Under 8 Lesson Plan - Developing Dribbling Technique

Key Coaching Points for this lesson is proper Dribbling Technique through out the session.

1. Lean forward and over the ball
2. Knees bent, on the balls of feet
3. Relax body
4. Balance is a must
5. Keep ball close
6. Use inside/outside and instep of both feet
7. Be creative, use imagination -- develop own style
8. Use body feints
9. Change speed and direction: tight control vs. open field
10. Look up as much as possible (Keep Head up)
11. Use body to shield/protect ball
12. Don’t be afraid to fail, take risks in the attacking 1/3
    

Activity One: Warm-up Dribbling

Set the mentality to enjoy having the ball at their feet.

• Dribble around space, change direction/use different surfaces.
• Dribble around space on command stop the ball and do five step-ups, continue to dribble.
• Same as number #2 except this time stop the ball and take five touches inside of the feet.
• Same as number #2 except take five touches inside/outside of right foot. Then the same with the left foot.
• Dribble in space on command stop the ball and find a different ball, continue to dribble.
• On command the color called out by the coach freezes then the other team dribbles around the frozen players. Players should make moves when going around each player.

Activity Two: Many Gates Dribbling Game

Organization -
Set-up several gates (goals) through out the grid. You should have at least one more gate than players. On command players should dribble through as many gates as possible. Usually the game should go for 60-90 seconds. Players should keep track of how many times they go through the gates.


Progression -

1. Players must make a move on each gate prior to going through the gate.
2. Have three players stand inside gates as if they were defenders. These players can move to different gates. They are not trying to win the ball, but if a player sees a player in

Activity Three: Team Knockout

Organization -
Half the players with a ball. Each team should be wearing different colored vest. On command the players with the ball must maintain possession of the ball inside the grid. The players with out the ball are trying to dispossess the players and knock their ball out of the grid. If a player losses his/her ball they join the rest of their team in trying to keep possession of the last ball in the grid as long as possible. When there is only one ball left the game becomes a possession game. The coach keeps the time of how long a team maintains at least one ball in play. After all balls are out of play, the other team gets to posses the ball. The team that keeps the ball in the longest is the winner.


Progression -

1. This time teams that win possession must dribble through one of the six gates to eliminate a ball. If a ball goes out of play, but not through a gate. The team with possession puts it back into the grid and continues to play.
2. Same as one except players shoot the ball through any of the six gates to eliminate the ball.

Activity Four: 1v1 through Goals

Organization -
Start 1v1 with coach serving the ball. Players can also be used to serve the balls. Players can attack either one of the goals on the end line. Player has to dribble through the goal for a goal to count. Players switch role after each turn.

Progression -

1. Players can now also score on the two goals that are on the sides of the grid.
2. Players can only score on the two side goals, which now are balls on cones.

Activity Five: Scrimmage

Finish with your standard soccer match with goal keepers.

Under 6 Lesson Plan - Dribbling With Knock Out Games

This may be a good opening lesson for Under 8 teams. It will allow coaches to assess their players' dribbling skills while keeping it fun. If an Under 8 player can not dribble well, other skills such as passing, receiving, and shooting will suffer.

Several of these games are "knock-out" games where the losers are knocked out and the last player left is the winner. Since the first ones out are often the ones who need the most practice, the ones knocked out should be required to do something to either get back into the game (juggling or toe taps) or to keep them working on their ball skills until the game is over.

Activity One: Simon Says

Purpose of the Game: To encourage children to run with the ball, keeping it close to their feet.

Area Needed: 20m x 20m.

Story: Simon is the King of Knotty Ash. In Knotty Ash all of the people are children. When King Simon says, “foot, knee, sit, elbow, head on the ball,” you must do it immediately. The coach can integrate commands such as “change direction,” “go faster,” and so on into the game. If King Simon does not issue the command or a child responds slowly, he or she receives a “Gotcha.” However, children should not be eliminated from the game.

Equipment: Eight cones to mark the area and one ball per child.

Organization: Mark out a 20m x 20m area using the cones. Ask each child to dribble around Knotty Ash (the area) with the ball remaining close to the foot (tell the children to imagine that the ball is connected to their feet by a short piece of elastic). The coach calls out a command to which the child should follow only when preceded by “Simon Says…”

The drill/game encourages children to move with the ball under close control. They now have begun the process of dribbling. The next progression would be to encourage the children to use their peripheral vision. The following game, Tigers in the Jungle, will create an environment to enhance this process.

Activity Two: Tigers in the Jungle

Purpose of the Game: To encourage children to look up while dribbling.

Area Needed: 20m x 20m.

Story: Each child chooses to be a type of animal that lives in the jungle and makes the sound of that animal. Only tigers are not allowed. The tiger is the most feared animal in the jungle and is going to attempt to kick the other animals’ soccer balls into the surrounding alligator-infested swamp. If the tiger kicks the ball into the swamp, the child can dodge the alligators and bring the ball back into the jungle again. The child then stands with legs apart and the ball in the air making the animal’s noise. When another animal/child dribbles the ball through this child’s legs, they are free to continue the game. Beware of the Tiger!

Equipment: Eight cones and one ball per child, except the “tiger.”

Organization: Mark out a 20m x 20m area using the cones. Ask the animals to dribble around the jungle without dribbling into each other or the swamp (the area outside the grid). The tiger (a child without the ball) will prowl around the grid and, on the coach’s command, will enter the jungle and attempt to kick as many balls as possible into the swamp. Remind the children of safety points regarding challenging for the ball. All players may re-enter the grid once they have retrieved their ball from the swamp.

A drill such as Tigers in the Jungle encourages children to dribble the ball at speed while using their peripheral vision in a controlled, pressurized and fun situation.

Activity Three: Crabs on the Beach

Purpose of the Game: To encourage children to dribble with the ball and change speed and direction to beat an opponent. The art of feinting a dummy can be introduced at this stage.

Area Needed: 30m x 20m grid.

Story: Each child assumes the name of a sea creature except the crab. Each creature has to run from the beach to the sea with a ball, avoiding the crabs who are trying to “pinch” the balls. A child whose ball is pinched then becomes a crab.

Equipment: Ten cones to mark the area and one ball per child except the “crab.”

Organization: Mark out a 20m x 30m area using the cones. Make on 30m line the sea and the other 30m line the beach. Ask the children (sea creatures) to stand on the beach line, each with a foot on the ball. Place a child (the crab) in the middle of the area in a crab-like position (on all fours with tummy upwards). On your command tell the creatures to dribble their ball from the beach to the sea while avoiding the crab. When they reach the sea line, they must wait with a foot on the ball until all players have crossed the beach. The crab must aim to kick each child’s ball out of the grid via the 20m side lines. Any creatures losing their balls become crabs. The game continues on the coach’s command with players now returning from the sea back to the beach. The last three children dribbling with their soccer balls become “Sea Champs.”

Activity Four: Scrimmage

Purpose of the Game: To finish practice with a normal soccer game.

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.).
  

Under 12 Lesson Plan - Receiving

Activity One - Warm Up

Organization:

• Split group into 2 equal teams
• Half on the outside start with a ball
• Players in the middle check to a ball
• The receiving player takes a touch and plays the ball directly back to the serving player
• After the pass the player must check to the center of the grid and then receive the ball from another server
• Rotate inside and outside players regularly

Key Coaching Points:

• Change of speed to meet pass
• On your toes to receive the ball
• Cushion the first touch
• Communications
• Eye contact between passer and receiver

Activity Two - Receiving Under Pressure

Organization:

• Similar to the Warm up, but two more players on the outside than on the inside
• Two servers on the outside start without a ball
• The inside players check to receive a ball, they turn or take their first touch to space and then pass to a player on the outside without a ball
• After each pass, players check back to the middle
• Progression - Players in the middle tracked by a defender
• Progression - Feed the balls in the air
• Rotate inside and outside players regularly

Key Coaching Points:

• Get into the line of flight of the ball
• Receive side-on or square on dependent upon the pressure
• Check behind as you receive the ball
• First touch into space
• Check to create space
• Encourage the server to lead the player and pass the ball to the correct foot
• Awareness of where the defender is
• Selection of surface to control the ball

Activity Three - 6v6 to Targets

Organization:

• 40x30 Training Area
• 6v6 + 2 Targets. Target players may run the whole length of the end line
• Players score by passing the ball to the hands or feet of their designated target player
• If a target player receives the ball they must then pass to an opposition player
• Condition - Can only play to the target in the final third of the field
• Condition - 2 touch restriction

Key Coaching Points:

• All of the above coaching points
• Set up forward pass with your first touch
• Play to the target as early as possible
  

Activity Four - The Game

Finish with a full scrimmage.

Under 6 Lesson Plan - Ball Control Under Pressure

Activity One - Kangaroo Jack
All players except two or three begin with a ball. Players without balls are kangaroo jacks and must hop like a kangaroo and try to tag players. If a player gets tagged, he/she becomes a kangaroo as well until all players are turned into kangaroos.

Activity Two - Red light/Green light
All players have a ball and dribble in a limited space (or towards the coach). When coach says “red light”, players must stop ball and put foot on top of ball. When coach says “yellow light”, players must dribble very slowly. When coach says “green light”, players dribble fast. Coach controls this game with frequency of “light changes” and variety of changes. Once players catch on to this game, add light of other colors and affix different actions to them. (i.e. purple light = hop back and forth over ball, orange light = run around the ball, black light = dance, blue light = hide behind the ball etc. etc.).

Activity Three - Shrek/Spiderman/Spongebob
Place a couple players in pennies and have everyone else get a soccer ball. Set up a 20 yd x 15 yd grid and have the players with soccer balls dribble around in the space. The players in pennies are Shrek (or Spiderman or SpongeBob, etc.) and try to tag the players who have soccer balls. When players are tagged they go to into the goal (castle, spidernet etc. etc.) and can only get back out if a teammate with a ball tags them or the coach uses his/her magic powers to let everyone free. Use any character or images you like for this and make sure all players get a chance to be one of the special characters at some point during every practice.

Activity Four - Cops and Robbers
Coach sets up 8-10 stand-up cones in a 15yd x 15yd space. Robbers all have soccer balls and knock over the cones (banks) by kicking their balls into the cones and knocking them over. Cops (have 2 or 3 cops for each game) do not have soccer balls and need to stand the cones back up (before all the banks are robbed). Rotate who gets to be cops. Variation (If don’t have stand- up cones): ½ group (cops) take soccer balls and put on top of disc cones. Other ½ of group (robbers) try to knock over those soccer balls by kicking their soccer balls at them. Cops must replace the soccer balls on the cones as quickly as possible.

Activity Five - 3v3 or 4v4 Game
Separate players into two teams and play a game of 3 against 3 or 4 against 4 without goalkeepers. Let the players play and give plenty of positive feedback to them as they compete. REINFORCE the GOOD STUFF!

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 6 Lesson Plan - Finding Space

Activity One: Juggling (Warm Up)

Everyone with a ball. Hold hands out with ball in between, drop ball directly down and kick back up to hands, etc. Players practice keeping the ball in the air with their feet and thighs. Players count how many times they touch the ball before it drops to the ground.

Version 2: Controlled juggling…juggle on one thigh, then add other thigh, then add one foot, then add the other foot…thigh-thigh-foot-foot

Activity Two: Ball Tag
Similar to other tag games except players try to tag others with their soccer ball, by kicking it at another player’s feet or ball. Have them keep count of how many times they kick their soccer ball and tag another person.

Options: If the players tag the coach, they are awarded 10 or 20 points. If the players tag other selected players, they can be awarded 50 or 100 points etc.

Activity Three: Freeze Tag
Everyone has a ball and coach can pick one or two players who are the Freeze monsters. Freeze monsters (with ball) try and dribble around and tag other players (who also have a ball and are dribbling around). The frozen player must stand still holding their ball over their head. Players can become unfrozen if the coach comes over and unfreezes them OR the coach can have the other players unfreeze each other (by simply touching them again). If all players are frozen, game ends and the coach can have new Freeze monsters.

Version 2: Freeze monsters can now try to freeze (tag) the other players by kicking their soccer ball at someone else’s soccer ball or at their feet.

Version 3: Coach can be the freeze monster and try to tag all the players; players can unfreeze each other.

Activity Four: Get Outta There!!
Place two small (2 yard) goals at the end of a field 15 x 10 yards. The coach stands at the halfway line with all of the soccer balls. Half of the players are lined up on his left side and half of the players are lined up on his right side in different colored bibs. When the coach kicks a ball onto the field, the first two players in each line run out and try to score on each other’s goal. If the ball goes in the goal or out of bounds, the coach yells “get outta there” and plays a new ball into the field immediately for the next two players. Never have no more that 3 players of each team waiting in line. Have two session going on to prevent long lines. Coach doing one session, an assistant doing another.
Version 2: Coach can stop yelling “get outta there” and see if the 1st players in each line recognize that they should begin play when a new ball is kicked into the field.

Version 3: Coach can vary service of ball. Sometimes play it to one player, sometimes toss the ball up in the air.

Activity Five: Scrimmage
Separate players into two teams and play a game of 3 against 3 without goalkeepers. Let the players play and give plenty of positive feedback to them as they compete. REINFORCE the GOOD STUFF! All players need to be playing - have two scrimmages going if needed.

Under 12 Lesson Plan - Finishing With Combination Play

Objective: To help players recognize opportunities to finish from combination play. To help players develop the ability and the risky & aggressive attitude & instinct to score.

Possible combinations:

• The double- pass
• The overlap/run-around
• The wall-pass
• The take-over
  

Some general points:

• The players’ ability to recognize the verbal and visual cues of teammates is crucial to success
• The correct timing of runs and passes is crucial to success
• Appropriate angles and distance of support is crucial to success

Activity One: Shooting Warm Up
Set up two goals about 40 yards apart and the width of the penalty area, with GK’s in each goal. (2 field players per ball) Pairs of field players passing and moving throughout the area experimenting with different combinations, finishing with a reasonable shot to the keeper (to warm the keeper up). Version 2: Pairs now try to score (after using different combinations).

Coaching Points -

• Stress passing and receiving techniques…use of the inside and outside of the foot when passing
• Reinforce combination play coaching points
• Coach non-verbal cues…angle and timing of runs with and without the ball
• Coach verbal cues…i.e., ”Hold!”

Activity Two: 3v3+1 to goal

On a field 30 yds wide X 35 yds long place two regulation size goals centrally on each end line. Play a game awarding 2 points for any goals scored from a combination play. Award 1 point for goals scored otherwise.
Coaching Points -

• Work on passing and receiving techniques; proper pace and accuracy of the pass; proper 1st touch.
• Work on technical speed.
• Perfect communication.
• Talk about visual cures.
• Constantly survey the playing area
• Reinforce the combination play coaching points.
• Talk about taking opportunities to score.
• Be alert and ready to tap in any ball or rebound.
• Reinforce following up all shots.
• Talk about placement versus power.
• Develop rhythm of play based on what the game presents…increase speed of play at the right time

Activity Three: 4v4 +4 on deck +2GK’S
Two teams play soccer , on a field 30 yds wide X 45 yds long with regulation size goals centrally positioned on each end line. One team is on-deck waiting outside the field. First team to score two goals remains on the field, losing team is replaced by the on- deck team; or if two minutes pass by, and neither team has scored 2 goals or the game is tied, the team that has been on the field longest is replaced by the on-deck team. Captains on each team keep score.

Coaching Points -

• Reinforce the coaching points previously covered. Be sure to connect the dots…when making coaching points in these small sided games talk about how all attacking players are connected.

Activity Four: Full Scrimmage
Scrimmage under normal game conditions.

Coaching Points -

• Reinforce coaching points made throughout the training session.
  

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 8 Lesson Plan - Lower Limb Coordination

First Activity - The Greeting Game (Warm Up)

Description: All the players run around randomly inside a rectangle. The coach calls out various types of greetings, which each players then has to carry out with others: shake hands, high fives (one hand), high fives (other hand), shoulder to shoulder, back to back, etc.

Progressions: Add dribbling.

Second Activity - Red Light, Green Light

Description: All the players start on a designated line with the coach about 15 yards away. With his back to the players the coach yells green light and the players try to dribble to the coach. When the coach yells red light he waits a moment and then turns his back to face the players. Anyone who is not stopped moving has to go back to where the person farthest away from the coach is.

Progressions: Add a ball. The coach can move around to make the game more challenging.

Activity Three - Ouch!

Description: Each player has a ball. The coach or coaches jog around in a rectangle and the players try to kick their ball so that it hits the coach. The players get a point each time they hit the coach. The coach should yell “ouch” each time they are hit to make the game more exciting.

Progressions: The coach can stop for three seconds or vary how fast they are moving depending on the level of the players. Specify how the players must strike the ball (laces, one foot, other foot)

Activity Four - The Frog Game

Description: The game takes place in a rectangle; all the players start off on one side of the rectangle and try to get to the other side. Two players who are frogs must hop and try to tag the other players as they try to get to the other line. When a player is tagged they become a frog as well. Play until only two children are left. Those children become the frogs for the next game.

Progressions: Add a ball (for the players, not the frogs)

Activity Five - The Disney Game

Description: Two teams of equal numbers stand at either end of a 25 x 18 yard field of play. Give each player a Disney character name (make sure there’s a matching character at the other end). Coach sends in a ball and calls out a Disney character and that character from each end goes onto the field and plays 1v1.

Progressions: Try calling out different characters (Goofy from one side and Mickey from the other side). Call multiple names from each side so there are a couple of 1v1 games happening at the same time.

Finally, scrimmage them out.

Under 8 Lesson Plan - Dribbling

First Activity - Gate Dribbling

Description:

• Every player with a ball
• Six gates for every five players playing
• Must dribble through free gate
• 1 point for each gate
• Play again, improve by 1 point

Coaching Points:

• See ball through bottom of eyes - Keep Head Up
  
• Keep ball rolling
• Use foot brake
• Use the different surfaces of the foot

Second Activity - Stop & Go

Description:

• Every player dribbling a ball
• On command, players stop ball and then go with speed
• Coach demonstrates stop & go, and players try to copy
• Players invent their own stop & go
• Coach observes, and choose players to demonstrate their stop & go for others to copy

Coaching Points:

• See ball through bottom of eyes - Keep Head Up
  
• Speed up after stop
• Change of direction (North-South-East-West)
  
• Different surfaces of the foot
• Use of both feet

Third Activity - Pac-Man

Description:

• Playing area needs to be confined to 20x20 to 25x25 grid
  
• Two or three players are “IT” to start, and have balls
• If you are “IT”, try to dribble and hit others with passes below the knees
• Players who are not “IT” may run and jump to avoid being hit
• If you are hit with a pass, you become “IT” too
• If ball leaves grid, coach should put new ball in for those that are "IT". Keep the game moving.

Coaching Points:

• Keep ball rolling
• Eyes up to find space and who is “IT”
• Change direction and speed
• Fake passes

Fourth Activity - Knockout!

Description:

• Every player dribbling a ball
• Try to kick other players’ balls off the field
• If your ball is stops rolling or is kicked out, then you must do two ball juggles before you return to the game.

Coaching Points:

• Keep ball rolling
• Body between ball and other players (Shielding)
  
• See ball through the bottom of your eyes

Fifth Activity - 2v2 Get Outta There!!

Description:

• Set up a small playing field with two goals
  
• Coach as "Boss of the Balls"
• Coach passes ball onto field to start play
• Two players from each team play until a goal is scored or the ball goes out of bounds
• Out of bounds, coach yells “get outta there,” and two new players from each team go on with the next ball
• Goal is scored, 2 who scored stay on, and two new players from the other team play against them

Coaching Points:

• See ball through bottom of eyes
• Keep ball rolling
• First try to solve game by dribbling
• Player w/o ball find big, easy spot to receive a pass

Finally, scrimmage them out with a 10 minute full game.

Under 12 Lesson Plan - 1st Defender

First Activity - Shadow Exercises (Warm Up)

Set Up: Players organize themselves into pairs with one ball to a pair.

Description: Unlimited space. Partner with the ball faces one of the touchlines and dribbles towards his/her partner. The defending partner does a slow retreat while staying within one yard of the dribbler. Shadow the moves of the dribbler as s(he) dribbles towards the opposite touchline. Once the opposite line is reached the players switch roles, repeat the exercise and work back towards the original starting point.

Variations:

• Face-to-face
• Side-to-side
• Recovery

Coaching Points:

• Body shape (posture)
• Footwork
• Angles to the dribbler
• Space (distance between the defender and attacker) & (location in the playing area)

Second Activity - 1 vs. 1 Defending

Set Up: 10 x 20 yard grid. One pair per grid and one ball per pair.

Description: The players start at opposite ends of the grid with the defender having the ball. The defender passes the ball to the dribbler and then goes to defend. The dribbler tries to get to the opposite end of the grid with the ball under control. Switch roles after each turn. Encourage the defender to try to gain possession of the ball and not merely dispossess the dribbler.

Coaching Points:

• Angle of approach
• Speed of approach
• Long strides early to cover yardage
• Short strides once the defender is within three yards of the dribbler
• Physical control & emotional restraint
• Lower the center of gravity by bending the knees and leaning slightly forward at the waist.

Third Activity - 2 v. 2

Set Up: 15 x 25 yard grid. Two pairs per grid and one ball per grid. Use training bibs to designate the pairs.

Description: Same set up as in activity number two above. Attackers may pass as well as dribble and try to get the ball over the opposite end line under control. The defenders try to gain possession of the ball. If the attackers get to one end they turn and attack the opposite end of the grid. Switch roles after two minutes.

Coaching Points:

• Tactically reading when to be the first defender.
• Help the players recognize when they should be the first defender and when to switch roles with the other defender.

Fourth Activity - 3 vs. 3+1

Set Up: 30 x 40 yard grid with one age appropriate goal at one end and two small counterattack goals at the opposite end. Three balls at each grid, one in use and one at each end of the grid to keep the activity moving if a ball goes astray.

Description: The team on the attack will always be numbers up because of the neutral player who is only on offense. The defending team will have to make quick and clear decisions on who is to pressure the ball (be the first attacker). Designate one team to be the defenders. They defend the large goal and attack the small counterattack goals. Have the two teams of three switch roles every three minutes. Switch the neutral player at that time also. Use training bibs to designate the two teams. The neutral player must be in a third color.

Coaching Points:

• Verbal and visual communication between the defenders.
• Clear communication and understanding between the defenders on who will pressure the ball.
• Is the first defender executing the points taught earlier in the training session?
• Do the defenders know when to switch roles and become the first defender?

Fifth Activity - 4v4 with Two Goals

Set Up: 40 x 50 yard grid with an age appropriate goal at each end.

Description: No goalkeepers are used in this exercise so as to emphasize the need for proper defensive pressure on the ball. Otherwise play by the normal rules of play for the age group. The small playing area and the small number of players will give the players many opportunities to act as the first defender. Set up more grids if needed to keep all of the players active.

Coaching Points:

• Are the players beginning to execute the points taught through the session on how and when to be the first defender?

Sixth Activity - Full Match

Set Up: Set up is a regulation field and goals.

Description: Combine the players now and include the goalkeepers. Play a regulation match for ten minutes.

Coaching Points:

• Observe the players to see the decisions they make about playing first defender.
• Observe the players physical execution of the first defender.

It is highly recommended at this age that there is an organized cool down process of light jogging and stretching. This will prevent cramping later in the players.

Under 6 Lesson Plan - Coordination

First Activity - I can do something can you? (Warm Up)

The coach begins the activity by saying “I can do something can you?” and demonstrating a physical activity such as jumping jacks. The children then do the same. The coach demonstrations several other physical activities such as: skips, one-legged bounces; star jumps, rolls, etc. After demonstrating several times the coach asked the children, “what can you do?” and takes their suggestions.

Coaching Points:

• Body movement from skipping to balancing on one leg. The important thing is to allow the children to explore how their body moves.

Second Activity - Snake in the Grass

In an area 15 yds x 15 yds, two children begin by being “snakes” by lying on their stomachs. The other children’s starting position is with their hands touching the “snakes.” On the command “snake in the grass” the children try to stay away from the snake while the snake slithers around trying to catch a child. When any child is caught he/she becomes an additional snake. The activity continues until every one is a snake.

Coaching Points:

• The children move in all directions trying to avoid the snakes. Once snakes, the children try to work together to create more snakes.

Third Activity - Find the Coach

The coach has all the children close their eyes and while their eyes are closed the coach moves. On the command, “find the coach” the children open their eyes and run to tag the coach. This progress from the coach staying still to the coach moving even after the children has opened their eyes.

Coaching Points:

• This activity becomes “chase and flee” quickly. The children begin to run in a direction, and for a purpose. Later they will do the same with a soccer ball, but first they learn to run to a target.

Fourth Activity - Everyone Is It

In an area 20 yds x 20 yds, each child runs around trying to tag as many other children as possible while not being tagged themselves. Each bout lasts for 30 to 45 seconds.

Coaching Points:

• The children must be aware of their surroundings and make decisions about where to go and where to avoid.

Fifth Activity - The Game

Scrimmage them in 3v3.

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!!