5v5 Active Fun Session
A 45-minute high-activity session for U8-U9 squads. Game-based fitness through relay games, tag games, and simultaneous small-sided games.
⏱Session timeline
▦Session blocks
Team relay race
8 minTwo teams of 5. Each player dribbles around a cone 20m away and back, passes to next player. Repeat 3 times. Simple, effective, physically demanding.
Sharks and minnows (extended)
10 minAll players with balls in a 20x15 grid. Two sharks. Last two players with balls win. Fast, continuous, every player maximally active.
Three simultaneous 3v3
20 minThree simultaneous games running at once. Each team plays 4 minutes then rotates. This format delivers more active minutes per player than any single larger game.
Partner ball challenge
5 minIn pairs, how many different ball challenges can they do in 3 minutes? Sole rolls, headers, around-the-world, catch and flick. Anything goes. Fun and flexible.
Cool-down walk
2 minEasy walk lap, deep breaths. One positive each.
◆What you'll need from yourself
Energy. This session needs the coach to be high-energy from minute one. Enthusiasm is contagious with U8-U9.
!Common problems
Players standing around during relay race. Check the baton exchange — usually the problem is players not knowing when to run.