U8 Dribbling Session Plan (45 Minutes, Free)

The full session plan

Six timed phases totalling 45 minutes. Run them in order — each phase feeds the next.

1. 1

   Arrival activity

   5 min

   Traffic lights

   Set up: Ball each in the area. Green means dribble fast, amber means slow with control, red means stop the ball with the sole of the foot.

   Coaching points

   • -Small touches with the laces when travelling
   • -Head up between touches
   • -Stop the ball dead — don't stamp on it

   Progression: Add 'reverse' for a drag-back turn.

2. 2

   Warm up

   7 min

   Cone gates challenge

   Set up: Scatter eight two-cone gates. Players dribble through as many gates as they can in 60 seconds, then try to beat their score.

   Coaching points

   • -Look for the emptiest gate before you get there
   • -Accelerate out of the gate
   • -Use both feet — inside and outside

   Progression: One point for a gate, two for a gate you go through backwards.

3. 3

   Technical practice

   8 min

   Move of the week: the step-over

   Set up: Ball each along a 10 yard line of cones. Approach the cone, step over the ball, push out with the outside of the other foot and accelerate.

   Coaching points

   • -Sell it — big shoulder drop before the step
   • -Push out at an angle, not sideways
   • -Two quick touches away after the move

   Progression: Coach stands at the cone as a passive defender.

4. 4

   Skill practice

   10 min

   1v1 to the line

   Set up: Pairs in a 10 x 8 channel. The attacker tries to dribble over the far line, defender starts passive for the first two goes then goes live. Swap every rep.

   Coaching points

   • -Attack the defender's front foot
   • -Use the move before the defender is close
   • -Explode into the space once you're past

   Progression: Add a second defender arriving late to force a quick decision.

5. 5

   Small-sided game

   10 min

   4v4 dribble-in goals

   Set up: Two pitches, 4v4 (or 5v5). A goal counts when a player dribbles the ball over the end line under control.

   Coaching points

   • -Take players on when there's space ahead
   • -Spread out so there's room to dribble
   • -Try again straight away if it doesn't come off

   Progression: Add mini goals so they choose between dribbling and finishing.

6. 6

   Cool down & review

   5 min

   Skill show and tell

   Set up: Everyone shows one move they tried, then a light jog and stretch.

   Coaching points

   • -Praise attempts, not just successes
   • -Set a home challenge: 20 step-overs a day

   Progression: Let a player lead the stretches next week.

Drills used in this theme

Swap any practice above for another on the same theme.

FAQs

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