How to Teach U7s to Spread Out (The “Magnet” Drills)
The most common sight in U7 soccer is “The Beehive.”
All 10 players swarm around the ball, kicking each other’s shins, while the parents scream from the sideline: “Spread out! Open up! Find space!”
Here is the hard truth: Screaming “Spread Out” at a 6-year-old does not work.
Why? Because they don’t know why they should spread out. In their minds, the ball is the toy, so they want to be near the toy. To fix this, we don’t use tactics; we use concepts.
This guide gives you 3 fun games that naturally teach spacing without you ever having to yell.
Navigation Note: This spacing guide is part of our complete coaching system.
- For a full session plan, read our Ultimate Guide to Fun U7 Soccer Drills.
- To find more drills, visit our U7 Soccer Drills Category.
Drill Profile
| 🎯 Focus | Spacing & Field Awareness |
| 👥 Age Range | U7 |
| ⏱️ Duration | 15 Minutes |
| 🚫 Forbidden Word | “Spread Out!” (Use “Find Space” instead) |
The “Magnet” Game (Reverse Tag)
The Concept: Teaches players that standing next to the coach (or the ball) is “bad.”
- Setup: All players have a ball inside a grid. The Coach is the “Magnet.”
- The Story: “I am a Super Magnet. If you get too close to me, I will stick to you and steal your ball!”
- The Action: The Coach walks (or jogs) around the grid.
- The Reaction: Players must dribble away from the coach to keep their “Safe Distance.”
- Progression: Add a second Magnet (Parent or Assistant). Now they have to look at two things and find the empty space between them.
2. Gates Passing (The Space Hunters)
The Concept: Incentivizes finding empty areas of the field.
- Setup: Place 10-12 pairs of cones (“Gates”) randomly all over the field. Players are in pairs with 1 ball.
- The Story: “We are Space Hunters. How many gates can you unlock?”
- The Action: Pairs run to a gate, pass the ball through it to their partner, and then race to find a new gate.
- The Rule: You cannot use the same gate twice in a row.
- Why it works: It forces them to lift their heads and look for “where the other kids AREN’T.”
3. 4-Corner Soccer
The Concept: Using the field shape to force width.
- Setup: A normal scrimmage field, but place 4 Goals (one in each corner of the rectangle).
- The Game: 3v3 or 4v4 scrimmage.
- The Twist: You can score in any of the 4 goals.
- Why it works: If the whole “beehive” rushes to one corner, a smart player will realize, “Hey, the other 3 goals are wide open!” and naturally run to space.
See It in Action
Teaching spacing takes patience. Watch how this coach uses the “Gates” concept to get kids looking up and moving into open areas.
A Note to Coaches: Embrace the Swarm
Before you get frustrated, remember: The Swarm is Natural.
At 6 years old, children are “egocentric.” They see the ball, they want the ball. They do not understand abstract concepts like “width” or “support.”
- Do not stop the game every 30 seconds to move them like chess pieces.
- Do use these games to plant the seed.
- Do praise the one kid who stands away from the pack: “Great job finding space, Leo!”
Over time, they will figure it out. Be patient.
FAQ: Common Spacing Questions
At what age do players naturally spread out?
Usually around U8 or U9. This is when their brain develops “spatial awareness.” At U6/U7, the swarm is biologically normal. Don’t fight it too hard.
Should I assign positions (Defenders/Strikers)?
No. At U7, positions make the swarm worse because kids stand still in their “spot” while the game moves away. Let them all attack and all defend. Movement is more important than structure.
Should we use a Goalkeeper at U7?
Most modern experts and federations (like US Soccer and the FA) recommend NO Goalkeepers for 4v4 games. Why? Because we want goals! We want kids to learn how to score, not how to stand in a line. If your league requires a goalie, make sure you rotate this position every quarter. Never let one child play goalie for the whole game.
One player stands still away from the pack. Is that bad?
Actually, it might be a sign of high soccer IQ! While other kids are “chasing,” this child might be waiting for the ball to pop out.
The Test: Ask them, “Are you ready for the ball?”
If they say “Yes”: Praise them! “Great job finding space!”
If they are looking at the clouds: Re-engage them with a specific mission (e.g., “Go stand near the other goal and wait for a pass!”).
Summary: The Cure for the Beehive
You cannot lecture the swarm away. You must play it away. By using games like The Magnet and 4-Corner Soccer, you teach the kids that “Space = Good” without ever giving a boring tactical speech.
