Warm-Up - Cops & Robbers (10 mins)
Ball Mastery - Skills Circle 2 (10 mins)
Skills - Shark Attack Game (10 mins)
Skills - 1v1 Keep Ball Game (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.