BALMAIN DFC 10 WEEK TRAINING PROGRAM

BALMAIN DFC 10 WEEK TRAINING PROGRAM
Week 1 - Under 6 & 7 Years Training session structure
The following would be the framework for a typical 1-hour training session. Games 1, 2 & 3
should be run concurrently; each game should be lead by the “Head Coach” and have
“assistant coaches” allocated to helping in each game both in its setup and monitoring.
Game 1 Technique Games - Developing passing, receiving, control and dribbling
skills
Games 2 & 3 Technical & Tactical Games – 2 variations of Small Sided Games - 2v2 or
3v3 developing their attack and defensive skills
Game 4 & 5 The Game – a Match with age related and standard Association rules
applying the skills developed from above stages. This Game should be run
as a standard 4 versus 4 format as played on your weekend match. We
understand that most teams roster a House of up to 16 players, therefore to
maximise a players participation and development, ensure 2 standard
games are running simultaneously. No Under 6 & 7 games should be
played with more than 4 per side.
Legend:
www.balmaindfc.com.au Page 1

WEEK 1 – UNDER 6 & 7 YEARS
Players
The team
Play Area
2 x 10m parallel lines
Setup
Use cones to establish 2m depth, ball per player.
Objective
Game 1 - DRIBBLING between the lines (10 Minutes)
Dribbling games help to develop the ability to control the ball. The games will also
aid players in developing their ball control, speed, coordination, footwork and
technique.
Start the game with players all on one line. The coach explains the best way to
dribble the ball is to keep the ball close, don’t let the ball get away. On the
coach’s signal players dribble the ball to the second line, then turn around and
dribble back. Do this 10 times
Encourage… • Close ball control
• Sharp turning abilities (ask them to try different methods – underside of the
foot, inside of the foot, outside of the foot.
• Regularly looking up. Important that they don’t always look at their feet.
Variation 1
Coaches must encourage players to use both feet. Players must dribble 5
times with left foot and then 5 times with right foot
Variation 2
Extend the parallel lines to 5 metres and repeat the first game and variation 1.
Variation 3
The Dribble Race – over both 2 and 5 metre zones. Have the players compete in a
dribbling race, the quickest player to complete the parallel lines 10 times wins.
Remember to encourage “Close Ball Control”, explain extra points will be given to
players who keep the ball.
Over 5 metres they can in theory now kick the ball a bit further ahead and allow
themselves to build up more speed – but they will waste time if the ball escapes
them and they have to chase it beyond the turning point.

Players
2 – 3
Play Area
4m
Setup
2 cones 3m apart, 1ball, players to stand 2m from goal mouth.
Objective
Game 2 - Accurate Passing and Control (10 minutes)
This game can be played by two or three players. With a good passing
technique, players have to score from a distance of 3m through a 2-metre
wide goal area and then the receiver with good first touch has to return the
pass to score. Points awarded only if ball is passed accurately and without
touching the cones.
Variation 1
As above but this time introduce a third player (3) by constantly swapping
with Player (1) as they accurately pass to Player (2) on the other side.
Have the players compete and whichever end scores 10 goals first with
their accurate passing wins the game.
Variation 2
With the group in pairs again, intensify the game by asking the players to
produce 1 touch passing. If this proves too difficult then 1 touch to control
the ball and then 1 touch to pass - 2 touch rule.

Players
2
Play Area
8m length, 8m width
Setup
4 cones, 1 ball
Objective
Game 3 - Attack Defence 1 v 1 (10 Minutes)
Two players standing in the centre 2m apart of the playing area, one player
has possession of the ball. The aim of the game is for the defender to win the
ball using delaying tactics and timing his or her tackle. The attacker will
attempt to dribble the ball past the defender to the opposing 8m goal-line.
Coaches will encourage the defenders to focus on the ball and body
movement of the attacker. Switch playing roles when goal is scored by
dribbling and controlling the ball over the goal-line or when defender
dispossesses the attacker and has ball under his or her control. Regularly
switch playing partners.
Encourage… Defenders to “steal” the ball for their own possession rather than kick it away.
Variation Possession 1 V 1 Challenge the players to shield the ball from their defender
for as long as they can. They must stay inside the designated area. Switch
playing roles and partners regularly.

Players
4 v 4
Play Area:
30m x 20m (suggestion only – use whatever space you have available, for
smaller groups a much smaller area is fine)
Setup:
4 cones to mark-out field. 1 Ball,
Objective:
Game 4 - The Possession Game (10 minutes)
As the name indicates possession is priority in this game. The Team in
possession is encouraged to pass the ball in any direction as many times to
each other without losing possession of the ball. The other team will make the
opposition’s passing game difficult and attempt to win the ball to gain
possession for their own team.
we encourage free play between the teams and allow the players to learn
and express themselves, minimal instructions from coaches but please
encourage shorter passing and no booting or clearing it. Emphasise that there
is no “direction” in which each team must play. Team must stay within the
game area and should the ball go out, the ball is played in with a short kick-in
by the other team. Team that successfully completes three passes receives a
point. If the team is quite proficient you can increase the difficulty to five
passes.
Coaches should observe the game and commend players in possession for
protecting the ball, looking up for passing options, getting into spaces to
receive the ball & completed passes. Commend defending team for
anticipating passes, clean dispossessions of the ball. Discourage “panic”
actions such as kicking the ball into the shins of an approaching defender. At
the end of the session make an assessment of the game emphasising the
positives.

Players
4 v 4
Play Area:
30m x 20m (suggestion only – use whatever space you have available, for
smaller groups a much smaller area is fine)
Setup:
8 cones 4 cones setup 2 x 2m wide goals and 4 cones to mark up field, 1 Ball
Objective:
Game 5 - The Standard Game (10mins)
This game will be played with your clubs standard competition age related
rules and formats that has been emailed to you by your Age Coordinator.
Please refer to this document and become familiar with these rules.
To complement this game, the clubs philosophy should also be referenced.
we encourage free play between the teams and allow the players to learn
and express themselves, minimal instructions from coaches but please
encourage shorter passing and no booting or clearing it. Team must stay
within the game area and should the ball go out, the ball is played in with a
short kick-in by the other team.
When a goal is scored, the team that conceded a goal will recommence from
the centre of the pitch.
Coaches should observe the game and commend players in possession for
protecting the ball, looking up for passing options, getting into spaces to
receive the ball & completed passes. Commend defending team for
anticipating passes, clean dispossessions of the ball. Discourage “panic”
actions such as kicking the ball into the shins of an approaching defender.

skills
Game 4 & 5 The Game – a Match with age related and standard Association rules
Legend:

Players
3 – 6 players (if 6 player, in pairs, 3 dribbling whilst the partner wait’s their turn).
Play Area
Up to 10m – divide (using cones) Markers at 3m, 5m, 8m and 10m
Setup
10 cones, ball per player
Objective
Game 1 - ZIG – ZAG (10 minutes) Have the children first practice their running and
turning techniques on the field without a ball. Players run from the starting line to the
second line, return to the starting line and this time run to the third line, returning to the
second line before running all the way to the finish line. Next, have the players train to
dribble the ball as they run the same zigzag course.
Note: while full control of the ball is the objective and should be actively encouraged,
the ball can be played further forward on the longer stretches of the course allowing
the child to stretch out and run faster.
Note: for a “continuous” relay race like in Variation 2 you’ll need a minimum of three
players – two of them at the start end (this is universal).
Encourage…
• Close ball control, use of both feet and turning in both directions
• Experimentation with different turning techniques – inside, outside of the
football, bottom of the foot to stop the ball etc.
Variation 1
Organise a competition – split the players into heats of 3 or 4. On your signal, the race
begins and the course must be completed with the ball under control. Consider a
“Winners’ challenge”
Variation 2
Zig Zag Relay Race. Have 2 or 3 teams and line them up on each side of the course.
A ball is placed at the first line (3m) for each team. On coach’s signal, Player 1 on
each team runs to the ball and dribbles it to the 5 metre point and zig zags (as per
above game) between lines until they reach the final line where player 1 passes to the
anticipating player 2, who then dribbles the zig zag course in the opposite direction
towards player 3. The first team to finish its course correctly wins.

Players
2 (in partners) – lots of concurrent sessions.
Play Area
Approx 2sq metres per 2 players
Setup
ball
Objective
Game 2 – TUNNEL (10 minutes) Dribbling games help to develop the ability to control
the ball. The games will also aid players in developing their ball control, speed,
coordination, footwork and technique.
Two players face each other 2m apart. Player two stands with legs apart to form a
tunnel through which player 1 will pass the ball. Coach will time-keep as Player 1 has
30 seconds to pass the ball as many times as possible through the legs of player 2.
Player 1 passes the ball through player 2’s legs and then runs behind player 2 to
retrieve, control and pass the ball back through 2’s legs again to the start point and
repeat. Player 2 remains still and counts out loud the number of goals (clean pass
through the legs) scored by player 1. After 30 seconds, coach will switch roles.
Coaches will encourage care to execute clean passes through the tunnel and ask the
players to consider the weight behind the pass, eg, a hard pass will push to ball too far
creating more work to retrieve.
• Sharp turning abilities (ask them to try different methods – underside of the
foot, inside of the foot, outside of the foot
Variation 1
Coaches must encourage players to use both feet. Continuing with the same
instructions above, ask players now to use their weaker foot.
Variation 2
Continuing with the same instructions above, ask players to start with the right foot
and return with their left foot.
Variation 3
Continuing with the same instructions above. To intensify the game and to encourage
players to think, the player who forms the tunnel pivots in different directions once the
ball passes. This will force the player with the ball to consider dribbling the ball into an
angle where they can pass the ball successfully.

Players
2
Play Area
8m length, 8m width
Setup
4 cones, 1 ball
Objective
Game 3 - Attack Defence 1 v 1 (10 Minutes)
Two players standing in the centre 2m apart of the playing area, one player has
possession of the ball. The aim of the game is for the defender to win the ball using
delaying tactics and timing his or her tackle. The attacker will attempt to dribble the
ball past the defender to the opposing 8m goal-line. Coaches will encourage the
defenders to focus on the ball and body movement of the attacker. Switch playing
roles when goal is scored by dribbling and controlling the ball over the goal-line or
when defender dispossesses the attacker and has ball under his or her control.
Regularly switch playing partners.
Encourage… Defenders to “steal” the ball for their own possession rather than kick it away.
Variation 1 Possession 1 V 1 Challenge the players to shield the ball from their defender for as long
as they can. They must stay inside the designated area. Switch playing roles and
partners regularly.

Players
Under 6 – 4 v 4
Under 7 – 5 v 5
Play Area:
30m x 20m (suggestion only – use whatever space you have available, for smaller
groups a much smaller area is fine)
Setup:
4 cones to mark-out field. 1 Ball,
Objective:
Game 4 - The Possession Game (10 minutes)
As the name indicates possession is priority in this game. The Team in possession is
encouraged to pass the ball in any direction as many times to each other without
losing possession of the ball. The other team will make the opposition’s passing game
difficult and attempt to win the ball to gain possession for their own team.
we encourage free play between the teams and allow the players to learn and
express themselves, minimal instructions from coaches but please encourage shorter
passing and no booting or clearing it. Emphasise that there is no “direction” in which
each team must play. Team must stay within the game area and should the ball go
out, the ball is played in with a short kick-in by the other team. Team that successfully
completes three passes receives a point. If the team is quite proficient you can
increase the difficulty to five passes.
Coaches should observe the game and commend players in possession for protecting
the ball, looking up for passing options, getting into spaces to receive the ball and
completed passes. Commend defending team for anticipating passes, clean
dispossessions of the ball. Discourage “panic” actions such as kicking the ball into the
shins of an approaching defender. At the end of the session make an assessment of
the game emphasising the positives.

Players
Under 6 – 4 v 4
Under 7 – 5 v 5
Play Area:
groups a much smaller area is fine)
Setup:
8 cones 4 cones setup 2 x 2m wide goals and 4 cones to mark up field, 1 Ball
Objective:
Game 5 - The Standard Game (10mins)
This game will be played with your clubs standard competition age related rules and
formats that has been emailed to you by your Age Coordinator. Please refer to this
document and become familiar with these rules.
we encourage free play between the teams and allow the players to learn and
express themselves, minimal instructions from coaches but please encourage shorter
passing and no booting or clearing it. Team must stay within the game area and
should the ball go out, the ball is played in with a short kick-in by the other team.
When a goal is scored, the team that conceded a goal will recommence from the
centre of the pitch.
the ball, looking up for passing options, getting into spaces to receive the ball &
shins of an approaching defender.

skills
Game 4 The Game – a Match with age related and standard Association rules
Legend:

Players
2
Play Area
4m x 4m
Setup
4 cones setup into a square, ball per player.
Variation 1 - 6 cones setup in a triangle as illustrated. Game 1, 2 & 3 will be running
side-by-side and concurrently for 20 – 25 minutes.
Objective
Game 1 – Catch Me If You Can
An excellent game to motivate players. Kids (in general) love to compete against their
peers. This game allows players – grouped in pairs, to practice their running and
dribbling skills in a competitive environment. Allow the players to first practice (briefly)
without the ball and then with the ball. Place two players on opposite corners, and on
your signal, they are to twice dribble around the square in the same direction. Ensure
no cutting of corners (going inside the cones) and the first player back to their starting
position wins. Play the game in both directions to encourage players to use both their
left and right foot (or at least different parts of their feet).
This game give a perfect opportunity for coaches to ask the kids about their dribbling
technique and how to improve it. Ask the players questions and encourage the kids
to come up with their own answers (possible answers - not kick the ball so hard, control
the ball better, take the corners faster etc).
Encourage… • Regularly looking up – so they know how close they are to the corners
• Close ball control
• Use of both feet and all parts of their feet
• Experimentation – alternative ways to go around the corners and dribble
through the cones.
Variation 1
Variation1
Catch Me if You Can (Triangle)
Setup a triangle with the base marked out with 4 cones. Again players will compete in
pairs with both players starting from different locations around the triangle. As they get
to the base of the triangle, they must dribble in and out of the four centre cones
before dribbling up the next side. Encourage players to dribble with either or both
feet and to experience the different dribbling techniques using inside / outside or sole
of foot. Get players to experiment.

Players
2 V 2, 3 V 3. Numbers per team will depend on the size of your squad
Play Area:
8m x 8m (suggestion only – use whatever space you have available, for smaller groups
a much smaller area is fine).
Setup:
4 cones to mark-out field for Possession Game and End-Line Game. 1 Ball per game,
Game 1, 2 & 3 will be running side-by-side and concurrently for 20 – 25 minutes.
Objective 1:
Game 2 - The Possession Game
As the name indicates possession is priority in this game. The team in possession is
we encourage free play between the teams (i.e. we don’t limit the number of touches
a player may have before passing) and encourage the players to experiment and to
creatively express themselves. Minimal instructions from coaches but please
encourage shorter passing and no booting or clearing it (if someone “hoofs” it away,
make them get the ball). Emphasise that there is no “direction” in which each team
must play. Teams must stay within the game area and should the ball go out, the ball
is played in with a short kick-in by the other team. The team that successfully
completes three passes receives a point. If either of your teams is quite proficient you
can increase the difficulty to five passes for that team.
the ball, looking up for passing options, getting into spaces to receive the ball and
completed passes. Commend the defending team for anticipating passes, clean

Players
2 V 2, 3 V 3. Player numbers per team will depend on your team’s size.
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:
Game 3 - The End-Line Game
In this game teams in possession are encouraged to build-up play from their goal line
and pass the ball in any direction and maintaining possession with the main objective
of dribbling the ball over the end-line to score a point.
Defenders will make the oppositions build up play and passing game difficult and
attempt to win the ball to gain possession for their own team.
make them get the ball). Team must stay within the game area and should the ball go
out, the ball is played in with a short kick-in by the other team.
3 successful passes = 1 point. Team that makes 3 successful passes AND dribbles over
opponents goal line = 2 points
the ball, looking up for passing options, getting into spaces to receive the ball the

Players
This Game should be run as a standard 4 Versus 4 format as played on your weekend
match. We understand that most teams roster a House of up to 16 players, therefore
to maximise a players participation and development, ensure 2 standard games are
running simultaneously.
No Under 6 & 7 games should be played with more than 4 per side – the
purpose of small-sided games is to encourage maximum participation. The
larger the playing numbers the less active involvement in the game.
Play Area:
2 games running simultaneously 15m x 15m (suggestion only – use whatever space you
have available, for smaller groups a much smaller area is fine)
Setup:
Game Specification - 8 cones, 4 cones setup 2 x 2m wide goals and 4 cones to mark
up field, 1 Ball per game
Objective:
Game 4 - The Standard Game (25 – 30 minutes)
we encourage free play between the teams and encourage the players to
experiment and to creatively express themselves. Minimal instructions from coaches
but please encourage shorter passing and no booting or clearing it (if someone
“hoofs” it away, make them get the ball). Team must stay within the game area and
When a goal is scored, the team that conceded a goal will recommence from their
goal line.

skills
Game 4 The Game – a Match with age related and standard Association rules
Legend:

PLAYERS
Up to 6 players
Play Area
Approx 10m square. Scale to the available space.
Setup
10 cones (5 cones wider circle and 5 cones to setup inner circle (see diagram), the
cones will resemble 5 small goals 1m apart. A ball per player. Game 1, 2 & 3 will be
running side-by-side and concurrently for up to 30 minutes and players rotated
through the games after about 10 minutes.
Objective
DRIBBLING – Musical Goals
Dribbling games help to develop the ability to control the ball. The games will also aid
players in developing their ball control, speed, coordination, footwork and technique.
The football version of musical chairs. Six players begin to dribble their ball in a
specified direction around the circle formed by the five goals. On coach’s signal, eg
STOP! - the players need to dribble into and occupy one of the five empty goals.
Whoever does not succeed loses a point – players start with 3 points each.
• Regularly looking up – particularly in variation 1.
• Awareness - to not run into other players and to see coaches hand signals and
to avoid “the defender” (see variations)
• Speed, acceleration (but always in control of the ball)
Variation 1
“Silent game”. Players dribble a ball around the course as above, but to
encourage “heads up” coach will instruct using a hand signal (eg arm up )
Variation 2
As above, now introduce a defender (s) to make the task more difficult.
Defender(s) remains in the centre of the course but on the coach’s signal
attempts to slow down the player by attempting to steal (not kick away) their
ball.

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:
Game 2 - Maintain Possession Game
the ball , looking up for passing options, getting into spaces to receive the ball and

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:
For Level 1 players, we encourage free play between the teams and encourage the
players to experiment and to creatively express themselves. Minimal instructions from
coaches but please encourage shorter passing and no booting or clearing it (if
someone “hoofs” it away, make them get the ball). Team must stay within the game
area and should the ball go out, the ball is played in with a short kick-in by the other
team. When a goal is scored, the team that conceded a goal will recommence from
their goal line.

WEEK 5 – Under 6 & 7 Years Training session
PLAYERS
6
Play Area
Approx 8m in length and 6m wide. Scale to the available space.
Setup
8 cones. Line up 6 cones on the outer area 6m in width with 2 cones in the centre to
form triangles (see diagram), a ball per team. Game 1, 2 & 3 should be run side-by-side
and concurrently for up to 30 minutes and players rotated through the games
after about 10 minutes.
Objective
DRIBBLING – Change Direction and Speed
Form two teams of at least three – with two players at the starting end. Teams start
from diagonally opposite ends of the play area. 1 player from each team dribbles the
ball toward a cone (challenging an imaginary defender) then changes direction
towards the next cone (defender) in the other row (to their right) and so on until player
reaches the final cone and passes to their team-mate. In changing the direction of
the ball, the attacker has to quicken their speed away from the imaginary defender.
Explain to the players the ideas of dummy moves (eg stepovers) and feints (eg
“dropping the shoulder” to suggest a change of direction), and have them practice
these techniques just before they approach the defender (cone). Once all players
have ended the course several times, switch sides.
Encourage… • Close ball control – touching a cone will be seen as being dispossessed by a
defender.
• Regularly looking up
• Accurate passing to team-mate
Variation 1 The Challenge
As above game, the teams must challenge each other at who can dribble
the course the fastest and most accurately. The Challenge is out of five.
Variation 2 To encourage fast acceleration and turning with a stationary ball, players must
approach the cones at speed but stop the ball close to the cone (but without
touching the cone), then accelerate hard with the ball in control to the next
cone where the same procedure is repeated.

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Game 1, 2 & 3 will be running side-by-side and concurrently for up to 30 minutes and
players rotated through the games after about 10 minutes.
Objective:
Game 2 - Maintain Possession Game
the ball , looking up for passing options, getting into spaces to receive the ball and

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
players rotated through the games after about 10 minutes
Objective:

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:
goal line.

PLAYERS
4
Play Area
Approx 4m x 4m. Scale to the available space.
Setup
8 cones. 4 cones to form a square with additional cones on two sides as illustrated. 2
balls. Game 1, 2 & 3 should be run side-by-side and concurrently for up to 30 minutes
and players rotated through the games after about 10 minutes.
Objective
Game 1 - Dribble & Pass 1 – 2
Games starts with Two players in opposite corners - each with a ball and two players in
the centre of the game area. At the same time, the two players with the ball start to
dribble in & out of the cones until they reach the last cone. From the last cone the
players dribbling will pass the ball to their team-mates in the centre and then sprint to
the other cones and receive the ball back, (as a combination play 1 – 2 pass). Each
player dribbling should complete the course twice and swap roles with team-mate.
Encourage… • Close ball control – touching a cone will be seen as being dispossessed by a
defender.
• Accurate passing to team-mate
• …regularly change the direction of play
Variation 1 The Challenge
As above game, the teams must challenge each other at who can dribble
the course the fastest and most accurately. The Challenge is who can do the
4 laps of the course the fastest.

Players
5
Play Area
8m x 8m
Setup
8 cones, setup play area as a Small Sided Game, goals are 2m, one ball. Games 1 &
2 should run side-by-side and concurrently for up to 30 minutes and players rotated
Objective
Game 2 – Attack / Defend
Create two teams – one with 3 attackers, the other 2 defenders. The 3 attackers start
with the ball on a goal-line and start with a build-up attack. The attackers will try to
beat the defender – who is positioned in their half and protecting their goal zone, and
score. Attackers can only score a goal when all attackers have touched the ball at
least once. The direction of the attack can be switched towards either goal at any
time, allowing the attackers to determine the best option to attack.
Restarts will begin with a kick-in from where the ball went out of play or when a goal is
scored restart occurs 2m to the left or right of the goal mouth.
Build-up attacks are encouraged, no speculative kicks or long balls. Ensure all players
switch their playing roles.
The defenders must do everything possible to delay the attackers and thwart the
attempts at scoring. If a defender wins the ball, the defenders begin their own
possession based “attack” – they need to maintain possession with the other
defender(s) via dribbling or passing for as long as possible. All defenders need to be
“involved” even if the direction of the attack is not towards them; they must always
anticipate and be prepared for a possible change in direction. No defender must
enter the other half of the field; they must only defend in their own half.
• Fast, short accurate passing
• Maintaining possession is priority
• Find space
• Intelligent off the ball movement and support – suggest triangular formations
• Defenders to analyse/assess the game from both playing ends, use delay and
blocking tactics and to time their attempts to win the ball accurately.

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:
goal line.

PLAYERS
4
Play Area
Approx 6m x 6m. Scale to the available space.
Setup
8 cones to form a SSG field as illustrated. 1 ball. Game 1, 2 & 3 should be run side-by-side
and concurrently for up to 30 minutes and players rotated through the games
after about 10 minutes.
Objective
Game 1 – 1 V 1 with 2 goal zone defenders
This game develops a player’s ability in a one-on-one challenge. Begin with 4 players
paired off into teams of 2 waiting on their goal lines. The coach will begin the game
by throwing a loose ball to one of the teams, determining who will start the 1 v 1
attack. The attacker now must challenge a defender and a goal zone defender to
score a goal. The defender will use delaying tactics and attempt to win the ball – no
physical barging players off the ball. Should the ball be won by the defender he now
becomes the attacker. Should the ball go out, coach must restart the game again
with a loose ball. Ensure player roles are continually swapped.
Encourage attackers not play the ball in one direction, just because the goals are in
that direction. Going forward only is not always the best option, ask attackers to
consider coming back and “linking back” with their goal zone defender to decide
another attacking 1 v 1 option. No speculative kicks or long balls.
• Find space
• Intelligent passing back to team-mate for support.
• Defenders to analyse/assess the game, use delay and blocking tactics and to
time their attempts to win the ball accurately.

Players
5
Play Area
8m x 8m
Setup
8 cones, setup play area as a Small Sided Game, goals are 2m, one ball. Game 1, 2
& 3 should be run side-by-side and concurrently for up to 30 minutes and players
rotated through the games after about 10 minutes.
Objective
Game 2 – Attack / Defend
Create two teams – one with 3 attackers, the other 2 defenders. The 3 attackers start
with the ball on a goal-line and start with a build-up attack. The attackers will try to
beat the defender – who is positioned in their half and protecting their goal zone, and
score. Attackers can only score a goal when all attackers have touched the ball at
least once. The direction of the attack can be switched towards either goal at any
time, allowing the attackers to determine the best option to attack.
Restarts will begin with a kick-in from where the ball went out of play or when a goal is
scored restart occurs 2m to the left or right of the goal mouth.
Build-up attacks are encouraged, no speculative kicks or long balls. Ensure all players
switch their playing roles.
The defenders must do everything possible to delay the attackers and thwart the
attempts at scoring. If a defender wins the ball, the defenders begin their own
possession based “attack” – they need to maintain possession with the other
defender(s) via dribbling or passing for as long as possible. All defenders need to be
“involved” even if the direction of the attack is not towards them; they must always
anticipate and be prepared for a possible change in direction. No defender must
enter the other half of the field; they must only defend in their own half.
• Find space
• Intelligent off the ball movement and support – suggest triangular formations
• Defenders to analyse/assess the game from both playing ends, use delay and
blocking tactics and to time their attempts to win the ball accurately.

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:
We encourage free play between the teams and encourage the players to
goal line.

Players
3 players then 4 for Variation 3
Play Area
Triangle 5m x 5m x 5m
Setup
3 cones setup as a triangle, 1 ball. Game 1, 2 & 3 should be run side-by-side and
concurrently for up to 30 minutes and players rotated through the games after about 10
minutes.
Objective
Game 1 - Triangular passing
This game has many variations and it’s a great game for young players to improve
their first touch and develop their passing, receiving, positioning technique. Firstly start
with 3 players posted at each cone and one player in possession of the ball. On
coach’s signal, the ball is passed, say clockwise, to the next player, who then controls
the ball around the cone and then continues the passing back to the starting point.
Coaches will encourage anticipation and movement around the cones with players
producing a good first touch and accurate passing with the ball travelling on the
outside of the triangle only. Vary the speed as players build their confidence.
Variation 1 & 2 Variation 3
Variation 1
As above game, players centre themselves between each side of triangle of cones.
With the ball being passed in all directions, the players will be encouraged to
constantly move, support, receive and communicate between their cones. Intensify
the game with one touch and vary the speed.
Variation 2
As Variation 1, The players must “pass and move” to where he/she has directed the
ball to. The player who receives the ball must do the same before other player arrives.
This is perfect game to encourage players to “Go To The Ball” when receiving.
Intensify the game with one touch and vary the speed.
Variation 3
Introduce a defender. The defender will stay inside the triangle and pressure the
attackers to make mistakes. Attackers can change the direction of the passing at any
time and are awarded 1 point by making 5 successful passes. Should the defender
win the ball, the roles are switched with the player who lost possession. Assess how it is
going and if consider a one-touch or two-touch rule – this will force players to do more
thinking about options before they’ve received the ball.

Players
5 players then 6 for Variation
Play Area
Setup
4 cones setup in a square four ball. Game 1, 2 & 3 should be run side-by-side and
concurrently for up to 30 minutes and players rotated through the games after about
10 minutes.
Objective
Game 2 – Escape to the Other Side
Four players dribbling a ball in any direction around the outside the square and one
player inside the square, as a defender. Only one attacker can enter the square at
one time and dribble through to the opposite end of the square from where they’ve
entered. The coach will nominate by name the attacker. With the defender inside the
square, their job will be to force the attacker out of play (or the square) before the
attacker reaches the other side. After the coach has called on all players, the
defender is swapped with an attacker and game continues. The defender with the
most successful tackles wins.
• Maintaining possession is priority, use shielding the ball techniques as dribbling
forward may not be the right option.
• Find space
• Defenders to analyse/assess, use delay and blocking tactics only forcing
attackers out of play.
As above game, extend the square by approx. 5m and introduce a second defender.
Encourage the defenders support each other as a team not just as individuals.
Intensify the game by the coach nominating two attackers from opposite ends to
enter the square.

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:
goal line.

Players
4 players
Play Area
Setup
4 cones setup in a square. 3 balls. To reduce “standing around”, games 1, 2 & 3
should be run side-by-side and concurrently for up to 30 minutes and players rotated
Objective
Game 1 – Dribbling & Possession - Protect the Ball
The aim to this exercise is to encourage the importance of possessing the ball. Three
players are attackers, each with a ball, and the fourth is the defender. None of the
players may leave the playing area. The defender tries to dispossess the attackers of
the ball. The attackers will try to escape or shield the ball from the defender. The
defender challenges the attackers to win as many balls as possible within the playing
time of 1 minute. Important: when a defender wins a ball, they must not just clear the
ball but dribble the ball to the outside of the square. Dispossessed attackers wait on
the sidelines, count to ten and return to the square with their bail. The attackers learn
to lift their heads to see the defender, change speed and direction to keep away from
defender and shield the ball in order to prevent a tackle. Every minute or so swap the
defensive role.
Encourage… • Looking up – regularly and in all directions to protect their ball and to spot
opportunities to dispossess others
• Close ball control
• The use of their body (positioning) to protect the ball from the defender
Variation 1 Introduce a second defender

Players
6 players
Play Area
8m x 4m (suggestion only – use whatever space you have available)
Setup
4 cones setup as 2 x 2 metre goals side by side, as illustrated. To reduce “standing
around”, games 1, 2 & 3 should be run side-by-side and concurrently for up to 30
minutes and players rotated through the games after about 10 minutes.
Objective
Game 2 – Accurate Shooting and/or Passing
Accurate shooting and passing takes regular practice. This is a useful way of
organising a group for repetitive shooting/passing practice – what kid does not like
shooting at goal? Two players will be attackers situated at either side of the goals and
one will defend the goal-line. From a distance of four metres each attacker will take
turns attempting to score, whilst the defender will try to block the shots/passes.
Coaches should demonstrate good shooting or passing technique and also need for
having a look at the target on the run up, and the importance of accuracy before
power.
Defenders that successfully blocking shots “under control” will then turn and pass the
ball to the other attacker.
Remember to rotate playing roles.
Encourage… Good technique – pass / shot
Focus on ball
Look up and observe keeper - select shot
Firm ankle and “locked ankle” on shooting
Use of both feet and all parts of their feet
“Accuracy before power” – Otherwise you’ll waste all the game time chasing errant
footballs.
Variation 1 As per above game, the attackers must now dribble the ball say two metres and
shoot.

Players
Play Area:
groups a much smaller area is fine).
Setup:
14 cones to mark-out field and Open Goal zones – Apex of Zones 3 metres. 1 Ball. To
reduce “standing around”, games 1, 2 & 3 should be run side-by-side and
minutes.
Objective:
Game 3 - The “Shot Free Zone” Game
As per all our previous games, teams in possession must be encouraged to build-up
play from their goal line and pass the ball in any direction whilst maintaining possession
with the main objective in this game to shoot for goal before entering the “Shot-Free
(no shooting) Zone” to encourage shooting from distance, see illustration.
For Level 1 players, we encourage free play between the teams (i.e. we don’t limit the
number of touches a player may have before passing) and encourage the players to

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:
goal line.

Players
4 players
Play Area
Setup
10 cones as per illustration, goals 2m apart and dribbling cone 1m apart, 2 balls. To
minutes.
Objective
Game 1 – The Circuit (Dribbling & Shooting)
The aim to this exercise is to encourage dribbling and shooting. Two players are
attackers, each with a ball, and the other two players are defenders, guarding the
goal area. Starting from the goal-line, the two attackers will dribble in specified
direction between the 1m cones and then enter the goal area. Once player dribbles
into this defended goal area, they must take aim and shoot for goal. After the shot on
goal, the attacker and defender switch roles and the new attacker (on retrieving the
ball) dribbles the ball through the next cones to shoot for goal in the opposite goals.
Keep the players rotating the circuit for a minimum 5 then change the direction.
Observe their technique to ensure they are confident in this task of dribbling, shooting,
defending and switching of roles before considering a variation.
• Use of both feet and all parts of their feet when dribbling or shooting
• Good technique – pass / shot
• Focus on ball
• Look up and observe keeper - select shot
• Firm ankle and “locked ankle” on shooting
• “Accuracy before power” – Otherwise you’ll waste all the game time chasing
errant footballs.
Variation 1 When attacker enters the goal area, instead of shooting, the players challenge
themselves in a 1 versus 1 game. Defender will try to win the ball off the attacker and
the attacker has to get around the defender and shoot or dribble the ball over the
goal line to win.

Players
6 players
Play Area
10m x 6m (suggestion only – use whatever space you have available)
Setup
6 cones as as illustrated. 1 ball To reduce “standing around”, games 1, 2 & 3
should be run side-by-side and concurrently for up to 30 minutes and players rotated
Objective
Game 2 – 2 Passes and Shoot
Accurate shooting and passing takes regular practice. This is a useful way of
organising a group for repetitive shooting/passing practice – what kid does not like
shooting at goal? Form two teams of three situated in their designated half of the
player area. The game will be played like a volley ball match (without a net) where
two passes will be constructed with the third being a shot a goal or end-line. This
game will encourage basic team passing and build-up play from the backline. The
game begins with 1 player passing (along the ground) from the back line to a team-mate.
The receiver then passes the ball to the third player who will then go on to
shoot in an effort to get across the opposing end-line. The build-up play is only played
in a team’s own half. The other team (Defending) will endeavour to shut down and
block their attack and stop the ball from crossing their end line.
Coaches should demonstrate good shooting or passing technique and also need for
having a look at the target on the run up, and the importance of accuracy before
power. Coaches should also encourage defenders to read the game well and
anticipate the attacking team movement and where the ball “may” go,
Encourage… Good technique – pass / shot
Focus on ball
The shooter or third person should Look up and select shot
Firm ankle and “locked ankle” on shooting
Use of both feet and all parts of their feet
“Accuracy before power” – Otherwise you’ll waste all the game time chasing errant
footballs.

Players
Play Area:
groups a much smaller area is fine).
Setup:
14 cones to mark-out field and Open Goal zones – Apex of Zones 3 metres. 1 Ball. To
minutes.
Objective:
Game 3 - The “Shot Free Zone” Game
As per all our previous games, teams in possession must be encouraged to build-up
play from their goal line and pass the ball in any direction whilst maintaining possession
with the main objective in this game to shoot for goal before entering the “Shot-Free
(no shooting) Zone” to encourage shooting from distance, see illustration.

Players
Play Area:
Setup:
Objective:
goal line.

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