Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): U7 Rotation (Ball Mastery)

Station 1 (Small sided game)

5 Stations - 10 min. per station

Station 1 - Small Sided Games 3v3. 

Station 3 (Cat and Mice Triangle)

Station 3: 

Activity: Cat & Mice Triangle  Themes: Controlled, Speedy Dribbling & Agility 

Organization: 5 yard equilateral triangle. A ball for each player.
Overview:

One player, the Cat, tries to dribble the ball onto the feet of the Mice. Once this occurs
the captured Mouse becomes the Cat. The players must dribble outside of the triangle
and can’t cut corners.

Coaching Points & Progressions:

1) Have the ball close & under control - “Every step there’s a touch”
2) Encourage players to push the ball with the bottom of their laces
3) “Heads Up” - Use their peripheral vision to see the Cat
4) Different surfaces of foot for turning quickly (baby-toe, big-toe, sole &; heel)
&; body to shield the ball from defenders
5) Low center of gravity with “loaded muscles” to ensure agility and quickness

Other
Considerations:

Ensure the same player is not always the Cat. The Cat could be changed every
60-90 seconds. Or, if the players are of a similar level, just let them play.

Station 5 (Cross Fire)

Activity: Crossfire (U6-U18) Themes: Dribbling, Passing & Receiving
Organization: 20 x 15 Yards
Overview:

One set of players tries to pass and receive without hitting the dribblers. Another
group tries to dribble through the middle channel while not getting hit. Switch the
roles periodically.

Coaching Points & Progressions:

While Dribbling:
1) Have the ball close & under control - “Every step there’s a touch”
2) Be aware and keep your “Heads Up” – see the ball and the area in front
While Receiving:
1)Feet loaded at 10 & 2 O’clock to intercept the line of the pass
2) Receive on the equator and cushion backwards
While Passing:
1)Plant foot pointing at the target
2)Contact on the equator below the ankle
Adapt the session by:
1)Increasing the length of the pass
2) Challenge the players with time. How many passes or dribble lengths can they
make in one minute
3)Make the restriction that the ball can’t stop
4) Change the passing or dribbling surface

Other
Considerations Be sure to rotate the dribblers every minute or two.