Session plan and timings
ArriveTouch Counter while you set up (7 min)
In and outFamiliar game · watch the feet (7 min)
Sole shuffleFamiliar game · watch the sole (7 min)
Surface ladderFamiliar game · watch the ladder (7 min)
Friendly ghostFamiliar game · watch the escape (7 min)
Pick a surfaceFamiliar game · watch the choice (7 min)
Free playBalls out · watch and tick (12 min)
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Minutes per stage. The last block is the conditioned game or the closing game. The dashed block is for changeovers and water.
Kit
12 conesFor gates, zones and lines. A ball eachOne for every player, plus a spare, from the bag.
Different numbers?
| Players | Groups | Who plays |
|---|
| 6 | 1 | One group of six with one adult. The other adult helps. |
| 7 | 2 | 4 and 3, one adult with each |
| 8 | 2 | 4 and 4 |
| 9 | 2 | 5 and 4 |
| 10 | 2 | 5 and 5 |
| 11 | 2 | 6 and 5 |
| 12 | 2 | 6 and 6 |
No more than six players per adult. With one adult and more than six players, ask a parent to take the second group. Stages are short on purpose: young players change activity every six or seven minutes.
1Arrive
Touch Counter while you set up
7 min
KitA ball each4 lines or 8 cones
As each player arrives, they take a ball and count how many touches they can make in a row. Compare it with week 1.
The coach has the week 1 numbers. Does anyone beat their own?
While the players play, set up the area for the next game.
Ask: Did you beat your count?
2Inside and outside
Familiar game · watch the feet
7 min
KitA ball each
Inside and outside. Watch who uses both feet and different parts of the foot.
How it works: Dribble while you touch the ball with the inside of the foot, then the outside, then the inside, in turn. Do it with one foot, then swap feet. Show it once, then let them play.
3Sole shuffle
Familiar game · watch the sole
7 min
KitA ball each
Sole shuffle. Watch the quick, small touches.
How it works: Put the sole on top of the ball and roll it forward and back, then slide it sideways. Do it with each foot. Slowly at first, then quicker.
4Surface ladder
Familiar game · watch the ladder
7 min
Kit12 cones, a line of 4 for each playerA ball each
Surface ladder. Watch who changes surface at each cone.
How it works: Each player has a line of four cones. At the first cone use the inside, then the outside, then the sole, then the laces. How far up the ladder can you go without losing the ball? Then do it again with the other foot. There is no timer.
5Friendly ghost
Familiar game · watch the escape
7 min
KitA ball eachA bib for the adult
Friendly ghost. Watch who keeps the ball away with quick touches.
How it works: You are a friendly ghost, floating slowly with arms down. Players dribble and keep their ball away from the ghost, using quick touches and every part of the foot. The ghost never touches anyone.
6Pick a surface
Familiar game · watch the choice
7 min
Kit4 cones for the corners of the areaA ball each
Pick a surface. Watch who picks a new part of the foot each time.
How it works: Four cones. At each cone, choose a new part of the foot to dribble to the next one. Say its name as you go: inside, outside, sole or laces.
7Free play
Balls out · watch and tick
12 min
What did you see?
KitA ball each
Balls out. Let the players play and watch. Tick off what you see below. Do not tell the players it is a test.
What the block is forBy week 6 most players should beat their own Touch Counter from week 1. If they do not, repeat the block for two more weeks before moving on.
Go deeper
Optional. The detail behind the three coaching points, for when you want more. Starting points for a coach to adjust, not rules.
Dribbling: close and head up
Keep the ball within a stride and look up between touches.
Most useful in stages 2, 3, 5.
What good looks like
- The ball stays close, with a touch every step or two.
- The head comes up between touches to find space.
- Both feet get used, and different parts of the foot.
If you see this, try this
- Big kicks and the ball runs awayAsk for tiny touches, like tickling the ball.
- Eyes stuck on the ballCall "heads up", hold up some fingers and ask how many.
- Only the strong foot is usedPlay a round with the weaker foot only.
More detail
- Start with the inside of the foot and the sole. Add the outside and the laces later.
- Stopping and starting matter as much as running with the ball.
Ask the players
- Where is the biggest space?
- Which part of your foot kept it closest?
Change it
Easier: Walk first. Use a bigger area, or fewer players moving at once.
Harder: Smaller area, a weaker-foot round, or a defender who only shadows.