Players start on left side - 2 defenders are servers, 2 are warming up.
To start with, players run up, touch the ball then jog backwards, the server throws it up and heads it back. Repeat 3 times, one central, one wide and one with pace.
Then make the players touch the ball again but this time when the jog backwards make the clear/volley back to you.
Now players line up like the right hand side of the diagram. Coach (black) throws the ball in and defenders have to work to communicate. Vary throws up, along the ground, high up, with pace, bobbly etc.
in more ways than one
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in more ways than one
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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.
