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Training at the Raiders

Drills and strategies

How we train and what we coach, from first touches at U5 to seven-a-side at U9. Coaches plan with it; families can play along in the driveway.

How we train

Every player has a ball

More touches means faster learning. No one stands in a line waiting for a turn.

Small groups, small spaces

Tight spaces force quick feet and quick thinking, and keep everyone involved.

Play first, coach second

Let the game run, then pause for one idea at a time. Short, clear and in the moment.

Fun is the plan

Games are the best drills. When players are laughing, they are learning.

Same drills, new twists

Repeat a few drills so players feel success, then change one thing to make them grow.

Safe first

Water breaks, the right-sized ball and coaches who know the concussion basics.

How many drills is healthy?

Fewer than you think. Young players learn by repeating, not by collecting new activities.

  1. Two drills beat five. A 15-minute block fits two drills of about seven minutes each.
  2. Repeat the same drills for several weeks, then change one thing at a time: the space, the number of touches or the opponents.
  3. Rotate a weekly theme over four weeks: dribbling, passing, shooting, defence. Games happen every week.
Age groupFormat15-minute drill block
U53v31–2 drills, about 7 min each
U63v32 drills, about 7 min each
U73v32 drills, about 7 min each
U85v52 drills, about 7 min each
U95v52–3 drills, about 6 min each

A one-hour practice

0 to 15 minutes

Warm up with two drills and share one strategy idea. Every player has a ball.

15 to 60 minutes

Small-sided games and gameplay practice. Stop the action briefly to coach the idea, then play on so it sticks.

Games follow the same one-hour rhythm: the first 15 minutes are the warm-up and the strategy talk.

The drill library

Twelve drills in four groups. Press Play on any diagram to see how it moves, and open “Grow it” for notes by age.

Dribbling

Close control, head up, changing direction.

Dribbling

Red Light, Green Light

Players dribble toward the coach. On “green light” they dribble forward; on “red light” they stop the ball dead with the sole of the foot.

Why it matters
Teaches a child to look up while the ball is at their feet. A player who can lift their head sees the pass before the pass is needed.
Grow it
U5–U6
Keep the ball close (“puppy paws”). Short distance of about 15 yards and lots of enthusiasm.
U7–U8
Add a “yellow light” for toe taps or skill moves. Play rounds using only the weaker foot.
U9
Use turning moves, such as a Cruyff turn, on red light. Raise the speed and tempo.
Dribbling

Sharks and Minnows

Minnows dribble across the grid while sharks try to kick the minnows’ balls out of bounds.

Why it matters
Shielding and changing direction under real pressure. The first time a defender closes them down in a game, their feet already know what to do.
Grow it
U5–U6
The coaches start as gentle sharks. If a ball is kicked out, the player does three toe taps to get back in.
U7–U8
Players take turns as sharks. Focus on shielding the ball with the body and sharp changes of direction.
U9
Narrow the grid. Work on accelerating into open space and escaping tight spots.
Dribbling

Gate Dribbling

Pairs of cones form gates. Dribble through as many gates as possible in 60 seconds.

Why it matters
Trains the habit of scanning for space instead of running at the nearest opponent. Gates are the cheapest way to teach a child to find the gap.
Grow it
U5–U6
Eight to ten wide gates. Count the gates crossed and keep the head up.
U7–U8
Add a skill move, like a step-over, at each gate and narrow the gates to about 1.5 yards.
U9
Pass through the gate to a partner, or turn and exit the opposite side. Add a time limit.
Dribbling

Knockout

Everyone dribbles inside a square and tries to poke other players’ balls out while protecting their own.

Why it matters
Protecting your own ball while taking someone else's is attacking and defending at the same time. It builds close control and the nerve to use it.
Grow it
U5–U6
Use a big 20 by 20 yard square with unlimited re-entries. The goal is simply to keep your own ball.
U7–U8
Standard boundary. Players who are knocked out do five passes against a wall to come back in.
U9
Shrink the boundary every 45 seconds. Work on shielding, peripheral vision and balance.
Dribbling

Turn and Go

Dribble to a cone, turn with the sole or the outside of the foot, then accelerate away in the opposite direction.

Why it matters
Most of a game is played facing the wrong way. A clean turn and an immediate acceleration is how a player escapes a defender who is already beaten.
Grow it
U5–U6
Walking pace. One turn, any technique, with a coach calling the moment to turn.
U7–U8
Add a cone gate to accelerate through, and name the turn before each go.
U9
A defender jogs in behind. Turn away from the pressure and beat the gate in three touches.
Dribbling

Traffic Jam

Everyone dribbles inside one square at the same time, keeping the ball close and avoiding contact.

Why it matters
Close control in a crowd, which is what a real 3v3 feels like for most of its minutes. Children learn to keep the ball moving and their eyes up.
Grow it
U5–U6
A big square and a slow count. Nobody is out; just keep the ball and avoid bumping.
U7–U8
Shrink the square every minute. A bump costs the pair a point.
U9
Two players start as taggers trying to kick balls out. Anyone out does ten toe taps and rejoins.

Passing

Accurate passes and soft first touches.

Passing

Passing Gates

Partners pass back and forth through cone gates within a time limit.

Why it matters
A pass is only useful if it arrives. Gates give instant, honest feedback on weight and accuracy without a coach saying a word.
Grow it
U5–U6
Gates three yards wide and five yards apart. Use the inside of the foot for a push pass.
U7–U8
Two touches at most: control, then pass. Count the completed passes.
U9
Play one-touch rounds. Move to a new gate after every three successful passes.
Passing

Monkey in the Middle (Rondo)

A possession game in a small grid: outside players keep the ball away from the defender in the middle.

Why it matters
Teaches players to find the free teammate under pressure, which is the single most common decision in a game. Players who can do this stop losing the ball in their own half.
Grow it
U5–U6
3v1 with a coach or a gentle defender in the middle. Focus on soft touches and sharing the ball.
U7–U8
4v1 in a 10 by 10 yard grid with a two-touch limit. Five passes in a row earns a team point.
U9
Move to a fast 4v2 or 5v2. Work on body position and splitting passes between defenders.
Passing

Give-and-Go Relay

Pass to a partner, run past, and receive the return pass in stride.

Why it matters
The simplest way past a defender that does not rely on being faster than them. Once a child trusts the return pass, they stop dribbling into trouble.
Grow it
U5–U6
The partner stands still (the coach is fine). Short five-yard passes with lots of repetitions.
U7–U8
Partners move. Focus on timing the run and passing to the lead foot.
U9
Add a passive defender to pass around. Work on an explosive burst after the pass.
Passing

Target Passing

Hit tall cones or target buckets from different distances.

Why it matters
Accuracy over distance, with both feet. It is the difference between a pass that keeps an attack alive and one that hands the ball back.
Grow it
U5–U6
Cones five yards away, one point per hit. Place the non-kicking foot beside the ball.
U7–U8
Vary the distance (5, 10 and 15 yards) and score more for longer hits.
U9
Mix driven low passes with lofted ones, and limit the setup time before each kick.
Passing

First Touch Window

Receive a served ball and set it into a marked window with one touch, then pass it back.

Why it matters
A good first touch buys a second of time in every game a player ever plays. Setting the ball into space is how a crowded moment becomes an easy one.
Grow it
U5–U6
Rolled service from two steps away. Any controlled touch into the window counts.
U7–U8
Bouncing service, and the window moves to the player's weaker side.
U9
Firm service with a defender shadowing. The first touch must take them out of the picture.
Passing

Switch the Play

Two grids side by side. After three passes in one grid, a player switches the ball to the far grid.

Why it matters
Teaches players to lift their eyes past the nearest opponent. The ball travels faster than any defender can run, and switching is how a team uses that.
Grow it
U5–U6
One grid only: three passes, then a long pass to a coach standing wide.
U7–U8
Two grids, unopposed, counting how many switches land first time.
U9
Add a defender in each grid. Three passes under pressure, then the switch.

Shooting

Finishing, timing and good decisions near goal.

Shooting

1v1 Goal Attack

The attacker receives a pass, turns and dribbles to shoot against a recovering defender.

Why it matters
Attacking a defender one against one is the moment games turn. Children need permission to try it and the repetitions to stop fearing the loss of the ball.
Grow it
U5–U6
Give the attacker a three-yard head start and a small goal. Shoot with the laces.
U7–U8
Defender starts at an equal distance. Add a quick fake or move before striking.
U9
Add a goalkeeper. The attacker must finish within six seconds of receiving the pass.
Shooting

Shooting Gallery

A line of balls at the edge of the penalty area. Players run up and strike each ball at the goal.

Why it matters
Repetition with a still ball, so technique settles before pressure arrives. Confidence in front of goal is built here, not in a game.
Grow it
U5–U6
Balls eight yards from goal. Point the plant foot at the target and follow through.
U7–U8
The coach rolls the balls. Strike moving balls with both the strong and weaker foot.
U9
Strike first-time off bouncing passes or lay-offs, aiming for the corners.
Shooting

2v1 Overlap Attack

Two attackers combine against one defender to create a clear shot.

Why it matters
Two attackers against one defender happens constantly in small-sided games. Recognising the overtaking run is what turns an extra player into a goal.
Grow it
U5–U6
Keep it simple: 2v0 or 2v1 with a still coach as the defender. Practise the choice to pass or shoot.
U7–U8
Use an active defender. Commit the defender before passing or driving into space.
U9
Make it a fast transition with a shot clock. Try the overlap, the take-over and the blindside run.
Shooting

Turn and Shoot

A server plays the ball in to a player standing with their back to goal. Receive, turn away from pressure and shoot before the count of three.

Why it matters
Receiving with your back to goal and finishing anyway. It is the hardest common situation in front of goal and the one least often practised.
Grow it
U5–U6
No defender. Receive, take one big touch to turn, then shoot. Celebrate every attempt that finds the net.
U7–U8
Add a defender who follows without tackling. Turn away from the pressure, then shoot low and across the goal.
U9
Live defender and a three-second count. Look over your shoulder before the ball arrives, then turn and finish first time where you can.
Shooting

Cross and Finish

A wide player drives to the line and crosses low; two runners attack the near and far post.

Why it matters
Timing a run to arrive as the ball does. Attacking the near and far post teaches two players to think about each other without talking.
Grow it
U5–U6
No defenders and no keeper. The wide player passes along the ground and the runners tap it in.
U7–U8
Add a keeper. Runners must time their arrival rather than standing and waiting.
U9
Add a defender tracking back, and allow first-time finishes only.
Shooting

Rebound Reaction

Shoot, then follow your own shot and finish the rebound before it is cleared.

Why it matters
Half the goals at this age come from a save that is not held. Following your own shot is a habit, not a talent.
Grow it
U5–U6
The coach always parries the first shot back, so every player gets a second go.
U7–U8
The keeper decides whether to hold or parry, so the follow-up is a real reaction.
U9
Two attackers compete for the rebound and a defender clears if neither reacts.

Defence

Staying on your feet, patience and good body shape.

Defence

1v1 Shadow Defending

The defender stays in front of the attacker, shuffling the feet and delaying forward progress.

Why it matters
Staying on your feet and moving with an attacker instead of diving in. Patient defending wins the ball far more often than a lunge does.
Grow it
U5–U6
Follow the leader with no ball or a slow dribble. Focus on quick feet and staying on your feet.
U7–U8
Play 1v1 in a side channel. Defenders jockey with bent knees and a low centre of gravity.
U9
Play 1v1 to the end line. Work on tackle timing and steering the attacker toward the weaker side.
Defence

Defend the Gates

One attacker tries to dribble through either of two gates. The defender shows them toward one gate and defends that one.

Why it matters
Teaches a defender to show an attacker where to go rather than chase them. Angle beats speed, and children can learn angle.
Grow it
U5–U6
Walk it through first. The defender stands between the gates and tries to touch the ball with a foot.
U7–U8
Play it live. The defender closes one gate with their body so the attacker has only one way to go.
U9
Shrink the area and add a time limit. Steer the attacker onto their weaker foot before stepping in to tackle.
Defence

Pressure and Cover

Two defenders against two attackers. The closest defender presses the ball; the second drops behind at an angle to cover.

Why it matters
Two defenders working as a pair: one closes down, one covers behind. It is the first piece of real team defending and it ends the sprint-everywhere chaos.
Grow it
U5–U6
Two defenders and one slow dribbler. One player goes to the ball, the other stands behind and watches.
U7–U8
Play 2v2. Shout "ball!" and "cover!" out loud so both defenders know their job.
U9
Play 2v2 to a small goal. When the ball is switched, the covering defender slides across to become the presser.
Defence

Recovery Race

The attacker starts with the ball and a head start. The defender runs back goal-side, then delays or wins the ball.

Why it matters
Getting back goal-side after losing the ball. The run nobody enjoys is the one that saves the most goals.
Grow it
U5–U6
A short head start and a gentle jog. The point is to run back, not to tackle.
U7–U8
A bigger head start. Recover on the inside, get goal-side of the attacker, then slow them down.
U9
Race to a small goal. Recover on the shortest line, then jockey the attacker wide instead of diving in.
Defence

Block and Clear

The defender steps into the line of the shot, blocks it, then clears the loose ball wide.

Why it matters
Stepping into the line of a shot takes nerve, and clearing wide rather than up the middle takes thought. Both are learnable and both disappear without practice.
Grow it
U5–U6
Gentle shots from close range. The defender only has to get a foot or a shin in the way.
U7–U8
The defender starts further back and must close the distance before the shot.
U9
Live one against one to a shot. The clearance must land in a wide channel, never back at the shooter.
Defence

Second Ball

The coach serves a loose ball between two players; the first to react wins it and dribbles out.

Why it matters
Games are full of loose balls nobody owns. The player who reacts first collects them, and reacting first is a habit you can train.
Grow it
U5–U6
The ball is rolled slowly and both players start level, two steps away.
U7–U8
The ball is thrown and both players start sitting down.
U9
A high served ball, and the winner must beat the loser to a gate to score.

On your own

Solo practice for a driveway, a hallway or a wall. No teammate and no coach needed.

On your own

Wall Ball

Pass against a wall, control the return and pass again, alternating feet.

Why it matters
Builds a reliable first touch with both feet. A player who can control a pass cleanly buys themselves a second of time in every game they ever play.
Grow it
U5–U6
Stand close. Stop the ball dead before the next pass, counting out loud.
U7–U8
Step back and pass without stopping it. Twenty in a row, left and right.
U9
Two touches only, moving along the wall so the angle keeps changing.
On your own

Sole Rolls and Taps

Ball mastery on the spot: sole rolls across the body, toe taps, and foundations side to side.

Why it matters
Ball mastery on the spot, needing no space and no opponent. Ten minutes on a driveway does more for close control than an hour of queueing.
Grow it
U5–U6
Thirty seconds of each, as slowly as they like, eyes on the ball.
U7–U8
A minute of each, faster, with eyes up every few touches.
U9
Combine them into a pattern and beat your own count in sixty seconds.
On your own

Juggle Count

Keep the ball up with feet and thighs. Count the touches and try to beat yesterday.

Why it matters
Juggling teaches touch, balance and patience, and it is the one thing a child can measurably beat yesterday at. Progress they can count keeps them practising.
Grow it
U5–U6
Drop, one bounce, one touch, catch. Count the clean touches.
U7–U8
No bounces. Count how many before it hits the ground.
U9
Alternate feet every touch, then add a thigh.
On your own

Figure Eight

Dribble a figure eight around two markers, keeping the ball within a step at all times.

Why it matters
Tight turns with the ball under control at speed. A figure eight forces both feet and both directions, which free dribbling never does.
Grow it
U5–U6
Markers far apart, walking pace, any foot.
U7–U8
Markers closer together, jogging, using the outside of the foot on the turns.
U9
Timed laps, inside of one foot and outside of the other, head up between the markers.
On your own

Target Practice

Chalk or tape a target on a wall and strike it from a set distance with each foot.

Why it matters
Striking technique with instant feedback and nobody watching. A child who can hit a target with either foot stops being a one-footed player.
Grow it
U5–U6
Three steps away, a big target, any foot, ball standing still.
U7–U8
Ten steps away, a smaller target, five attempts with each foot.
U9
Move the ball one touch before striking, and call the foot before each attempt.
On your own

Fast Feet

A footwork pattern over a line, a ladder or a row of markers, with no ball.

Why it matters
Footwork, balance and quick changes of direction with no ball to worry about. It makes everything else they do with the ball steadier.
Grow it
U5–U6
Two feet in each space, walking, holding onto nothing.
U7–U8
In-in-out-out at a jog, down and back three times.
U9
Sideways and backwards patterns, then straight into a five-step sprint.

Goalkeeping

For keepers from U8, where 5v5 first puts someone in goal.

Goalkeeping

Ready and Set

Take the set position before every shot: feet apart, hands forward, weight on the toes.

Why it matters
A keeper who is set before the shot saves far more than one still moving. It is the habit that separates a keeper who looks calm from one who looks busy.
Grow it
U5–U6
No ball. The coach claps; the keeper sets and holds it for three seconds.
U7–U8
Gentle shots. The keeper must be set and still before the ball is struck.
U9
Shots from varying angles, adjusting position and resetting between each one.
Goalkeeping

Scoop and Smother

Collect rolling balls with a long barrier behind the hands, then smother a loose ball at an attacker's feet.

Why it matters
Most shots at this age roll along the ground. A long barrier behind the hands means a miss is still a save, and smothering at the feet is how a keeper wins a one-on-one.
Grow it
U5–U6
Balls rolled straight at the keeper, kneeling barrier, two hands.
U7–U8
Balls rolled wide, so the keeper must move across before collecting.
U9
A loose ball between keeper and attacker: whoever is braver and earlier wins it.
Goalkeeping

High Hands

Catch balls above the head with thumbs together in a W shape, and land balanced.

Why it matters
Catching above the head with a firm W-shape, and landing balanced. It turns a frightening ball into a routine one.
Grow it
U5–U6
Ball thrown gently into the hands while standing still.
U7–U8
Thrown higher, so the keeper takes a step and catches at full stretch.
U9
Caught under light pressure from an attacker, with a clear shout.
Goalkeeping

Side Fall

Safe falling technique sideways, first from the knees, then from a standing set position.

Why it matters
Falling safely sideways is the first thing a young keeper must learn, long before anyone asks them to dive. Confidence to go to ground comes from knowing it will not hurt.
Grow it
U5–U6
From the knees onto a soft surface, ball held to the chest.
U7–U8
From a low crouch, landing on the side rather than the elbow.
U9
From the set position onto a ball rolled a metre away.
Goalkeeping

Roll and Throw

Distribute to a target: an underarm roll to a near teammate, then an overarm throw to a far one.

Why it matters
A keeper who can start an attack is worth two players. Rolling and throwing accurately is easier and far more useful than kicking it long at this age.
Grow it
U5–U6
Roll to a cone five steps away, with both arms in turn.
U7–U8
Roll short and throw long, to a teammate standing still.
U9
The teammate moves, and the keeper must lead them into space.
Goalkeeping

Spread and Block

One against one: delay the attacker, stay big, then spread to block the shot.

Why it matters
One against one, the keeper's hardest moment. Delaying, staying big and spreading late saves goals that diving early never will.
Grow it
U5–U6
The attacker dribbles in slowly and shoots; the keeper only has to stay standing.
U7–U8
Live one against one from ten steps. The keeper may not go to ground early.
U9
Two attackers, so the keeper must delay long enough for a defender to recover.

U5 3v3

At U5 the strategy is simple: have fun and touch the ball.

Strategy

With the ball
Dribble it close and try to kick it toward the goal.
Without the ball
Chase the ball and try to win it back, then be ready to dribble.
As a team
Share the ball, take turns and cheer each other on.

About U5 on the programs page

Team shape

A teaching tool, not a rule: players swap spots between games.

The U5 drill menu

Run two of these in the 15-minute block and rotate through the rest over the month. 1–2 drills, about 7 min each

Dribbling Start here

Red Light, Green Light

Players dribble toward the coach. On “green light” they dribble forward; on “red light” they stop the ball dead with the sole of the foot.

Why it matters
Teaches a child to look up while the ball is at their feet. A player who can lift their head sees the pass before the pass is needed.

U5 · Keep the ball close (“puppy paws”). Short distance of about 15 yards and lots of enthusiasm.

Dribbling Start here

Traffic Jam

Everyone dribbles inside one square at the same time, keeping the ball close and avoiding contact.

Why it matters
Close control in a crowd, which is what a real 3v3 feels like for most of its minutes. Children learn to keep the ball moving and their eyes up.

U5 · A big square and a slow count. Nobody is out; just keep the ball and avoid bumping.

Dribbling

Sharks and Minnows

Minnows dribble across the grid while sharks try to kick the minnows’ balls out of bounds.

Why it matters
Shielding and changing direction under real pressure. The first time a defender closes them down in a game, their feet already know what to do.

U5 · The coaches start as gentle sharks. If a ball is kicked out, the player does three toe taps to get back in.

Dribbling

Gate Dribbling

Pairs of cones form gates. Dribble through as many gates as possible in 60 seconds.

Why it matters
Trains the habit of scanning for space instead of running at the nearest opponent. Gates are the cheapest way to teach a child to find the gap.

U5 · Eight to ten wide gates. Count the gates crossed and keep the head up.

Passing

Passing Gates

Partners pass back and forth through cone gates within a time limit.

Why it matters
A pass is only useful if it arrives. Gates give instant, honest feedback on weight and accuracy without a coach saying a word.

U5 · Gates three yards wide and five yards apart. Use the inside of the foot for a push pass.

Passing

Target Passing

Hit tall cones or target buckets from different distances.

Why it matters
Accuracy over distance, with both feet. It is the difference between a pass that keeps an attack alive and one that hands the ball back.

U5 · Cones five yards away, one point per hit. Place the non-kicking foot beside the ball.

Shooting

Shooting Gallery

A line of balls at the edge of the penalty area. Players run up and strike each ball at the goal.

Why it matters
Repetition with a still ball, so technique settles before pressure arrives. Confidence in front of goal is built here, not in a game.

U5 · Balls eight yards from goal. Point the plant foot at the target and follow through.

On your own

Sole Rolls and Taps

Ball mastery on the spot: sole rolls across the body, toe taps, and foundations side to side.

Why it matters
Ball mastery on the spot, needing no space and no opponent. Ten minutes on a driveway does more for close control than an hour of queueing.

U5 · Thirty seconds of each, as slowly as they like, eyes on the ball.

On your own

Fast Feet

A footwork pattern over a line, a ladder or a row of markers, with no ball.

Why it matters
Footwork, balance and quick changes of direction with no ball to worry about. It makes everything else they do with the ball steadier.

U5 · Two feet in each space, walking, holding onto nothing.

On your own

Figure Eight

Dribble a figure eight around two markers, keeping the ball within a step at all times.

Why it matters
Tight turns with the ball under control at speed. A figure eight forces both feet and both directions, which free dribbling never does.

U5 · Markers far apart, walking pace, any foot.

U6 3v3

At U6 players start to notice each other.

Strategy

With the ball
Look up, dribble into space and try a first pass.
Without the ball
Stay on your feet and stay between the ball and the goal.
As a team
Spread out so the player with the ball has a friend to pass to.

About U6 on the programs page

Team shape

A teaching tool, not a rule: players swap spots between games.

The U6 drill menu

Run two of these in the 15-minute block and rotate through the rest over the month. 2 drills, about 7 min each

Dribbling Start here

Knockout

Everyone dribbles inside a square and tries to poke other players’ balls out while protecting their own.

Why it matters
Protecting your own ball while taking someone else's is attacking and defending at the same time. It builds close control and the nerve to use it.

U6 · Use a big 20 by 20 yard square with unlimited re-entries. The goal is simply to keep your own ball.

Dribbling Start here

Sharks and Minnows

Minnows dribble across the grid while sharks try to kick the minnows’ balls out of bounds.

Why it matters
Shielding and changing direction under real pressure. The first time a defender closes them down in a game, their feet already know what to do.

U6 · The coaches start as gentle sharks. If a ball is kicked out, the player does three toe taps to get back in.

Dribbling

Gate Dribbling

Pairs of cones form gates. Dribble through as many gates as possible in 60 seconds.

Why it matters
Trains the habit of scanning for space instead of running at the nearest opponent. Gates are the cheapest way to teach a child to find the gap.

U6 · Eight to ten wide gates. Count the gates crossed and keep the head up.

Passing

Passing Gates

Partners pass back and forth through cone gates within a time limit.

Why it matters
A pass is only useful if it arrives. Gates give instant, honest feedback on weight and accuracy without a coach saying a word.

U6 · Gates three yards wide and five yards apart. Use the inside of the foot for a push pass.

Shooting

1v1 Goal Attack

The attacker receives a pass, turns and dribbles to shoot against a recovering defender.

Why it matters
Attacking a defender one against one is the moment games turn. Children need permission to try it and the repetitions to stop fearing the loss of the ball.

U6 · Give the attacker a three-yard head start and a small goal. Shoot with the laces.

Shooting

Rebound Reaction

Shoot, then follow your own shot and finish the rebound before it is cleared.

Why it matters
Half the goals at this age come from a save that is not held. Following your own shot is a habit, not a talent.

U6 · The coach always parries the first shot back, so every player gets a second go.

Defence

Defend the Gates

One attacker tries to dribble through either of two gates. The defender shows them toward one gate and defends that one.

Why it matters
Teaches a defender to show an attacker where to go rather than chase them. Angle beats speed, and children can learn angle.

U6 · Walk it through first. The defender stands between the gates and tries to touch the ball with a foot.

Defence

Second Ball

The coach serves a loose ball between two players; the first to react wins it and dribbles out.

Why it matters
Games are full of loose balls nobody owns. The player who reacts first collects them, and reacting first is a habit you can train.

U6 · The ball is rolled slowly and both players start level, two steps away.

On your own

Sole Rolls and Taps

Ball mastery on the spot: sole rolls across the body, toe taps, and foundations side to side.

Why it matters
Ball mastery on the spot, needing no space and no opponent. Ten minutes on a driveway does more for close control than an hour of queueing.

U6 · Thirty seconds of each, as slowly as they like, eyes on the ball.

On your own

Target Practice

Chalk or tape a target on a wall and strike it from a set distance with each foot.

Why it matters
Striking technique with instant feedback and nobody watching. A child who can hit a target with either foot stops being a one-footed player.

U6 · Three steps away, a big target, any foot, ball standing still.

U7 3v3

At U7 the game becomes a team game.

Strategy

With the ball
Pass to a teammate in space, then move to receive it again.
Without the ball
The closest player pressures; the others get between the ball and the goal.
As a team
Spread into a triangle so there is always a pass available.

About U7 on the programs page

Team shape

A teaching tool, not a rule: players swap spots between games.

The U7 drill menu

Run two of these in the 15-minute block and rotate through the rest over the month. 2 drills, about 7 min each

Dribbling Start here

Gate Dribbling

Pairs of cones form gates. Dribble through as many gates as possible in 60 seconds.

Why it matters
Trains the habit of scanning for space instead of running at the nearest opponent. Gates are the cheapest way to teach a child to find the gap.

U7 · Add a skill move, like a step-over, at each gate and narrow the gates to about 1.5 yards.

Dribbling Start here

Turn and Go

Dribble to a cone, turn with the sole or the outside of the foot, then accelerate away in the opposite direction.

Why it matters
Most of a game is played facing the wrong way. A clean turn and an immediate acceleration is how a player escapes a defender who is already beaten.

U7 · Add a cone gate to accelerate through, and name the turn before each go.

Passing

Passing Gates

Partners pass back and forth through cone gates within a time limit.

Why it matters
A pass is only useful if it arrives. Gates give instant, honest feedback on weight and accuracy without a coach saying a word.

U7 · Two touches at most: control, then pass. Count the completed passes.

Passing

Monkey in the Middle (Rondo)

A possession game in a small grid: outside players keep the ball away from the defender in the middle.

Why it matters
Teaches players to find the free teammate under pressure, which is the single most common decision in a game. Players who can do this stop losing the ball in their own half.

U7 · 4v1 in a 10 by 10 yard grid with a two-touch limit. Five passes in a row earns a team point.

Passing

Give-and-Go Relay

Pass to a partner, run past, and receive the return pass in stride.

Why it matters
The simplest way past a defender that does not rely on being faster than them. Once a child trusts the return pass, they stop dribbling into trouble.

U7 · Partners move. Focus on timing the run and passing to the lead foot.

Shooting

1v1 Goal Attack

The attacker receives a pass, turns and dribbles to shoot against a recovering defender.

Why it matters
Attacking a defender one against one is the moment games turn. Children need permission to try it and the repetitions to stop fearing the loss of the ball.

U7 · Defender starts at an equal distance. Add a quick fake or move before striking.

Shooting

Turn and Shoot

A server plays the ball in to a player standing with their back to goal. Receive, turn away from pressure and shoot before the count of three.

Why it matters
Receiving with your back to goal and finishing anyway. It is the hardest common situation in front of goal and the one least often practised.

U7 · Add a defender who follows without tackling. Turn away from the pressure, then shoot low and across the goal.

Defence

1v1 Shadow Defending

The defender stays in front of the attacker, shuffling the feet and delaying forward progress.

Why it matters
Staying on your feet and moving with an attacker instead of diving in. Patient defending wins the ball far more often than a lunge does.

U7 · Play 1v1 in a side channel. Defenders jockey with bent knees and a low centre of gravity.

Defence

Defend the Gates

One attacker tries to dribble through either of two gates. The defender shows them toward one gate and defends that one.

Why it matters
Teaches a defender to show an attacker where to go rather than chase them. Angle beats speed, and children can learn angle.

U7 · Play it live. The defender closes one gate with their body so the attacker has only one way to go.

Defence

Second Ball

The coach serves a loose ball between two players; the first to react wins it and dribbles out.

Why it matters
Games are full of loose balls nobody owns. The player who reacts first collects them, and reacting first is a habit you can train.

U7 · The ball is thrown and both players start sitting down.

On your own

Wall Ball

Pass against a wall, control the return and pass again, alternating feet.

Why it matters
Builds a reliable first touch with both feet. A player who can control a pass cleanly buys themselves a second of time in every game they ever play.

U7 · Step back and pass without stopping it. Twenty in a row, left and right.

U8 5v5

At U8 players learn roles and use the width of the pitch.

Strategy

With the ball
Spread wide, support the player with the ball and look for the give-and-go.
Without the ball
Defend in pairs: one pressures, one covers.
As a team
Swap positions between games so everyone tries every role.

About U8 on the programs page

Team shape

A teaching tool, not a rule: players swap spots between games.

The U8 drill menu

Run two of these in the 15-minute block and rotate through the rest over the month. 2 drills, about 7 min each

Dribbling Start here

Knockout

Everyone dribbles inside a square and tries to poke other players’ balls out while protecting their own.

Why it matters
Protecting your own ball while taking someone else's is attacking and defending at the same time. It builds close control and the nerve to use it.

U8 · Standard boundary. Players who are knocked out do five passes against a wall to come back in.

Dribbling Start here

Turn and Go

Dribble to a cone, turn with the sole or the outside of the foot, then accelerate away in the opposite direction.

Why it matters
Most of a game is played facing the wrong way. A clean turn and an immediate acceleration is how a player escapes a defender who is already beaten.

U8 · Add a cone gate to accelerate through, and name the turn before each go.

Passing

Monkey in the Middle (Rondo)

A possession game in a small grid: outside players keep the ball away from the defender in the middle.

Why it matters
Teaches players to find the free teammate under pressure, which is the single most common decision in a game. Players who can do this stop losing the ball in their own half.

U8 · 4v1 in a 10 by 10 yard grid with a two-touch limit. Five passes in a row earns a team point.

Passing

Give-and-Go Relay

Pass to a partner, run past, and receive the return pass in stride.

Why it matters
The simplest way past a defender that does not rely on being faster than them. Once a child trusts the return pass, they stop dribbling into trouble.

U8 · Partners move. Focus on timing the run and passing to the lead foot.

Passing

First Touch Window

Receive a served ball and set it into a marked window with one touch, then pass it back.

Why it matters
A good first touch buys a second of time in every game a player ever plays. Setting the ball into space is how a crowded moment becomes an easy one.

U8 · Bouncing service, and the window moves to the player's weaker side.

Shooting

2v1 Overlap Attack

Two attackers combine against one defender to create a clear shot.

Why it matters
Two attackers against one defender happens constantly in small-sided games. Recognising the overtaking run is what turns an extra player into a goal.

U8 · Use an active defender. Commit the defender before passing or driving into space.

Shooting

Turn and Shoot

A server plays the ball in to a player standing with their back to goal. Receive, turn away from pressure and shoot before the count of three.

Why it matters
Receiving with your back to goal and finishing anyway. It is the hardest common situation in front of goal and the one least often practised.

U8 · Add a defender who follows without tackling. Turn away from the pressure, then shoot low and across the goal.

Defence

Pressure and Cover

Two defenders against two attackers. The closest defender presses the ball; the second drops behind at an angle to cover.

Why it matters
Two defenders working as a pair: one closes down, one covers behind. It is the first piece of real team defending and it ends the sprint-everywhere chaos.

U8 · Play 2v2. Shout "ball!" and "cover!" out loud so both defenders know their job.

On your own

Juggle Count

Keep the ball up with feet and thighs. Count the touches and try to beat yesterday.

Why it matters
Juggling teaches touch, balance and patience, and it is the one thing a child can measurably beat yesterday at. Progress they can count keeps them practising.

U8 · No bounces. Count how many before it hits the ground.

Goalkeeping

Ready and Set

Take the set position before every shot: feet apart, hands forward, weight on the toes.

Why it matters
A keeper who is set before the shot saves far more than one still moving. It is the habit that separates a keeper who looks calm from one who looks busy.

U8 · Gentle shots. The keeper must be set and still before the ball is struck.

Goalkeeping

Scoop and Smother

Collect rolling balls with a long barrier behind the hands, then smother a loose ball at an attacker's feet.

Why it matters
Most shots at this age roll along the ground. A long barrier behind the hands means a miss is still a save, and smothering at the feet is how a keeper wins a one-on-one.

U8 · Balls rolled wide, so the keeper must move across before collecting.

U9 5v5

At U9 players begin to think about shape and the whole pitch.

Strategy

With the ball
Pass with purpose, switch the play and arrive in support.
Without the ball
Stay compact in three lines and press together when the ball is lost.
As a team
Talk constantly: call for the ball, name teammates and warn of pressure.

About U9 on the programs page

Team shape

A teaching tool, not a rule: players swap spots between games.

The U9 drill menu

Run two of these in the 15-minute block and rotate through the rest over the month. 2–3 drills, about 6 min each

Passing Start here

Monkey in the Middle (Rondo)

A possession game in a small grid: outside players keep the ball away from the defender in the middle.

Why it matters
Teaches players to find the free teammate under pressure, which is the single most common decision in a game. Players who can do this stop losing the ball in their own half.

U9 · Move to a fast 4v2 or 5v2. Work on body position and splitting passes between defenders.

Passing Start here

Switch the Play

Two grids side by side. After three passes in one grid, a player switches the ball to the far grid.

Why it matters
Teaches players to lift their eyes past the nearest opponent. The ball travels faster than any defender can run, and switching is how a team uses that.

U9 · Add a defender in each grid. Three passes under pressure, then the switch.

Shooting

Cross and Finish

A wide player drives to the line and crosses low; two runners attack the near and far post.

Why it matters
Timing a run to arrive as the ball does. Attacking the near and far post teaches two players to think about each other without talking.

U9 · Add a defender tracking back, and allow first-time finishes only.

Shooting

2v1 Overlap Attack

Two attackers combine against one defender to create a clear shot.

Why it matters
Two attackers against one defender happens constantly in small-sided games. Recognising the overtaking run is what turns an extra player into a goal.

U9 · Make it a fast transition with a shot clock. Try the overlap, the take-over and the blindside run.

Defence

Pressure and Cover

Two defenders against two attackers. The closest defender presses the ball; the second drops behind at an angle to cover.

Why it matters
Two defenders working as a pair: one closes down, one covers behind. It is the first piece of real team defending and it ends the sprint-everywhere chaos.

U9 · Play 2v2 to a small goal. When the ball is switched, the covering defender slides across to become the presser.

Defence

Recovery Race

The attacker starts with the ball and a head start. The defender runs back goal-side, then delays or wins the ball.

Why it matters
Getting back goal-side after losing the ball. The run nobody enjoys is the one that saves the most goals.

U9 · Race to a small goal. Recover on the shortest line, then jockey the attacker wide instead of diving in.

Defence

Block and Clear

The defender steps into the line of the shot, blocks it, then clears the loose ball wide.

Why it matters
Stepping into the line of a shot takes nerve, and clearing wide rather than up the middle takes thought. Both are learnable and both disappear without practice.

U9 · Live one against one to a shot. The clearance must land in a wide channel, never back at the shooter.

On your own

Juggle Count

Keep the ball up with feet and thighs. Count the touches and try to beat yesterday.

Why it matters
Juggling teaches touch, balance and patience, and it is the one thing a child can measurably beat yesterday at. Progress they can count keeps them practising.

U9 · Alternate feet every touch, then add a thigh.

Goalkeeping

High Hands

Catch balls above the head with thumbs together in a W shape, and land balanced.

Why it matters
Catching above the head with a firm W-shape, and landing balanced. It turns a frightening ball into a routine one.

U9 · Caught under light pressure from an attacker, with a clear shout.

Goalkeeping

Side Fall

Safe falling technique sideways, first from the knees, then from a standing set position.

Why it matters
Falling safely sideways is the first thing a young keeper must learn, long before anyone asks them to dive. Confidence to go to ground comes from knowing it will not hurt.

U9 · From the set position onto a ball rolled a metre away.

Goalkeeping

Roll and Throw

Distribute to a target: an underarm roll to a near teammate, then an overarm throw to a far one.

Why it matters
A keeper who can start an attack is worth two players. Rolling and throwing accurately is easier and far more useful than kicking it long at this age.

U9 · The teammate moves, and the keeper must lead them into space.

Goalkeeping

Spread and Block

One against one: delay the attacker, stay big, then spread to block the shot.

Why it matters
One against one, the keeper's hardest moment. Delaying, staying big and spreading late saves goals that diving early never will.

U9 · Two attackers, so the keeper must delay long enough for a defender to recover.