FAI PDP 1 Coaching Guide: The Complete Handbook for Grassroots Coaches (Free PDF)
What is the PDP 1 Programme?
If you are coaching youth soccer (U6 to U9), the PDP 1 (Player Development Plan) is your bible.
Designed by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), this program shifts the focus away from “winning at all costs” and moves it toward a player-focused model based on enjoyment and skill development.
The goal is simple: Evolve, Excel, Inspire.
In this guide, we break down the core philosophies of the booklet and provide you with the best drills to run a session that meets professional standards.
The Core Philosophy: “Football Action Theory”
Before diving into drills, coaches must understand how players learn. The PDP 1 booklet introduces the Football Action Theory, which breaks down every moment on the pitch into three steps:
- Communication: Verbal and non-verbal signals between teammates.
- Decision: Processing the information and deciding what to do.
- Execution: Performing the technical skill (pass, dribble, shoot).
Coaching Tip: When a player makes a mistake, ask yourself: Was it a bad decision or bad execution? Fix the root cause, not just the outcome.
Part 1: The Warm-Up (Ball Mastery)
Forget running laps. The PDP 1 warm-ups are all about Ball Mastery—getting as many touches as possible in a tight space.
Featured Drill: “King of the Ring”
A chaotic, high-energy game to improve close control and shielding.
- Organization: 24x24m grid. Every player has a ball.
- The Game:
- Players dribble freely inside the grid.
- The goal is to kick other players’ balls out of the grid while protecting your own.
- If your ball is kicked out, retrieve it quickly and re-join.
- Coaching Points:
- Head Up: Scan for danger (opponents) and space.
- Shielding: Keep your body between the defender and the ball.
- Skills: Use the sole of the foot, cuts, and turns to escape pressure.
Part 2: Dribbling & 1v1s
At this age, we want players to be brave. We want them to attack space and take players on.
Featured Drill: “World Cup”
A fast-paced transition game that combines dribbling, shooting, and reacting.
- Organization: 30x20m pitch with two goals.
- Setup: Two teams. One team attacks one goal; the other team attacks the opposite goal.
- The Action:
- The Goalkeeper starts play.
- Players play 1v1 or 2v2.
- The first team (“Country”) to score 3 goals wins the “World Cup”.
- Coaching Points:
- Change of Pace: Lull the defender to sleep, then accelerate.
- Transition: If you lose the ball, can you win it back instantly?.
Part 3: Passing & Receiving
Passing isn’t just kicking the ball; it’s about providing angles and communication.
Featured Drill: “Circle King”
A fun accuracy game that forces players to get their “head up.”
- Organization: All players stand in a large circle. Every player has a ball.
- The Game:
- Place a “Neutral Ball” (different color) in the center of the circle.
- Players pass their ball to try and hit the Neutral Ball.
- The goal is to knock the Neutral Ball out of the circle to win.
- Coaching Points:
- Accuracy over Power: A controlled pass is better than a smash.
- Technique: Plant the standing foot beside the ball and lock the ankle.
These are the core basics. If you need more variety for your sessions, browse our full library of 100+ Soccer Passing Drills.
Part 4: The 4v4 “Twin Game” Format
The FAI recommends the 4v4 format for U6, U7, and U8 players because it maximizes touches. There are no goalkeepers and no referees just pure football.
How to set up the “Twin Game”:
- Squad Size: 10 players total.
- Split: Divide them into two matches of 5v5 (4 outfield + 1 sub).
- Pitch Size: 35m x 20m.
- Rules:
- Retreat Line: Opponents must retreat to allow the other team to play out.
- Rotation: Every player plays at least 75% of the game.
Why no Goalkeepers? At U6-U8, we do not want “early position specialization.” We want every player to learn how to dribble, pass, and defend.
Download the Full FAI PDP 1 Booklet
This guide only scratches the surface. The full PDF contains over 60 pages of session plans, diagrams, and coaching theory.
FAQ: Common Questions on PDP 1
What is the retreat line?
In 4v4 and 5v5 games, opponents must drop back to a specific line when the ball goes out. This gives the player in possession time to control the ball and play a pass, rather than just kicking it long in panic.
Should I use a referee for U7 games?
No. The PDP 1 format explicitly states “No Referees” for U6-U9 games. The coaches should supervise, but the game belongs to the players.
How long should a training session be?
For this age group, keep it short and active. Focus on “Ball Rolling Time”—if players are standing in lines listening to lectures, they aren’t learning.
