Foundational Phase | 4-6 year olds

This is a great age to coach! 

But it is difficult. 

Coaches working with this age group are our most important coaches. They are the gatekeepers of the child's first experience of football. What a responsibility! We need to be prepared and full of patience, praise and enthusiasm.

The coach for this age group needs to balance a variety of activities with a set of regular, well-known and enjoyed activities.

Football Training Session Plan

Focus Age Group: Young children (Preliminary level)

Ball Size: No. 4

Field: Mini-football field

Session Objectives

• Promote love for football
• Create a friendly, pleasant, and stress-free environment
• Encourage fun and healthy competition

Activity Guidelines

• Every child has a ball – maximum engagement and touch time
• Emphasis on fun, playful games that incorporate competition
• No pressure or stress – focus on enjoyment and confidence-building

Technical Focus (80% of session)

• 70% Individual Technique:
  • Dribbling, ball control, turns, basic passing
• 10% Group Technique:
  • Simple pair or small group passing, basic teamwork

Physical Development

• Intramuscular Coordination, Rhythm, Balance:
  • Through games using cones, hoops, ladders, and balls
• Speed (without the ball):
  • Relay races, tag games, chase games
• Running Technique:
  • Basic form and posture while running
• Reaction Speed:
  • Quick response games, start-stop challenges

What to Avoid

• No stretching routines
• No strength exercises
• No endurance/aerobic/anaerobic training

Game Concepts Introduced

• Scoring and preventing goals
  • Mini-matches or shooting games to teach attacking and defending