Shielding & Possession

Start with a 10 x 10 grid with a player in each corner and a ball in the middle.

When the coach says “go” all four players try to win the ball and maintain possession. The player who has the ball in their possession at the end of the round gets a point (the round lasts 10 seconds). There would be 10 rounds per game and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

In the beginning, players will try to get to the ball and dribble away from the opponents but they will quickly understand they need to win the ball, shield the ball from the opponents and accept some of the body contact that will directed their way. Players need to be reminded this is a contact sport and knocking a player off the ball with a legal shoulder charge is not only acceptable but expected. As long as it wouldn't be a foul in a regular game, it's permissible in this activity.

You can also vary the size of the grid and the time periods. You can change from a 10 x 10 grid to a 5 x 5 grid or change the time length from 10 seconds to 5 seconds.

Next you would have teams. The players on opposite corners are now teammates so instead of 1 v 3, it's 2 v 2.

Now, then the coach says 'go” the two reds are trying to win and keep the ball against the two yellows who are doing the exact same thing.

This adds the element of teamwork into the activity but still works on the same things as before.

This is a great activity to work on shielding, possession, competitiveness and will prepare the players for the type of contact they will see in real games.

Under 10 Drill - "Accuracy Passing Under Pressure"

Setup:

Set up a field that is 20X20 yards. Four players should be in each of the corners with the remaining two players in the middle of the grid. One of the two players are working while the other person rests with their hands on their knees. Two balls are used and the ball starts in opposite corners.

Instructions:

Player 1 passes the ball towards the player resting, the working player jumps over the player resting and receives the ball and knocks it to the player to his right. As soon as the working players plays the ball back, the player on the other side of the grid plays a ball towards the resting player and the working player jumps him again, receives the ball and passes to the player on his right. The play continues in this manner. Each player should work for 60 seconds. Rotate all players.

Variations:

• Play 1 or 2 touch
• Use inside and outside of foot
• Move close and serve with their hands for volleys
  

Coaching Points:

• Good first touch
• Good work rate along with accurate passes

Under 10 Drill - "The Bank Game"

Objective - Passing with pressure

Setup - two teams of 4 or 5 players. Each in a 40 X 40 grid (adjustable).

The Game- the coach sends a soccer ball into O's teams grid. The opposing team sends 1 players to play as a defender. The O's try to connect 4 passes in a row without the defender stealing or kicking ball out of bounds. Each time a team accomplishes this, they can make 100 bucks. Once they make a hundred bucks, they have 2 choices. Go for another hundred bucks or bank the money. To bank the money, they have to send the soccer ball back into the opposing teams grid and THEY send a defender to try to steal the ball. If the ball goes out of bound or is stolen, the coach sends a ball into the others teams grid.

Progressions -

• Send in more than 1 defender
• Make grids smaller
• To make game easier - make grid larger and add a offensive player
  

Under 10 Characteristics and Skill Priorities

Skill Priorities:

Technical -

• Further Improvement of U8 Skills (click here for U8 skills)
  
• Passing with inside and outside of both feet
• Shooting with both feet using the laces
  
• Receiving the ball with all parts of body (feet, thigh, and chest)
  
• Defensive Heading

Tactical -

• Basic Attacking Ideas of when to dribble, pass, or shoot
  
• Basic Defending Ideas of when to pressure, support, or cover
  
• Comprehend 1 vs 1 concepts
• Comprehend 2 vs 1 concepts
• Comprehend roles of 1st and 2nd defenders
• Comprehend roles of 1st and 2nd attackers

As we move up the age ladder from the U8 level to the U10 level there are many differences we must attend to in order to provide an optimal experience for young players of this age. However, there are also many similarities. Just as in parenting, it is important to be consistent in coaching and we must make sure that we follow a progressive trend of development for young players. To this ends, we need to continue to focus on technique during our practices, as we did at the younger ages. Creating environments in which players get maximum repetitions of technical skills is key. Players at this age should still work on ball mastery and demonstrate growing familiarity and comfortability with a ball at their feet.

Characteristics of this age group -

• Attention span lengthens from U8 - they start to show the ability to sequence thought and actions
• They start to think ahead and think “If this, then that” - this is why tactics can start to be taught
  
• They are more inclined towards wanting to play soccer rather than being told to play
• Demonstrate increased self-responsibility – bringing a ball, water and all gear should now be their complete responsibility. The player takes more ownership of the game
  
• They start to recognize fundamental tactical concepts
• Children at this age begin to become aware of peer pressure - this can be both positive and negative. Adults must watch this closely
  
• Players greatly affiliate with their team or their coach—“I play for the Tigers” or “I play for coach Amy’s team”
• Players at this age are extremely rule bound — remember each rule you create is the equivalent of a bar in the prison in which you would like to live. Too many rules and they will stop learning
  
• There is a wide continuum of maturity evident on most teams - this, though, is still a crucial age for technical skill development, so regardless of maturity, coaches must still work on developing all players
  

The Receive and Turn Drill

This drill will work well with Under 8 and up players. Younger players should focus on ground balls, older players can mix it up with both ground and lofted balls.Organization -

• Balls start on the outside.
• Players on the inside move to receive a ball from a player on the outside, then give the ball back to a different player on the outside.

Technique -

• Proper receiving with the inside and outside of the foot. Use of the thigh or chest for lofted balls.
• Work on various turning techniques like shielding.

Coaching Points -

• Move with the head up
• Communication and awareness (visual and verbal)
• Change speed
• Find options early
• Timing of the run, so you are moving when you receive the ball
• Change of speed with and without the ball
• Keeping eye on the ball
• Relax the controlling surface

Variations -

• Players on the outside serve with their hands (like a goalkeeper)
  

Under 10 Drill - "Monkey In The Middle"

THE GAME:
Team A and B attempt to keep the ball away from team C by:

1. Possessing the ball using their own players, or
2. Passing the ball over or through the middle zone to the other team who are waiting in their own zone.
   

The defending teams are able to get out of the “middle” by:

1. Replacing the team that loses the ball out of bounds, or
2. Dispossessing a team and making a pass into the other grid to the waiting team (e.g. Stealing it from A and passing to B.
   

The defending team is only allowed to send three players into one of the grids at one time. The three remaining players must be back in the “middle” before the ball is sent into the other grid. They can not enter the grid until the ball does. If a ball is lost out of bounds, the coach immediately puts a ball into play in the other grid area, making the new defending team run to put immediate pressure on the ball. Make the grids bigger to allow the attacking team more success, smaller to challenge them more.

FIELD SIZE: coach’s discretion

COACHING POINTS:

• Transition
• Attacking principles: long passing, attacking shape, receiving long passes, support
• Defending principles: pressure, cover, balance, compactness, immediate chase
• Make sure: if teams are not eve, it is OK for a team to play one player down.
• Keep the game flowing, if a ball goes out of bounds, immediately call out who is in the middle and put the next ball into play.
• Defending team defends as a unit and keeps compact.
• If an attacking team loses possession of the ball, they try to win it back before the defending team plays it out of their grid.
  

The Give & Go Drill

This is a great drill to use for any type of passing lesson. It can be used from Under 8 up. I, normally, use this as a warm up drill for my older players, because it gets them moving around and focusing on proper passing and receiving. Also, it gives them looking around and also talking to the other players of when to pass by calling "Ball!"

Organization -
Players on the inside pass the ball the to the outside players, who either one-touch or two-touch the ball back to the players on the inside. Player on the inside should not receive pass from the same place they made their own pass from. MOVE! Players on the inside then dribble, find a new player on the outside to pass to. Players on the outside that are "open" should call "Ball!" to get inside players attention. Players should be using proper passing and receiving technique. Rotate after a couple of minutes.

Key Coaching Points -

• Plant foot next to ball, pointed at target
• Kicking foot has toe up and ankle locked
• Proper weight on the ball
• Communication
• Accuracy of pass
• Good first touch (for both players)
  

Variations -

• Long pass out, short pass in
• Short pass out, long pass in
  

Under 10 Lesson Plan - 3 v 2 Attacking Play

Teaching players how to effectively attack when there is a numbers up situation (3 v. 2) using combinations and tactical cues.

Attacking Objectives

• Numerical superiority means to go with speed at defenders
• Player with ball attacks first defender and plays him/her out of the game
• Becomes 2 v. 1 with last defender

Tactical Cues

• Can first attacker find third attacker with long pass?
• If pressured, can first attacker combine with second attacker to eliminate first defender
  

Second Attacker

1. Does first attacker need support – where?
2. Where can I best position myself to exploit 2 v. 1 advantage?
3. Can I support third attacker if played to him/her?

Third Attacker

1. Can third attacker get behind the defense? (Watch Offsides)
   
2. When does third attacker make check run and come back for support?
   

Activity One: Passing Warmup

Organization -
Two groups of six players in 20 x 30 yd. grids, passing and moving, creating short and long support, width and depth.

Key Coaching Points -

• Players using proper passing technique
• Players moving in to support lanes for passing
• After a pass, player moves to new area to make self available to next pass

Activity Two: 3v2 Box

Organization -
Possession – 3 v. 2 in 20 x 30 yd. grid (define roles of first, second and third attackers, encourage combinations). When 2 person team wins back the ball, they get an extra player and they go on the attack.

Key Coaching Point -

• Same as above.
  
• Is the second and third attacker moving into space to create an open passing lane?

Activity Three: 3v2 with goal keeper

Organization -
3 v. 3 to small goals (30x20 grid). One defender becomes GK to create 3 v. 2 situations. If defending team wins ball, they become the attackers. In some cases, goal keeper can just be a neutral that goes against both teams.


Key Coaching Points -

• Same as above
• Use of Offsides

Activity Four: The Scrimmage

Organization -
Typical soccer match with goal keepers. Normal rules apply

Key Coaching Points -

• Enforce all of the above points
  

Under 10 Lesson Plan - Passing and Support

Activity One: Street Soccer (Warm Up)

Organization -

Small sided soccer game. As players show up, add them into the mix. This should be a typical street soccer environment.

Key Coaching Points -

• Let the kids play

Activity Two: 2v2 to Targets

Organization -
Two teams of 4 players each. Each team has two players inside the playing box, two outside the players box. Coach throws the ball into the playing box. Teams try and get the ball to one of the players on the outside to score a point.


Key Coaching Points -

• Movement without the ball (both inside and outside the playing box)
• When to pass and when to dribble
• Can I score?
• Look to penetrate by passing, dribbling, combination play, etc.

Activity Three: 2v2 Keep Away

Organization -
Similar to Activity Two, but now players on all corners. Players score a point by successfully completing 3 passes in a row among the players inside and outside of the box. Players on the outside can not be guarded by opposing team players.


Progression -
Increase the number of players inside or outside the playing box. Increase the number of passes needed to score a point.

Key Coaching Points -

• Can they find the open player?
• Are the moving to make themselves open for a pass?
• Heads up looking for the open play

Activity Four: The Scrimmage

Organization -
Typical soccer match with goalies

Key Coaching Points -

• Same as above
• Are supporting players "supporting" the player with the ball or standing around?
• Team shape - Big (spread out) or Small (compact)
  

Under 10 Lesson Plan - Receiving Low Balls

Objectives:
To improve the technique of receiving soccer balls played on the ground. To help players see different methods of receiving ground balls (inside of foot, outside of foot, across body, through legs, etc.).

Activity One: Dutch Circle (Warm-up)

Organization -
Half of the players create a 25-35 yd outer circle and have soccer balls at their feet. These players must always be alert and on their toes. The other half of the players are in the middle of this circle and do not have soccer balls. The inner players check to players on the outside to receive a pass from them. They receive the pass and then play to any player on the outer circle who does not have a ball (except player who passed to them). They then check to another person on the outside that has a ball and repeat this process for about 2-3 minutes until coach switches players on outside and inside. Focus on both front foot and back foot receptions and add in feints (i.e. ball runs through legs, ball runs across body, or take ball early). Work on receiving with both feet and receiving sideways-on.

Key Coaching Points -

• Get body behind the ball and be on toes
• Go to the ball, do not wait for it
• Keep ankle of receiving foot locked
• Cushion ball as it arrives (as you would catching an egg)
• Point of contact is the middle of the ball
• Keep feet moving before ball arrives
• Make your first touch active by pushing the ball in the direction in which you want to go (typically away from pressure)
• Get head up before and after receiving
• Always try to receive the ball facing the way you want to play
  

Activity Two: Numbers Passing

Organization -
Split the team into groups of 4-5 players. Give every player a number. Have them spread out and pass the ball from number 1 to 2, from 2 to 3, etc. through the whole group. The highest numbered player simply passes back to number 1 and the activity continues. Tell all the players that the ball cannot stop moving, and they cannot stop moving. As they become proficient at the activity, introduce another ball to the group; they now have to pay attention to where they are receiving the ball from as well as where they need to play the ball next. Version 2: Have the whole team as one group and follow the same information above (but can add more than one soccer ball to group).

Key Coaching Points -

• Reinforce the coaching points listed in activity #1
• Player receiving must have head up to know what they are going to do with the ball before they get it

Activity Three: Four Square Passing

Organization -
Form a grid 35yds x 35yds with squares roughly 4 yds across in each corner. Two teams of 4 to 6 players try to score by passing the ball to a teammate who makes a run into one of the four squares. Only players from the attacking team can enter a corner square. Once a player in the square receives a ball, they can pass to a teammate or dribble the ball out for a point. Balls out of play can be passed or dribbled back into play.


Key Coaching Points -

• Reinforce the coaching points listed in activity #1 and #2

Activity Four: Bread and Butter

Organization -
Typical 4 vs. 4 but with an additional 4 players who stand on outside of field and can be used by either team as outlets (can limit the touches of these players if they have the ability (ie: two touches)). If a team gets scored upon, they become the team on the outside and the outside team plays on the field. Use approximately a 20x25 yd area. May restrict the players to 2 or 3 touches to force quicker decisions, and better body position before the ball arrives. Keep score and make the game competitive.Key Coaching Points -

• Reinforce the coaching points listed in activity #1 and #2
• When receiving balls with back to goal or in midfield, try to receive sideways on (with body sideways to the length of the field) and look over shoulder before receiving the ball
  

Activity Five: Scrimmage

Organization -
Play a typical soccer game with goalies

Key Coaching Points -

• Reinforce the coaching points listed in activity #1 and #2
• Highlight the technique of receiving
• Reinforce positive decision making opportunities (how they receive the ball in relation to where they are on the field and the options they have)
  

Under 10 Lesson Plan - Shooting

Activity One: Shooting Through Cones (Warm Up)

Organization -

Set up a line of cones about 6 yards apart, representing goals for the players to shoot through. Position two players about 10-15 yards away from and on opposite sides of the line of cones. Players opposite each other proceed to kick (shoot) the ball through their cone goal, back and forth, working on correct shooting technique. It is important that the players work to perfect their preparation touch and that they strike a moving ball. The players should be using both feet to shoot. Scatter extra soccer balls around the playing area.

Key Coaching Points -

• Keep ankle of shooting foot locked with toe down
• Non-kicking foot is placed parallel to ball (not behind it or ahead of it) and far enough away that it is comfortable to hit ball and that both ball and non-kicking foot are underneath your hips
• Non-kicking foot should be pointing towards your target
• Your weight should be on the ball of your non-kicking foot
• Both knees bent
• Strike through the middle of the ball…if you made a cross in the back of the ball, hit where the two lines intersect
• Follow through to your target
• Land on your kicking foot
• Keep head down to see what you are kicking
• Lean over ball as you kick, do not stand upright
• Strike ball with laces so that ball strikes hard bone on top of foot
• Encourage players to strike through the ball
• Players may need to make a slightly angled approach towards ball in order to prevent them from kicking ground…this will result in hip of the same leg as the kicking foot being higher than non-kicking foot
  

Activity Two: Popcorn

Organization -

Set up a grid about 30 yds. X 20yds. With a goal on each end. Coach plays balls into 4-5 players who are all competing against each other to get the ball and score in either goal. First to five goals wins. Coach should manipulate service in order that all players are able to have shots and feel some success.

Key Coaching Points -

• Reinforce the coaching points listed in activity #1
• Gives players more opportunities for scoring chances
• Encourage a risky mentality to shoot
  

Activity Three: 4 Corner Shooting

Organization -

On a field 20 yards wide x 25 yards long, position two goals at each end. Split group into two teams (red and blue). Position half of the red team in a line behind one corner of the field and the other half of the red team in a line behind the other corner of the field, at the same end. Organize the blue team in the same manner at the other end of the field. Select a goalkeeper for each goal and rotate that player every 5 minutes. The coach is positioned at the midfield line, outside the field, with all the soccer balls. When the coach kicks a ball into the field, the first person in each of the four (4) corner lines enters the field to play. The game becomes a 2v2 + keepers activity. Play continues until the ball goes out of play or a goal is scored. When this happens, the players on the field quickly get back into their original lines, keepers stay on, and the assistant coach kicks the next ball in for the next 4 players. The coach should play the ball toward one of the corner lines (risk/safety management).

Key Coaching Points -

• Reinforce coaching points listed in activity #1
• Players looking to go to goal quickly
  

Activity Four: 4v4+4 on Deck

Organization -

Two teams playing to one goal each. First team to two goals stays or if two minutes pass by, the longest team on gets off and new team comes on. Captains on each team keep score.

Key Coaching Points -

• Reinforce the coaching points listed in activity #1
• Help players to recognize when to use the inside of foot vs. the instep (laces)
  

Activity Five: Scrimmage

Depending upon numbers, space will change. Ideally, finish with the number you normally play with in games. Play a regular game with goalkeepers.

Key Coaching Points -

• Highlight the technique of shooting
• Reinforce positive decision making opportunities (when, how and where to shoot the ball, etc.).
  

The Dribbling Attack Activity

This activity works with all age groups.

Play 3v3 in a 30 x 20 yard grid. Put the two groups of three into different colored training bibs. Each player in one group has a ball. Attacking players must dribble past defending players. The defending players should try to gain possession and (if they do) then dribble past an opponent. Players may dribble in any direction inside the grid to start. The activity can progress when the coach gives the attack a direction (e.g., dribble to a specified goal line). Play a round for a set amount of time. After a round the groups switch roles.

Suggestions of time to play -
U6: play one minute rounds
U8: play two minute rounds
U10: play three minute rounds
U12: play four minute rounds
U14: play five minute rounds

Under 10 Drill - "Hit The Target Man"

Emphasis:
Laying balls off, passing, turning

Set-up:
4 flags are positioned approximately 4 yards apart in the center of a grid as shown. Players are split into 4 groups and are positioned 12-15 yards from each flag. 4 players are designated as target players and are positioned slightly in front of each flag. 2 cones are placed 4-5 yards (right and left) in front of the target player. 3-4 balls per group.

Objective:
The first player in line (A) passes a ball into the target player. The target player must lay the ball straight back approximately 4 yards to encourage the player to come forward to receive the return pass. The player then must spin around one of the cones before accelerating back to his group. The next player in line starts when the player in front is spinning around the cones. Play is continuous for a designated number of reps or time. Change the target player.

NOTE – The coach designates the direction he wants the players to spin around the cones.

Example –
#1 Inside of the right foot only, spin to your left.
#2 Outside of the right foot, spin to your right.

Progressions:

1. Drive balls in to target man with laces. Target man can use his hands to catch ball before tossing ball back to oncoming player.
2. This player must now use surfaces like thighs and chest to spin around cones.
   

Coaching Points:

• Firm passes in to target.
• Quality lay-offs from targets.
• Try to spin around cones with the first touch – cone acts as a defender.
  

Under 10 Lesson Plan - Dribbling To Beat An Opponent

Activity One - Multi-Goal Dribbling (Warm Up)

Organization:

• Set up random goals (Cones 2-3 yards apart) - 25 yd. by 25 yd training area
• Each player has a ball
• Players try to score as many goals as possible by dribbling through the goals
• Introduce moves: Step-Over, Mathews, etc.
• Players must perform a move before going through a goal

Key Coaching Points:

• Close Control
• Change of Speed - Accelerate through the cones
• Change of Direction
• Body Fakes / Eye Fakes

Activity Two - 1 v1

Organization:

• Training area 20 x 15 yards with small goals
• Organize the players into two teams of five, numbered 1 -5 on opposite end lines
• The coach calls out a number, feeds a ball and those two players play 1v1 to two small goals
• Coach can call 2 numbers or 2 numbers from one team and 1 from the other to create numbers up situations
• Important: This can be a very intense session. Make sure that players are getting moments of rest before coming back out to engage each other. That is why there are some players on the side - so they can quickly rest

Key Coaching Points:

• All previous coaching points
• Go directly at the defender
• Try to make the defender commit to the ball
• When and where to fake
• Vision and awareness - dribbling with head up
• Accelerate into the space past the defender

Activity Three - 5 v 5 to End Zones

Organization:

• Divide players into two equal teams. Training area 30 x 40 yards with end zones
• A player scores by dribbling and controlling the ball over the other teams' end line
• There are no throw-ins or kick-ins. If the ball goes out of bounds the coach feeds in a new ball
  
• Add the condition of no forward passes to encourage more dribbling

Key Coaching Points:

• All previous coaching points
• Positive first touch
• Recognize 1v1 situations quickly

Activity Four - The Game

Organization:

• 4v4 or 5v5 with keepers
• No conditions - Encourage players to recognize 1v1 situations and to dribble at opponents in appropriate areas
  

Under 10 Drill - "Four Grid Passing"

Start with a 30 x 30 grid and divide into 4 equal parts.

The two primary rules are:

• At no point may a team possess the ball and have more than two players in any of the smaller grids
• When a player passes the ball, they must sprint into a different grid

If there are more than 2 players in a grid when a team has the ball, they immediately lose possession of the ball. If a player passes the ball and doesn't immediately sprint to a different grid, they immediately lose possession of the ball.

When a team wins the ball (transitions from defense to offense, there is a slight delay allowed so that the players have time to sprint to spread the field. Three players (or more) are allowed in the same grid on so enough time needs to be allowed so the players can get to the appropriate spacing.In the beginning, it might be best to have one or two neutral players in this game so that whichever team has the ball has 7 v 5. Even with these neutral players, the same rules would apply (no more than 2 attacking players in a grid at a time and a sprint to a different grid after a pass).

This is a great game to work on possession, movement off the ball and communication.

Under 10 Lesson Plan - Dribbling for Penetration

Objective:
To improve the technique of dribbling, help with confidence to take players on and allowing players to recognize when to take players on versus using other options (passing, shooting, shielding).

Activity One: Technical Box (Warm Up)

Everyone with a ball, use inside, outside, and sole of the foot. Have players dribble with speed, change direction, and perform moves. Coach calls out moves or changes in direction and sets the pace as the manipulator of the session; players carry the ball towards someone and try a move. Version 2: As players get comfortable, coach can walk around and put pressure on players as they are performing dribbling tasks. This adds fun and interaction. Version 3: Make the game a knockout game in which players try to knock each other’s balls out of the grid while maintaining possession of their own. Note: You may wish to have them perform a skills task before re-entering such as 10 toe touches or juggling 5 times. You do not want players sitting out.

Coaching Points -

• Keep ball within 1 giant step and maintain balance at all times, use arms to help maintain balance
• Try to keep your head up (once comfortable with ball at feet)
• Keep both knees bent and lean over the ball, do not stand upright with ball
• Slow down to change direction
• After making a move, dribbling into an open space or changing direction, you need a burst of speed
• Stress movement of body and burst of speed when doing moves
• Use outside of foot or laces when dribbling for speed
• Use all parts of your feet
• Try new things and be creative

Activity Two: 1v1 to lines
In a 15x10 yard grid, two players play 1v1 and try to score by beating the defender and dribbling over the line opposite them. They play toward the ten-yard lines and use their favorite feints. When the ball goes out of bounds it is dribbled in. Switch partners between grids every 2-3 minutes. Keep score.

Coaching Points -

• Reinforce the coaching points listed in activity #1
• When taking on the defender the attacker will have bent knees, the ball close to his or her dribbling foot and be balanced
• He or she will execute a feint or combination of feints to unbalance the defender and dribble behind him or her
• Players should look to attack the defenders front foot to off balance the defender
• Players who are dribbling past an opponent should dribble past them with the foot furthest from the defender

Activity Three: 2v2 to Four Cross Gates

Teams defend one goal and have the opportunity to score on the other three goals; you must dribble through a goal to score a point. The goals are on the ends of a large cross in a square grid roughly 10yd X 10yd. Have one team of 2 on deck; they come on when a team gets scored on twice. Game is continuous, they must run on immediately.

Coaching Points -

• Help players to recognize where the open space is and when to attack it on the dribble
• Assist players in recognizing when to dribble at speed (there is open space ahead), and when to slow down (they need to make decisions, combine with 2nd attacker, or are getting closer to opponents)
• The first attacker (player with the ball) needs to make a decision on whether to combine with the second attacker or attack the space themselves
• This decision is based on were the first defender is in relation to the field, the goal, the first attacker, and the second attacker

Activity Four: 4v4 to lines

In a 25x30 yard grid, two teams play to the opposite 30 yard lines. They score by dribbling the ball over end-line in control. When the ball goes out of bounds it can be passed or dribbled in to play.

Coaching Points -

• Reinforce the coaching points listed in #1, #2 and #3
• Stress attacking the open space on the dribble and recognition of one versus one opportunities.

Activity Five: The Scrimmage

Depending upon numbers, space will change and numbers will change. Ideally, finish with the number you normally play with in games. Play a regular game with goalkeepers.

Coaching Points -

• Reinforce the coaching points listed in #3
• Highlight the technique of dribbling
• Reinforce positive decision making opportunities (recognizing opportunities to take players on, how they attack –get in and behind for a shot / attack endline and get cross off, etc.).

Under 10 Lesson Plan - Combination Play

OBJECTIVE: Improve passing technique. Introduce and train combination play (take-over and wall-pass). Recognize the correct timing and opportunity to pass.When do players perform a wall-pass?

• When the 1st defender is approaching quickly & aggressively or when the 1st defender is undecided and is standing still.
• Supporting players must recognize this to provide the correct timing, angle and distance of support.
• Supporting players should one-touch the ball back to the 1st attacker. The 1st attacker must explode into the space behind the 1st defender to receive the return pass.
  

When do players perform a take-over?

• The second attacker runs by the first, close in the opposite direction.
• The first attacker protects the ball by keeping it on the far side of his or her body from the defender.
• If the defender stays in position to block the path to goal, the first attacker calls the second attacker’s name and lets the ball roll to him or her (neither passing it nor stopping it). The second attacker takes the ball away with the same foot as that used by the first attacker where he or she last touched the ball (right foot to right foot, left to left!).
• If the defender slows down to "pick-up" the second attacker, the first attacker can call his or her own name and continue to dribble.

Some general points:

• Wall-passes and Takeovers are most effective in the attacking half of the field.
• Attackers should try to increase the momentum and the speed of the attack. A delay or slowing down favors the defense.
  

Activity One: Colors (Warm Up)

Description: Half of the players in red pennies, half in blue. Ball can never stop, players can never stop moving, and ball cannot leave area of play.

Progression: 1-pass and move by passing to anyone, 2-pass and move by only passing to same team, 3-execute wall passes, 4-execute takeovers.

Coaching Points:

• Stress correct passing and receiving
• Stress wall-pass and take-over technique and visual cues listed above

Activity Two: Four Goal Game

Description: In a grid 20x30 yards with four goals measuring 3 feet across in each corner, two teams of three attack two goals and defend two goals. Coach within the game, and work on team shape, specifically stretch, width on attack, and compactness on defense. Variation: To encourage combination play: the attacking team will receive 5 points if they combine with a wall pass or takeover before they score. Otherwise, they receive 1 point for scoring.

Progression: Add a "plus" player who always plays for the attacking team if they cannot keep possession long enough to create a combination.

Coaching Points:

• Stress recognizing opportunities
• Timing of passes
• Playing away from pressure by changing the point of attack
• Efficiency of touches

Activity Three: 5 Goal Game

Description: 4v4 in 25x30 yard grid. Five 2-yard goals are spread out throughout the grid. The teams score by passing through any of the goals to a teammate. The attacking team must combine with a wall pass or a take-over before they can score. First team to 10 points wins.

Coaching Points:

• Kicker - Player need to be able to see where the open goals are.
• Receiver - Receive with a "picture" of what is around them.

Fourth Activity: The Scrimmage

Coaching Points:

• Stress correct passing and receiving techniques
• Stress wall-pass and take over technique and visual cues listed above

Under 10 Lesson Plan - Shooting

First Activity - Sharks & Minnows (Warm Up)

Description:
Half the players with a ball and half without in a confined area. Players with the ball are the sharks and must use laces or side of the foot to strike the ball and hit minnows below the knees. Once they are hit they are out until you get the last player. Then change roles and stretch in between.

Coaching Points:

• Proper Technique (side of the foot or laces)
• Preparation
• Placement VS Power

Second Activity - Shooting Gallery

Description:
Two goals 40 yards apart. Half of the players at each goal, standing to the right of each goal, with a ball each. One player jogs out without a ball from one goal and a player from the opposite end passes a ball for the other player to strike on goal. As soon as that player plays the pass (s)he immediately jogs toward the opposite goal to receive a pass from the next player in line at the opposite goal, who in turn will run to receive a pass from the opposite end after playing a pass. Players rotate to the opposite line after they shoot and activity is continuous.

• First 5 minutes players must strike the ball one or two touch using side of the foot.
• Next 5 minutes must take two touches or more and strike the ball with laces.
• Change location of players to practice different angles of approach and the using the opposite or weaker foot.

Coaching Points:

• Proper technique (side of the foot or laces)
• Angle of approach
• Preparation touch
• Plant foot pointing at the target
• Run through the ball
• Follow through
• Land on your kicking foot
• Placement VS Power

Activity Three - 2v2 with Neutral Players to One Goal

Description:
Put players into pairs. 2V2 in an area the width of the 18-yard box and the length to top of the arc of the 18. Coach stands in the middle just behind the arc with all the balls. He plays out a ball and the pairs fight to gain possession and score on goal. They can use the neutral to combine with to try and score.

Neutral players (6) position themselves in various spots. Two down low on the goal line, one on each side of the post, one on the side to the 18-yrd box and one on each side of the coach.

Coaching Points:

• Proper Technique
• Placement VS Power
• Preparation Touch
• Freeing yourself up
• Opportunistic

Activity Four - Zonal 5v5 with Goalkeepers (into full scrimmage)

Description:
Play 5V5 on a field that 50 X 40. Divide the field in half. Players will play 3 V 2 in each half with two attackers vs. three defenders. Each 5 must stay in their respective half. Two points for a goal scored in your own half (long range power shot) and one point for a goal scored in the attacking half (close range placement shot). The last 20-25 minutes, play 5V5 with no restrictions.

Coaching Points:

• Tactical application of the previous coaching points

Under 10 Lesson Plan - Foot Coordination & Speed

First Activity - Island Game (Warm-Up)

Use disc cones to set up small islands (small squares) in a large playing area. Have everyone dribble around in the area. On the coaches signal everyone must dribble with speed to an island; however, only two people are allowed per island. The player (or two) who does not get to an island scores one minus point. Play to see who has the least minus points.

Progressions: Start game without balls and then add them.

Coaching Points:

• When dribbling for speed the players do not have to dribble the ball as close
• Their should be about five or six steps in between each touch of the ball

Second Activity - Ball Stealing

Split the team into two groups and give one group red vests and one group blue vests. Give one of the teams balls to dribble. Those players try to dribble inside the area without losing possession of their ball to the other team. The objective is to see which team, red or blue, has the most balls at the end. Players from the same team can work together to steal balls or to keep possession (passing???).

Progressions: Rotate who starts with the balls.

Coaching Points:

• When someone is trying to stop their ball from being taken away, can they keep their body between the ball and the defender?
• If you are going to lose your ball can you find a teammate to give your ball to?

Third Activity - Everyone v. Everyone

Set up several small gates in the playing area. Give half to three-quarters of the team a ball. Players with a ball try to dribble/shoot through as many of the small gates as they can. Players without a ball try to steal a ball from someone who has one and then they try to score. Play multiple games and allow everyone to have a chance to beat their own score.

Progressions: Define how goals are scored - by dribbling or shooting.

Coaching Points:

• Don’t tell the players that they can’t dribble through the same gate twice, see if anyone is creative and dribbles through the same gate back and forth
  
• As soon as players go through a gate they should look up to find an open gate and then go for it!

Fourth Activity - Edge of the World

Each player gets a ball and stands on one sideline of an area. The objective is for everyone to pass his or her ball so that it stops as close to the other sideline as possible. If the ball goes past the sideline it falls off the edge of the world. Players gets points for getting their ball within one yard (distance depends upon ability) of the line without going over.

Progressions: Players play ball with laces, inside of foot, etc.

Coaching Points:

• Instead of having a line you could also have an end zone in which the players try to get their ball to stop.

Fifth Activity - Outta Here

In a 25 x 15 yard grid with a goal at each end, play 1v1. The coach stands on the touchline with a supply of balls and a small line of players on each side. The coach plays a ball in and the first person from each line plays 1v1. If a player scores they stay on and the other person leaves. A ball is immediately played back into the game. If the ball goes out of bounds both players are “outta there.” This should be a very fast paced game.

Progressions: Start with 1v1 and progress to 2v2.

Coaching Points:

• This game should be very fast paced
• As soon as the ball goes out of bounds throw another ball in immediately
• The coach is the master of the balls, look to see for players that aren’t having a lot of success and distribute the ball straight to them
• Vary how balls are distributed into the playing area

Finally, Scrimmage them out!!

Under 8 Drill - "Gates" with Video

One of the downfalls of the typical passing drill is that the players are always standing still. One player stands at one spot and the other player at another spot and they pass back and forth. The drill is static, which is not what happens in an actual game of soccer. In an actual game, players are in movement. If you coach passing with players standing still, they will either A) stand still in the game passing and/or B) will not move to receive the next pass. Players need to be in movement at all times.

"Gates" is the perfect game to teach passing and movement. Set up more gates than you have pairs. Don't have a ratio less than 3:2 - 3 gates for every 2 pairs. At the start, Player One starts with the ball, Player Two finds an open gate (if another pair is at the gate already, find another gate). Player One dribbles close to the gate and passes the ball through the gate to Player Two, Player One goes to find an open gate and so on and so on. Focus on proper passing technique, players getting their heads up looking for the next gate, and quick dribbling movements.

Pairs should see how many gates they can do in one minute. A good rule of thumb is the age of the player to gates. So a pair of 8 year-olds should be able to do 8 gates in one minute. I've seen some older players get up to 20 gates in one minute, but this was with highly accurate passing. Have players do this drill and see if they can always improve by one gate each one minute session.