Training Plan

Focus: Activation, ball contacts, fun

Set-up: 20x20m grid, one ball each, cones on the perimeter.

• First 5 min: free dribbling in the grid — every player with a ball, react to coach calls (stop with sole, turn, change direction, swap balls).
• 5 min dynamic movement: jog, heel flicks, high knees, open/close the gate, side shuffles, lunge walks, 3 x build-up sprints (70/85/100%).
• 2 min: 'Traffic Lights' — green = dribble fast, amber = slow control, red = stop ball dead with sole.

Coaching points

• Small touches, head up between touches.
• Use both feet — inside, outside, sole.
• Keep it loud and playful; no lines, no waiting.

Focus: Close control, scanning, changes of direction

Set-up: 20x20m area with 8–10 random 1m 'gates' made of cones. One ball each.

• Players dribble and score a point every time they pass through a gate.
• Round 1: 60 sec — most gates wins. Rest 45 sec, repeat 3 times.
• Progression: cannot use the same gate twice in a row; then add 2 defenders who try to win balls out of the area.

Coaching points

• Head up before choosing a gate.
• Accelerate out of the gate with the laces.
• Protect the ball with your body when a defender comes.

Focus: Taking players on, defending side-on

Set-up: Four channels 10x15m, two small cone goals on each end line.

• Attacker starts with the ball, defender passes it in to start.
• Attacker has 15 sec to dribble through either goal; defender scores by winning it and dribbling out the other end.
• Rotate after each rep, 6–8 reps each, then winners-vs-winners ladder.

Coaching points

• Attack the defender's front foot, then change speed.
• One committed move (step-over, drop shoulder, scissors) then go.
• Defenders: side-on, small steps, don't dive in.

Focus: Applying 1v1 in a game

Set-up: Two pitches 25x20m, four cone goals or two mini goals.

• Rolling 4v4, 4-minute games, winners move up a pitch.
• Bonus rule: a goal scored after a successful 1v1 dribble counts double.
• Free play — coach only stops for a quick 20-second freeze if there is a clear teaching moment.

Coaching points

• Encourage risk-taking — mistakes are fine tonight.
• Spread out when we have the ball, squeeze when we don't.

Focus: Recovery, learning, buy-in

Set-up: Circle in the centre circle.

• 3 min easy jog and light stretching (calves, quads, hamstrings, hips).
• 3 min player-led review: two things that went well, one thing to work on.
• 2 min: matchday reminders, positions, and a fun finisher (crossbar challenge or team clap).

Coaching points

• Ask questions rather than telling — let the kids answer.
• Name-check effort, not just goals.