90-Minute U7 Soccer Practice: Dribbling & 1v1 Skills
Introduction:
Welcome to this engaging 90-minute youth soccer practice session designed for U7 players, focusing on dribbling and 1v1 skills. This session aims to build confidence on the ball and encourage creativity while keeping young players active and having fun.
Warm-Up:
Begin with a fun, dynamic warm-up to get players moving and ready for the session.
- Activity: Freeze Dribble
- Each player has a ball and dribbles freely in the designated area.
- On the coach’s command (“Freeze!”), everyone stops their ball with the bottom of their foot and stands still.
- After a few seconds, the coach yells “Go!” and players resume dribbling.
- Repeat for 5-7 minutes, adding variations like changing direction or speed.
Main Drill 1: Dribble Maze
This activity encourages players to keep close control of the ball while maneuvering around obstacles.
- Set up cones randomly within a grid (15×20 yards).
- Each player starts with a ball on one side of the grid.
- Players dribble across the grid, weaving around as many cones as possible.
- Encourage different parts of the foot (inside, outside, sole) for dribbling.
- After reaching the opposite side, players turn and come back through the maze.
- Continue for 10-12 minutes, giving encouragement and quick feedback.
Main Drill 2: 1v1 Gate Game
This competitive yet friendly game helps develop attacking and defending in 1v1 situations.
- Create several small gates using cones (about 1-2 yards wide) scattered across the grid.
- Players pair up; one is the attacker, one is the defender.
- The attacker tries to dribble through any gate while the defender tries to stop them.
- If the defender wins the ball, they become the attacker.
- Switch partners every few minutes to keep things fresh.
- Play for 12-15 minutes, focusing on effort and fair play.
Small-Sided Scrimmage:
End the session with a small-sided game to put the skills into practice.
- Divide players into two teams (3v3 or 4v4, depending on numbers).
- Play on a small field with small goals and no goalkeepers.
- Encourage players to try dribbling and taking on defenders using the skills learned.
- Let the game flow, only stopping briefly for quick coaching or to rotate players.
- Scrimmage for 20-25 minutes.
Coaching Points:
- Encourage players to keep the ball close to their feet while dribbling.
- Use different parts of the foot for better ball control.
- Remind players to keep their heads up and be aware of space and teammates.
- In 1v1s, try moves like a simple fake or quick change of direction to beat the defender.
- Praise effort, creativity, and good sportsmanship throughout the session.
Tags:
U7, Youth Soccer, Soccer Practice, Dribbling, 1v1, Coaching, Soccer Drills, Player Development