A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO 7v7 FOOTBALL
Course Overview – 7v7 Player & Coach Development
This course is designed to support both players and coaches through the critical 7v7 stage of development, bridging the gap between small-sided football and the increased demands of 9v9 and 11v11 formats.
At this stage, the game begins to introduce greater structure, clearer positional roles, and more complex match situations. Players are required to develop stronger decision-making skills, improved teamwork, and a deeper understanding of key tactical principles.
However, while preparing for the next stages of the game, maintaining individual creativity remains essential. Players should continue to dribble, experiment, and express themselves freely, building confidence and problem-solving ability within a team environment. This course strikes the balance between freedom and structure, helping to develop intelligent, adaptable players who are ready for the future game without losing their enjoyment or individuality.
COURSE DURATION - 90 MINUTES
Why Is 7v7 Football So Important?
⚽ First introduction to team shape
⚽ Players begin to understand positions
⚽ Transition from individual to team play
⚽ Development of attacking & defending units
⚽ Increased tactical awareness
⚽ Preparation for 9v9 and 11v11
What Coaches Will Learn
This course equips coaches with the tools to support players as they navigate the new challenges of 7v7 football, including:
-
Encouraging Individual Creativity
Learn how to create an environment where players feel confident to use skill, flair, and imagination to solve problems, beat opponents, and create opportunities. -
Developing Decision-Making
Understand how to guide players as they manage more teammates, opponents, and options, making smarter decisions both on and off the ball. -
Improving Off-the-Ball Movement
Help players develop awareness of space, including how to support teammates, provide cover, and move effectively within the game. -
Managing Game Flow & Transitions
Introduce players to different phases of play, tactical adjustments, and the importance of reacting quickly during transitions. -
Adapting to Physical Demands
Prepare players for the increased physical challenges of a larger pitch, including greater running distances and improved endurance.
After Completing This Course You Will Be Able To:
✅ Organise your team in a 7v7 shape
✅ Explain positions and roles to players
✅ Improve attacking and defending structure
✅ Develop player decision-making
✅ Run effective 7v7 training sessions
✅ Prepare players for the next stage (9v9)
COURSE CREATOR
George Lappas is a UEFA A Licence coach, Personal Trainer, and First-Team Opposition Scout & Player recruitment specialist with over 25 years experience. He is currently Head of Coaching at one of the largest grassroots football clubs in the country (FA 3 Star Accredited).
George has a track record of developing many professional & international players including: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City FC, England), Jacob Murphy (Newcastle United), Joshua Murphy (Portsmouth FC), Zak Sturge (Millwall FC, England Youth).
George has previously coached at Fulham, QPR and Watford academies. George has worked as a Recruitment Specialist and Opposition Analyst for Barnet, Leyton Orient, Wigan Athletic, Millwall and Malawi (AFCON 2022).
George has also worked with Corporate clients including Pepsi, TNT Sports and Panini, providing football coaching experiences for young players alongside Leah Williamson, Mason Mount, Ellen White, Lauren James, Phil Jagielka and David James.
Example Curriculum
- UNDERSTANDING THE TRANSITION TO 7v7
- UNDERSTANDING WHERE 7v7 FITS IN THE JOURNEY
- PURPOSE OF 7v7
- THE IMPACT OF 7v7 ON DEVELOPMENT
- THE EVOLVING ROLE OF THE COACH IN 7v7
- WHAT COACHES CAN CONTROL
- WHAT COACHES CANNOT CONTROL
- COACHING UNCERTAINTIES
- THE REALITY OF 7V7
- DECISION MAKING
- TEAMWORK
- TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF 7v7
- PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF 7v7
- PSYCHO/SOCIAL REQUIREMENTS OF 7v7
- TACTICAL REQUIREMENTS OF 7V7
- MANAGING A LARGER SQUAD
- EQUAL PLAYING TIME & ROTATION
- END OF MODULE 1 TASK - 'WELCOME TO 7V7!'
- GAME RULES & RESTARTS
- MODULE OVERVIEW
- PITCH SIZES
- GOAL SIZES & NETS
- BASIC RULES AND DURATION OF THE 7v7 GAME
- THE RETREAT RULE
- HEADING
- POWER PLAY
- RESTARTS - KICK OFF
- RESTARTS - FREE-KICKS
- RESTARTS - PENALTY KICK
- RESTARTS - FROM THE TOUCHLINE
- RESTARTS - CORNER KICKS
- RESTARTS - GOALKICK
- PLAYING THE ADVANTAGE
- GOALKEEPER - BACK PASSES
- INDIRECT FREE KICK
- END OF MODULE 2 TASK - 'GAME ON!'
- CORE TECHNICAL & PHYSICAL SKILLS FOR 7V7 FORMAT
- MODULE OVERVIEW
- RUNNING WITH THE BALL
- TURNING
- DRIBBLING
- SHOOTING & FINISHING
- SHIELDING
- SCREENING THE BALL
- MOVEMENT OFF THE BALL
- FIRST TOUCH
- PASSING
- GOALKEEPING
- GOALKEEPERS STARTING AN ATTACK
- KEY COMPONENTS OF PHYSICAL PRESENCE
- HARD WORK & PERSISTENCE
- DEVELOPING PHYSICAL CONTACT CONFIDENCE IN 7v7
- DEALING WITH AERIAL BALLS
- OVERLOADS
- UNDERLOADS
- THE ART OF 1v1
- EXAMPLE PRACTICE 1v1
- THE ART OF 2v1
- EXAMPLE PRACTICE 2v1
- THE ART OF 3v2
- EXAMPLE PRACTICE 3v2
- END OF MODULE 3 TASK - 'SKILL SPOTLIGHT'
- GAME STRUCTURE WITHOUT OVER-COMPLICATION
- MODULE OVERVIEW
- WHY USE TEAM STRUCTURES & POSITIONS?
- FIVE CORE PLAYING PRINCIPLES BEFORE SHAPE
- INTRODUCTION TO POSITIONAL ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- DUTCH NUMBERS
- 7v7 FORMATION
- NUMBER 1
- NUMBERS 4 & 5
- NUMBER 6
- NUMBERS 7 & 11
- NUMBER 9
- DEVELOPING POSITIONAL STRUCTURE - WEEKS 1-5
- DEVELOPING POSITIONAL STRUCTURE - WEEKS 6-10
- DEVELOPING POSITIONAL STRUCTURE - WEEK 11 ONWARDS
- END OF MODULE 4 TASK - 'POSITIONAL PLAY'
- MOMENTS THAT DECIDE THE GAME
- MODULE OVERVIEW
- DEVELOPING FUNDAMENTAL TACTICAL PRINCIPLES IN 7v7
- STRETCHING THE GAME - WIDTH & DEPTH
- SUPPORT - STAYING CONNECTED
- TRANSITIONS - REACTING TO CHANGES OF POSSESSION
- PRESSING FROM THE RETREAT LINE
- TWO SIMPLE PRESSING STRATEGIES FROM THE RETREAT LINE
- COMMON CHALLENGES - WIDE PLAYERS COMING TOO NARROW
- COMMON CHALLENGES - PLAYERS STRUGGLING WITH FITNESS LEVELS
- COMMON CHALLENGES - LACK OF CLARITY & ORGANISATION SET PIECES
- EXAMPLE KICK-OFF ROUTINE IN 7v7 (0:15)
- EXAMPLE GOALKICK ROUTINE IN 7v7 (0:14)
- EXAMPLE ATTACKING CORNER KICK ROUTINE IN 7v7 (0:12)
- MATCH DAY OPPOSITION OBERVATION
- OPPOSITION OBSERVATION KEY POINTS
- TEAMTALKS
- PRE-MATCH TEAMTALK
- GAME-INTERVAL TEAMTALK
- POST-MATCH TEAMTALK
- END OF MODULE 5 TASK - 'ONE VOICE, ONE MESSAGE'