Field setup
Players6–12 players
EquipmentSeveral soccer balls · Two goals · Field cones or markers
HedgehogsU8 Soccer← All practice drills
Core Drill
Numbers Game
The coach serves a ball and calls players into changing matchups, from 1v1 through small-sided overloads.
- 1v1
- 2v1
- 2v2
- Decision making
- Transition
- Support
Same setup, new problem
Variations
Keep the activity familiar. Change one constraint to bring out the skill you want to coach.
01
Focus
1v1 Focus
Create repeated chances to attack and defend individually.
What changes
- Mostly call one player from each team.
02
Focus
2v1 Decision Making
Solve an attacking overload with a dribble or pass.
What changes
- Call two attackers and one defender repeatedly.
Coaching cues
“Draw the defender.”“Defender stays away = dribble.”“Defender commits = pass.”03
Focus
Transition
React immediately when the ball changes teams.
What changes
- If possession changes, play continues toward the opposite goal.