1st Grade Practice- Week 1- Dribbling
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1 Grade Practice‐ Week 1‐ Dribbling Warm‐up Players dribbling in a 20 x 20 yds area. On coaches command they perform the following foot skills: Toe‐taps: Place the sole of one foot directly on top of the ball. Quickly change the position of both feet at the same time. Begin slowly and pause between each movement. Once the routine has been mastered you can speed up and test how many toe taps you can do in one minute. Side to side: Stand directly over the ball and begin by pushing the ball laterally from foot to foot using the inside of the big toes. Keep knees relaxed and slightly flexed and allow your arms to help provide balance. Start slow and increase speed as you develop the technique and rhythm. Try doing this without looking at the ball. Sideways roll: You will move the ball across the entire width of the grid using the sole of your foot. Begin by facing directly forwards and then as you move across the grid roll the sole of your foot up and over the outside of the ball each time. Try to maintain contact with the ball throughout the rolling motion. Main Session Freeze Dribble
Organization: Each player moves around the grid with a ball at their feet. They should experiment using the insides, outsides, bottom and top of the feet while dribbling. The coach will call out “Freeze” and the players must come to a complete stop putting one foot on top of the ball. Anyone who moves loses a life. The coach can add other commands such as fast, slow, towards me, away from me, etc Coach Notes: Children can imitate cars, trucks, boats and can make the sounds of their vehicle as they drive around the grid. They can also stop to refuel by doing toe taps on the ball. Treasure Hunt
Organization: The players places all of his cones at one end of a 20yd x 25yd grid. The players (pirates) each have a ball and stand at the other end of the grid making suitable pirate noises. When the coach shouts go. The players dribble down and pick up one piece of treasure and bring it back to their ship. They give the treasure to the captain (coach) and then go back for more. Coach Notes: Demonstrate to the players how by looking up between touches as they dribble back with their treasure, it will help them avoid running into pirates coming in the opposite direction. End Practice with a 30 minute scrimmage
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1 Grade Practice‐Week 2‐ Passing Warm‐up Funny Bones
Organization: Each player moves around the grid with a ball at their feet. The coach gives instructions regarding how he wants the players to dribble, “slow”, “fast”, “twisty”, “straight” etc. The coach then calls out a specific part of the body such as “Elbow” or “Knee” and the players must come to a complete stop and put that part of their body on the ball. Young players can be encouraged to dribble like certain animals and can make the relevant noises as they move around the grid. Coach Notes: These types of games are a great help in developing balance and coordination in addition to dribbling skills. Pairs Passing
Organization: Pair up the players and practice passing the ball across a 10 x 10 grid. Each player must be on their toes throughout the practice. The receiving player must first cushion the ball and then pass back with the inside of the foot. Progression: 1. Upon receiving a pass, the players should use the inside or outside of their foot to control the ball to one side, and then return the pass to their partner. 2. Now when passing the ball, the players should aim a few yards to the side of their partners, forcing them to first move into the line of the ball before controlling and returning the pass. Coaching Points: ‐Move towards each pass, do not pass from a standing position. ‐Lock the ankle and turn the toes outward. ‐Plant the non kicking foot alongside the ball and bend the standing knee slightly. ‐Push through the ball and finish with your foot in the air – ankle locked. ‐Cushion the ball so that it rests in front of you, not directly at your feet. Clean Your Room
Organization: The players are divided into two groups and each player has a ball. The two groups stand at either end of a 20yd x 25yd grid, there is a 3 yard “no go” zone marked down the middle of the grid with cones. The object of the games is to kick as many balls as possible into the opposite half of the grid. As soon as the opponents kick a ball into one half the other team can kick is straight back. No one can touch balls that end up in the “no go” zone. Coach Notes: You should initially allow the children to kick the ball however they wish so that they get the hang of the game. You should then gradually introduce them to striking the ball with the inside part of the foot, keeping the toes pointed outwards. End practice with a 30 minute scrimmage
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1 Grade Practice‐Week 3‐ Shooting Ball Ballistics
Organization: Each player stands with a ball at their feet. The coach stands in front and demonstrates each movement that he wants the players to copy. 1. Put one foot on the ball and roll it backwards and forwards with the sole of the foot. Also try with the weaker foot. 2. Place the ball between the inside of both feet and try to pass the ball back and forth between each foot. 3. Place one foot alongside the ball and the other on top of the ball. Quickly change the standing foot and the foot on the ball. Try repeating several times back and forth. Coach Notes: You can create a number of basic ball ballistic activities that allow the players to become comfortable using various surfaces of the feet. Two Way Shooting
Organization: Split the players into four groups of three and have each group work in a 10 x 30 yard grid. Each group should have one player on each end line, and one keeper defending a goal in the middle of the grid. Players take it in turns to shoot at the goal in the middle of the grid. If the keeper saves the ball he turns and feeds the other shooter Progression: 1. Push the ball diagonally forwards before shooting 2. Repeat the drill using the weak foot. 3. Try shooting from 1 yard further back. Coaching Points: ‐Approach the ball on a curved run from the side. ‐Make the last stride a big one before planting non kicking foot alongside the ball – this will ensure a good backswing. ‐Strike the ball with the laces and keep the toes pointed and locked throughout. ‐Follow through towards the goal. The Numbers Game
Organization: Divide the players into two teams and give each player a number. Both teams should have matching numbers. If you have an odd number of players, designate one player to have two numbers. Set up 3 yard goals on either end of a 20yd x 25yd field. The coach will throw a ball into the middle of the field and call out a number. Those corresponding players run from half way, through the back of their own goal and will attempt to score in the opposite goal. Coach Notes: Change the players’ numbers every few minutes so that the same players do not compete against each other every time. Progress to calling out more than one number and explain how passing to an open teammate can help their team win the game. Encourage players to shoot using their laces as previously worked on. End practice with 30 minute scrimmage
1st Grade Practice week 4‐ Heading and Volleying Ball Ballistics
Organization: Each player stands with a ball at their feet. The coach stands in front and demonstrates each movement that he wants the players to copy. 1. Put one foot on the ball and roll it backwards and forwards with the sole of the foot. Also try with the weaker foot. 2. Place the ball between the inside of both feet and try to pass the ball back and forth between each foot. 3. Place one foot alongside the ball and the other on top of the ball. Quickly change the standing foot and the foot on the ball. Try repeating several times back and forth. Coach Notes: You can create a number of basic ball ballistic activities that allow the players to become comfortable using various surfaces of the feet. Heading and Volleying‐ Self feed
Organization: Have the players divide up into groups of two in 10 yard grids, with one ball for each pair. One player will toss the ball up in the air and then head it to his partner. Go back and forth in this manner for a set time period or number of headers. Progression: 1. Slightly increase the distance between the players. 2. Have the players attempt to head the ball down towards the ground. Coaching Points: ‐Head the ball with the eyes open, using the forehead and with the mouth closed. ‐Hold your arms out to the side for balance. ‐Place your feet in a boxer’s stance and lean backwards as the ball is fed. ‐Rock forwards to make contact. ‐Direct the header with the forward movement of the body rather than the neck. In same set up, do volleying with inside of the foot then laces: ‐The inside foot volley allows players to pass a ball in the air with the largest possible surface of their foot. The player’s foot is turned outwards in an “L” position and raised directly forward to make contact with the ball at its earliest possible point. A good inside of the foot volley requires concentration, balance, and good contact with the center of the ball. ‐The front (or laces) volley is used to strike a ball that is coming directly at the player in the air. The player should be facing forward and will strike the ball with the laces by flexing the kicking leg directly forward. The ankle is kept locked, the toes pointed, and the head kept down. World Cup Heading & Volleying
Organization Players split into groups of four with one soccer ball per group. The players team up in pairs with the teammates standing on their own goal line of an 8 yard square. The ball is fed underhand by one player directly across the square to a member of the opposing team who then tries to head a goal in their opponents’ goal. The goals are shoulder height and their opponents may use their hands to catch the header. Progression ‐Players now use a header or a volley to score. ‐They may also score off a rebound Coaching Points ‐Watch the ball all the way on to the head or foot ‐Direct the ball into the corners of the goals End Practice with 30 minute scrimmage
1st Grade Practice‐ Week 5‐ Defending and Shielding Knock Out
Organization: The players dribble their ball around the inside of a 25yd x 25yd grid, practicing cutting the ball left and right with the inside and outside their dominant foot. When the coach shouts “Go” the players attempt to kick each other’s balls out of the grid without losing possession of their own. Players should be allowed to renter the game for the first two minutes, and then when the coach announces that it is “Knock Out” time, they are eliminated if their ball is kicked out. Coach Notes: Encourage the players twist and turn and change direction frequently to avoid being tackled. When they are stuck in a corner they should experiment using their body to shield the ball Shielding Technique
Organization Players split into groups of two with one ball per group. On the coaches command, one player practices shielding the ball from their partner while the other tries to get the ball from them. The player shielding the ball must use soft touches to keep the ball close in order to keep possession of the ball. They must also use their body to protect the ball from being stolen away. After a few minutes, switch roles then switch partners. Coaching Points ‐Use the side of the body and arm to shield the ball, not their back. ‐Use the top of the foot to keep the ball close. ‐Keep an eye on both the ball and player trying to get the ball back. Defending
Organization: Begin with two lines of players divided into defenders and attackers across from each other using a 20 x 20 yard grid. The defender passes to the dribbler and follows across the grid to take up a crouched, sideways defensive position in front of the dribbler. The dribbler moves forward all the way across the grid. The defender moves backwards maintain a 2 yd gap between them and the dribbler and may not tackle. Progression: 1. The defender takes up a sideways stance and attempts to keep “Touch Close” as he retreats. No tackling is allowed. 2. The defender can now tackle the attacker in their own half and should look to pass the ball over the end line to win. Coaching Points: ‐Close the space down quickly and slow down as you near the attacker. ‐Adopt a sideways stance with your knees bent, stay on your toes. ‐Shuffle backwards to maintain the distance between you and the attacker. End practice with a 30 minute scrimmage
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1 Grade Practice‐ Week 6‐ Attacking 1v1 Warm‐up‐ Donkey Dribble
Organization: All of the players with the exception of two, are donkeys and are given a tail by placing the end of pinnie in the back waistband of their shorts. The other two are hunters who are looking for donkey tails. The donkeys run around the grid dribbling their soccer balls trying to avoid having their tails being caught by the hunters. Allow donkeys to re attach their tail when caught during the first minute and then during the “Knock Out” stage if they lose a tail they have to come and stand by the coach until all of the tails are caught. Coach Notes: The players should be encouraged to change direction while dribbling to avoid the hunters’ grasp. Fakes &Turns
Organization In a 20 x 20 yd grid, players will dribble around, cutting and changing direction, using inside and outside of right and left foot. Introduce one of the new turns or fakes below every few minutes. Then on coaches command they can perform them. Finish with 2 minutes of players freestyling there new skills. Inside Hook 1.Begin by dribbling the ball forward about 10 yards. 2.Slow down and shorten your strides as your approach your turning point. 3.Reach around the furthest side of the ball with the inside of your foot. 4.Using 1 sharp cut with the inside of your right foot. 5.Turn your body 180 degrees. 6.Pivot on your standing foot to face back in the direction from which you came. 7.Make sure to coordinate the cut and the pivot to achieve the sharpest turn. 8.Keep in mind that you should go in to the turn slow and come out quickly Outside Hook 1.Begin by dribbling the ball 10 yards forward. 2.Slow down and shorten your strides. 3.Plant your left foot and reach around the furthest side of the ball with the outside of your right foot. 4.Next, pull your toes up and turn your right foot as far to the right as possible. 5.Using 1 sharp cut with the outside of your right foot; flick the ball 180 degrees in the opposite direction. 6.Then turn your whole body back toward the ball, and remember to lean your body into the turn. 7.Finally, make sure that you go into the turn slow and out fast. Drag Back Turn 1.Begin by dribbling the ball 10 yards forward. 2.Slow down as you approach the cone.3. Plant your left foot next to the ball and place your right foot directly on top of it. 4.Next, move the ball with the sole of your right foot with enough force that it rolls at least two yards back. 5.Open up your shoulders to allow the ball to roll across in front of your feet. 6.Then turn keeping your eye on the ball at all times. 7.Push the ball away from your feet & accelerate away. The Matthews 1.Begin by stand with the ball between your toes feet about 12" apart. 2.Touch the ball lightly 6 inches with the inside of the right foot. 3.At the same time, make a big hop 24' sideways to the left with your left foot. 4.Be sure to dip you left shoulder as you hop. 5.Then push off with your left foot and move the ball forward and to the right with the outside of your right foot. 6.Accelerate away. 6.When performing this move, look to develop a convincing body fake and a quick change of direction. The Scissors 1.Stand with both feet to the right of the ball. 2.Then lift your left foot over the top of the ball and plant it 12 inches to the left. 3.As you do this, dip your shoulders to the left to fake a move in that direction. 4.Then quickly bring your right foot around behind the ball so that you can play it away with the outside of that foot. 5.The ball should be played at a forty‐five degree “forward” angle. 6.Explode for 5 yards to the right to finish. Progression ‐Add a defender to pressure the fakes and turns. End practice with 30 minute scrimmage
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1 Grade Practice‐ Week 7‐ Passing, receiving and moving Warm‐up‐ Pass & Move
Organization: The players divided into groups of four and are stationed in a 10‐15 yard grid. The players pass the ball to one another using one or two touches. The players must move continually throughout the practice, creating space and passing options for the player on the ball Progression: 1. The players must now run around one of the outside cones after making a pass. 2. Restrict the players to a maximum of three seconds of possession. Coaching Points: ‐The players should focus on the quality of their first touch and the strength of their pass. ‐Adjacent teammates should call for the next pass as a player is receiving a ball. ‐Encourage the players to get into a rhythm – Control, Look up, Pass. Control to the side
Organization: Pair up the players and practice passing the ball back and forth across a 10 x 10 grid. Each player must be on their toes throughout the practice. The receiving player must control the ball to one side before passing back to their partner.
Progressions: 1. The player uses the inside of the right foot to push the ball to the left. The ball is passed back with the inside of the left foot. 2. The player uses the inside of the left foot to push the ball to the right. The ball is passed back with the inside of the right foot. 3. The player reaches across with the leg furthest from the line of the ball and hooks the ball across their body with the outside of their foot. Coaching Points: ‐Imagine you are being pressured by a defender on one side. ‐Cushion the ball so that it rests 1 yard to the opposite side. ‐Turn your body to protect the ball. Foxes & Rabbits
Organization: Divide the players into two teams, one team of rabbits positioned at the end of a 10yd x 20yd grid, and one team of foxes, each with soccer balls and split up on either side of the grid. The rabbits have to run through the grid and make it to the end without being hit by a ball. The foxes must kick the balls below knee height. Count how many rabbits are hit by the foxes rather than eliminating players. Change the teams over and try to beat the other’s score. Coach Notes: Show how to kick the ball with the inside of the foot and aim in front of the running player so they run into it. Award double points for anyone you see kicking the ball like that. End practice with a 30 minute scrimmage.
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1 Grade practice‐ Week 8‐ Final Week of the Season! – Use this practice or make up your own Warm‐up‐ Landmines
Organization: The coach places cones randomly throughout the 25 x 25 yard grid. The players are divided up into two groups and each group will take it in turns to get across the grid with out their ball coming into contact with a cone (Landmine). Once they all can get across with out detonating and land mines, add more cones (or pinnies) and encourage them to go quicker each time they cross the grid. Coach Notes: Encourage the players to try using the sides of the feet to move the ball to the side when trying to avoid a landmine. Beat The Crab
Organization: The players stand with a soccer ball at one end of a 20yd x 25 yd grid. One player sits down in the middle of the grid in the crab position. When the coach shouts “Go” the player attempt to dribble their ball past the crab, to the opposite end of the grid. If the crab can either kick the ball out of the grid or lift it off the ground with both feet, the player is out and becomes a crab. At the start of each game allow the players two practice runs across the grid without being eliminated. Coach Notes: Because the crab will not be able to change direction quickly, this would be a good time to show how a player can start dribbling to one side and then sharply cut back to the other to beat an opponent. Keep away
Organization: Players are divided into two groups, with one half inside the 15 x 25 grid, and the other half around the perimeter. The inside players pass and move around the grid. Each perimeter player takes a turn defending the inside players for 15 seconds. Points are scored if the defender touches the ball or if the passers complete five passes. Progression: 1. Make the drill more challenging by limiting the offensive players to two touches. More than two touches results in a loss of possession and a point for the defense. 2. Introduce a second defender. Coaching Points: ‐Continually move and communicate so that the player on the ball has at least two wide passing angles. ‐Be aware of where the defender is positioned and use your first touch to control the ball away from their pressure. ‐Move the ball quickly to avoid be caught in possession. End Practice with a 30 minute scrimmage
1 Grade Practice‐ Week 1‐ Dribbling Warm‐up Players dribbling in a 20 x 20 yds area. On coaches command they perform the following foot skills: Toe‐taps: Place the sole of one foot directly on top of the ball. Quickly change the position of both feet at the same time. Begin slowly and pause between each movement. Once the routine has been mastered you can speed up and test how many toe taps you can do in one minute. Side to side: Stand directly over the ball and begin by pushing the ball laterally from foot to foot using the inside of the big toes. Keep knees relaxed and slightly flexed and allow your arms to help provide balance. Start slow and increase speed as you develop the technique and rhythm. Try doing this without looking at the ball. Sideways roll: You will move the ball across the entire width of the grid using the sole of your foot. Begin by facing directly forwards and then as you move across the grid roll the sole of your foot up and over the outside of the ball each time. Try to maintain contact with the ball throughout the rolling motion. Main Session Freeze Dribble
Organization: Each player moves around the grid with a ball at their feet. They should experiment using the insides, outsides, bottom and top of the feet while dribbling. The coach will call out “Freeze” and the players must come to a complete stop putting one foot on top of the ball. Anyone who moves loses a life. The coach can add other commands such as fast, slow, towards me, away from me, etc Coach Notes: Children can imitate cars, trucks, boats and can make the sounds of their vehicle as they drive around the grid. They can also stop to refuel by doing toe taps on the ball. Treasure Hunt
Organization: The players places all of his cones at one end of a 20yd x 25yd grid. The players (pirates) each have a ball and stand at the other end of the grid making suitable pirate noises. When the coach shouts go. The players dribble down and pick up one piece of treasure and bring it back to their ship. They give the treasure to the captain (coach) and then go back for more. Coach Notes: Demonstrate to the players how by looking up between touches as they dribble back with their treasure, it will help them avoid running into pirates coming in the opposite direction. End Practice with a 30 minute scrimmage
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1 Grade Practice‐Week 2‐ Passing Warm‐up Funny Bones
Organization: Each player moves around the grid with a ball at their feet. The coach gives instructions regarding how he wants the players to dribble, “slow”, “fast”, “twisty”, “straight” etc. The coach then calls out a specific part of the body such as “Elbow” or “Knee” and the players must come to a complete stop and put that part of their body on the ball. Young players can be encouraged to dribble like certain animals and can make the relevant noises as they move around the grid. Coach Notes: These types of games are a great help in developing balance and coordination in addition to dribbling skills. Pairs Passing
Organization: Pair up the players and practice passing the ball across a 10 x 10 grid. Each player must be on their toes throughout the practice. The receiving player must first cushion the ball and then pass back with the inside of the foot. Progression: 1. Upon receiving a pass, the players should use the inside or outside of their foot to control the ball to one side, and then return the pass to their partner. 2. Now when passing the ball, the players should aim a few yards to the side of their partners, forcing them to first move into the line of the ball before controlling and returning the pass. Coaching Points: ‐Move towards each pass, do not pass from a standing position. ‐Lock the ankle and turn the toes outward. ‐Plant the non kicking foot alongside the ball and bend the standing knee slightly. ‐Push through the ball and finish with your foot in the air – ankle locked. ‐Cushion the ball so that it rests in front of you, not directly at your feet. Clean Your Room
Organization: The players are divided into two groups and each player has a ball. The two groups stand at either end of a 20yd x 25yd grid, there is a 3 yard “no go” zone marked down the middle of the grid with cones. The object of the games is to kick as many balls as possible into the opposite half of the grid. As soon as the opponents kick a ball into one half the other team can kick is straight back. No one can touch balls that end up in the “no go” zone. Coach Notes: You should initially allow the children to kick the ball however they wish so that they get the hang of the game. You should then gradually introduce them to striking the ball with the inside part of the foot, keeping the toes pointed outwards. End practice with a 30 minute scrimmage
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1 Grade Practice‐Week 3‐ Shooting Ball Ballistics
Organization: Each player stands with a ball at their feet. The coach stands in front and demonstrates each movement that he wants the players to copy. 1. Put one foot on the ball and roll it backwards and forwards with the sole of the foot. Also try with the weaker foot. 2. Place the ball between the inside of both feet and try to pass the ball back and forth between each foot. 3. Place one foot alongside the ball and the other on top of the ball. Quickly change the standing foot and the foot on the ball. Try repeating several times back and forth. Coach Notes: You can create a number of basic ball ballistic activities that allow the players to become comfortable using various surfaces of the feet. Two Way Shooting
Organization: Split the players into four groups of three and have each group work in a 10 x 30 yard grid. Each group should have one player on each end line, and one keeper defending a goal in the middle of the grid. Players take it in turns to shoot at the goal in the middle of the grid. If the keeper saves the ball he turns and feeds the other shooter Progression: 1. Push the ball diagonally forwards before shooting 2. Repeat the drill using the weak foot. 3. Try shooting from 1 yard further back. Coaching Points: ‐Approach the ball on a curved run from the side. ‐Make the last stride a big one before planting non kicking foot alongside the ball – this will ensure a good backswing. ‐Strike the ball with the laces and keep the toes pointed and locked throughout. ‐Follow through towards the goal. The Numbers Game
Organization: Divide the players into two teams and give each player a number. Both teams should have matching numbers. If you have an odd number of players, designate one player to have two numbers. Set up 3 yard goals on either end of a 20yd x 25yd field. The coach will throw a ball into the middle of the field and call out a number. Those corresponding players run from half way, through the back of their own goal and will attempt to score in the opposite goal. Coach Notes: Change the players’ numbers every few minutes so that the same players do not compete against each other every time. Progress to calling out more than one number and explain how passing to an open teammate can help their team win the game. Encourage players to shoot using their laces as previously worked on. End practice with 30 minute scrimmage
1st Grade Practice week 4‐ Heading and Volleying Ball Ballistics
Organization: Each player stands with a ball at their feet. The coach stands in front and demonstrates each movement that he wants the players to copy. 1. Put one foot on the ball and roll it backwards and forwards with the sole of the foot. Also try with the weaker foot. 2. Place the ball between the inside of both feet and try to pass the ball back and forth between each foot. 3. Place one foot alongside the ball and the other on top of the ball. Quickly change the standing foot and the foot on the ball. Try repeating several times back and forth. Coach Notes: You can create a number of basic ball ballistic activities that allow the players to become comfortable using various surfaces of the feet. Heading and Volleying‐ Self feed
Organization: Have the players divide up into groups of two in 10 yard grids, with one ball for each pair. One player will toss the ball up in the air and then head it to his partner. Go back and forth in this manner for a set time period or number of headers. Progression: 1. Slightly increase the distance between the players. 2. Have the players attempt to head the ball down towards the ground. Coaching Points: ‐Head the ball with the eyes open, using the forehead and with the mouth closed. ‐Hold your arms out to the side for balance. ‐Place your feet in a boxer’s stance and lean backwards as the ball is fed. ‐Rock forwards to make contact. ‐Direct the header with the forward movement of the body rather than the neck. In same set up, do volleying with inside of the foot then laces: ‐The inside foot volley allows players to pass a ball in the air with the largest possible surface of their foot. The player’s foot is turned outwards in an “L” position and raised directly forward to make contact with the ball at its earliest possible point. A good inside of the foot volley requires concentration, balance, and good contact with the center of the ball. ‐The front (or laces) volley is used to strike a ball that is coming directly at the player in the air. The player should be facing forward and will strike the ball with the laces by flexing the kicking leg directly forward. The ankle is kept locked, the toes pointed, and the head kept down. World Cup Heading & Volleying
Organization Players split into groups of four with one soccer ball per group. The players team up in pairs with the teammates standing on their own goal line of an 8 yard square. The ball is fed underhand by one player directly across the square to a member of the opposing team who then tries to head a goal in their opponents’ goal. The goals are shoulder height and their opponents may use their hands to catch the header. Progression ‐Players now use a header or a volley to score. ‐They may also score off a rebound Coaching Points ‐Watch the ball all the way on to the head or foot ‐Direct the ball into the corners of the goals End Practice with 30 minute scrimmage
1st Grade Practice‐ Week 5‐ Defending and Shielding Knock Out
Organization: The players dribble their ball around the inside of a 25yd x 25yd grid, practicing cutting the ball left and right with the inside and outside their dominant foot. When the coach shouts “Go” the players attempt to kick each other’s balls out of the grid without losing possession of their own. Players should be allowed to renter the game for the first two minutes, and then when the coach announces that it is “Knock Out” time, they are eliminated if their ball is kicked out. Coach Notes: Encourage the players twist and turn and change direction frequently to avoid being tackled. When they are stuck in a corner they should experiment using their body to shield the ball Shielding Technique
Organization Players split into groups of two with one ball per group. On the coaches command, one player practices shielding the ball from their partner while the other tries to get the ball from them. The player shielding the ball must use soft touches to keep the ball close in order to keep possession of the ball. They must also use their body to protect the ball from being stolen away. After a few minutes, switch roles then switch partners. Coaching Points ‐Use the side of the body and arm to shield the ball, not their back. ‐Use the top of the foot to keep the ball close. ‐Keep an eye on both the ball and player trying to get the ball back. Defending
Organization: Begin with two lines of players divided into defenders and attackers across from each other using a 20 x 20 yard grid. The defender passes to the dribbler and follows across the grid to take up a crouched, sideways defensive position in front of the dribbler. The dribbler moves forward all the way across the grid. The defender moves backwards maintain a 2 yd gap between them and the dribbler and may not tackle. Progression: 1. The defender takes up a sideways stance and attempts to keep “Touch Close” as he retreats. No tackling is allowed. 2. The defender can now tackle the attacker in their own half and should look to pass the ball over the end line to win. Coaching Points: ‐Close the space down quickly and slow down as you near the attacker. ‐Adopt a sideways stance with your knees bent, stay on your toes. ‐Shuffle backwards to maintain the distance between you and the attacker. End practice with a 30 minute scrimmage
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1 Grade Practice‐ Week 6‐ Attacking 1v1 Warm‐up‐ Donkey Dribble
Organization: All of the players with the exception of two, are donkeys and are given a tail by placing the end of pinnie in the back waistband of their shorts. The other two are hunters who are looking for donkey tails. The donkeys run around the grid dribbling their soccer balls trying to avoid having their tails being caught by the hunters. Allow donkeys to re attach their tail when caught during the first minute and then during the “Knock Out” stage if they lose a tail they have to come and stand by the coach until all of the tails are caught. Coach Notes: The players should be encouraged to change direction while dribbling to avoid the hunters’ grasp. Fakes &Turns
Organization In a 20 x 20 yd grid, players will dribble around, cutting and changing direction, using inside and outside of right and left foot. Introduce one of the new turns or fakes below every few minutes. Then on coaches command they can perform them. Finish with 2 minutes of players freestyling there new skills. Inside Hook 1.Begin by dribbling the ball forward about 10 yards. 2.Slow down and shorten your strides as your approach your turning point. 3.Reach around the furthest side of the ball with the inside of your foot. 4.Using 1 sharp cut with the inside of your right foot. 5.Turn your body 180 degrees. 6.Pivot on your standing foot to face back in the direction from which you came. 7.Make sure to coordinate the cut and the pivot to achieve the sharpest turn. 8.Keep in mind that you should go in to the turn slow and come out quickly Outside Hook 1.Begin by dribbling the ball 10 yards forward. 2.Slow down and shorten your strides. 3.Plant your left foot and reach around the furthest side of the ball with the outside of your right foot. 4.Next, pull your toes up and turn your right foot as far to the right as possible. 5.Using 1 sharp cut with the outside of your right foot; flick the ball 180 degrees in the opposite direction. 6.Then turn your whole body back toward the ball, and remember to lean your body into the turn. 7.Finally, make sure that you go into the turn slow and out fast. Drag Back Turn 1.Begin by dribbling the ball 10 yards forward. 2.Slow down as you approach the cone.3. Plant your left foot next to the ball and place your right foot directly on top of it. 4.Next, move the ball with the sole of your right foot with enough force that it rolls at least two yards back. 5.Open up your shoulders to allow the ball to roll across in front of your feet. 6.Then turn keeping your eye on the ball at all times. 7.Push the ball away from your feet & accelerate away. The Matthews 1.Begin by stand with the ball between your toes feet about 12" apart. 2.Touch the ball lightly 6 inches with the inside of the right foot. 3.At the same time, make a big hop 24' sideways to the left with your left foot. 4.Be sure to dip you left shoulder as you hop. 5.Then push off with your left foot and move the ball forward and to the right with the outside of your right foot. 6.Accelerate away. 6.When performing this move, look to develop a convincing body fake and a quick change of direction. The Scissors 1.Stand with both feet to the right of the ball. 2.Then lift your left foot over the top of the ball and plant it 12 inches to the left. 3.As you do this, dip your shoulders to the left to fake a move in that direction. 4.Then quickly bring your right foot around behind the ball so that you can play it away with the outside of that foot. 5.The ball should be played at a forty‐five degree “forward” angle. 6.Explode for 5 yards to the right to finish. Progression ‐Add a defender to pressure the fakes and turns. End practice with 30 minute scrimmage
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1 Grade Practice‐ Week 7‐ Passing, receiving and moving Warm‐up‐ Pass & Move
Organization: The players divided into groups of four and are stationed in a 10‐15 yard grid. The players pass the ball to one another using one or two touches. The players must move continually throughout the practice, creating space and passing options for the player on the ball Progression: 1. The players must now run around one of the outside cones after making a pass. 2. Restrict the players to a maximum of three seconds of possession. Coaching Points: ‐The players should focus on the quality of their first touch and the strength of their pass. ‐Adjacent teammates should call for the next pass as a player is receiving a ball. ‐Encourage the players to get into a rhythm – Control, Look up, Pass. Control to the side
Organization: Pair up the players and practice passing the ball back and forth across a 10 x 10 grid. Each player must be on their toes throughout the practice. The receiving player must control the ball to one side before passing back to their partner.
Progressions: 1. The player uses the inside of the right foot to push the ball to the left. The ball is passed back with the inside of the left foot. 2. The player uses the inside of the left foot to push the ball to the right. The ball is passed back with the inside of the right foot. 3. The player reaches across with the leg furthest from the line of the ball and hooks the ball across their body with the outside of their foot. Coaching Points: ‐Imagine you are being pressured by a defender on one side. ‐Cushion the ball so that it rests 1 yard to the opposite side. ‐Turn your body to protect the ball. Foxes & Rabbits
Organization: Divide the players into two teams, one team of rabbits positioned at the end of a 10yd x 20yd grid, and one team of foxes, each with soccer balls and split up on either side of the grid. The rabbits have to run through the grid and make it to the end without being hit by a ball. The foxes must kick the balls below knee height. Count how many rabbits are hit by the foxes rather than eliminating players. Change the teams over and try to beat the other’s score. Coach Notes: Show how to kick the ball with the inside of the foot and aim in front of the running player so they run into it. Award double points for anyone you see kicking the ball like that. End practice with a 30 minute scrimmage.
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1 Grade practice‐ Week 8‐ Final Week of the Season! – Use this practice or make up your own Warm‐up‐ Landmines
Organization: The coach places cones randomly throughout the 25 x 25 yard grid. The players are divided up into two groups and each group will take it in turns to get across the grid with out their ball coming into contact with a cone (Landmine). Once they all can get across with out detonating and land mines, add more cones (or pinnies) and encourage them to go quicker each time they cross the grid. Coach Notes: Encourage the players to try using the sides of the feet to move the ball to the side when trying to avoid a landmine. Beat The Crab
Organization: The players stand with a soccer ball at one end of a 20yd x 25 yd grid. One player sits down in the middle of the grid in the crab position. When the coach shouts “Go” the player attempt to dribble their ball past the crab, to the opposite end of the grid. If the crab can either kick the ball out of the grid or lift it off the ground with both feet, the player is out and becomes a crab. At the start of each game allow the players two practice runs across the grid without being eliminated. Coach Notes: Because the crab will not be able to change direction quickly, this would be a good time to show how a player can start dribbling to one side and then sharply cut back to the other to beat an opponent. Keep away
Organization: Players are divided into two groups, with one half inside the 15 x 25 grid, and the other half around the perimeter. The inside players pass and move around the grid. Each perimeter player takes a turn defending the inside players for 15 seconds. Points are scored if the defender touches the ball or if the passers complete five passes. Progression: 1. Make the drill more challenging by limiting the offensive players to two touches. More than two touches results in a loss of possession and a point for the defense. 2. Introduce a second defender. Coaching Points: ‐Continually move and communicate so that the player on the ball has at least two wide passing angles. ‐Be aware of where the defender is positioned and use your first touch to control the ball away from their pressure. ‐Move the ball quickly to avoid be caught in possession. End Practice with a 30 minute scrimmage
