Under 5s & Under 6s

Foundation phase focusing on fun, basic movement patterns, and falling in love with football

The Under 5s and Under 6s age group is all about introduction to football through play. Coaching at this age should prioritise fun, basic movement skills, and positive early experiences. Small-sided games with minimal rules help children develop coordination, balance, and a love for the ball. Sessions should be short, energetic, and varied to maintain engagement with short attention spans.

Development Priorities

1Fun and enjoyment as the primary goal
2Basic movement skills (running, jumping, stopping)
3Coordination and balance development
4Introduction to the ball through play
5Sharing and taking turns
6Following simple instructions
7Building confidence through success

Session Structure

✓Maximum 30-40 minutes total session time
✓Frequent water breaks and rest periods
✓Multiple balls to maximise touches
✓Activities that look like games, not drills
✓Constant positive reinforcement
✓No standing in lines or waiting

Common Mistakes

!Expecting tactical understanding or positional play
!Using adult language and complex instructions
!Standing children in queues waiting their turn
!Focusing on winning rather than participation
!Sessions longer than 45 minutes total
!Negative correction instead of positive encouragement

Suggested Drills

✓Traffic lights game (stop, go, slow movement)
✓Dribble and shoot into multiple goals
✓Treasure hunt with balls
✓Musical footballs (dribble around cones)
✓Monsters and heroes tag with a ball
✓Follow the leader with ball manipulation

Ask FootballGPT

“How long should an Under 5s training session be?”

“What are the best activities for 4-6 year olds?”

“How do I keep young children engaged during training?”

“Should I teach positions at Under 6s level?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What game format is best for Under 5s and 6s?

3v3 or 4v4 with no goalkeepers works best. Small-sided games give every child more touches, more decisions, and more involvement. Use small goals that any child can score in to build confidence and enjoyment.

How do I structure a session for 4-6 year olds?

Keep it short (30-40 minutes maximum), use lots of different activities, and change every 5-7 minutes. Start with a fun warm-up game, move through 2-3 varied activities, and finish with a small-sided game. Every child must have a ball as much as possible.

Should I teach tactics or positions at this age?

No. At Under 5s and 6s, focus entirely on fun, movement, and basic ball skills. Positional play and tactics are far too advanced. Let children explore the game naturally through play without forcing structure or shape.

What are the key coaching principles for this age group?

Make it fun above all else. Use simple language, give constant encouragement, keep everyone active, and celebrate every small success. If children are smiling and want to come back next week, you are doing an excellent job.

How do I handle children who lose focus during sessions?

Change activities frequently, use enthusiastic delivery, and accept that short attention spans are normal. If a child wanders off, bring them back positively without making them feel bad. Keep energy high and sessions varied to maintain engagement.

Related Age Groups

🌿Under 7s & Under 8s 🌳Under 9s & Under 10s

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