Activate
00–06
Prepare to turn and accelerate with the ball.
Look for
- Stop under control.
Run it
- Dribble and stop. Add balance, a change of direction and two short accelerations in the game area.
Free U13 football practice plan
Create space to receive and play forward
8 players · 60 min · 28 × 26 m · U13 Girls
Scan, set your body to see the ball and next space, then take a purposeful first touch.
Bring: 8 balls, 20 cones, 2 small goals, 8 bibs
4v4 directional play
8 players
06–14 / 45–58
Opening game · 8 min activity · Watch who gets free and where the first touch takes them.
Closing game · 13 min activity · Observe the same behaviour with minimal prompting. Widen the pitch if options are scarce.
28 × 26 mDash-dot carry / Dotted counter
EnlargeGet free to receive in a game.
Look for
- A first touch that creates a forward option.
Setup
- Area
- 28 × 26 m
- Markings
- corner cones, halfway line
- Goals
- 1 mini-goal at the left end, 1 mini-goal at the right end
- Players
- 4 Blue team (left), 4 Orange team (right)
- Ball
- 1 with Blue team
Run it
- Roll a ball into one team to begin free play.
- Score: Score in the opponent’s mini-goal.
- Restart: Use a pass-in when the ball goes out.
- Rotate: Both teams attack immediately on regaining the ball.
Coach it
- “What helped you get free?”
If it's too hard
- Widen the area.
If it's too easy
- Narrow the area slightly.
Receive and turn
8 players
14–29
Receive and turn · 9 min Pairs · 4 min Add defender · 2 min setup, water and resets
Pairs · One of 2 stations · 16 × 12 mAdd defender · One of 2 stations · 16 × 12 mDashed pass / Dash-dot carry
EnlargeScan early and direct the first touch.
Look for
- See the ball and next space before receiving.
Setup
Pairs Area: 2 stations of 16 × 12 m Markings: corner cones, 2 lanes Goals: 2 cone gates at the right end per station Players: 2 Servers (left, each station), 2 Receivers (right, each station) Ball: 2 with Servers per station Add defender Area: 2 stations of 16 × 12 m Markings: corner cones Goals: 2 cone gates at the right end per station Players: 1 Server (left, each station), 1 Receiver (centre, each station), 1 Defender (right, each station), 1 Next server (top, each station) Ball: 1 with Server per station
Run it
- Pass along the ground, check your shoulder, and carry through a free gate. Vary the pass angle and pace before adding pressure.
- Score: Carry through a free gate or shield and return the ball to the server.
- Restart: Bring the ball back to a server after each attempt.
- Rotate: Swap server and receiver after a few reps. With pressure, rotate roles each rep.
Coach it
- “What told you which way to turn?”
If it's too hard
- Use a slower pass.
If it's too easy
- Let the defender close space at a walk.
2v2 Show, Receive & Progress
8 players
29–45
2v2 Show, Receive & Progress · 4 × 3 min · 4 min setup, water and resets
One of 2 stations · 16 × 12 mDashed pass / Dash-dot carry / Dotted counter
EnlargeUse the same first touch against live opponents.
Look for
- Check if the supporting attacker finds space for a pass.
Setup
- Area
- 2 stations of 16 × 12 m
- Markings
- corner cones
- Goals
- 1 scoring line at the left end, 2 cone gates at the right end per station
- Players
- 1 Ball carrier (left, each station), 1 Support (top, each station), 2 Defenders (right, each station)
- Ball
- 1 with Ball carrier per station
Run it
- The ball carrier can pass or carry. The other attacker shows outside a defender’s shadow.
- Score: Attackers dribble through either far gate. Defenders win it and carry across the start line.
- Restart: Start with an attacker after a score or ball out.
- Rotate: Change starting attacker each restart and swap attack and defence each bout.
Coach it
- “Which space was free?”
If it's too hard
- Widen the pitch if the supporter rarely receives.
If it's too easy
- Narrow the pitch if turns come easily.
Reflect
58–60
How did you get free? When could your first touch go forward?