U7 Development Session
A 45-minute session for U7s with a few months under their belts — building dribbling confidence and the 3v3 game understanding.
▦Session blocks
Sharks and Minnows
The high-engagement warm-up. Run 4 rounds of 90 seconds. Use the easier variation if defenders win every round (sharks must dribble too). Make sure every player gets a turn as shark.
1v1 Box Challenge
Use the easier variation — 3 gates instead of 2, wider area. Attackers need 50%+ success rate. Each player gets ~5 attacking reps. Praise every attempt to dribble past, regardless of outcome.
End-Zone Dribble
Apply the dribbling work in a real game format. Use the basic version (single dribble across line scores). Every kid will score eventually — the open end-zone makes it inclusive. Reshuffle teams between games.
Free play with parents
5 minutes of unstructured play. If parents are around, invite them onto the pitch for a casual kickaround. The cool-down becomes a social moment. Memorable end to the session.
◆What you'll need from yourself
Clear demonstrations and high energy. Keep the session moving with minimal queuing, and reinforce one or two key coaching points rather than overloading players with information.
!Common problems
Players standing in queues (set up enough stations to keep everyone active) and the session running too long on one activity (keep blocks tight and move on while engagement is high).