Create 5 x 5 yard squares in corners of the grid. Play 4 v 4.
The red team has possession of the ball. The object of the game is to play the ball into one of the two attacking boxes for a player to run into and control the ball with the sole of the foot. The play is conditioned to encourage one touch passing and switching play. The red team is attacking to the right side of the diagram.
Disguise in passing.
Control and alter angle in 1 movement.
Attack at pace with and without ball.
Receive the ball side on so players can see the whole field.
Turn into the space away from the challenging defenders.
Play quickly.
Change the direction of play.
Attack diagonally opposite goals(top right and bottom left in the diagram). This will encourage players to switch the point of attack.
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
Under FutureFit, your Under-9s stay at 5v5, your Under-11s stay at 7v7 and your Under-13s stay at 9v9. Same pitch, same numbers, one more year. Here is how to make sure that year feels like a step forward rather than a repeat.
Most 1v1s are lost in the first second, when the defender rushes in and dives. Teach your players to slow the attacker down, take away the dangerous option and pick the right moment, and they will win far more of them.
The FA's FutureFit framework lands this season, bringing a 3v3 entry format at Under-7s. Here is what actually changes on a Saturday morning, and how to coach it well.