2011 outdoor u8 coaches manuel...swamps, rivers, jungles and quick sands it is much more exciting to...

Me & My Shadow

� A variation to the Pied Piper is to use the Me and My Shadow Activity.

� In pairs both with a ball. There is a “leader” and a “Shadower.” The Shadow needs to keep as close as possible to the Leader. The Leader will change direction and pace to lose the Shadow.

� Of course, Parents should not be trying too hard to lose the Shadow, but the kids should do everything they can to lose the Parent.

� Then you could do the same activity with the Leader having a ball and the Shadow without a ball – only having to stay in touching distance of the Leader.

� We are showing children in pairs here, but if possible have parent and child together.

North & South & Red & Blue

How to Play:

� North and South goals; or red, blue, yellow, greens zones marked by cones and pinnies. � On shout "North!" all players inside the grid should dribble or pass/shoot ball through the "North" goal and

wait outside square until all players have "scored." Explain what a goal is. Yellow go over the line to the yellow zone.

� Mix it up, but not too much or the children will get “mixed up!” � Progression – “South!” – go through South goal, around the square to reenter at the North Goal

Swamps, Rivers, Jungles and Quick Sands

� It is much more exciting to be sending the ball (a bird, a plane, a rocket) across a swamp, a river, over quicksand or through a jungle, than kicking a ball from one line to another.

� Drawing on the imagination of the Children, we can motivate and excite them to perform the skills of soccer for fun, while developing the fundamentals and understanding of the game.

Here are some ideas:

� River Ball � Through and Over the Jungle � Across the Swamp � Avoiding the crocodiles � Over quicksand � Throwing the ball, over the river or quicksand will help their distribution from a goalkeeping perspective.

Mixed Bag Relays

� All “kids” – 3- to 83-years of age – love fun, challenging relays. Just be careful at this tender age you do not over-emphasize the winning aspect. Now at 22-years of age it could be the be-all-and-end-all – for the moment. But not for these tiny tots.

� Use your imagination and initiative to develop various fun relays. � Don’t forget to include the parents. They may have a hissy-fit if they are ignored!

Numbers Game & Noah's Lark

� This is the adaptation of the Numbers Game where at a later age the players would come out to go 1 vs. 1. Initially in the One-with-One Parent and Child come out two-by-two hand-in-hand so the parent can direct the child.

� Later (towards the end of Kick Start 2) the children can themselves come out in pairs as a precursor to 3 vs. 3 play.

Mack 1

� Objective is to develop passing and shooting skills with both feet and to teach the proper techniques for throw-ins.

� Two marker cones placed five yards in front of each sideline 15 yards from the goal. � No goalkeeper and goals may be narrowed. � First player on right does a "throw-in" to coach, who rolls ball for a first-time, right-footed shot. � Player retrieves ball then goes to back of the left line.� First player at left marker cone does the same exercise, but shooting with left foot, then retrieves ball and

goes to back of the right line. � With the numbers we have in the graphic it would be better to put in a second goal for more activity. � With no goalkeeper children don't need to sacrifice accuracy for power. � Teach them how to throw a ball with two hands and ask them to hit the Mate Coach on the nose (it

encourages the right technique). � Encourage careful, accurate shooting. � For weaker kickers, roll ball closer to goal. � As all players improve, roll ball at 90-degree angle or greater, or move cones back. � Give them a rolled ball that will almost guarantee success, but try to encourage them to shoot first-time (right

type of service will help). � With service to the left foot (ideally) serve the ball across the body and to the outside so that it almost forces

the shot to be taken with the left foot. Encourage the child (gently) to use the “other foot.” Don’t let parents get “bent out of shape” if the don’t, but run around the ball to use their “natural right (and vice-versa).

Tunnel of Doom (Canon Ball Run!) Objective:

� A passing/shooting game to raise adrenalin levels. Like dodge ball.

Organization:� With flat cones, mark out a channel 30-40 yds long, and from 15-

25yds wide depending on size and number of children. � As many balls as are available are lined up on the outside lines of

the channel � The players have to run inside the channel (tunnel of doom) from

one end to the other without getting hit by the shooters on the outside

� The shooters pass the ball with the inside of their foot to attempt to hit the runners below the knee.

� They get off as many shots as they can during one pass of the group

� The runners leap, stop, and start to avoid being hit � When the runners get to one end they help “reload” (i.e. set the

balls at the edge of the channel), before running back through the tunnel the other way.

� If a runner is hit below the knee, he “loses a life” and now becomes a hopper

� A hopper stays a hopper until he is hit a second time below the knee. He now becomes a stumper

� A stumper must “run” on his knees until he is hit again-this time anywhere below the waist. He now becomes a slitherer

� A slitherer must crawl on his belly using his arms to pull himself along until he is again hit below the waist.

� Finally, mercifully, he is “dead” and now joins the shooters � Last to get hit are the “winners”

Teaching:� The runners must keep looking to either side of the tunnel to avoid

incoming fire� Shooters must keep the ball low by lifting the foot halfway up the

ball� Coaches especially must demonstrate good technique and keep

the ball low ! � Shooters must take deliberate aim at the runners rather than use a

scattershot approach

Target:

To avoid being hit!

Pendulum Roll

� Set out goals facing each other 3-yards apart. � Two goalkeepers per area – better parent and child than two children together. � Toes touching goal-line the imaginary goal line. � Balls must be rolled along the ground to the side of each keeper. � Hands and arms should be pushed reach forward, palms towards ball, to stop ball in front of body (see

graphic). � Ideally hands/arms should relax into a "crooked" position as the pace is taken off the ball. � Upper knee should be drawn in comfortably across the body as the ball is received. � Lower leg should remain loosely trailing. � Head and upper shoulder should be drawn over and above the height of the ball. � The ball is “trapped” by the upper hand on top of the ball and lower hand behind the ball and so uses the

ground as the so-called "Third Hand" (see graphic above). � Don’t get too concerned by the techniques so long as Parent & Child working together do a bit of rocking

and rolling

Final side-diving position as ball is pulled into the body

Wall Pass - One-Twos

� Parent acts as the wall where it must be a first time rebound pass to be a true Wall Pass (see graphic below).

� Encourage an accurate pass and enough pace on the pass to be a simple redirect. � Children will likely not be ready to become the “Wall,” but after they have seen it a few times might well want

to try. So why not?

16

Can you Score?

Age Appropriate: 6-7 Purpose of Drill: Shooting, Passing Organization: · Two markers set approx 10 yards apart · a goal 1-3 yards wide in the middle · 1 ball between two players · Entire team · 4 cones for each grid

Concept/Idea: · Set up a small goal (1-3 yards) in the middle of two players. · Taking turns, each player tries to score between the two cones with a shot and at this stage I would encourage having them start off with a hard side-footed pass followed by teaching the in-step or laces shot once they are progressing · Players count how many times they were successful in scoring between the cones

Variations: · Expand or shrink the goals and distance to goal to allow for more success or to increase the difficulty

Coaching Points: · Shooting technique; what part of foot is striking ball · Plant foot, beside ball and pointed towards target · Eye on the ball when contact is made

Have Success

Encourage proper technique

Make them control ball before shooting, no one-touch

Constant encouragement

17

Caught Red Handed

Age Appropriate: 5-8 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling and Passing

Organization: · grid 20x25 · one ball for every two players · Entire team · 4 cones

Concept/Idea: · The goal of this game to avoid being tagged by the coach. · Players are put into pairs with one ball between them. Their goal is keep the ball away from the coach who is trying to tag them. The coach can only tag players with the ball. · Players can only pass to their partner but remember that passing/sharing is not really what players this age want to do so have patience.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the grid to allow for more or less success · Have more than one person/player trying to tag · Make up a fun consequence for players who get caught

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Passing technique · Receiving technique

Have Success

Give players a chance to pass

Take part

Enthusiasm in voice and in body language

18

Coach Says

Age Appropriate: 4-8 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling and Coordination

Organization: · Grid approx. 20x20 · 1 soccer ball per player · Entire team

Concept/Idea: · This is pretty much Simon Says with a soccer ball. In this game, you will have the players follow your movements with the soccer ball. · Dependant on age and ability this game can start with having the players toss a ball, move a ball around their bodies or a figure eight between their legs. Start off your activity with, “Coach says….” Can you throw the ball and catch it, can you put your forehead to the ball, can you dribble, can you stop the ball, etc… · This game will work on the motor skills and coordination of your young players and provide them with some soccer specific techniques as well.

Variations: · Have players rotate being the coach · Throw in the odd, “Coach didn’t say…” to try to trick the players

Coaching Points: · Lots of ball movement, touches on the ball · Technique of dribbling · Technique of stopping the ball

Have Success

Perform the activity along with the players

Be creative

Be Enthusiastic

19

Donkey Tail

Age Appropriate: 4-10 Purpose of Drill: Agility and Coordination

Organization: · grid 20x20 · every player with a ball (progression) · Entire team · 4 cones · Each player with a pinnie (vest)

Concept/Idea: · This drill starts off initially without a soccer ball. · Each player has a pinnie tucked into the back of their shorts so that at least half of the pinnie is sticking out · On the coaches command, players move around the grid trying to grab the pinnies from other players while protecting theirs · Players are not allowed to protect their pinnies with their hands · When a player loses their pinnie have them move off the grid, do 5 jumping jacks then put their pinnie back in and re-enter the game. · The other option when a player loses their pinnie is to have them stand on it until they can remove the pinnie from another player who happens to run by too close.

Various Challenges to ask of your players: · Have them do this same activity but now with a soccer ball. · Have parents play as well

Coaching Points: · Encourage players to use the entire space · Agility and coordination to avoid other players · Quickness and timing

Have Success

Take part


20

Dribble and Pass


Organization: · Grid laid out as in diagram · 1 soccer ball per team · 6-15 cones

Concept/Idea: · In order to get the most from line drills, Limit your numbers in each line. Four to six players per group works well. · Player with ball dribbles to the half-way mark indicated by a cone, once they get there pass to a teammate waiting to receive the ball · After the pass, that player follows the direction of the ball and goes behind the line to wait their next turn. · The player who receives the ball then dribbles to the half-way point and passes to the player on the opposite who is waiting for the ball

Various Challenges to ask of your players: · Have players compete against parents · Players can run with ball to the half-way point then throw it to their teammate who must catch then run

Coaching Points: · Keep ball close to feet when dribbling · Try to pass the ball with different parts of the foot · Have players control ball before passing or dribbling

Have Success

Patience, this is going to be new to them

Take part


21

Dribbling 1

Age Appropriate: 4-12 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling

Organization: · Grid 20x20 · Every player with a ball · Entire team · 4 cones

Concept/Idea: · In this drill, each player has a ball and must dribble within the 20x20 grid. · Initially allow the players to free dribble then yell “stop” when you want them to focus on you so that you can introduce different challenges. You will be able to immediately tell how many players were dribbling with the ball close enough to their feet by the number of balls still moving when you tell them to stop. · Encourage your players to dribble with the ball close to feet. They want to be able to touch the ball with every step. · After having them try to do various challenges, allow them to finish the activity with a few moments of free touches; let them explore.

Various Challenges to ask of your players: · Have them touch the ball with different areas of the foot: inside, outside, sole, toe · See if they can stop the ball with the sole of their foot · Can they drag the ball backwards with the sole of their foot.

Coaching Points: · Encourage keeping the ball close to feet · Moving ball forward with different parts of foot · Stopping the ball with sole of foot.

Have Success

Be very positive and use lots of reinforcement

Take part


22

Elephant Toss

Age Appropriate: 5-8 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling and Coordination

Organization: · large playing area or circle · 1 soccer ball per player · Entire team · 4 cones

Concept/Idea: · Coach or parent stands in the middle circle with all the soccer balls. · The goal for the coach, parent, or players in the middle is to throw (two-handed underhand lob) all of the soccer balls out of the grid. · As the person in the middle is trying to throw out soccer balls, the players on the outside are all running/dribbling to put them back in. · It is a good idea to start off any new game by players running with the ball in their hands then progress to dribbling when they understand the rules. · Game ends when all the balls are out of the grid.

Variations: · Players progress to dribbling · Have players only dribble with either left or right foot

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Quickness when running/dribbling

Have Success

Don’t have one player in middle for too long

Try to throw balls in all directions for all players

Take part

Enthusiasm

23

Find a Cone

Age Appropriate: 6-10 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling, Agility, and Spatial Awareness

Organization: · Grid 20x25 · 12+ cones · 1 ball per player

Concept/Idea: · Scatter an equal number of yellow and orange (any 2 different colours) cones randomly within the grid. Ensure that there are two less cones of each colour than there are players. · Have players dribble freely within the grid · When the coach calls a colour, the players quickly dribble to a cone of that colour and put their foot on the ball to stop it right at the cone. · There can only be one player at a time on each cone so two players each turn will not be able to find a cone. Keep track of what players are never making it to a cone. Remember that that you want everyone to find success so if the same player or players are never getting to a cone, cheat a little bit in their favour and call a cone colour that they are directly beside.

Variations: · Have them dribble with left or right foot only · Remove another cone to make it that much more difficult to get to one

Coaching Points: · Controlling the ball while dribbling at pace · Dribbling technique, ball close to feet · Head up, find the closest cone

Have Success


Try to trick players with what colour you will be call next

Constant encouragement and enthusiasm

24

Find your Spot

Age Appropriate: 7-8 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling, Spatial AwarenessOrganization: · Grid 20x20 · Divide players into 4 teams · 4 cones · 1 ball per player

Concept/Idea: · The coach stands in the middle of the grid with the each of the four teams standing on one of the lines. · Players must pay attention to where they are on the line, who is beside them, and where they are in relation to the coach. Are they looking at the coaches back, is the coach facing them, or are they on the left or right side of the coach. · The coach then spins around to a new position and the players must quickly react and dribble to the new line and in the same position they were in at the beginning. · To further clarify, those players were looking at the coaches back at the start of the drill will have to move to the line that will once again have them facing the coaches back.

Variations: · Have them dribble with left or right foot only

Coaching Points: · Controlling the ball while dribbling at pace · Dribbling technique, ball close to feet · Head up, avoid players when moving to new line

Have Success


Focus on technique over speed


25

Follow the Leader

Age Appropriate: 6-12 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling, Coordination, and Agility

Organization: · grid 20x25 or bigger if needed · one ball for every two players for the progression · Entire team · 4 cones for grid

Concept/Idea: · Players are put into pairs with one player acting as the leader and the other the follower. · When the coach starts the game the player who is leading attempts to get away from the follower using changes of speed, changes of direction, turns, and feints · The player acting as the follower is trying to see how many times they can tag their partner in 30 seconds · Rotate the leader and follower every 30 seconds.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the grid according to number of players · Get parents involved and maybe it could be a parent versus child competition · Add a soccer ball and now the leader must dribble away from the follower who is still trying to tag their partner. · Have the players try to keep a ball away from one another with the winner of the ball getting to keep it.

Coaching Points: · Agility, body feints · With ball, dribbling technique with ball close to feet · Change of direction and change of pace.

Have Success

Keep accurate time

Take part


26

Goalkeeper, Around the World

Age Appropriate: 7-12 Purpose of Drill: Goalkeeping

Organization: · Lines approx 5-8 yards apart · one ball · Groups of 3 or 4 · 2 cones for each group

Concept/Idea: · In this game, players will work on receiving the ball along the ground, waist high, then in the air · Lined up with two on one side and one on the other, the first player rolls the ball along the ground to the player across from him/her then runs behind that player. The player who just received the ball then rolls it back to the third player and runs behind that line. · The progression are to first roll ball along the ground, then throw it waist high, followed by a high toss that is in the head or shoulders area.

Variations: · Expand or decrease the distance between the players · Players are allowed to throw the ball anyway they want; ground, waist, or high · Change the speed of the rolling ball

Coaching Points: · Coach the basic goaltending techniques with respects to stance and hand position

Have Success

Demonstrate the drill


Keep extra balls on hand to keep the drill flowing

27

Goalkeeper, Hot Pepper


Organization: · Circle, size depends on number of players · one ball · Groups of 4-10 · Enough cones to make your circle

Concept/Idea: · Players form a circle, the size depends on the number of players and the players comfort level with catching a soccer ball · Very similar to hot potato, players will throw the ball in the air to other players who must catch it. Once a player has caught the ball they must throw back in the air to someone else as soon as they can. · When a player drops the ball they must step out of the circle and do a challenge such as five jumping jacks before re-entering the game

Variations: · Expand or decrease the distance between the players · Set a specific time limit before players must throw the ball back · Ball must be bounced against the ground prior to arriving at a player

Coaching Points: · Coach the basic goaltending techniques with respects to stance and hand position · Players should keep their eyes on the ball until it is firmly in their grasp

Have Success

Demonstrate the drill


How many catches in a row

28

Goalkeeper, Learning How to Dive


Organization: · lines approx 5 yards apart · one ball for every two players · Entire team · 4 cones for each group

Concept/Idea: · The idea of this introduction to diving is to have each partner roll the ball to their partner for an easy dive · To make this as safe and non-threatening as possible, have your goalies face each other on their knees. Each player will take turns rolling the ball to their partner for a collapse dive · While performing this drill, have players rotate the side that they are rolling the ball, left to right

Variations: · Depending on the success or fear of your players, you can have the ball rolled either close to the body or a bit further away which requires a bit of a stretch. · Change the speed of the rolling ball

Coaching Points: · Diving technique, collapsing with bottom Arm tucked into body, elbow into the side. · Hands facing forward ready to stop or catch the ball

Have Success

Demonstrate collapse

Take part to demonstrate


29

Goalkeeper, Soccer with Hands


Organization: · Grid 20x25 · one ball · Entire team, divided into 2 teams · 4 cones for each group · Enough pinnies for half the team

Concept/Idea: · Set up a goal at each end of the grid. · Just like regular soccer, players will try to score but the difference is that they are playing with their hands. · Players must use their hands at all times to progress the ball through the air. Once a player had received the ball (caught it) they are not allowed to move their feet and must move the ball forward by throwing it to a teammate. · A change of possession happens when the ball hits the ground or is intercepted. · A goal is scored by throwing the ball through the goal · Set a realistic time-limit that a player is allowed to hold onto the ball before having to throw it.

Variations: · Expand or decrease the size of your pitch to either ensure success or increase the challenge · Allow a few extra steps after catching the ball · Change the speed of the rolling ball

Coaching Points: · When players are catching the ball, encourage proper hand technique · Players should try to catch the ball the highest point they are able to reach it

Have Success

Count out loud the time Limit before a player must

pass the ball


30

Goalkeeper Warm-up


Organization: · lines approx 8 yards apart · one ball for every two players · Entire team · 10+ cones to set distance

Concept/Idea: · In this warm-up, partners will toss a ball back and forth · Have partners face each other then follow this series of movements: · Each players rolls the ball along the ground to each other. Players should bend down at the knees and have body behind the ball as they pick it up. · Players toss ball at waist height again having the players keep their body behind the ball and try to catch the ball before it hits their body. Once they catch the ball they can roll it up and hold it against their chest. · The next throw is shoulder height with the same rules applying, trying to catch the ball with the hands. · The finally throw is up in the air so the player catching the ball has to jump a bit off the ground to catch it.

Variations: · Depending on the success or fear of your players, you can decrease or increase the space between the players. · You can also increase the speed of the throw in order to increase the challenge.

Coaching Points: · Stance, knees bent to help with balance · Hands always ready to catch a ball whether it is high or low

Have Success

Demonstrate stance, hands, etc…

Take part to demonstrate


31

Golf

Age Appropriate: 7-12 Purpose of Drill: Passing

Organization: · grid 20x25 or bigger if needed · one ball for every two players · Entire team · 4 cones for grid

Concept/Idea: · The goal of this game is to see who can take the fewest passes/shots to hit a stationary soccer ball placed somewhere on the pitch. · Just like real golf, the players are trying to hit the stationary ball in the fewest passes as possible. Each group of two is actually competing against each other so you can have several target balls in play at once, with each group getting their own target ball.. · Players rotate shots and start off from a central location.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the distance you place the target balls · Get parents involved and maybe it could be a parent versus child competition · Do this in teams so that they record the score of all their combined shots. Lowest combined score wins.

Coaching Points: · Passing technique, especially plant foot pointed towards target · Keep players moving to keep interest · Striking foot, angle locked with toes pointed up and away to keep passing foot parallel with the ground.

Have Success

Really hype up hole in ones

Take part


32

Hungry Bears

Age Appropriate: 4-10 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling and Shielding

Organization: · grid 20x25 · all players but 1 with a ball · Entire team · 4 cones

Concept/Idea: · Every player is a bear getting ready to hibernate for the winter. Keeping all players inside the grid, the goal is to dribble around and not lose their food (ball) to the one player without a ball. · When the player without a ball takes another player’s ball, they now switch roles and we have a new player trying to win a ball from everyone else. · Like all the other drills at this age, you can first run the drill where the players have to carry the ball and pass it over when they get tagged. · Games should last about 2-3 minutes.

Variations: · Have two players without a ball so as not to single just one player out. · Expand or shrink the grid to allow for success · Reverse the game around and have only one or two bears with the ball and everyone else is trying to win it. This might then become a defending activity.

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Quickness when running/dribbling · Shielding technique, body between ball and opponent

Have Success

Keep giving instructions as to who is the hungry bear

Coach and/or parents should play

Take part

Enthusiasm

33

Keep Away

Age Appropriate: 7-12 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling, Shielding, and Passing

Organization: · grid 20x25 or bigger if needed · one ball for every player · Entire team · 4 cones for grid

Concept/Idea: · Team is divided into two teams with one team inside the grid with soccer balls and the second team (in a different colored pinnie) outside the grid with no soccer balls. · The players in the grid each dribble a soccer ball and on the coaches command, the players on the outside enter the grid and attempt to win the soccer balls and kick them out of the playing area. Give the players inside the grid dribbling a bit of time to just dribble before sending out the defenders. · Players inside the grid who lose their soccer ball can stay in the grid and provide support and passing options to those still with a ball. · The round ends when all soccer balls have been kicked out of the grid by the defending team. · Coaches should keep track of the time to make this a competition on who can clear the grid of soccer balls the quickest.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the grid according to number of players · Get parents involved and maybe it could be a parent versus child competition

Coaching Points: · Agility, body feints and shielding · With ball, dribbling technique with ball close to feet · Change of direction and change of pace.

Have Success

Keep accurate time

Take part


34

King’s or Queen’s Court

Age Appropriate: 7-12 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling and Shielding

Organization: · grid 20x25 · one ball for every player · Entire team · 4 cones

Concept/Idea: · All players dribble their ball within the grid. · Once the coach starts the game, the goal is to be the last player still dribbling within the grid. · Constantly moving and dribbling with the ball under control, the goal of the game is for players to kick out everyone else’s ball while keeping possession of theirs. · When a player’s ball gets knocked out of the grid, that player is out. Have the players who have been knocked out get some experience with juggling or some other activity that involves ball manipulation.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the grid to allow for more or less success · Once balls go out of bounds you can allow players to bring their ball back in. As another option you can have them perform a task before re-entering. i.e. juggle a ball a few times or jumping jacks.

Coaching Points: · Keep ball close to feet to maintain possession · Can players keep their heads up while dribbling · Shielding technique

Have Success

Keep the players moving at all times

Take part


35

Stuck in a Maze

Age Appropriate: 4-12 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling, Coordination and passing if utilized

Organization: · Grid approx. 20x20 · 1 soccer ball per player · Entire team · 18-24 saucer cones

Concept/Idea: · This drill has the opportunity to work on a few different technical areas depending on the rules you set in place. In the diagram above the goal is have your players who each have their own ball, dribble through all the gates/goals. · As dribbling technique improves, the players can now compete to see how many gates they can dribble through within a set time frame, i.e. 30 seconds.

Variations: · Have players see how many cones they can touch in a time limit. · Put players in pairs with each pair getting one ball. Have the partners pass to one another through the gates. This can also become competitive with a time limit.

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Passing technique · Sense of awareness

Have Success

Keep track of the time

Perform in the activity

Be creative in making your obstacles

Enthusiasm

36

Monster


Organization: · Grid approx. 20x20 · 1 soccer ball per player · Entire team · 4 cones

Concept/Idea: · You, the coach pretends to be a monster (this can also be a parent or older sibling) and tries to kick away your player’s soccer balls. · The players must dribble around the grid and avoid the monster. If the monster kicks their ball away, the player must go and retrieve it before continuing play.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the grid to make it more challenging or to allow players to find more success. Remember, you are trying to build their confidence. · Monster dribbles a player’s ball until that player wins it back. · Increase the number of monsters to two · Provide a safe spot using cones where players can take a time out and be safe from the monster. Time outs should come with a time limit.

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Change of direction while dribbling · Ball close to feet when dribbling

Have Success

Go easy on the players

Do not scare the players

Help to instruct players as they are dribbling

Enthusiasm

37

Red Light, Green Light


Organization: · Grid approx. 20x25 · 1 soccer ball per player · Entire team · 4 saucer cones

Concept/Idea: · The goal of this game is to be the first player to make it to the other side of the grid. · Like most games this age, play the first one without soccer balls or make them carry the ball. This will teach the rules of the game without the coach or players having to worry about controlling a soccer ball. · Much like the school yard game, players run/dribble as far as they can get on “green light” and must stop the ball when the hear “red light” · Try to get the players to dribble with the ball close so that they can stop it as soon as they hear the coach call out “red light”. They can stop the ball by footing the sole of their foot on it.

Variations: · Enlarge or shrink the grid to make it more challenging or to allow players to find more success. · Parents can join in have a child dribble one way then hand off to a parent who must dribble back to the original starting position. · As team dribbling improves, the coach can have all players dribbling in the grid and on the command “red light” all players must stop the ball.

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Stopping ball · How fast can they start after hearing “green light”

Have Success

Make sure players know how to strike a ball

Try to trick players on the “red light” or “green light”

Take part

Enthusiasm

38

Relay Races


Organization: · grid laid out as in diagram · One soccer ball per team · 8-16 cones

Concept/Idea: · Run this activity without a ball at first · Limit your numbers in each line. Four players will work well. · Players carry a ball around the far cone and bring it back to hand off to the next player in line. That player then does the same · After each player on a team has completed a turn, have all players on that team sit down behind their line with the first team being finished the winners.

Various Challenges to ask of your players: · Have players compete against parents · Players must run through all cones, slalom. · Players must dribble a ball around the last cone and Back · Players must dribble around all cones

Coaching Points: · Keep ball close to feet when dribbling · Quickness and agility

Have Success

Patience, this is going to be new to them

Take part


39

Sharks and Minnows


Organization: · Grid approx. 20x20 · 1 soccer ball per player · Entire team · 4 cones

Concept/Idea: · Coach is the shark and the players are the minnows. · The players must dribble from one end of the grid, past the shark and make it to the other side. · If a player loses their ball to the shark, they become the shark. If you do not want to signal only one player out a time, you can go with two sharks.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the grid to make it more challenging or to allow players to find more success. Remember, you are trying to build their confidence. · Increase the number of sharks to two. · Instead of going from one end of grid to the other, minnows stay inside the grid and dribble around until they lose their ball.

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Change of direction while dribbling · Speed of dribbling

Have Success

Play easy on players, let them find success

Help to instruct players as they are dribbling

Enthusiasm

40

Shrinking Game

Age Appropriate: 7-12 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling and spatial awareness Organization: · grid varies according to diagram · one ball for every player · Entire team · 5+ cones for grid

Concept/Idea: · Set up four grids with each grid getting smaller. · Players will all dribble with a ball, staying inside the largest grid and ensuring that they do not touch another player or ball with their ball. · Every 30-60 seconds, shrink the grid down one size keeping the same rules about not dribbling out of bounds or allowing their ball to touch another person or another ball · If a player does dribble out of bounds or they touch another player then they must sprint out of the grid and perform a task as assigned by the coach, for example a sprint to a cone or jumping jacks. When they have performed this task they can enter back into the grid.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the grids according to number of players and players success

Coaching Points: · Question players as to what they need to be successful · Dribbling technique, ball close to feet · Change of direction looking for open space

Have Success

Players must always be moving

Don’t stay in one phase for too long

Players cannot touch someone else’s ball

41

Snow Man


Organization: · Grid approx. 20x20 · 1 soccer ball per player · Entire team · 4 saucer cones · 1-2 pinnies (vests)

Concept/Idea: · The goal of this game is to not get frozen by Mr/Mrs freeze which could be the coach or a parent or another player. · First starting out without a ball to teach the game, you can then introduce dribbling when the players understand the rules. · Players will run/dribble with their ball staying inside the grid and try to avoid Mr. or Mrs. Freeze who also must dribble with the ball once they are introduced. Once tagged, the player must stand still with their foot on the ball until a teammate touches them to unfreeze the player. · The game ends when all players have been frozen. The last person or two players to get frozen become Mr. or Mrs. Freeze for the next game.

Variations: · Enlarge or shrink the grid to make it more challenging or to allow players to find more success. · Can have either one or two players competing as Mr. or Mrs. Freeze · As team dribbling improves, the coach can have all players dribbling in the grid and on the command “freeze” all players must stop the ball.

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Stopping ball · Sense of space awareness

Have Success

Keep players moving

Perform in the activity

Point out the different frozen looks

Enthusiasm

42

Squirrels and Nuts


Organization: · grid 25x25 with a small grid in middle · as many soccer balls as you have in the middle grid · Entire team divided into 4 corners · 8 cones

Concept/Idea: · The players are squirrels and the soccer balls are nuts that are found in the tree at the center of the grid. · Divided into four teams, the squirrels are trying to gather as many nuts as they can from the center tree to bring back to their tree before winter comes. · Only one player/squirrel can be away from the net at one time and the next squirrel cannot leave until the previous is back with a nut. This is a race to see who can have the most nuts back in their tree and can run until there are no more soccer balls left in the middle grid. · Like most drills, it is a good idea to start off with players running with balls in their hands at first. When they understand the game, you can switch to dribbling.

Variations: · Players have to pass back to their house · When one squirrel is at the tree getting a nut, another squirrel can be stealing a nut from a different nest. The rules for this are that you are not allowed to stop a squirrel from stealing a nut you must allow that player to freely take a ball.

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Pullbacks to grab ball from middle grid

Have Success


Take part, get parents involved


43

Survivors and Sharks

Age Appropriate: 6-10 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling, Agility, Spatial Awareness Organization: · Grid as shown in diagram · 20+ cones · 1 ball per player, except for the two sharks.

Concept/Idea: · Set up grid with several islands (4-5 cones to form an island) The islands are only strong enough to hold one survivor at a time · It is the goal of the survivors to dribble from island to island without having their ball taken away from the shark · The important piece of information about the islands is that they are not very strong and can hold a survivor for the count of five. At that point the survivor must get off that island and try to get to a new island. · Any player who loses their ball to the shark must now dribble around the island or but are out of the game until we have a winner. One option is to have those caught to now become sharks

Variations: · Have them dribble with left or right foot only · Remove a few islands and have all players dribbling Around the islands until the coach yells “shark”. At that point all the players must dribble to an Island with the rule that only two survivors can Be on an island at once. Survivors not finding an Island are out of the game until a winner is declared.

Coaching Points: · Controlling the ball while dribbling at pace · Dribbling technique, ball close to feet · Head up, find the easiest island to run to

Have Success


Join in and play as the shark


44

Switch

Age Appropriate: 4-12 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling, Shielding, and Coordination

Organization: · grid 20x25 · one ball per player · Entire team · 4 cones

Concept/Idea: · Staying inside the grid, players dribble their ball around trying to avoid each other and keeping their ball close to their feet. · When the coach calls out, “Switch” every player stops their ball then quickly finds another one to dribble. They cannot continue to dribble their same ball.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the grid to allow for success · Use players or parents to steal the ball · Can add an opponent such as the coach who is trying to win the ball off of the players. If coach wins ball, have the player perform a task such as jumping jacks before re-entering the play.

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Quick decisions as to what ball to take after a switch · Dribble with head up, avoid traffic

Have Success

Call “Switch” regularly to keep players active and

having fun

Take part

Enthusiasm in voice

45

Tag

Age Appropriate: 4-12 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling, Coordination, and Agility

Organization: · grid 20x25 · one ball per player · Entire team · 4 cones

Concept/Idea: · The goal of this game is to have players tag as many other players they can without being tagged themselves. · Staying inside the grid, players will compete for 30-60 seconds trying to tag other players and as always we will play this game without a ball first so that players all understand the rules. · At the end of time, ask the players how many they each tagged. The other question you can ask is who got tagged the least.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the grid to allow for success · Use pinnies (vests) tucked into the shorts and players have to remove other players pinnies. · Make full-time taggers and see how many they can tag in a set period of time

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Using the space in the grid to avoid being tagged · Agility, coordination through change of speed and direction

Have Success

Find out each game who tagged the most, got tagged the least

Coach and/or parents should play

Take part

Enthusiasm

46

The Numbers Game

Age Appropriate: 6-8 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling, Spatial Awareness Organization: · Grid 20x25 · 4 cones · 1 ball per player

Concept/Idea: · Players are each dribbling within the grid · When the coach calls out a number the players must quickly dribble into groups that have that number of people in it. · Once the groups are formed, the players dribble again until a new number is called.

Variations: · Have them dribble with left or right foot only · Incorporate different tricks, turns, feints into the dribbling

Coaching Points: · Controlling the ball while dribbling at pace · Dribbling technique, ball close to feet · Head up, attempt to get into a group as quickly as possible

Have Success


Variations into the timing of calling out numbers


47

Treasure Hunt


Organization: · grid 20x25 · every player except one with a ball · Entire team · 8 cones

Concept/Idea: · In this game, all players except for one are dribbling within the grid and trying to keep the pirate from taking their ball. · The pirates goal is to try to collect as many balls as possible and bring them back to his/her ship in one of the corners of the grid. Any ball in the grid cannot be removed. · When a player has had their ball stolen, they can now stay in the grid and help out teammates by being a passing option.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the grid to allow for more or less success · Use players or parents as pirates · Use two pirates when using players · Turn this into a game where you have half of your players protecting the ball and the other half acting as pirates trying to steal them

Coaching Points: · Dribbling technique, control of ball · Passing technique · Dribbling away from pirates (pressure)

Have Success

Help to guide the pirates

Take part


48

Triangle Tag

Age Appropriate: 6-10 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling, Agility

Organization: · Triangle, distance can vary · 1 ball per grid (triangle) · 3 cones for each grid

Concept/Idea: · One player starts with the ball at one corner and the other player is at anther corner without a ball · On the coaches signal, the player with the ball begins to dribble around the triangle while the other player begins the chase. · The goal for the dribbling player is to see how many cones or corners they can dribble past before getting tagged by the second player

Variations: · Expand or shrink the triangle to allow for more success or to increase the difficulty · Have the chasing player start two corners back · Instead of a triangle, you can use a rectangle, square etc… · Have players dribble with only the right or left foot.

Coaching Points: · Controlling the ball while dribbling at pace · Dribbling technique, ball close to feet · head up, controlling dribbling around corners

Have Success


Focus on technique over speed


49

Where’s My Space

Age Appropriate: 4-8 Purpose of Drill: Agility and Understanding Space

Organization: · grid 20x20 · every player with a ball (progression) · Entire team · 4 cones

Concept/Idea: · This drill starts off initially without a soccer ball. · Staying inside the grid, have each player run freely around the grid. · Randomly the coach yells out, “freeze” and each player must stop and stand still. · With your players still frozen to a spot, have them spread their arms out and rotate their hips to see if they can touch anybody. · This is now your opportunity to show to the players that you do not want them too close together and that the goal is stay away from their teammates. Adjust the positioning of any players that are able to touch someone so that they are in a better position. Have them go again, this time mentioning that when you yell freeze hopefully nobody can touch anyone else. · Whenever you have to adjust players so that they are not touching, explain to them that they want to keep their personal space wherever they go

Various Challenges to ask of your players: · Have them do this same activity but now with a soccer ball.

Coaching Points: · Encourage players to ensure that none of their teammates get within their personal space · Movement within the grid that avoids players · Change direction if another player is in the way

Have Success

Change the timing of your commands

Take part


50

Who’s the Boss?

Age Appropriate: 6-10 Purpose of Drill: Dribbling, Feints, Agility, and Coordination Organization: · Grid approx 20x25 · 1 ball per player · 4 cones for the grid

Concept/Idea: · Each player is given a number. · Players each dribble freely within the grid. · When the coach calls out a number, that player must perform a move, trick, turn etc… the other players dribbling must all copy that move. After the trick is performed, the players resume their dribble as before and wait to hear a new number.

Variations: · Expand or shrink the grid to allow for more success or to increase the difficulty · Obstacles can be set up to further force players to keep their head and the ball close to their feet.

Coaching Points: · While dribbling players must be able to look up and recognize the boss and the move they are performing · Dribbling technique, ball close to feet · spatial awareness, avoid running into each other

Have Success


Allow time for players to perform trick, turn, etc


Coaching Ages 7 to 8 Years - Stage 2This section provides you with a twelve-week training program for children ages 7 through 8 years. Each practice features three fun and progressive drills and culminates with a small-sided game. Emphasis is placed on the development of fundamental skills and careful consideration has been given to prioritize the most relevant techniques to master at this age level.

This is the second stage of the ICA training program. Main topics include skills in dribbling, passing, ball control and shooting. The program starts with dribbling to familiarize novice players with the ball and introduces the game as a fun and enjoyable sport. Passing practices concentrate on developing the basics using drills designed to focus purely on the mechanics, pace and accuracy of the push pass.

The program is age appropriate and sets a solid foundation for players to advance to the next level. The program is meant as a guideline and coaches are encouraged to incorporate a minimal understanding of team concepts and laws of the game.

Weekly Practice Schedule:

Week Technique Practice Theme/Key Words Week One Dribbling Comfort ability with the ball Week Two Dribbling Change of direction and speed Week Three Dribbling Direction and speed/basic moves Week Four Passing Pure mechanics/static/walking Week Five Passing Pace/accuracy/targets Week Six Passing Pace/accuracy/jog/run/targets Week Seven Passing Pace/accuracy/targets Week Eight Passing Pace/accuracy/static/run/movement Week Nine Ball Control Pure mechanics/walk/run Week Ten Ball Control Pure mechanics Aerial Control run Week Eleven Ball Control Pure mechanics Aerial Control run Week Twelve Shooting Pure mechanics/static/walk/run

Warm Up:A thorough warm up should be performed before each practice session. Refer to the “Warm Up”section of the website for a variety of fun warm up activities for your team. Use a combination of exercises “with” and “without” the ball. Relate the warm up to the skill of the day. Be creative, energetic, and make the warm-up a fun start to the practice session.

Copyright, TheICA.com, All Rights Reserved

Week One – Drill One________________________

Sponge Bob Soccer Pants

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to improve the player’s technical ability in a variety of dribbling moves. Field PreparationEntire Group, Area 10 x 20 yards, Supply of Balls, Cones Coaching Pointers:A group of players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 20 yards, one set of players with one ball each. The group of is divided equally into two groups.

One group is positioned on the end line of the grid with one ball each. (These are the “Sponge Bobs”). The second group of players inside the grid as the “Planktons”. The players must dribble their ball (Crabby Patty) and get to the opposite end of the grid.

The Planktons want the secret recipe and try to steal the Crabby Patties. All players dribble at the same time. Planktons on the ground may only move using their hands and feet, they cannot stand up. They must try to kick the balls out over the sideline. If the ball is kicked back over the starting line the dribbling player may start over.

All players dribble at the same time. Players on the ground may only move using their hands and feet, they cannot stand up. The defending players must try to kick the balls out over the sideline. If the ball is kicked back over the starting line the dribbling player may start over. When reaching the end line the coach counts all the successful players. The group then dribbles back to the opposite side. The dribbling group gets four attempts and all their points are totaled. The groups then switch roles.

Encourage the dribbling players to use a variety of dribbling moves and attack open spaces in the grid.


Week One – Drill Two________________________

Dribbling Knock Out

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to improve the player’s technical ability in a variety of dribbling moves. Field PreparationEntire Group, Area 20 x 20 yards, Supply of Balls, Cones Coaching Pointers:The entire group is positioned in a grid 20 yards x 20 yards. All but one player has a ball. The practice is started with one defender placed in the center of the grid (Mad Max). The defender tries to kick the dribbling player’s ball out of the grid. Once the player has been dispossessed, he then becomes a member of the Mad Max gang and has to help him kick the ball out of the grid. The last player remaining in possession of a ball is the winner.

Encourage the players to seek out defenders and not hide in corners. The dribbling players should use a variety of dribbling moves while scanning the grid for open spaces and defensive players. The winner of the practice becomes Mad Max in the following game. Players should also look to screen the ball whenever needed, using their arms to hold off pressurizing defenders.


Week One – Drill Three_______________________

Dribbling Knock Out

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to improve the player’s technical ability in a variety of dribbling moves. Field PreparationEntire Group, Area 20 x 20 yards, Supply of Balls, Cones Coaching Pointers:The entire group is positioned in a grid 20 yards x 20 yards. All but one player has a ball. The practice is started with one defender placed in the center of the grid (Mad Max). The defender tries to kick the dribbling player’s ball out of the grid. Once the player has been dispossessed, he then becomes a member of the Mad Max gang and has to help him kick the ball out of the grid. The last player remaining in possession of a ball is the winner.

Encourage the players to seek out defenders and not hide in corners. The dribbling players should use a variety of dribbling moves while scanning the grid for open spaces and defensive players. The winner of the practice becomes Mad Max in the following game. Players should also look to screen the ball whenever needed, using their arms to hold off pressurizing defenders.


Week One – Small Sided Game_______ ________

Small-Sided Game (no goalkeepers)

Exercise Objectives:Finish with small sided game 3 v 3 (No Goalkeepers). The practice should be concluded with a small-sided game reinforcing the coaching points from your drills. Field PreparationEntire Group (split into teams of three or fours), Area 20 x 20 yards, Use Small Goals, Cones or Flag poles, Supply of Balls, Colored Bibs. Coaching Pointers:

• Divide the players into teams of three or fours, no goalkeepers. • Each field should be approximately 20 yards x 20 yards. • Use corner flags or cones as goals. • Small-sided round robin tournaments can be used. • Every team plays each other. • Each game 10 minutes in duration.

Format:

Team 1 v Team 2 ____ Team 3 v Team 4 ____ Team 1 v Team 3 ____ Team 2 v Team 4 ____ Team 1 v Team 4 ____ Team 2 v Team 3 ____

Week Two – Drill One________________________

Slalom Through Cones

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to develop close control while running with the ball. Field Preparation3 Players, Area 10 x 15 yards, Cones or Flag poles, Supply of Balls Coaching Pointers:Two players are positioned at one end of the grid, with one player at the opposite side. Players alternate dribbling the ball at full speed through the line of cones. Cones are placed at 1-yard intervals across the full length of the grid.

The coach should emphasize the following coaching points: • Maintain close control over the ball. • Build up speed gradually. Don’t sacrifice quality for speed • Use the outside and inside of the foot to dribble with the ball. • Don’t keep the eye’s fixed on the ball. Scan the horizon.

Week Two – Drill Two________________________

Dribble around the Cone

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to develop close control while running and turning with the ball. Field Preparation2 Players, Area 10 x 10 yards, Cones or Flag poles, Supply of Balls Coaching Pointers:Divide players into pairs, with one ball each. Player’s alternate dribbling the ball to the opposite cone, turning and dribbling back to the starting position. The cone is placed approximately 5-7 yards from the starting line.

The coach should emphasize the following coaching points: • Maintain close control over the ball. • Build up speed gradually. Don’t sacrifice quality for speed. • Use the outside and inside of the foot to dribble with the ball. • Don’t keep the eye’s fixed on the ball. Scan the horizon.


Week Two – Drill Three_______________________

Dribble, Turn and Escape

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to develop close control while running and turning with the ball. Field Preparation2 Players, Area 10 x 10 yards, Cones , 2 Balls Coaching Pointers:Divide players into pairs, with one ball each. Players alternate dribbling the ball towards each other. At the mid-point of the grid, players’ turn and dribble back to their starting positions. Players should accelerate after turning.

The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:

• Maintain close control over the ball. • Build up speed gradually. Don’t sacrifice quality for speed. • Use a variety of surfaces to turn with the ball such as outside, inside and sole of the foot. • Use a variety of turning techniques such as the “Step and Hop” or the Cryuff. • When turning, get the ball out of your feet and into the direction you want to turn.

• If the turning touch is close to the feet the head will be down. If the turning touch is out of

the feet, the player can scan the field and run onto the ball for their second touch.

• Use a change of speed and explode away from the player.


Week Two – Small Sided Game_______ ________




Format:


Week Three – Drill One_______________________

Dribble to Corners

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to improve the player’s technical ability when dribbling and running with the ball. Field PreparationEntire Group, Area 20 x 20 yards, Supply of Balls, Cones Coaching Pointers:The whole group is positioned in a grid 20 yards x 20 yards. Four corners are marked off with cones and designated with numbers one through four. Each player has a ball and dribbles around the inside of the grid. Players must avoid each other. When the coach calls out a number, the players must then dribble the ball quickly to the corner selected while avoiding other players. First player into the corner wins a point.The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:

• Maintain control over the ball at all times. • Use a change of speed and direction. • Keep your head up and scan the field.

Week Three – Drill Two_______________________

Truck and Trailer

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to improve the player’s technical ability when dribbling and running with the ball. Field PreparationEntire Group, Area 20 x 20 yards, Supply of Balls, Cones Coaching Pointers:Divide the group into pairs with each player having a ball. The group is positioned in a grid 20 yards x 20 yards. First player is the “truck” the second player the “trailer”. On the coach’s command the “trailer” must follow the “truck” as closely as possible around the grid. The “truck” must change speed and direction as much as possible. Players reverse roles when the coach shouts ‘change”. Players must avoid colliding with other teams within the grid.The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:

• Maintain control over the ball at all times. • Use a change of speed and direction. • Keep your head up and scan the field.

Week Three – Drill Three______________________

Show me the Moves

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to improve the player’s technical ability when dribbling and running with the ball. Field PreparationEntire Group, Area 20 x 20 yards, Supply of Balls, Cones. Coaching Pointers:The group is positioned in a grid 20 yards x 20 yards. Each player has a ball. The practice starts with the players dribbling their ball freely around the inside of the grid. The players must instantly react to a series of commands from the coach. The commands are;

Stop – Players must stop the ball using the sole of the foot. Turn – Players must change direction 180 degrees. Step Over – Players perform a step over move over the ball. Fake – Players must fake to pass or cross the ball. Explode – Players must change speed rapidly into an open area.

Players must avoid colliding with other teams within the grid.


• Maintain control over the ball at all times. • Use a change of speed and direction. • Keep your head up and scan the field. • Use a variety of foot surfaces to manipulate the ball.


Week Three – Small Sided Game_______ _______




Format:


Week Four – Drill One________________________

Push Pass Mechanics

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to introduce the novice player to the correct mechanics involved in the execution of the “Push Pass.”

Field Preparation:Two players with one ball.

Coaching Points:Two players are positioned in a grid 5 yards x 5 yards. One player kneels holding the ball firmly between their hands. The other player alternates stepping towards the ball and performing the “Push Pass.” The players should always step towards the ball and try to hit the ball in their stride. The players should alternate holding the ball.


• Approach the ball at a slight angle.• Place non-kicking foot along side the ball, not too close so that it will prevent the

natural swinging motion of the kicking leg. • The ankle of the kicking foot must be firm. • Use a slight drawback of the kicking foot. • Strike the ball with the inside of the kicking foot - through the horizontal mid-line of the

ball. • The head should be kept steady and eyes fixed firmly on the ball.


Week Four – Drill Two________________________

Lock the Ankle

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to introduce the novice player to the correct mechanics involved in the execution of the “Push Pass”.

Field Preparation:Two players with one ball.

Coaching Points:Two players are positioned in a grid 5 yards x 5 yards. The players are positioned on either side of the ball. In pairs the players step towards the ball and lock the ball between their feet as they perform the “Push Pass”. To ensure the timing coincides, one player should slowly count out loud "one, two, three". On the three count the players move towards the ball. The players should always step towards the ball and try to hit the ball in their stride.


• Approach the ball at a slight angle.• Place non-kicking foot along side the ball, not too close so that it will prevent the natural

swinging motion of the kicking leg.• The ankle of the kicking foot must be firm. • Use a slight drawback of the kicking foot. • Strike the ball with the inside of the kicking foot - through the horizontal mid-line of the

ball. • The head should be kept steady and eyes fixed firmly on the ball.

Week Four – Drill Three_______________________

Under the Bridge

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve the correct mechanics involved in the execution of the “Push Pass" with an emphasis on accuracy.

Field Preparation:Area 10 x 10 yards. Three players. One ball, Four cones.

Coaching Points:Three players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. One player is placed in the middle and presents themselves as a target by making a tunnel with their legs. The other two players try to pass the ball through the tunnel. The distance should be increased slowly to make the practice more challenging.


• Develop a feel for the correct pace in which you need to pass the ball.• Concentrate on making the pass accurate.

The first player to get the ball through the tunnel 5 times wins. Rotate so different players compete against each other

Week Four – Small Sided Game_______ ________




Format:


Week Five – Drill One________________________

Land on the Moon

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve the technical ability of the “Push Pass” with an emphasis on “pace and accuracy”.

Field Preparation:Area 10 x 15 yards. Small group of players, balls and cones.

Coaching Points:A grid is marked off approximately 10 yards by 15 yards and a circle is made with cones at one end of the grid. A group of players with a ball each are positioned at the opposite end of the grid.In turn, players have to try and land their rocket (ball) onto the surface of Mars (circle marked off by cones). A point is awarded for each successful mission. No points are awarded if the ball lands outside the circle.

Repeat practice several times and total up points. To challenge the players the size of the circle may be reduced each time.


Week Five – Drill Two________________________

Soccer Marbles


Field Preparation:Center circle. Small group of players, balls.

Coaching Points:Use the center circle or mark off a circle approximately 10 yards to 15 yards wide. Place a ball (marble) in the center of the circle. Each player has a ball (marble) and is positioned around the perimeter of the circle. In turn, players try to get their marble (ball) as close as they can to the center marble.

The closest ball to the center marble wins a point. Repeat game several times and total points. Distance of the circle may be increased to make the game more challenging.


Week Five – Drill Three_______________________

The incredible Shrinking Box

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve the technical ability of the “Push Pass” with emphasis on “pace and accuracy”.

Field Preparation:Area 10 x 20 yards. Small group of players, balls and cones.

Coaching Points:A grid is marked off approximately 10 yards by 20 yards. A line of cones is placed across the middle of the grid, forming a box. A group of players with a ball each is positioned on one end of the grid. In turn, players try to pass their ball into the box. A point is awarded if the ball stays within the box. After all players have taken a turn they retrieve their ball and return to the starting position.

To make the game progressively challenging, the box is now reduced to half width and a new line marked across the grid using the cones. Players repeat the game until everyone has had a turn and return to their starting positions on the end line.

The box is once more reduced to half width and a new line marked across the grid using the cones. Players repeat the game until everyone has had a turn. Line up all the players and total the points.

Week Five – Small Sided Game_______ ________




Format:


Week Six – Drill One_________________________

One Player Relay


Field Preparation:Area 10 x 10 yards. Two players. One ball, Four cones.

Coaching Points:One player is positioned at one side of a grid, 10 yards x 10 yards. The player receives the ball from the server. The receiving player must pass the ball back to the server "first time" and only scores a point for each pass back on the ground to the server’s hands. After each pass the receiver must turn and run back to the starting position.

The server should pass the ball approximately 5 yards. If the server passes the ball too far the receiving player will not come to meet the ball. With a correctly weighted pass the receiving player will always be encouraged to come and meet the ball.

The coach should emphasize correct technique and slowly build up the tempo to match speed. Care must be taken to emphasize quality over speed. Create a competition between groups. Keep score and award points for the first player to reach 20 good passes or the player who can perform the most passes in one minute.

Week Six – Drill Two_________________________

Target Passing

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve the technical ability of the “Push Pass” with an emphasis on accuracy.

Field Preparation:Area 10 x 10 yards. Small group of players. Supply of balls. Cones.

Coaching Points:A small group of players are positioned at one side of the grid with the server at the opposite side. Each player alternates receiving a rolled pass from the server. Players should try to pass the ball “first time” through the two cones, turn and join the end of the group.

A point is awarded for each pass returned on the ground and through the cones.


Week Six – Drill Three________________________

Balls in the Box

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve the correct mechanics involved in passing a moving ball. An emphasis is placed on timing and accuracy.

Field Preparation:A grid is marked off approximately 10 yards by 20 yards. Inside, and at one end of the grid, a small box is marked off approximately 2 yards by 2 yards. A group of players are positioned at the opposite end of the grid and a server placed on the side. The server has a supply of balls within reach.

Coaching Points:The practice starts when the server rolls the ball across the grid. The first player in line comes forward and redirects the ball using "one touch". The object is for the player to redirect the ball by passing it into the small box. The ball must stay within the box for it to count as a success. After passing the ball, the player returns and joins the back of the line.

Have 2 groups side by side competing against each other. First team to get all their balls in the box wins. Try making the box smaller to challenge your players. Rotate servers to ensure everyone practices the activity.

Week Six – Small Sided Game________ ________




Format:


Week Seven – Drill One_______________________

Swap the Ball

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve the mechanics involved in the “Push Pass”. An emphasis is placed on accuracy and movement.

Field Preparation:Area 10 x 10 yards. Two players. Two balls.

Coaching Points:Two players are positioned in a grid 10 yards by 10 yards. Players work in pairs with their partner on the opposite side of the grid.

On the count of three, both players pass the ball across the grid to their partner. Players should be alert on their feet, get behind the flight of the ball quickly and control it. The practice is then repeated.

Players should pass the ball slightly to the side of the their partner to avoid the balls from colliding.


Week Seven – Drill Two_______________________

Knock Down the Cone

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve the mechanics involved in the execution of the “Push Pass” with an emphasis on accuracy.

Field Preparation:Area 10 x 10 yards. 4 players. 2 balls. Cones.

Coaching Points:Four players are positioned in a grid 10 yards by 10 yards. Players work in pairs with their partner on the opposite side of the grid. On the coach’s command, the first pair to knock down the cone in the center of the grid wins. One of the losing pair must stand up the cone after it is knocked down.

First pair to knock down the cone 5 times wins


Week Seven – Drill Three_____________________

3, 2, 1 Blast Off

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve the technical ability of the “Push Pass” with an emphasis on accuracy.

Field Preparation:Two players are positioned opposite each other in a grid 10 yards by 10 yards. Three sets of cones are placed down the center of the grid. The cones should be positioned as a set of three, set of two and a single cone.

Coaching Points:Players work as a team to knock down all the standing cones. First objective is to knock down the set of three cones. After this is completed they knock down the set of two cones. Finally the competition is completed when the last single cone is knocked down. The targets get more challenging as they reduce in size.

Divide your group into pairs and have them compete against each other. First pair to eliminate all six cones wins. Repeat practice several times.


Week Seven – Small Sided Game________ ______




Format:


Week Eight – Drill One_ ______________________

Two Player Relay

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve the technical ability of the “Push Pass” with an emphasis on “Pace and accuracy”.

Field Preparation:Area 10 x 10 yards. Three players. One ball, Four cones.

Coaching Points:Two players are positioned at one side of a grid, 10 yards x 10 yards. The players receive the ball from the server. The receiving player must pass the ball back to the server "first time" and only scores a point for each pass back on the ground to the servers feet. After each pass the receiver must return to their starting position.

The server should pass the ball approximately 5 yards. If the server passes the ball too far the receiving player will not come to meet the ball. With a correctly weighted pass the receiving player is always be encouraged to come and meet the ball.

The coach should emphasize correct technique and slowly build up the tempo to game speed. Care must be taken to emphasize quality over speed. Create a competition between groups. Keep score and award points for the first team to reach 20 good passes or see which team who can perform the most passes in one minute.

Week Eight – Drill Two_______________________

Pass and Run

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve the correct mechanics involved in the execution of the “Push Pass".

Field Preparation:Area 10 x 10 yards. Small group of players. 1 ball. Cones.

Coaching Points:Two groups are positioned at each end of a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. The first player with the ball passes to the player opposite. After passing, the player sprints to the opposite end of the grid and joins the back of the line. The receiving player repeats to continue the sequence.


• Concentrate on quality ground passes to feet. • Deliver a pass that the receiver can play using "one touch". • Accelerate explosively without the ball

Week Eight – Drill Three______________________

Pass and Overlap

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve the technical ability of the “Push Pass” with an emphasis on an overlapping run after making a pass.

Field Preparation:Area 10 x 20 yards. Small group of players. 1 ball. Cones.

Coaching Points:Two groups are positioned at opposite sides of the grid. The first player passes the ball through the two center cones to the player at the opposite side. After passing the ball, the player makes a fast supporting run around the side cone and joins the opposite group.

• Encourage players to keep the ball on the ground. • Move quickly after passing the ball. • Try to play "one touch" passes whenever possible.


Week Eight – Small Sided Game_________ ______




Format:


Week Nine – Drill One________________________

Cushion Control using inside of the Foot

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve each player’s ability in ball control. The emphasis is placed on “Cushion Control using the Feet”.

Field Preparation:Grid 10 x 10 yards. 2 players. Cones. 1 Ball.

Coaching Points: Two players per grid, with one ball. The grid should be 10 yards x 10 yards. The players are positioned facing each other about 5 yards apart. The player with the ball starts the practice by rolling the ball along the ground, for his partner to control using the inside of the foot. The player controlling the ball should get the controlling foot behind the flight of the ball. On contact with the ball, the player immediately withdraws the foot, taking the pace off the ball, and cushioning it. The player then passes the ball back to the server.

Players can keep score, one point for every successful control.


Week Nine – Drill Two________________________

Control using inside of the Foot - on the Run



Coaching Points: Two players per grid, with one ball. The grid should be 10 yards x 10 yards. The players are positioned facing each other about 5 yards apart. The player with the ball starts the practice by rolling the ball along the ground, for their partner to control using the inside of the foot. The player controlling the ball should get the controlling foot behind the flight of the ball. On contact with the ball, the player immediately withdraws the foot, taking the pace off the ball, and cushioning it. The player then passes the ball back to the server.



Week Nine – Drill Three______________________

Relay - Cushion Control - using the Foot

Objective of the Practice:This practice is structured to improve the technical ability of the “Cushion Control using the Feet”.

Field Preparation:Grid 10 x 10 yards. Small group of players. Cones. 1 Ball.

Coaching Points: A small group of players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. The server rolls the ball along the ground to the receiving players. Players alternate receiving the ball from the server.

The receiving player must control the ball using the inside of the foot. After successfully controlling the ball the player must pass the ball back to the server, turn and join the end of the line. The player receives a point for each successful control and pass back to the server.

The coach should emphasize correct technique and slowly build up the tempo to match speed. Care must be taken to emphasize quality over speed. Create a competition between groups. Keep score and award points for the first team to reach 20 good controls and passes or the team who can perform the most controls and passes in one minute.

Week Nine – Small Sided Game_________ ______




Format:


Week Ten – Drill One_________________________

Cushion Control using the Top of the Foot



Coaching Points: Two players per grid, with one ball. The grid should be 10 yards x 10 yards. The players are positioned facing each other about 5 yards apart. The player with the ball starts the practice by serving the ball from waist height, for his partner to control using the laces of the shoe. The player controlling the ball should get the controlling foot under the flight of the ball. On contact with the ball, the player immediately withdraws the foot, taking the pace off the ball, and cushioning it down to the ground. The player then serves the ball for his partner. Ensure that the serve is a "looped" serve and not shallow.



Week Ten – Drill Two_________________________

Cushion Control on the Run



Coaching Points: Two players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. The server throws a looped pass to the receiving player. The ball should be served approximately 5 yards in front of the server. With a correct serve the receiving player is always encouraged to come and meet the ball.

The player runs towards the server and receives the ball from the server. The receiving player must control the ball using the foot. After successfully controlling the ball the player must pass the ball back to the server. The player receives a point for each successful control and pass back to the server. After each pass the receiver must return to the starting position and repeat.

The coach should emphasize correct technique and slowly build up the tempo to match speed. Care must be taken to emphasize quality over speed. Create a competition between groups. Keep score and award points for the first player to reach 20 good controls and passes or who can perform the most controls and passes in one minute.

Week Ten – Drill Three_______________________

Relay - Cushion Control - using Top of Foot



Coaching Points: A small group of players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. The server throws a high looped pass to the receiving player. The ball should be served approximately 5 yards in front of the server. With a correct serve the receiving player is always encouraged to come and meet the pass. The players alternate receiving the ball from the server. The receiving player must prevent the ball from hitting the ground by controlling the ball using the foot. After successfully controlling the ball the player must pass the ball back to the server. The player receives a point for each successful control and pass back to the server. After each pass the receiver must turn and join the end of the group. The coach should emphasize correct technique and slowly build up the tempo to game speed. Care must be taken to emphasize quality over speed. Create a competition between groups. Keep score and award points for the first team to reach 20 good controls and passes or the team who can perform the most controls and passes in one minute.

Week Ten – Small Sided Game________ ________




Format:


Week Eleven – Drill One______________________

Cushion Control using the Thigh

Objective of the Practice:This practice is designed to improve each player’s ability in Ball Control. The emphasis is placed on “Cushion Control using the Thigh”.


Coaching Points: Two players per grid, with one ball. The grid should be 10 yards x 10 yards. The players are positioned facing each other about 5 yards apart. The player with the ball starts the practice by serving the ball above head height, for their partner to control using the thigh.

The player controlling the ball should constantly be moving to get their thigh under the flight of the ball. On contact with the ball, the player immediately withdraws the thigh, taking the pace off the ball, and cushioning it down to the ground. The player then serves the ball for his partner. Ensure that the serve is a high "looped" serve and not shallow.


Week Eleven – Drill Two______________________

Cushion Control using the Thigh - on the Run

Objective of the Practice:This practice is structured to improve the technical ability of the “Cushion Control using the Thigh”.


Coaching Points: Two players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. The server throws a high looped pass to the receiving player. The ball should be served approximately 5 yards in front of the server. With a correct serve the receiving player is always encouraged to come and meet the pass. The player runs towards the server and receives the ball from the server. The receiving player must prevent the ball from hitting the ground by controlling the ball using the thigh. After successfully controlling the ball the player must pass the ball back to the server. The player receives a point for each successful control and pass back to the server. After each pass the receiver must return to the starting position and repeat. The coach should emphasize correct technique and slowly build up the tempo to match speed. Care must be taken to emphasize quality over speed. Create a competition between groups. Keep score and award points for the first player to reach 20 good controls and passes or who can perform the most controls and passes in one minute.

Week Eleven – Drill Three_____________________

Relay - Cushion Control - using The Thigh

Objective of the Practice:This practice is structured to improve the technical ability of the “Cushion Control using the Thigh”.


Coaching Points: A small group of players are positioned in a grid 10 yards x 10 yards. The server throws a high looped pass to the receiving player. The ball should be served approximately 5 yards in front of the server. With a correct serve the receiving player is always encouraged to come and meet the pass. The players alternate receiving the ball from the server. The receiving player must prevent the ball from hitting the ground by controlling the ball using the thigh. After successfully controlling the ball the player must pass the ball back to the server. The player receives a point for each successful control and pass back to the server. After each pass the receiver must turn and join the end of the group. The coach should emphasize correct technique and slowly build up the tempo to match speed. Care must be taken to emphasize quality over speed. Create a competition between groups. Keep score and award points for the first team to reach 20 good controls and passes or the team who can perform the most controls and passes in one minute.

Week Eleven – Small Sided Game_____ ________




Format:


Week Twelve – Drill One______________________

Shooting Basics 1

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to introduce the novice player to the correct mechanics when shooting the ball. Field Preparation2 Players, Area 10 x 10 yards, Cones, 1 Ball Coaching Pointers:Two players are positioned in a grid 10 yards by 10 yards. One player is the goalkeeper, the second a receiver. The goalkeeper stands in between the two cones and rolls the ball towards the receiver. The receiver steps towards the ball and shoots the ball at the goal. After shooting the ball, the receiver must return to the starting position. Both players should alternate roles.


• Remember to keep the head steady and eyes fixed firmly on the ball. • Approach the ball at a slight angle. This will assist the natural swinging motion of the

kicking leg. • The last stride to the ball should be the longest stride.

• The non-kicking foot should be placed along side and slightly in front of the ball. • Contact on the ball with the kicking foot should be made through the horizontal mid-line

of the ball. • The kicking foot should be fully extended down and the ball should be struck with the

laces of the shoe. • The follow through should be made through the center of the ball and continue in the

direction of the goal.


Week Twelve – Drill Two______________________

Shooting Basics 2

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to introduce the novice player to the correct mechanics when shooting the ball. Field Preparation 2 Players, Area 10 x 10 yards, Cones, 1 Ball. Coaching Pointers:Two players are positioned in a grid 10 yards by 20 yards. One player is the server, the second a receiver. The players start the practice at one end of the grid. The server stands approximately 2 yards from the receiver and rolls the ball towards the receiver. The receiver steps towards the ball and shoots the ball back to the server’s hands. The server then retreats 2 yards and repeats the service. This is done until both players reach the opposite side of the grid, then both players change roles.


Week Twelve – Drill Three_____________________

Shooting Relay

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to introduce the novice player to the correct mechanics when shooting the ball. Field PreparationSmall group of players, Area 10 x 20 yards, Cones or Flag poles, Supply of Balls, Colored Bibs. Coaching Pointers:Four players are positioned in a grid 10 yards by 20 yards with one player as the goalkeeper. The practice starts when the first shooter inline pushes the ball forward and shoots at goal. After shooting, the players must retrieve their ball and return to the starting position and join the end of the line. Players should alternate roles of the goalkeeper.


Week Twelve – Small Sided Game_____ ________



• Divide the players into teams of three or fours, no goalkeepers. • Each field should be approximately 20 yards x 20 yards. • Use corner flags or cones as goals. • Small-sided round robin tournaments can be used. • Each game 10 minutes in duration.

Format:



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