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U7 football training - first time coach, first time players!

Darren Kershaw

Hi everyone,

I have just started coaching an U7 team. This is my first position as a coach and it is the first time my club has had an U7 team.

I have played and watched football for over 40 years but this is a brand new experience for me.

I have a regular weekly group of 15-20 players, mostly boys but there are a couple of girls too. I have a few obvious early challenges that I'd like some help or advice for:

  • Range of ability levels - perhaps my biggest challenge. Some of the group have clearly played and watched football for a while, whilst some are complete beginners and new to the game. In some cases they can just about kick the ball, but not much more. How do I cater for this to keep the better players engaged (so they don't get bored) whilst helping to develop the new starters?
  • Bees round honey - whenever we play a game they automatically crowd around the ball and follow it round the pitch in a big messy group, with often the best few players hogging most of the ball - any ideas to overcome this?
  • Attention span - half the battle is just getting them to listen and stand still - so i have to be quick and clear in my instructions - any other ideas for engaging young ones?
  • time on the ball - i often have only enough for one ball between 2 - any ideas to maximise time on the ball for everyone during practice drills?

thank you - any and all advice is most appreciated!

Darren

  • 0

    - Range of ability levels -  Make sure that you give the better players challenges to help them push themselves. Can they set their own challenges?

    - Bees round honey - The likelihood is that they will do this. But you can cut the impact of this down if you play smaller-sided games. Even if you only have two goals you can have 2/3 games taking place on the same pitch.

    - Attention Span - The more fun you make the session the more attention they give you. Avoid queues and ask questions. Also, there is nothing wrong with being silly and dropping in the odd Dad joke. Say the words poo to bogeys is always a guarantee they pay attention.

    - Time on the ball - Can they bring their own ball?

  • 0

    Hi Darren 

    It's fantastic to hear that another person wants to give back to the game. I teach children the age you are talking about andhave been coachingthem for 35 years.

    I think the first thing is to build on what you have already highlighted. Time on the ball is essential at this age for two reasons. One, they need to develop their ability to travel, kick and manipulate the ball. This takes years of practice and play. And two, that's why they play. They want to be on the ball. So, small sided games will give them that. Do you have enough room to set up 3 small pitches? Players can play 1v1 on the same pitch aswell as 3v3 games to develop early team work and understanding the pitch space. This maximises connection with the ball.

    There is lots of evidence based research on the  benefits of smaller game formats and the FA training advocates learning through playing (the practice spectrum) rather than traditional line type drills. This also increases motivation and greaty reduces the chances to stand around and get bored. So it's awin win for their attention. They don't want to listen, they want to play. Please look on England Learning for sessions on here about small-sided games, behaviour and any articles involving Pete Sturgess. He is an expert in this age group. 

    Playing smaller formats stops bunching as much but be aware that this is what their game looks like. Trying to get them spreading out and passing before their individual technical requirements first, doesn't serve them well in the long run. Try to see the bunching as a way to support dribbling. Kids know what's good for them. It might seem like they are ball hogging,  but actually their brains are more inclined to be centred on themselves at this age. They want to score. There is plenty of time to focus on team tactics once they have mastered the ball by themselves. 

    In terms of ability, again playing builds muscle strength, coordination, agility and balance. This is fundamental in order to play the game when they are older. If they are playing the game then the learners striving to keep up, will be developing. For those forging ahead you can set little challenges. Again there are lots of ideas about setting appropriate challenges on here.

    As I  said above, there is a wealth of evidence and practical support ideas on the England Learning app. Most importantly understand what their game looks like. It is bees round a honey pot with lots of transitions and mistakes. They will  work it out with patience and the right support. 

    Feel  free to ask more and good luck.

    Steve Gibbs - FA Coach Developer and  BAHons in Primary Education Studies

  • 0

    Great post Darren, and thanks for sharing. 

    I'm sure the points you make are common in lots of grassroots teams at a variety of age groups.There is some great information and advice from Steve below. 

    Range of ability levels - can you give them individual targets (e.g. ask a better player to pass using fewer touches)

    Bees round honey pots - zones in games, small groups (mirror practices)

    Attentions span - short instructions like you say and short little games/practices (and little progressions/challenges), if taking information on is hard, try using a whiteboard/tacticsboard as they will learn in different ways

    Ball between 2 - can you do some pair exercise (they perform skill, then partner does and they coach each other), even simple things like toe taps

    The STEP principle may also help with these ideas https://learn.englandfootball.com/articles-and-resources/coaching/resources/2022/Make-coaching-personal-with-the-STEP-framework?q=challenge%20players 

    Hope this gives you a few things to think about, any questions please add.

    Kind regards

    Dave