10 Things to Help Run a Great Session 4. Ball Mastery

Why It Matters:

Ball mastery is one of the most effective and simple ways to help young players fall in love with the game. At its heart, it’s just players and a ball exploring, experimenting, getting hundreds of touches, and building confidence.

In the Foundation Phase (ages 5–11), players are still developing their coordination, balance, and relationship with the ball. So, starting your session with 10 to 15 minutes of ball mastery is a perfect way to get them switched on, both physically and mentally, without needing cones, bibs, or big explanations.

No need for static stretches or fitness drills. Just give them a ball and get them moving.

What It Looks Like in Practice:

At the start of every session, give every child their own ball in a marked-out space (squares, grids, or lanes), this could be a space individually or as a group. Let them move freely, and keep instructions simple.

Start with light movement:

• Jogging with the ball using both feet

• Gentle turns and direction changes

• Dribbling in and out of space
  

Then layer in some ball mastery actions:

• Toe taps

• Sole rolls

• Inside/outside touches

• Pull-push with the sole

• Step overs and drag-backs
  

Keep the tempo light to start, then build up the speed and complexity.

Real Coaching Examples:

Here are a few simple ways to use free play:

• Arrival activity: Set up a mini game that starts as soon as the first few kids arrive. Add players in as they turn up.

• "First to 3 goals wins!": Great for short bursts of competition. Let them create new teams and go again.

• "You set the rules": Maybe every goal must be scored with your weaker foot or only 1-touch finishes count. Let the kids get creative.

   

You’ll be surprised how imaginative and fair they can be when you trust them with ownership.

Why It Works:

Once players are moving comfortably, try and keep it fun by adding little challenges or games:

• “How many toe taps can you do in 30 seconds? Can you beat your own score?”

• “Every time I shout ‘turn!’, do your favourite turn and accelerate out.”

• “When I say a number, that’s how many touches you take before changing direction.”
  

Even better, let a player lead part of it!

Choose someone to call out the next move (“Toe taps! Turn! Freestyle!”). Kids love the responsibility, and it builds confidence in quieter players too.

You can also connect ball mastery to your technical focus. If you’re working on turning in the session, make sure the warm-up includes hook turns or Cruyff turns. If it’s 1v1 moves, add scissors or feints.

Final thought:

Ball mastery is a brilliant way to kick off your session, it builds confidence, develops key technical skills, and gets kids smiling with a ball at their feet. No lines, no waiting, just learning through doing.

Next time you coach, try starting with 10 to 15 minutes of ball mastery and see how it sets the tone for a great session.