Fundamental Phase | 7-9 year olds

Children aged 7 to 9 are hugely varied in terms of their experiences in football, their perceptions of their football ability and enjoyment, their confidence to compete physically, their learning styles and their athleticism in terms of balance and co-ordination.

 The main challenge for the coach is to choose activities which are appropriate to the needs of the children and the group, and to identify those children within an activity which are excelling and need their learning extended, and also those who are struggling and require help. 

When planning sessions, coaches need to include ways of adapting each activity so that all children experience enjoyment, success and the opportunity to express themselves.

Football Training Session Plan

Target Age Group: Youth (e.g., U8–U10)

Ball Size: No. 4

Field Dimensions: 30x50 meters (Max format: 7v7)

Core Principles

• Love for Football – Nurture passion for the game through fun, engaging sessions
• Playful Learning – Activities are enjoyable while still promoting learning and development
• Maximum Ball Contact – Every player spends time with the ball to improve technical skills

Session Breakdown

 Technical Emphasis – 70%

• Individual Technique (40%)
  • Ball control, dribbling, feints, turning, shooting, passing
  • Change of direction with and without the ball
• Team Technique (30%)
  • Combination plays, supporting teammates, passing and moving
  • Simple rondos or positional games

Tactical Understanding – 20%

• Individual Tactics (20%)
  • Keeping possession
  • Understanding roles: attacker vs. defender
  • What is attacking and defending? When and how to do each
  • Learning basic principles in decision-making
• Rules Introduction (playful approach)
  • Offside, corners, penalties, fouls
  • Learned through mini-games and fun scenarios

Physical Conditioning – 10%

• Games and Drills
  • Obstacle courses
  • Jumping and running exercises
  • Reaction games and competitive relays
• Focus on:
  • Balance, rhythm, neuromuscular coordination
  • Dexterity under space and time pressure

Game Formats

• Small-sided games:
  • 1v1 with one or two goals
  • 2v2, 3v3, 4v4 – max engagement and decision-making
• Max Format: 7v7 on a 30x50m pitch

Session Style

• Use simple, playful exercises to encourage learning
• Build confidence and creativity with and without the ball
• Reinforce teamwork, communication and enjoyment