U6–U9 is the age to master the ball.
But here’s the big debate:
❌ More isolated reps?
❌ Or only “game-like” drills?
The truth?
You need both. 🧵
But here’s the big debate:
❌ More isolated reps?
❌ Or only “game-like” drills?
The truth?
You need both. 🧵
2.
Why isolated reps matter ⬇️
At this age, players are still wiring coordination between feet, eyes, and ball.
Extra touches—juggling, dribbling patterns, wall passes—help build that foundation.
Without it, technique breaks down later.
Why isolated reps matter ⬇️
At this age, players are still wiring coordination between feet, eyes, and ball.
Extra touches—juggling, dribbling patterns, wall passes—help build that foundation.
Without it, technique breaks down later.
3.
But here’s the mistake ⬇️
If training is only isolated technique…
Players don’t learn when or why to use it.
It looks clean in drills—but disappears in games.
But here’s the mistake ⬇️
If training is only isolated technique…
Players don’t learn when or why to use it.
It looks clean in drills—but disappears in games.
4.
That’s why players also need game-like situations:
⚽ 1v1s, 2v1s, 2v2s
⚽ Small-sided games up to 5v5
This is where they connect technique to decisions.
Dribble, pass, or shoot?
They learn by trying, failing, and repeating.
That’s why players also need game-like situations:
⚽ 1v1s, 2v1s, 2v2s
⚽ Small-sided games up to 5v5
This is where they connect technique to decisions.
Dribble, pass, or shoot?
They learn by trying, failing, and repeating.
5.
So what’s the balance?
Think of it this way:
👉 Isolated reps = sharpen the tool
👉 Game-like drills = learn when to use the tool
Both must live in the weekly plan.
So what’s the balance?
Think of it this way:
👉 Isolated reps = sharpen the tool
👉 Game-like drills = learn when to use the tool
Both must live in the weekly plan.
6.
Example:
Warm-up → 5 mins juggling & wall passes (extra reps)
Main → 1v1 to goal with defender (principles + decisions)
Game → 3v3, score within 6 seconds (transfer to match intensity)
Simple, balanced, effective.
Example:
Warm-up → 5 mins juggling & wall passes (extra reps)
Main → 1v1 to goal with defender (principles + decisions)
Game → 3v3, score within 6 seconds (transfer to match intensity)
Simple, balanced, effective.
7.
The principle to keep in mind?
Technique at Speed.
Not slow, clean touches.
But clean touches under pressure, fatigue, and game tempo.
That’s what transfers to matches.
The principle to keep in mind?
Technique at Speed.
Not slow, clean touches.
But clean touches under pressure, fatigue, and game tempo.
That’s what transfers to matches.
8.
So if you coach U6–U9:
✅ Give players plenty of touches
✅ Put them in real game situations
✅ Let them connect skill to decision
That’s how ball mastery is built.
So if you coach U6–U9:
✅ Give players plenty of touches
✅ Put them in real game situations
✅ Let them connect skill to decision
That’s how ball mastery is built.
9.
Inside the Football Coaching Hub, I share 9 principles that help coaches develop brave, fast, competitive players at every age.
155+ coaches inside.
$7/month or $47/year.
Price goes up Sunday, 7/9/25.
👉 Join here → skool.com/football-coach…
Inside the Football Coaching Hub, I share 9 principles that help coaches develop brave, fast, competitive players at every age.
155+ coaches inside.
$7/month or $47/year.
Price goes up Sunday, 7/9/25.
👉 Join here → skool.com/football-coach…
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