 points 6v6/6v12 Rondo – Utilising the half turn 3 teams (taking turns – 7 mins each) White team is collecting points Yellow team defending Blue team outside being available for passes Rules – Team collecting points loses a popint each time they lose possession They get 1 point for a pass which goes from top to side or side to top, 2 points for a ball which switches long ways. Collect as many points as they can in 7 minutes. Coaching Points – 360 scanning Bodyshape Decision making Always passing to back foot Always receiving on back foot
Use in creator1 point 2 points 6v6/6v12 Rondo – Utilising the half turn 3 teams (taking turns – 7 mins each) White team is collecting points Yellow team defending Blue team outside being available for passes Rules – Team collecting points loses a popint each time they lose possession They get 1 point for a pass which goes from top to side or side to top, 2 points for a ball which switches long ways. Collect as many points as they can in 7 minutes. Coaching Points – 360 scanning Bodyshape Decision making Always passing to back foot Always receiving on back foot
Use in creatorPassing Gates & Movement Relays (20 mins) Setup: Cones create 4–6 small “gates” (1m wide) in a grid (15x15m). Players work in pairs, each pair with a ball. How it works: Pass the ball through a gate, then immediately both players sprint to another gate (can’t go to the same gate twice in a row). Player receiving must time their movement to be in position for the next pass. Challenge: Receiver must “check off” as the ball arrives, pass first time, and move again. Coaching Points: Encourage quick scanning for the next gate after passing. Stress moving as soon as the pass is played—run, not walk – foot doesn’t touch floor after passing. Quick body adjustment—be on your toes, always ready to move. Communication: call for the ball, shout the next gate. Progressions: P1 – Pass must be received on a turn and not straight back out of the front. P2 – first touch must take them out of the shape and into the direction they’re going Pass/Move through gates - first touch/control
Use in creator
