Ages 4–5 · The Method

U6 Soccer Drills

At U6, football is a game of curiosity. Six sessions built around ball familiarity, coordination, and smiles — the seeds of the AM Method.

Session length: 30–45 minutes. Short blocks, frequent water breaks, always finish on a fun game.

Drill 01

Everyone Has a Ball

Set-up: 10×10m box. Each player has a ball. Dribble anywhere, don't bump others.
Focus: Ball familiarity, awareness of other players.
Coaching points: Little touches. Keep the ball close, like your best friend.
Progression: Add colours to touch with different parts of the foot (inside, outside, sole).

Drill 02

Set-up: Each player with a ball. 1 tagger (no ball). Tagged players freeze until a teammate rolls a ball between their legs.
Focus: Dribbling under pressure, teamwork, fun.
Coaching points: Look where you're going. Help your friends — roll gently.
Progression: Add a second tagger. Shrink the space.

Drill 03

Set-up: Coach calls an animal: bunny hops, elephant stomps, snake wiggles. Players dribble in that style.
Focus: Coordination, imagination, controlled touches.
Coaching points: Different animals need different touches — try them all.
Progression: Players take turns being the caller.

Drill 04

Set-up: Pairs 4m apart with a small cone gate between them. Pass through the gate.
Focus: Introduction to passing, aiming, stopping the ball.
Coaching points: Point your foot at your friend. Big toe pushes the ball.
Progression: Widen the distance. Add a second gate.

Drill 05

Set-up: Line of cones as targets 4m away. Each player has a ball and tries to knock one down.
Focus: First introduction to striking the ball, aim, celebration.
Coaching points: Plant your standing foot next to the ball. Big kick, big smile.
Progression: Move the targets further. Score points for knockdowns.

Drill 06

Ready for the next stage?

Move on to U8 for first-touch and dribbling drills.