You could use flat cones as markers on different areas of the pitch and if they dribble over those on the way to goal get two goals. Not an exact science but it will get them moving into all areas of the green grass space. Muscle memory and repetition will start to kick in. The other option is interventions when they go towards opposing players. Asking them questions as to where is the best option to run into. 

Dribble for Points

Players will dribble and turn, whilst keeping their heads up in search for opponents and scoring opportunities.

INITIAL SET-UP:

The majority of the group start on the outside with a ball each. I

nside the playing area, there are different sized gates and a minority of defenders.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Two-thirds of the group start around the outside of the area, with a ball.

On the coach’s call, players must dribble to the other side (out of the grid). T

he players must dribble through as many gates as possible, while also making sure they make it safely to the other side.

Each gate is worth a point.

Players must get across the finish line for the points to count.

If the defender regains possession, he can run with the ball to any point on the outside, where the dribbler must start again

SCORING: Players keep an individual record of the number of points they have achieved. The player with the highest score wins.

Doing games without a ball to begin with e.g. players have a tail in the side of their shorts and have to get across without losing it. This will make it easier for them to lift their heads and look for space to exploit them can add a football but keep the bib so they are still looking to stay away from defenders to avoid being tagged. Can then discuss what things they did to avoid being tagged before removing the bibs 

it will most probably look worse because the opposition are running at them also, i know that sounds silly but try to coach changing angles as soon as they pick up the ball focus on using different parts of the feet to do this

1v1's are great for ball mastery but often starts with one player opposite the other then player runs with ball straight at them to get past.

try 1v1's but with 2 goals either side in the other half, hopefully this will promote a shift in angles immediately

best of luck

Thank you, really helpful

Alan, this is definitely a time when you try to understand the world of the 6 year old child rather than look for a football answer. Try to imagine what is going on in the mind, the decisions and the body of these young children. They are in a competitive environment with adults shouting on advice and encouragement, they are trying to control the ball and move with it (not many will have the kind of control and mastery over the ball that will allow their head to come up) they will be aware that players of the other team are scattered around the pitch, they are trying to see what their next action or decision might be and they will have an overriding desire to dribble forward because the goal of their opponent is in that general direction. If you take this into account we might come to the conclusion that there is a hell of a lot going on for the child and this may result in them dribbling towards an opponent rather than into the space that we as adults, standing on the sideline, under no pressure, with years of experience can see that they should. This may sound critical but its not designed to be. Decisions are informed by the information that can be taken in from the environment around you. Children of 6 are not completely in control of the ball so a lot of their thought processes will be focussed on this. This leaves less cognitive space or energy to look up, process the mass of information that is available to them so that they can make the "right" decision. If you also add in that children of this age are not great at deciphering what bits of information from all that is coming in via their senses is the most important I think we might decide that all the players need is lots of relevant practice over a long period of time, patience, care and lots of understanding and encouragement. I hope this helps. Pete

Thanks for your thoughts, I did ask for simple training ideas which other people have very kindly provided, one of which we used this week and worked brilliantly. I would suggest reading some of the above responses rather than under estimating the mind and ability of a 6 year old.

Hi Ronan, this worked fantastically gave them gates either side of the pitch and two areas either side of the goal they were encourage to get to before shooting... with the option to go to either. Encouraged some great decision making and above all they really enjoyed it

Hi Alan. 

I am glad that you had some success with the ideas suggested. It is always worth having a go at different things to develop as a coach and to see how children respond. 

If I may add to that. Please take the time to look at the many webinars, podcasts or practical sessions that Pete delivers. Lots of which can be found on the England Learning site. I don't think he was suggesting that young players lack ability. As a world renowned expert in this/his field, he is rather saying the opposite. Children have an innate ability to problem solve. We just need to create a playful environment where they feel safe to try things out, and the right age appropriate challenge is part of that.

Six year olds are full of curiosity, energy and potential. As an Early Years teacher I am reminded of that daily. But just as we learn to crawl, walk, talk, read, write etc in our own time, as footballers, players heads will come up as their technical skills develop. As a teacher I  cannot force this to happen. Generally it will happen during the later stages of the foundation phase. So around 9-11 years old. Football is incredibly complex but it is underpinned by an individuals holistic connection with the ball.

Try giving your young players  lots of opportunities to dribble 1v1 or in other small formats like 2v1, 2v2. Whatever the practice ask yourself, does it look like the game? And at this age, this  is rather like a playground at school! Try to make your practices directional like the game? Does it have live opposition like the game? Play around with different shaped pitches, multiple goals, end zones etc. Give them problems to solve and let the game be the teacher. 

Good luck! Feel free to ask more and  be as open minded and inquisitive as the players you care about.