Set out two lines of six discs approximately 5 yards apart. Station 1 player by each disc. One ball per player. One team is the "Rats" and the others the "Rabbits". When the coach calls out "Rabbits", the rabbits team chase the rats to the end line. The rabbits must tag the rats before they reach the safety of their end line. Repeat in the opposite direction when the coach calls out "Rats".
Cover the ground as quickly as possible when running with the ball.
Try to stop the ball on your endline with the sole of your foot.
Get the ball out from under your feet.
Increase the pace of the game by having players:
a) Jump over the ball
b) Touch the ball with the sole of their feet, or
c) Sit up and down on the ball, when standing in position, etc.
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.