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3v3•U7•Player Development

Do you coach using the weaker foot at U7 or just let them play?

Asked by Mark17
1328 views 2 replies
We have a couple who will do anything to get the ball back onto their favourite foot, even if it means turning into trouble. I dont want to start shouting 'left foot' and 'right foot' at six year olds, but is there any value in little challenges around using both feet at this age?

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@CoachTomW

UEFA C Coach

Attacking • technical development

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I would give them reasons to use both feet rather than making the weaker foot a rule. At U7, I like little pictures where the easiest solution happens to be on the other side. A gate on the left, a defender approaching from the right, or a 1v1 where they need to move the ball away from pressure can create that naturally. You can also praise the attempt when they use the less comfortable foot, even if the touch is messy. What I would avoid is “left foot only” for long periods. That can make a player ignore the best football decision just to satisfy the condition. The goal is not two identical feet at six. It is a child who gradually becomes comfortable enough to use whichever foot helps in that moment.

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N

NatAgain

Assistant Coach

Same. I would rather manipulate the picture than set 'left foot only'. The condition can make them ignore a perfectly good right-foot decision.
T

Tom31

Coach

we use both feet but not say weaker foot. little game where space appear one side. player choose foot because it help, not because coach say left.

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