7v7 - U10 - 3rd and 4th Grade

Coaching Resource
WYSA Session Plans:
7v7
U10(3rd and 4th Grade)
John Bavota
Director of Coaching
[email protected]
WILMINGTONYOUTHSOCCER.OR
G
Coaching Resource
What makes a session have a good flow?
Here are some things to consider:
1. Preparation - Understanding the session

plan and setting up your training.
2. Knowing Your Players - Adapt to each

personality.
3. Demonstrations - Be the example, or

use Assistant Coach/Technical Director or
players to demonstrate drills and concepts.
4. Modifications - Knowing when to

progress or regress.
5. Communication - Be sure to ask

questions and be open to feedback.
WILMINGTONYOUTHSOCCER.ORG
Coaching Resource
Coaching Tips:
Transfer Knowledge into understanding
1. “EYES ON ME!”
Get their attention. Acknowledge children that are paying
attention. “Catch them being good.” Consider kneeling to
get eye level.
2. LIMIT INFORMATION TO 1-2 POINTS AT A TIME

Teach in small bits at a time. Example: “When turning the
ball your foot should hug it.”
3. CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

Have the players “show you” instead of asking them “Does
that make sense?” Say, “Let me see you try.” Example:
Have them show you how to do a pass in slow motion.
4. BE POSITIVE
Be specific with praise! Example: “Cindy, that’s great to
have your head up while dribbling.
5. SMILE
Be enthusiastic! Remember that children won’t care what
you know until they know that you care.
Reference: United Soccer Coaches, 4v4 Diploma: Philosophy
Coaching Resource
Play – Practice - Play

Using the Play - Practice - Play method
allows a coach to establish an objective
during match conditions.
“We need our younger players to “play”

freely more in training. This method allows
more “free” play but then also gives the
opportunity to teach using activities in the
middle (isolation method) before going
back to the game.”
-Vincent Ganzberg
DOC Indiana Youth Soccer
US Soccer Coaching Education National Staff
NSCAA National Staff
Coaching Resource
Play – Practice – Play

Implementation
1. Set up multiple 3v3, 4v4 fields with cones, or
puggs based on roster numbers (Lay out training
vest/pinnies, and balls on each field).
2. Bring players in together as a group - Provide the

training objective/theme.
– “In this game I want to see if you can look to take

players 1v1 and penetrate into the final 1/3 using
the dribble to create scoring opportunities…..”
3. Coach in the flow.
4. Use Proper Coaching Cues - Head up,

Control>Speed, Turn, Dribble, Pass, Shoot…etc.
Coaching Resource
Play – Practice - Play
Set up multiple 3v3, 4v4 fields with cones, or puggs based on roster numbers
(Lay out training vest/pennies, and balls on each field)
Bring players in together as a group - Provide the training objective/theme:

Example - “In this game I want to see if you can look to take players 1v1 and
PASS to your teammates to create scoring opportunities…
Key Coaching Cues:

- Head up!
- Dribble or Pass into space or to teammates feet.
- Control > Speed
Coaching Resource
Play - Practice - Play

Scrimmage
Each Session can end w/ scrimmage against
another WYSA team of same age group.
Discuss with another Coach before practice
or during a water break to coordinate.
Positional Numbering System
Recommended System for 7v7:
1-3-2-1
• Flank MF Pressing Zones

• Combined pressure of MF + Strikers = predictability o
serve
Positional Numbering Areas of Play
#1 Goalkeeper
Attack:
• Make penetrating passes up field if possible to space for teammate
• Make possession passing to teammate’s feet
• Act as support/outlet for teammates while in possession
Defense:
• Collect serves in playing area with feet or hands
• Collect shots on goal
• Organize #4, #5, and #8 while transition to defend, and during defense

serve
#5 Left Back #4 Right Back

Attack:
• Penetrate through combinations or dribble
• Provide services/scoring chances from wide areas
• Connect/Support #1, #8, #7, #11, and #9
Defense:
• Provide pressure on ball while other team is in possession
• Provide cover for #1, #8, #7, and #11
• Provide balance when defending during transition

serve
#8 Central Midfield-Back
Attack:
• Penetrate with the ball via dribble, pass, shot
• Connect/Support #1, #4, #5, #11, #7, and #9
• Dictate penetration (going forward), or maintaining possession (sideways,
or back)
Defense:
• Provide cover for #4, #5, #7, and #11
• Provide transition defense, and recover to defend the ball

serve
#7 Left Wing #11 Right Winger

Attack:
• Provide services/scoring chances from wide areas
• Connect/Support #1, #4, #5, #8, and #9
Defense:
• Provide cover for #4, #5, #8, #9
• Provide balance when defending on weak side during transition

serve
#9 Central Forward
Attack:
• Act as outlet & support for #1,#4, #5, #7, #11, and #8
• Maintain possession (hold ball) vs unbalance defense (look to penetrate)
Defense:
• Try to immediately regain lost possession vs redirect pressure
• Pressure opposing #1, #4, #5, #7, #11, and #8 while in possession

serve
Coaching Resource - Practice Methodology
Things to consider when planning a Session:

1. PREPARE SPACE FOR NUMBER OF PLAYERS
2. DIFFERENTIATE ACTIVITIES BASED ON AGE/SKILL

LEVEL
3. CHANGE THE SHAPE AND THE SIZE OF AREA -

SMALL SIDED GAMES
4. USE ASSISTANT COACHES OR PARENT HELPERS
5. LIMIT AMOUNT OF TOUCHES ON THE BALL -

RESTRICTIONS
6. ADD UNOPPOSED(NO PRESSURE) ZONES
7. COUNTER ATTACK GOALS
8. DIVIDE FIELD INTO ZONES
9. PLAY WITH NUMBERS ADVANTAGE(OVERLOAD)
10. ALLOW TIME TO TEACH SITUATIONAL/POSITIONAL

PLAY
WYSA 7v7 Session Plans
1. Name/Team: Session ONE
2. Topic: Individual Dribbling Skill Development - Protect the Ball - 1v1’s
1a. Individual Dribbling

- Set-up small area for individual dribbling skills. Coach should demonstrate
proper techniques using LACES, INSIDE, OUTSIDE, and SOLE of foot.
- Add turns - Inside/Outside Hook, Pull Back, Cruyff
- Add Pressure - Coach or player becomes DEFENDER/S
Coaching Cues:
Head Up - Dribble - Light Touch - Control > Speed
1b. Skill Game - Knockout

- Players inside the Goal Box not only DRIBBLE to avoid other players, they
must try to “knockout” other player’s balls. If your ball is kicked out, you
either have to perform FOUNDATION to return, or you are out until next
round!
Coaching Cues:
Head up - Dribble - Shield
2. 1v1’s to Goal
- Set up 1 line of ATTACKERS and 1 line of DEFENDERS as shown in
image. DEFENDER PASSES ball out to ATTACKER. DEFENDER
follows PASS and creates 1V1 in goal box w/ ATTACKER.
- DEFENDER must DRIBBLE out of box.
- Switch lines after duration.
Coaching Cues:
Attack - Defend - Pass - Dribble - 1v1
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
- Set-up Scrimmage with another team.
1. Name/Team: Session TWO
2. Topic: Dribble into Space - Passing/Receiving - 2v2’s
1a. End-Zone Game w/ Targets

- Set-up two end zones about 20 yards apart(use width/length of area). Two
Teams. Each team starts in their end-zone. Players from each team
DRIBBLE across to opposing teams end-zone and try to knock down targets.
Players CANNOT enter into opposing teams end-zone, although they must
DRIBBLE back to their end-zone to recover a ball.
- Team that knocks down the most targets, WINS!
Coaching Cues:
Head Up - Dribble - Find Space - Inside Pass - Laces Shot
1b. End-zone Game Progression

- Make 2-3 teams of 3 or 4 players.
- Each team tries to score by either DRIBBLING or PASSING into the opposing
team’s end-zone.
- Play for points - DRIBBLE = 1 point LEAD PASS = 3 Points
Coaching Cues:
Dribble - Pass - Lead Pass
2. 2v2 to Goal
- Set up 2 lines of ATTACKERS and 2 lines of DEFENDERS as shown in image.
DEFENDER PASSES ball out to ATTACKERS. DEFENDER follows PASS and
creates 2V1 against ATTACKERS.
- DEFENDER must DRIBBLE out of box, or create OUTLET PASS
- Switch lines after duration.
Coaching Cues:
Attack - Defend - Pass - Dribble - 2v1
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
1. Name/Team: Session THREE
2. Topic: Individual Dribbling Skills - Fun Game - 2v2 w/ Dribble into Space
1. Gate Dribbling
- Set-up multiple GATES around your area. Gates can be narrow or wide.
- Progression1 - Players must DRIBBLE thru GATES 1x performing 90degree turns
using different surfaces(Inside, Outside, Sole)
- Progression 2 - Players DRIBBLE thru GATES 2x performing 180degree turn using
different surfaces(Inside, Outside, Laces)
- Progression 3 - Players DRIBBLE thru GATES 3x performing a figure 8 around
GATE.
- *Competition - Who can DRIBBLE thru the most GATES?
Coaching Cues:
Head up - Light Touches to Keep Ball Close - Control > Speed
1b. Skill Game - Freeze Tag

- Coach or Players designated as Tagger. Players DRIBBLE and avoid Tagger/s. If
tagged, FROZEN player must put foot on ball, and wait to receive high-five from
teammate.
- Players can create a GATE for players to PASS thru in order to become UN-
FROZEN.
Coaching Cues:
Head Up - Dribble - Find Space - Gate
3. 2v2 to 2 Goals/Gates
- Set up 2 lines of ATTACKERS and 1 line of DEFENDERS as shown in image.
Coach PASSES ball out to either side. ATTACKING players must attempt to score
in PUGGS or DRIBBLE thru GATES to score.
Coaching Cues:
Attack - Defend - Pass - Dribble - Shoot - 1v1 - 2v1
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
1. Name/Team: Session FOUR
2. Topic: Individual Dribbling Skills - 1v1 and Overloads
1. Individual Dribbling w/ Obstacles

- Set-up small area for individual dribbling skills. Coach
should demonstrate proper techniques using laces, inside,
outside and sole of foot.
- Add turns - Inside/Outside Hook, Pull Back, Cruyff
- Add Pressure - Coach or player becomes defender.
Coaching Cues:
Head Up - Dribble - Control > Speed
2. Numbers Game
- Make two teams. For each team, designate each player with
a number(1,2,3,..etc.) Coach delivers ball into space, calls
out any number, and those players enter area to play
1v1-3v3. To avoid collisions send ball to wide areas.
Coaching Cues:
- Attack - Defend - Dribble - Pass - Shoot
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
1. Name/Team: Session FIVE
2. Topic: 1v1 - Overloads(2v1)
1. Fake to the Gate

- Use center marker(Pole/Cone). Make two GATES 10
yards to the left and right of center marker. Set-up two
lines of players.
- No ball to start. Designate one line to be ATTACKER
and the other DEFENDER. ATTACKER runs straight
out to marker decides which gate to run thru.
DEFENDER must react and try to TAG.
- Add ball to ATTACKER. Players must now dribble thru
gates without losing possession of the ball.
Coaching Cues:
Head Up - Fake/Juke - Dribble - Attack - Defend -
Control > Speed
2. 2v1 Overload
- Set-up two lines of ATTACKERS and one line of
DEFENDERS.
- Coach starts by passing ball to ATTACKERS who are
trying to score. If DEFENDER recovers ball, they can
try to score in opposing team’s goal, or dribble out thru
gates. Or, they can pass to a Coach.
Coaching Cues:
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
1. Name/Team: Session SIX
2. Topic: Individual Dribbling Skills - Shooting - 3v2 Overload
1. Technical Dribble + Shoot

- Set up one line of players and two sets of obstacles one
each side of the field. Designate a GK.
- First player in line becomes player to receive before set
of cones. Player receives ball from center line player,
who then becomes receiving player. Receiving player
dribbles thru cones performing cuts/chops, then performs
shot on goal.
- Switch sides or alternate sides for work on timing.
Coaching Cues:
Dribble - Head Up - Change Direction - Cut or Chop - Control >
Speed
2. 3v2 to Goal
- Set up three lines of ATTACKING players and
designate two DEFENDERS for a duration of time.
- Coach passes ball to any ATTACKER who then starts
the 3v2 attack on goal. If DEFENDER/S recover ball
they can transition to score Puggs.
- TACTICS - Encourage ATTACKING players to create
1v1 or 2v1 scenarios. Encourage DEFENDERS to
protect the middle/goal by staying together.
Coaching Cues:
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
1. Name/Team: Session SEVEN
2. Topic: Understand the Game, Technical Development, and Fun!
1. 1v1 Duels + Knockout

- Each Player finds a partner. One Player is designated
ATTACKER(ball) to start. His/her partner is the DEFENDER(no
ball). The DEFENDER must work to try and recover ball from
ATTACKER. If DEFENDER recovers ball from ATTACKER,
the roles switch.
- Play 2-3 Rounds at 90 seconds.
- Progress to KNOCKOUT. Players inside the Goal Box not only
dribble to avoid other players, they must try to “knockout” other
player’s balls. If your ball is kicked out, you either have to
perform foundation to return, or you are out until next round!
Coaching Cues:
2. 1v1 to Goal w/ transition

- Set-up two teams of players. One player starts out by taking
unopposed SHOT on GK. Once player SHOOTS on GK,
they immediately transition to become DEFENDER of
opposing team player. Creating a constant 1v1 scenario.
Coaching Cues:
- Attack - Defend - Dribble - Shoot - 1V1
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
1. Name/Team: Session EIGHT
2. Topic: Understand the Game, Technical Development, and Fun!
1. Line Dribble and Passing

- Set-up 2 lanes w/ 4-5 players(2-3 on each end). First player in
each line has ball.
- Progression 1 - Players DRIBBLE to the opposite line and leave
ball for next payer. Players stay in opposite line.
- Progression 2 - Players DRIBBLE half-way and complete PASS
to opposite line. Players follow PASS and run to opposite line.
- *Progression 3 - Two Touch PASSING. First touch to control and
second touch to PASS. Follow PASS and run to opposite line.
Coaching Cues:
2. 4v2 to Goal w/ Counter Goals

- Set-up two teams. Designate 2 DEFENDERS and 1 GK.
Rest of the players are ATTACKERS.
- Switch DEFENDERS every 2-3min.
- ATTACKING players utilize DRIBBLE and PASSING to
try and score on goal. DEFENDERS protect goal/middle,
and if recover ball are encouraged to score in counter Pugg
Goals.
- *Restrictions: ATTACKERS must complete certain
amount of passes before attempt to score.
Coaching Cues:
- Attack - Defend - Dribble - Pass - Shoot - Find Open Space
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
1. Name/Team: Session NINE
2. Topic: Build out from DEFENSE - 3v3
1. Technical Warm-up:
Build out from the DEFENSE
- Set-up each position using markers/cones. Portions are GK
- DEFENDER - MID-FIELDER - STRIKER.
- Ball starts with the GK who rolls ball out to DEFENDER.
DEFENDER RECEIVES and PASSES up and in to
Center MID-FIELDER, who then PASSES out to Wide
MID-FIELDER. Wide MID-FIELDER then finishes
PASSING sequence to STRIKER. STRIKER
DRIBBLES back to the start line(GK).
- Change PASSING sequence. Ex. Start with DEFENDER
PASSING up to Wide MID-FIELDER first.
1. Small-Sided Activity - 3v2

Build out from the DEFENSE - 3v2
- Set-up 3 ATTACKERS and 2 DEFENDERS. This creates
a 3v3 when utilizing the GK.
- DEFENDERS start w/ ball and try to successful score in
one of the two counter PUGG goals. If ATTACKING team
recovers ball, they can try to score.
- Encourage DEFENDERS to DRIBBLE or PASS to help
protect the middle of the field.
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
1. Name/Team: Session TEN
2. Topic: Passing/Receiving Sequence - Possession
1. Technical Warm-up - Triangle Passing

- Set-up a few 10x10x10 triangles, and groups of 3 players.
- Players use proper PASSING and RECEIVING to move
the ball in Triangle Pattern. Encourage players to find
SPACE and play ball outside the Triangle.
- Players should use back foot to RECEIVE and INSIDE
foot to PASS.
- How many times can you rotate the ball around shape in
1min.?
- Change rotation.
2. Small-sided Activity - 3v1

3v1 Possession
- Set-up 15x15 area. 3 players inside and 3 or
remaining defenders line up outside corner. 1 defender
passes ball into area. Players inside hold the ball with
dribble, pass, and movement. If defender recovers or
possessing players lose ball, 1 new defender re-starts.
- Switch teams every 3min.
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
1. Name/Team: Session ELEVEN
1. Partner Passing w/ Targets

- Set-up partners 15-20 yards away. Split partners w/ target
cone. Players must try to knock down target with accurate
PASSING. Teammate RECEIVES missed opportunitie.
How many can you knock down in 1min?
- Change distance of players.
Coaching Cues:
Head Up - Inside Pass - Receive
2. Partner Passing and 2v1’s

- Set-up area with four goals. Split area in half w/ cones.
- Players partner up! Each set of partners are working to
DRIBBLE, PASS, and SHOOT to score goals together.
Once you score on one end, you and your partner must
transition to the other side. Coach/s is there to be
DEFENDER. If DEFENDER RECOVERS the ball,
players must re-set their score.
Coaching Points:
- Dribble into Space - Pass w/ teammate -
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
1. Name/Team: Session TWELVE
1. 1v1 and 2v2’s to PUGG Goals/Gates

- Set-up area w/ 4 PUGG Goals on each end. Split into two
teams. Coach plays the ball in to either team.
- Play 1v1. ATTACKING player must DRIBBLE and
SHOOT in opposing teams PUGG Goals. If DEFENDER
RECOVERS ball, roles switch.
Coaching points
- Encourage players to DRIBBLE into SPACE using speed
or 1v1 Skill.
- Create combination plays e.g give and go, overlap,
crossover.
-1v1 (ATTACK vs. DEFENDER)
3.4V3 - Play the Widths

-Set-up wide channels. Play 4 ATTACKING players vs 3
DEFENDERS(2 DEFENDERS + 1 GK)
- The ball must travel into the wide channels before entering
the box for a shot on goal.
Coaching Points
- Find open space to stretch the DEFENDERS.
- Play wide before scoring!
- Speed of play
3. Final Game
Play 7v7
Coaching Resource
REPEAT!
“Repetition & routine are the bedfellows

of success for young players”
For the remaining weeks, repeat

previous sessions. Be creative! Add
restrictions, obstacles, and/or more
goals.
Players will succeed if they are given

the chance to repeat familiar tasks.

7v7 - U10 - 3rd and 4th Grade

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Coaching Resource

WYSA Session Plans:

U10(3rd and 4th Grade)

What makes a session have a good flow?

Here are some things to consider:

1. Preparation - Understanding the session

2. Knowing Your Players - Adapt to each

3. Demonstrations - Be the example, or

4. Modifications - Knowing when to

5. Communication - Be sure to ask

2. LIMIT INFORMATION TO 1-2 POINTS AT A TIME

3. CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

Reference: United Soccer Coaches, 4v4 Diploma: Philosophy

Play – Practice - Play

“We need our younger players to “play”

Play – Practice – Play

2. Bring players in together as a group - Provide the

– “In this game I want to see if you can look to take

3. Coach in the flow.

4. Use Proper Coaching Cues - Head up,

Play – Practice - Play

Bring players in together as a group - Provide the training objective/theme:

Key Coaching Cues:

Play - Practice - Play

• Flank MF Pressing Zones

• Flank MF Pressing Zones

#5 Left Back #4 Right Back

• Flank MF Pressing Zones

• Flank MF Pressing Zones

#7 Left Wing #11 Right Winger

• Flank MF Pressing Zones

• Flank MF Pressing Zones

Things to consider when planning a Session:

2. DIFFERENTIATE ACTIVITIES BASED ON AGE/SKILL

3. CHANGE THE SHAPE AND THE SIZE OF AREA -

4. USE ASSISTANT COACHES OR PARENT HELPERS

5. LIMIT AMOUNT OF TOUCHES ON THE BALL -

6. ADD UNOPPOSED(NO PRESSURE) ZONES

7. COUNTER ATTACK GOALS

8. DIVIDE FIELD INTO ZONES

9. PLAY WITH NUMBERS ADVANTAGE(OVERLOAD)

10. ALLOW TIME TO TEACH SITUATIONAL/POSITIONAL

1a. Individual Dribbling

1b. Skill Game - Knockout

1a. End-Zone Game w/ Targets

1b. End-zone Game Progression

1b. Skill Game - Freeze Tag

1. Individual Dribbling w/ Obstacles

- Set-up Scrimmage with another team.

1. Fake to the Gate

1. Technical Dribble + Shoot

1. 1v1 Duels + Knockout

2. 1v1 to Goal w/ transition

- Set-up Scrimmage with another team.

1. Line Dribble and Passing

2. 4v2 to Goal w/ Counter Goals

- Set-up Scrimmage with another team.

1. Small-Sided Activity - 3v2

- Set-up Scrimmage with another team.

1. Technical Warm-up - Triangle Passing