Warm-Up - Bank Robbers (8 mins)
Overview:
Do this game as an arrival / warm up activity for a maximum of 8 minutes then get the players into their ball mastery.
Setup:
Create a square with a smaller box in the middle (the bank). Place cones inside the bank as the “loot.” Set up four gates around the box with one defender in each gate. The rest are robbers.
How it works:
Robbers try to enter the bank through a gate, grab one cone, and escape without being tagged. If they’re tagged inside the bank or on the way out, they lose all their loot. Rotate attackers and defenders regularly.
Coaching Points:
- Scan first: Eyes up to spot the best gate and moment to go.
- 1v1 evasion: Use body feints and quick movements to beat the tagger.
- Speed & timing: Explode through the gate when space opens.
- Change of direction: Be ready to adjust if a defender blocks your path.
Progression:
Each robber has a ball and must dribble in and out of the bank.
Regression:
Defenders can move freely around the outside of the bank (not inside).
Ball Mastery - Technicals (15 mins)
Ball Mastery – Individual Work
Setup:
Players work individually with a ball each. Set up four lines around the area with 3 players per line. Players dribble across to the opposite line, perform the designated ball mastery move and turn, then dribble back. After a set time, rotate players onto a different line to practice new skills.
Line Challenges:
- Line 1: Inside–outside → hook turn
- Line 2: Top taps → outside hook
- Line 3: Inside–outside (both feet) → stop turn
- Line 4: Be creative – any moves or turns
Technical Coaching Points:
- Awareness: Head up to scan space and avoid others while dribbling.
- Use both feet: Perform all moves and turns on left and right.
- Close control: Lots of small touches to keep the ball close at all times.
Skills - 1v1 Races (15 mins)
5v5 Game (15 mins)
5v5 Rules Game
Objective:
To help players experience, and coaches actively coach, the official FA U8 5v5 laws (game restarts, positioning, and roles) through realistic match play with frequent guided stoppages.
Setup
- Pitch: FA U8 5v5 size (approx. 30 x 20 yards)
- Players: 5v5 including goalkeepers
- Equipment: Goals, balls, cones
- Duration: 3–4 blocks of 4–5 minutes
Game Conditions (FA Rules Emphasis)
Key Rules in Play:
- No offside
- Goalkeeper restarts:
- Ball must be rolled or thrown out (no kicking from hands)
- Opposition retreat line:
- All opposition players must retreat into their own half for goal kicks
- Restarts:
- Kick-ins instead of throw-ins
- Ball must be stationary
- Corners:
- Taken from corner arc, no pressure until first touch
- Free kicks:
- Indirect, opposition 5 yards away
How the Game Runs
- Play is free-flowing, but the coach pauses briefly when a restart or rule situation occurs.
- Coach explains quickly, then restarts play correctly.
- Rotate goalkeepers regularly so all players experience the role.
Coaching Focus (for Coaches)
Game Understanding
- Pause and ask: “What restart is this?”
- Reinforce correct positioning before restarting.
Restarts
- Encourage quick but correct kick-ins and goal kicks.
- Check ball placement and opposition distance.
Goalkeeper Role
- Support keepers with clear instructions:
- “Roll or throw”
- “Head up – find a teammate”
Player Responsibility
- Encourage players to self-organise for restarts.
- Praise players who recognise and apply rules without prompts.