Warm-up · 8 min
Animal Moves
Bear crawl, frog hop, crab walk between cones.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
FA age phase: Foundation Phase (5-11) · FA match format from 2026/27: U7 play 3v3 · What does this mean?
Programmes · U5-U7
U5-U7 football programmes
Everything for U5-U7: programmes every week of every programme with full session plans, weekly training routines and all 13 suitable drills with diagrams.
Programmes week by week
Open a week to see its full session plan and linked solo homework. Pre-season, in-season, off-season programmes. No dedicated goalkeeper programme at this age: everyone tries every position.
U5-U7: 6-week pre-season
6 weeks · 45-minute team sessions · Mon: Rest | Tue: Team session | Wed: Solo session | Thu: Team session | Fri: Rest | Sat: Match | Sun: Recovery
Week 1: Fitness · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 8 min | Animal Moves |
| Technical | 10 min | Pass Through the Gate |
| Technical | 10 min | Cone Slalom |
| Game | 12 min | Sharks and Minnows |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Mobility Cool-down |
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 10 min
Pass Through the Gate
Pairs 8m apart pass through a 1m gate; receive across the body.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 10 min
Cone Slalom
Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 12 min
Sharks and Minnows
Minnows dribble end to end; sharks knock balls out.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Mobility Cool-down
Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Animal Moves (5 min): Bear crawl, frog hop, crab walk between cones. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
- Target Kicks (3 min): Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Coaching point: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper.
- Cone Slalom (7 min): Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Ball Roll Stretch (5 min): Roll ball round body, gentle stretches. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
Week 2: Passing · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Gate Dribbling |
| Technical | 13 min | Pass Through the Gate |
| Game | 17 min | 3v3 Mini Match |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Toe-Taps & Chat |
Warm-up · 10 min
Gate Dribbling
Dribble through as many 1m gates as possible in 60 seconds.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 13 min
Pass Through the Gate
Pairs 8m apart pass through a 1m gate; receive across the body.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 17 min
3v3 Mini Match
20x15m, pop-up goals, rolling subs.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Toe-Taps & Chat
Circle, gentle toe taps, best moment of the day.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Ball Mastery Circuit (5 min): Toe taps, sole rolls, V-pulls, 30 seconds each. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Cone Slalom (3 min): Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Target Kicks (7 min): Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Coaching point: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper.
- Mobility Cool-down (5 min): Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
Week 3: Dribbling · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Ball Mastery Circuit |
| Technical | 13 min | Cone Slalom |
| Game | 17 min | Sharks and Minnows |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Mobility Cool-down |
Warm-up · 10 min
Ball Mastery Circuit
Toe taps, sole rolls, V-pulls, 30 seconds each.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 13 min
Cone Slalom
Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 17 min
Sharks and Minnows
Minnows dribble end to end; sharks knock balls out.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Mobility Cool-down
Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Traffic Lights (5 min): Dribble in the box; green go, amber slow, red stop with the sole. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Cone Slalom (6 min): Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Target Kicks (4 min): Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Coaching point: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper.
- Ball Roll Stretch (5 min): Roll ball round body, gentle stretches. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
Week 4: Shooting · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Dribble Relay |
| Technical | 13 min | Target Kicks |
| Game | 17 min | 3v3 Mini Match |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Toe-Taps & Chat |
Warm-up · 10 min
Dribble Relay
Teams race dribbling round the end cone and back.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 13 min
Target Kicks
Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 17 min
3v3 Mini Match
20x15m, pop-up goals, rolling subs.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Toe-Taps & Chat
Circle, gentle toe taps, best moment of the day.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Traffic Lights (5 min): Dribble in the box; green go, amber slow, red stop with the sole. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Target Kicks (6 min): Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Coaching point: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper.
- Cone Slalom (4 min): Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Mobility Cool-down (5 min): Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
Week 5: Defending · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 8 min | Animal Moves |
| Technical | 10 min | Cone Slalom |
| Technical | 10 min | Target Kicks |
| Game | 12 min | Sharks and Minnows |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Mobility Cool-down |
Warm-up · 8 min
Animal Moves
Bear crawl, frog hop, crab walk between cones.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 10 min
Cone Slalom
Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 10 min
Target Kicks
Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 12 min
Sharks and Minnows
Minnows dribble end to end; sharks knock balls out.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Mobility Cool-down
Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Gate Dribbling (5 min): Dribble through as many 1m gates as possible in 60 seconds. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Target Kicks (3 min): Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Coaching point: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper.
- Cone Slalom (7 min): Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Ball Roll Stretch (5 min): Roll ball round body, gentle stretches. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
Week 6: Passing · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Traffic Lights |
| Technical | 13 min | Pass Through the Gate |
| Game | 17 min | 3v3 Mini Match |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Toe-Taps & Chat |
Warm-up · 10 min
Traffic Lights
Dribble in the box; green go, amber slow, red stop with the sole.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 13 min
Pass Through the Gate
Pairs 8m apart pass through a 1m gate; receive across the body.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 17 min
3v3 Mini Match
20x15m, pop-up goals, rolling subs.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Toe-Taps & Chat
Circle, gentle toe taps, best moment of the day.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Ball Mastery Circuit (5 min): Toe taps, sole rolls, V-pulls, 30 seconds each. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Cone Slalom (3 min): Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Target Kicks (7 min): Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Coaching point: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper.
- Mobility Cool-down (5 min): Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
U5-U7: 6-week in-season
6 weeks · 45-minute team sessions · Mon: Rest | Tue: Team session | Wed: Solo session | Thu: Team session | Fri: Rest | Sat: Match | Sun: Recovery
Week 1: Passing · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Traffic Lights |
| Technical | 13 min | Pass Through the Gate |
| Game | 17 min | 3v3 Mini Match |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Mobility Cool-down |
Warm-up · 10 min
Traffic Lights
Dribble in the box; green go, amber slow, red stop with the sole.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 13 min
Pass Through the Gate
Pairs 8m apart pass through a 1m gate; receive across the body.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 17 min
3v3 Mini Match
20x15m, pop-up goals, rolling subs.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Mobility Cool-down
Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Gate Dribbling (5 min): Dribble through as many 1m gates as possible in 60 seconds. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Target Kicks (3 min): Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Coaching point: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper.
- Cone Slalom (7 min): Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Ball Roll Stretch (5 min): Roll ball round body, gentle stretches. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
Week 2: Dribbling · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Gate Dribbling |
| Technical | 13 min | Cone Slalom |
| Game | 17 min | Sharks and Minnows |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Toe-Taps & Chat |
Warm-up · 10 min
Gate Dribbling
Dribble through as many 1m gates as possible in 60 seconds.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 13 min
Cone Slalom
Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 17 min
Sharks and Minnows
Minnows dribble end to end; sharks knock balls out.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Toe-Taps & Chat
Circle, gentle toe taps, best moment of the day.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Ball Mastery Circuit (8 min): Toe taps, sole rolls, V-pulls, 30 seconds each. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Cone Slalom (7 min): Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Mobility Cool-down (5 min): Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
Week 3: Shooting · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Ball Mastery Circuit |
| Technical | 13 min | Target Kicks |
| Game | 17 min | Sharks and Minnows |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Mobility Cool-down |
Warm-up · 10 min
Ball Mastery Circuit
Toe taps, sole rolls, V-pulls, 30 seconds each.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 13 min
Target Kicks
Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 17 min
Sharks and Minnows
Minnows dribble end to end; sharks knock balls out.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Mobility Cool-down
Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Animal Moves (8 min): Bear crawl, frog hop, crab walk between cones. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
- Target Kicks (7 min): Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Coaching point: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper.
- Ball Roll Stretch (5 min): Roll ball round body, gentle stretches. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
Week 4: Defending · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 8 min | Dribble Relay |
| Technical | 10 min | Pass Through the Gate |
| Technical | 10 min | Cone Slalom |
| Game | 12 min | 3v3 Mini Match |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Toe-Taps & Chat |
Warm-up · 8 min
Dribble Relay
Teams race dribbling round the end cone and back.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 10 min
Pass Through the Gate
Pairs 8m apart pass through a 1m gate; receive across the body.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 10 min
Cone Slalom
Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 12 min
3v3 Mini Match
20x15m, pop-up goals, rolling subs.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Toe-Taps & Chat
Circle, gentle toe taps, best moment of the day.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Traffic Lights (5 min): Dribble in the box; green go, amber slow, red stop with the sole. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Cone Slalom (3 min): Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Target Kicks (7 min): Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Coaching point: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper.
- Mobility Cool-down (5 min): Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
Week 5: Passing · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Animal Moves |
| Technical | 13 min | Pass Through the Gate |
| Game | 17 min | 3v3 Mini Match |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Mobility Cool-down |
Warm-up · 10 min
Animal Moves
Bear crawl, frog hop, crab walk between cones.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 13 min
Pass Through the Gate
Pairs 8m apart pass through a 1m gate; receive across the body.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 17 min
3v3 Mini Match
20x15m, pop-up goals, rolling subs.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Mobility Cool-down
Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Gate Dribbling (5 min): Dribble through as many 1m gates as possible in 60 seconds. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Target Kicks (3 min): Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Coaching point: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper.
- Cone Slalom (7 min): Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Ball Roll Stretch (5 min): Roll ball round body, gentle stretches. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
Week 6: Shooting · 45 min team session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Traffic Lights |
| Technical | 13 min | Target Kicks |
| Game | 17 min | 3v3 Mini Match |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Toe-Taps & Chat |
Warm-up · 10 min
Traffic Lights
Dribble in the box; green go, amber slow, red stop with the sole.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 13 min
Target Kicks
Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Game · 17 min
3v3 Mini Match
20x15m, pop-up goals, rolling subs.
What to look for: Let the game be the teacher; Freeze only now and then and ask questions; Keep score to raise effort. Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cool-down · 5 min
Toe-Taps & Chat
Circle, gentle toe taps, best moment of the day.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Linked solo homework (20 min)
- Ball Mastery Circuit (5 min): Toe taps, sole rolls, V-pulls, 30 seconds each. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Target Kicks (6 min): Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Coaching point: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper.
- Cone Slalom (4 min): Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Coaching point: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up.
- Mobility Cool-down (5 min): Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones. Coaching point: Good running form; recover fully between reps.
U5-U7: 4-week off-season (solo)
4 weeks · 30-minute solo sessions · Mon: Solo session | Tue: Rest | Wed: Solo session | Thu: Rest | Fri: Solo session | Sat: Rest | Sun: Rest
Week 1: Dribbling · 30 min solo session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 11 min | Traffic Lights |
| Technical | 14 min | Cone Slalom |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Mobility Cool-down |
Warm-up · 11 min
Traffic Lights
Dribble in the box; green go, amber slow, red stop with the sole.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 14 min
Cone Slalom
Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Cool-down · 5 min
Mobility Cool-down
Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
This is a solo week: no separate homework.
Week 2: Shooting · 30 min solo session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 11 min | Gate Dribbling |
| Technical | 14 min | Target Kicks |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Ball Roll Stretch |
Warm-up · 11 min
Gate Dribbling
Dribble through as many 1m gates as possible in 60 seconds.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 14 min
Target Kicks
Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Cool-down · 5 min
Ball Roll Stretch
Roll ball round body, gentle stretches.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
This is a solo week: no separate homework.
Week 3: Passing · 30 min solo session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 8 min | Ball Mastery Circuit |
| Technical | 7 min | Cone Slalom |
| Technical | 10 min | Target Kicks |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Mobility Cool-down |
Warm-up · 8 min
Ball Mastery Circuit
Toe taps, sole rolls, V-pulls, 30 seconds each.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 7 min
Cone Slalom
Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 10 min
Target Kicks
Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Cool-down · 5 min
Mobility Cool-down
Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
This is a solo week: no separate homework.
Week 4: Fitness · 30 min solo session
| Block | Time | Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 8 min | Animal Moves |
| Technical | 7 min | Target Kicks |
| Technical | 10 min | Cone Slalom |
| Cool-down | 5 min | Ball Roll Stretch |
Warm-up · 8 min
Animal Moves
Bear crawl, frog hop, crab walk between cones.
What to look for: Lots of touches, everyone moving; Build effort bit by bit; Head up, scan the space. Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 7 min
Target Kicks
Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Technical (Technical/Tactical corner) · 10 min
Cone Slalom
Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot.
What to look for: Show once, then let them play; Both feet; first touch out of your feet; Praise effort and good decisions. Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Cool-down · 5 min
Ball Roll Stretch
Roll ball round body, gentle stretches.
What to look for: Slow jog and easy stretches; Recap one key learning point; Set the homework. Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
This is a solo week: no separate homework.
Weekly training routines
Team week (in season)
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rest | Team session | Solo session | Team session | Rest | Match | Recovery |
2 team sessions of 45 minutes, one match, linked 20-minute solo homework on solo days.
Solo week (off-season)
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo session | Rest | Solo session | Rest | Solo session | Rest | Rest |
3 solo sessions of 30 minutes; everything else is rest.
Rest and recovery
- At least 2 full rest days every week; younger players should also play other sports.
- Recovery day = light walk, swim or mobility, 20 minutes max.
- No hard session the day before a match.
All U5-U7 drills (13)
Pass Through the Gate
How: Pairs 8m apart pass through a 1m gate; receive across the body. Players 2+.
What to look for: Open body, pass to the far foot, weight of pass. Show once, then let them play.
Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Traffic Lights
How: Dribble in the box; green go, amber slow, red stop with the sole. Players 1+.
What to look for: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up. Lots of touches, everyone moving.
Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Sharks and Minnows
How: Minnows dribble end to end; sharks knock balls out. Players 6+.
What to look for: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up. Let the game be the teacher.
Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Cone Slalom
How: Weave 6 cones 1.5m apart, inside and outside of foot. Players 1+.
What to look for: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up. Show once, then let them play.
Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Gate Dribbling
How: Dribble through as many 1m gates as possible in 60 seconds. Players 1+.
What to look for: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up. Lots of touches, everyone moving.
Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Ball Mastery Circuit
How: Toe taps, sole rolls, V-pulls, 30 seconds each. Players 1+.
What to look for: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up. Lots of touches, everyone moving.
Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Dribble Relay
How: Teams race dribbling round the end cone and back. Players 4+.
What to look for: Small touches, change pace and direction, eyes up. Lots of touches, everyone moving.
Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Target Kicks
How: Kick through a 1m cone gate from 3-5m. Players 1+.
What to look for: Hit the target first; low and across the keeper. Show once, then let them play.
Make it harder: Limit touches, then add a walking-pace then an active defender.
Animal Moves
How: Bear crawl, frog hop, crab walk between cones. Players 1+.
What to look for: Good running form; recover fully between reps. Lots of touches, everyone moving.
Make it harder: Add a ball each or shrink the space.
Mobility Cool-down
How: Hips, hamstrings, calves, adductors at 4 cones. Players 1+.
What to look for: Good running form; recover fully between reps. Slow jog and easy stretches.
Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Ball Roll Stretch
How: Roll ball round body, gentle stretches. Players 1+.
What to look for: Good running form; recover fully between reps. Slow jog and easy stretches.
Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
Toe-Taps & Chat
How: Circle, gentle toe taps, best moment of the day. Players 4+.
What to look for: Good running form; recover fully between reps. Slow jog and easy stretches.
Make it harder: Players lead it themselves.
3v3 Mini Match
How: 20x15m, pop-up goals, rolling subs. Players 6+.
What to look for: Open body, pass to the far foot, weight of pass. Let the game be the teacher.
Make it harder: Add a condition (2-touch, target), or change numbers (overload/underload).
Attacker Defender Goalkeeper Cone · solid = pass, dashed = run, dotted = dribble
Player safety & FA rules
- Format: U7: 3v3, 6–10 minutes per game (max 60 a day). U5–U6: no FA match format listed; keep to fun, small-sided play.
- Ball: Size 3
- Heading: No heading in training or matches.
- Concussion: If in doubt, sit them out. No return the same day.
Sources: FA formats 2026-27 · FA heading guidance · FA concussion · Full safeguarding & FA rules