6-week football coaching plan for 10 children aged 7-9 years old, with 45-minute sessions. The focus is on basic skills, teamwork, and building confidence. Each session includes a warm-up, three training drills, and a match at the end for a fun, competitive element.

Week 1: Dribbling Basics & Ball Control

Warm-Up (5 minutes):

• "Follow the Leader" Dribbling:
  Players follow the coach, dribbling their ball in different directions (forward, backward, zigzag, and stopping on command).

Drills (30 minutes):

1. Dribble Around Cones (10 minutes):

   • Set up a zigzag course of cones.

   • Players dribble in and out of cones while maintaining close control of the ball. Focus on using both feet.

2. Toe Taps (10 minutes):

   • Players practice alternating tapping the top of the ball with the inside of their feet.

   • This helps improve balance and touch on the ball.

3. 1v1 Challenge (10 minutes):

   • Split players into pairs. One player dribbles to a designated line while the other defends.

   • The attacker tries to get past the defender and reach the line.

Match (10 minutes):

• 4v4 small-sided game. Focus on encouraging players to use their dribbling skills to control the ball and move around defenders.

Week 2: Passing Accuracy & Receiving

Warm-Up (5 minutes):

• "Pass and Move" Relay:
  Players pass the ball back and forth in pairs while jogging to the next cone and repeating.

Drills (30 minutes):

1. Short Passing (10 minutes):

   • Players practice passing short distances (5-10 yards) with the inside of their feet.

   • Focus on accuracy and controlling the pass.

2. Passing & Receiving (10 minutes):

   • Players pass the ball to a teammate and receive it back while working on controlling it with one touch.

   • Emphasize proper foot positioning when receiving the ball.

3. Passing Through Gates (10 minutes):

   • Set up small gates (2-3 yards wide) using cones.

   • Players must pass through the gates to their teammates, aiming for accuracy.

Match (10 minutes):

• 4v4 small-sided game. Encourage players to pass the ball to teammates instead of dribbling through the entire defense.

Week 3: Shooting & Target Practice

Warm-Up (5 minutes):

• "Shooting Dribble":
  Players dribble to a cone and take a shot at a small target (e.g., a cone or a small goal).

Drills (30 minutes):

1. Shooting with Both Feet (10 minutes):

   • Players take shots from various distances and angles using both feet.

   • Emphasize correct technique: planting the non-kicking foot beside the ball and striking with the inside or instep.

2. Target Practice (10 minutes):

   • Set up targets (cones, small goals, or markers) within the goal. Players aim to hit these targets while shooting.

3. 1v1 Attacking & Finishing (10 minutes):

   • Players go 1v1 with a goalkeeper (or coach). The attacker tries to shoot, while the defender tries to block the shot.

Match (10 minutes):

• 4v4 small-sided game. Encourage players to take shots on goal and work on attacking as a team.

Week 4: Defensive Skills

Warm-Up (5 minutes):

• "Sharks and Minnows" Game:
  Players are "minnows" trying to dribble from one side to the other, while "sharks" (defenders) try to steal their ball.

Drills (30 minutes):

1. Shadow Defending (10 minutes):

   • Players practice shadowing an opponent, staying a few feet behind them while maintaining balance and positioning.

2. Tackling (10 minutes):

   • Focus on teaching proper tackling technique: timing the tackle and going for the ball (not the player).

   • Players practice with a partner by attempting to win the ball from each other.

3. Defending 1v1 (10 minutes):

   • Players defend against an attacker trying to dribble past them.

   • Emphasize staying low and positioning between the attacker and goal.

Match (10 minutes):

• 4v4 small-sided game. Focus on players working together as a defensive unit and tracking the ball.

Week 5: Teamwork & Passing Under Pressure

Warm-Up (5 minutes):

• "Pass & Move" Game:
  Players form a circle, passing the ball around and moving to different spots after each pass. If the ball is intercepted, the players must work to regain possession.

Drills (30 minutes):

1. Pass & Move Under Pressure (10 minutes):

   • Players work in pairs, passing the ball to each other while under pressure from a defender.

   • Focus on moving to open space after making a pass.

2. Triangle Passing (10 minutes):

   • Players form a triangle with two teammates. They pass the ball around, moving to different spots.

   • Add pressure by introducing a defender trying to intercept.

3. 2v2 Possession Game (10 minutes):

   • Divide players into teams of two. The goal is to maintain possession of the ball while passing and moving under pressure.

Match (10 minutes):

• 4v4 small-sided game. Encourage quick passes and movement off the ball to support teammates.

Week 6: Game Play & Review

Warm-Up (5 minutes):

• "Ball Tag" Game:
  Players dribble their ball while trying to tag others by hitting their ball with their own. When tagged, they do 5 quick touches on their ball before rejoining.

Drills (30 minutes):

1. Mini Matches (10 minutes):

   • Split players into two teams and have them play mini-games with different rules, such as no dribbling, only passing, or one-touch play.

2. Passing & Shooting (10 minutes):

   • Players practice passing the ball to a teammate who then takes a shot on goal.

3. Game Situations (10 minutes):

   • Simulate in-game situations like defending corners or free kicks.

   • Players practice positioning and decision-making.

Match (10 minutes):

• 4v4 small-sided game. Emphasize what they’ve learned throughout the 6 weeks, focusing on teamwork, passing, shooting, and defending.

​

​

This plan provides a balanced mix of skill development and match play, ensuring the players improve while having fun. This plan is used as a guide for our coaches and may differ week by week.