A Using cones or poles, set up 6 to 8 slalom goals inside the field. Each player has a ball. Players dribble through the goals in a slalom pattern. They approach from one side, dri
Ball M
U9-U10Up the StepsFoundation60 mins8–14 playersProgressive loadPassing & receiving
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
15m
15m
17m
5m
Arrival · 8 mins
Warm-up — Slalom Goals
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.
Technical · 15 mins
Slalom Goals
15:00
A Using cones or poles, set up 6 to 8 slalom goals inside the field. Each player has a ball. Players dribble through the goals in a slalom pattern. They approach from one side, dribble across one goal line at easy pace, use various turning techniques and then dribble quickly across the goal line.
Organisation: Balls: 25; Cones: Y; Other: Large Cones
Coaching points
Players to play in pairs and pass through the cone in different sequences.
Progressions
Competition: Which player can be the first to dribble through five goals. Progression
Ask the players to do different techniques at the cones. Progression B
Regressions
Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins
Drill 2 — develop Slalom Goals
15:00
Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve slalom goals under pressure. Rotate roles often.
Organisation: SSG pitch with clear scoring / constraints linked to the theme.
Coaching points
Reward the theme with the scoring system.
Protect transition moments both ways.
Use guided discovery questions in natural stoppages.
Progressions
Shrink space / add a live defender.
Regressions
Unopposed patterns first.
Game · 17 mins
Drill 3 — game for Slalom Goals
17:00
Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards slalom goals. Minimal stoppages.
Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.
Coaching points
Find moments for slalom goals.
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
Review & cool down
5:00
Players share one learning from the session against the intention.
Organisation: Circle with the ball.
Coaching points
Listen to teammates.
Name one success.
Related drills
8v4 3 team game. (Barcelona Game).
8v4 3 team game. (Barcelona Game).
Set up three teams of 4 in different bibs
Two teams attack the goals and play against each other.
The third team acts as neutral team and plays for who ever has possession of the ball.
Relax when we have the ball. You have a massive overload. Spot the opportunities to play one touch.
Progression
Teams play 8v4 with defending team needing to win the ball and then being able to attack the team which had possession must then defend.
Look to make the pitch as big as possible when in possession. The four defenders need to work together to regain the ball
Technique when passing and moving the ball (to feet or space). Take the ball into space away from pressure.
2 teams:
- Keeper in goal
- Defenders on half way
- Attackers on half way
- Attackers start with ball and on coaches say they start to attack.
- Can defence get back and delay the attack?
- Can midfield get back and defend/recover quickly?
- ATT get goals for scoring
- DEF get goals for stopping the attack
WARMUPStick in the mud
1 person starts on must tag people who stand legs open arms out wide, other people can untig them by crawling through their legs
Can put 2nd and 3rd person on if it’s too hard
Goals:
Movement
Fake movement
Fun
Fitness
Progression:
Give them all a ball –
To get caught they must have their ball tackled off them
they must pass the ball through their legs to release their team mates
Numbers:
Aims: Scanning, 1v1, Reactions Decision making
Size: 2 squares
Players: 6-8
2 teams, each player assigned a number.
When number is called it is 1v1, 2v2 or 3v3 in the middle into the small goals
Numbers Game 1v1, 2v2, 3v3