The Soccer Education Specialists
First Play
Soccer Camp
“No Pressure! Just Play.”
Experience Excellence in Soccer Education
A division of USA Sport Group
United Soccer Academy, Inc.
The Soccer Education Specialists
2
Mission Statement
As the premier providers of soccer training on the East Coast we will deliver diverse soccer programs,
which are both inspirational and educational. These programs are age and ability appropriate and are
found on the principles of safety, learning and enjoyment.
Philosophy
The underpinning principles of our programs:
Safety, learning and enjoyment;
Maximum participation;
Structured and progressive learning;
Identify all potential partners and foster relationships between them;
Develop positive attitudes.
Three Pillars of USA, Inc. Programs
USA, Inc. have identified three essential elements that are present in all of our own programs and
coaching sessions that we call the Three Pillars of Soccer.
It is recognized that all USA, Inc. programs contain the elements of safety, learning and enjoyment. It is
your responsibility as a coach to ensure that these elements are at the forefront of your mind in all
sessions. All are their own separate entity, yet encompass each other. The USA program identifies a
player’s age and ability level (from the age and curriculum breakdown model) which will in turn affect the
extent to which an element is present at any time during a USA program. It is also recognized that safety,
learning and enjoyment are interpreted different at each program level.
We have placed an emphasis upon the individual importance of safety which has to be at the forefront of
the coaches mind before learning and enjoyment can take place.
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Dribbling
Shooting
World Cup
Tournament
(Small-Sided
Games)
World Cup
Tournament
(Small-Sided
Games)
Attacking &
Defending
(1v1s)
D
A
Y
F
U
L
L
PM
AM
Passing
Dribbling
Shooting
Attacking &
Defending
(1v1s)
Passing
FRI
DAY
MON
TUE
WED
THU
First Play Soccer Camp (Session Topics)
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First Play Soccer Camp (Themed Days)
MON
Coaches Challenge
TUE
Wear Team Colors
WED
Wacky Wednesday
THU
Stars & Stripes
FRI
Water Games
(Kick Off)
(Throw In)
(Corner Kick)
(Free Kick)
(Penalty Kick)
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United Soccer Academy, Inc.
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First Play Soccer Camp (Session Topics)
Time
Task
AM
F
U
L
L
D
A
Y
8.15am
8.15-8.30
8.30-8.45
8.45-9.00
9.00-9.10
9.10-9.30
9.30-10.15
10.15-10.30
10.30-11.15
11.15-11.30
11.30-12.20pm
12.20-12.30
12.30-12.45
12.45
Equipment
Camp
Staff arrival (first day is 8.00am)
Camp set up (inc. parking lot, welcome area)
Staff meeting led by coordinator
Camp check-in (and welcome at vehicles)
Morning greeting
Energizer / Ball mastery
Session Topic & Themes: 2-3 activities
Break
Session Topic & Themes: 2-3 activities
Break
World Cup Tournament (SSGs)
Point Ceremony / De-brief
Camp check-out
Camp breakdown
1 x Coordinator folder
1 x first aid box
1 x First Play Soccer Camp Bag
1 x inflatable ball (large)
1 x Soccer Squirts parachute
2 x Futsals
Coach
1 x bag of soccer balls
1 x set of colored markers
PM
12.45pm-1.00
1.00-1.10
1.10-1.30
1.30-2.00
2.00-2.15
2.15-2.45
2.45-3.00
3.00-3.50
3.50-4.00
4.00-4.15
4.15
Camp check-in (and welcome at vehicles)
Afternoon greeting
Energizer / Ball mastery
Session Topic & Themes: 2-3 activities
Break
Session Topic & Themes: 2-3 activities
Break
World Cup Tournament (SSGs)
Point Ceremony / De-brief
Camp check-out
Camp breakdown
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Monday (AM) / Wednesday (PM)
Mon: Coaches Challenge / Kick Off
//
Wed: Wacky Wednesday / Corner Kick
Activity 1
Activity 1: Soccer Superstars
Each player dribbles freely within the defined area. On the coaches
command, players are encouraged to practice various skills, tricks
and moves to beat an opponent and/or change speed and direction.
All skills must be related to those performed by the world’s best
soccer players such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres
Iniesta. The winner is the player that performs the most skills.
Activity 2
Activity 2: Creative Player
Players have a ball between two and rotate every 60-seconds. At
their own discretion, attackers are encouraged to perform creative
skills, tricks and moves to beat an opponent and/or change speed
and direction. Defenders follow the attacker with the ball. The winner is the player that performs the most creative skills and tricks.
Activity 3: Move into Position
Each player dribbles freely within the defined area. On the coaches
command, players dribble into the specified zone. The winner is the
first player to enter the end zone with the ball under control.
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
DRIBBLING
Activity 3
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Activity 4
Activity 4: Nutmegs
Attackers dribble freely within the defined area. Defenders attempt
to tag as many attackers as possible. When an attacker is tagged
they must freeze, stand with their legs shoulder-width apart and
hold the ball above their head. To release a tagged player, an
attacker plays the ball through their team mates [open] legs and
collects at the other side. The tagged attacker then rejoins the play.
The winner is the attacker that has been tagged the least amount of
times after a specified time period.
Activity 5
Activity 5: British Bulldog
Attackers line up with a ball and aim to successfully dribble to the
opposite end line without losing control and/or being tackled by the
defender. When an attacker loses possession and the ball has
been kicked out the defined area, they then become an additional
defender in the next wave of attack. The winner is the last attacker
with the ball under control at either end line.
Activity 6
Players are split into two teams. The first attacker from each team
dribbles through the slalom of mannequins. Once the attacker has
reached the end line the next player begins. The winner is the first
team to return to their starting positions.
Additional Notes
Select (and modify if necessary) activities that are specific to the age and ability of your group.
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
DRIBBLING
Activity 6: Slaloms
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Activity 7
Activity 7: Weaves
All four players dribble through the markers at the same time and
exchange positions with the partner diagonally across from them.
The winner is the first player to exchange positions.
Activity 8
Activity 8: First Home
Players are split into two teams on separate sides of the defined
area. On the coaches command, a player from each team runs into
the centre to retrieve a ball, dribbles 360 degrees around the circle
and returns the ball to the centre. The winner is the first player to
return to their starting position.
Activity 9
Players dribble freely within the defined area. Each player attempts
to protect their own ball and at the same time kick out the ball of
other players. When a player losses possession they perform basic
skills outside the area. The winner is the last player with their ball
under control inside the defined area.
Additional Notes
Select (and modify if necessary) activities that are specific to the age and ability of your group.
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
DRIBBLING
Activity 9: King of the Ring
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Activity 10
Activity 10: End Zone Dribbling
Players are split into two teams. A point is awarded when a player
successfully dribbles the ball under control into the opposition end
zone. The winner is the team with the most points after a specified
time period.
Activity 11
Activity 11: Four Goal Wide
Players are split into two teams. A point is awarded when a player
successfully scores into either of the two opposing wide goals. The
winner is the team with the most points after a specified time
period.
Activity 12
Players are split into two teams. A point is awarded when a player
successfully dribbles through any of the four gates and maintains
possession by passing to a team mate. The winner is the team with
the most points after a specified time period.
World Cup Tournament
Small-sided games (5v5 maximum, including GKs).
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
DRIBBLING
Activity 12: Four Goal Dribbling
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Monday (PM) / Wednesday (AM)
Mon: Coaches Challenge / Kick Off
//
Wed: Wacky Wednesday / Corner Kick
Activity 1
Activity 1: Wall Passes
Players are in pairs and pass the ball continuously to each other.
The winner is the pair that completes the most successive passes
after a specified time period.
Activity 2
Activity 2: Coconut Shy
Players are in split into pairs. Players from each team take turns to
and knock the ball off opposition markers. The winner is the first
team to knock off all three opposition balls.
Activity 3
Players are split into two teams in two halves of the defined area.
On the coaches command, players from each team attempt to pass
all of the balls out of their own half. All passes must be weighted to
ensure they do not go beyond the opposition end line and are not
above knee height. The winner is the team with the least amount of
soccer balls in their half after a specified time period.
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
PASSING
Activity 3: Get Out My Backyard!
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Activity 4
Activity 4: Off the Ball
One attacker starts by attempting to play the ball below knee height
against any of the defenders. Defenders try to avoid being hit with
the ball. If a defender is hit, they collect the nearest ball and
become an attacking player. The defenders can use either of the 4
corner safety zones for a maximum of 5-seconds. The winner is the
attacker that hits the most defenders with a ball.
Activity 5
Activity 5: Zone to Zone
Players are split into two teams. Attackers start with a ball each
inside the central area. Defenders attempt to sprint from one end
zone to another without being hit with a ball. When a defender is hit,
they collect the nearest ball and become an attacking player. All
passes must stay below knee height. The winner is the attacker that
hits the most players with a ball.
Activity 6
Players are split into two teams. Attackers start with a ball each on
the two outside channels. Defenders attempt to run from one end
zone to another without being hit with a ball. All passes must stay
below knee height. When a defender is hit, they collect the nearest
ball and become an attacker. The winner is the attacker that hits the
most players with a ball.
Additional Notes
Select (and modify if necessary) activities that are specific to the age and ability of your group.
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
PASSING
Activity 6: Don’t Get Hit
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Activity 7
Activity 7: Strikeout
Players are split into two teams that start on opposite sidelines with
a ball each. On the coaches command, players dribble forward and
pass against the ball of an opponent in an attempt to knock it outside the playing area. The winner is the team with the most balls
inside the area after a specified time period.
Activity 8
Activity 8: Knockout
Attackers dribble freely within the defined area. Five other attackers
are positioned inside each of the 5x5 yard safety zones. When an
attacker needs a rest they ‘bump’ a team mate out a safety area by
passing them the ball and switching positions. Defenders without a
ball receive a point for every ball they knock out of the area. The
winner is the attacker that passes into the most safety areas.
Activity 9
Players are split into two teams with a neutral player in each end
zone to act as a target for the attacking team. Attackers can not
move when in possession of the ball and have a maximum of
5-seconds to release a pass. The defenders can only block and/or
intercept passes. To score, the attacking team must successfully
transfer the ball by hand from one zone to another. The winner is
the team with the most points after a specified time period.
Additional Notes
Select (and modify if necessary) activities that are specific to the age and ability of your group.
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
PASSING
Activity 9: Handball
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Activity 10
Activity 10: Giant Soccer 1
Players are split into two teams and play with a giant inflatable
soccer ball. A point is scored when a player successfully scores into
the opposition goal. The winner is the team with the most points
after a specified time period.
Activity 11
Activity 11: Soccer Cricket
Players are split into two teams. One team starts as attackers
(kickers) and the other as defenders (fielders). The coach serves
the ball to the attacking team. The attacker on base attempts to kick
the ball as far as possible and run around either of the two side
flags. Defenders attempt to return the ball to the coach before the
attacker returns to base. The attacker is ‘out’ when they miss the
ball and the wicket is knocked down and/or they do not return to
base before the ball is returned to the coach. Teams switch roles
after each attacker has played as the kicker. The winner is the team
with the most runs.
Activity 12
Activity 12: Four Goal Long
World Cup Tournament
Small-sided games (5v5 maximum, including GKs).
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
PASSING
Players are split into two teams. A point is scored when a player
successfully scores into either of the two opposing corner goals.
The winner is the team with the most points after a specified time
period.
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Tuesday (AM) / Thursday (PM)
Tue: Wear Team Colors / Throw In
//
Thu: Stars & Stripes / Free Kick
Activity 1
Activity 1: Penalty Kicks
Players are split into two teams. Each player is nominated a partner
to play against as attacker versus goalkeeper. The winner is the
first team to score 10 penalties.
Activity 2
Activity 2: Creative Finishing
Players are split into two teams. Both teams are placed in opposite
corners of the area. On the coaches command, the first attacker
from each team dribbles towards the mannequin, performs a skill,
trick or move of their choice and shoots at goal. The winner is the
first attacker to score.
Activity 3: Sweeper Keepers
Players are split into two teams. The attackers dribble around the
markers and shoot at goal. On the attacker’s first touch, defenders
sprint around the other markers and become goalkeeper. Players
rotate positions.
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SHOOTING
Activity 3
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Activity 4
Activity 4: Penalty Relay
Attackers score as many consecutive penalties as possible before
the timer runs out. Defenders dictate the period of time attackers
have to score by dribbling around the markers to a team mate at
the other side of the goal. The quicker the defenders dribble the
ball, the less time the attackers have to score. Once all defenders
return to their starting position, the timer stops. The winner is the
team that scores the most goals.
Activity 5
Activity 5: First to Score 1
On the coaches command, three attackers dribble towards goal and
shoot inside the ‘D’ at the edge of the penalty area. The winner is
the first attacker to score.
Activity 6
On coaches command, two attackers sprint around the mannequins
and compete for the ball delivered by the coach. The winner is the
first player to score.
Additional Notes
Select (and modify if necessary) activities that are specific to the age and ability of your group.
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
SHOOTING
Activity 6: First to Score 2
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Activity 7
Activity 7: First to Score 3
Players are split into two teams. On the coaches command, the first
attacker from each team plays a forward pass to their opponent and
then sprints after the opposite ball. The winner is the first attacker to
score.
Activity 8
Activity 8: Scoring in Numbers
Players are split into two teams at either side of the goal. On the
coaches command, the designated number of players run around
the flags and compete for the ball delivered the coach. A point is
awarded to the team that scores. The winner is the first team to 10
points.
Activity 9
Activity 9: Pool Table
Additional Notes
Select (and modify if necessary) activities that are specific to the age and ability of your group.
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
SHOOTING
Players are split into two teams. A point is scored when a player
successfully shoots through any of the six gates.
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Activity 10
Activity 10: Any Man Save
Players are split into three teams inside three separate zones. An
attacker from each team dribbles into either of the two opposition
zones and shoots at goal. Any opposition defender can use their
hands to save a shot. The winner is the team that scores the most
goals after a specified time period.
Activity 11
Activity 11: Giant Soccer 2
Players are split into two teams playing with a giant inflatable
soccer ball. A point is scored when a player successfully scores into
any of the six opposition goals. The winner is the team with the
most points after a specified time period.
Activity 12
Players are split into two teams. A point is scored when a player
successfully scores into either side of the central goal. The winner
is the team with the most points after a specified time period.
World Cup Tournament
Small-sided games (5v5 maximum, including GKs).
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
SHOOTING
Activity 12: Central Goal
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Tuesday (PM) / Thursday (AM)
Tue: Wear Team Colors / Throw In
//
Thu: Stars & Stripes / Free Kick
Activity 1
Activity 1: Touch Tight
Activity 2
Activity 2: Sidestep
Players are split into two teams. The attacker dribbles towards the
mannequin and quickly changes direction through either of the two
side gates. The defender reacts to the movement of the attacker
and attempts to win the ball. If the defender wins the ball, they then
dribble through either gate. The winner is the player that dribbles
through the most gates.
Activity 3
Activity 3: Catch Me If You Can
Players are split into two lines next to an opponent. On the coaches
command, the attackers sprint to the closest sideline (1 or 2). The
defenders (furthest from the line) attempt to tag their partner before
they reach the line. The winner is the defender that tags the most
attackers.
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
ATTACKING & DEFENDING (1v1s)
Players are split into two teams. Each attacker has two pinnies
tucked into the side of their shorts. Defenders attempt to steal as
many pinnies as possible. The winner is the defender that collects
the most pinnies after a specified time period.
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Activity 4
Activity 4: The Shield
Activity 5
Activity 5: Numbers Game 1
Players are split into two teams at either side of the goal. On the
coaches command, the designated player from each team compete
for the ball delivered the coach. A point is awarded to the team that
scores. The winner is the first team to 10 points.
Activity 6
Activity 6: Numbers Game 2
Players are split into two teams around the outside perimeter of the
playing area. On the coaches command, the designated player
from each team competes for the ball delivered by the coach. A
point is awarded to the team that scores. The winner is the first
team to 10 points.
Additional Notes
Select (and modify if necessary) activities that are specific to the age and ability of your group.
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
ATTACKING & DEFENDING (1v1s)
Players are split into two teams. Attackers attempt to kick as many
balls off the markers as possible within a specified period time. The
defenders use their body as a shield to protect the balls. The winner
is the player that knocks down the most soccer balls.
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Activity 7
Activity 7: Defending Gates
Activity 8
Activity 8: Numbered Attack
Four attackers are positioned 10-yards in front of a defender. On
the coaches command, the designated attacker dribbles forward
towards the defender and attempts to score. The defender attempts
to prevent attackers from scoring. The winner is the attacker that
scores the most goals.
Activity 9
Activity 9: 1v1 Attack
Attackers are positioned 10-yards in front of a defender. An attacker
dribbles towards the defender and attempts to score into either of
the two corner goals. The defender attempts to prevent attackers
from scoring. The winner is the attacker that scores the most goals.
Additional Notes
Select (and modify if necessary) activities that are specific to the age and ability of your group.
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
ATTACKING & DEFENDING (1v1s)
Players are in pairs. Attackers dribble through as many different
gates as possible. The defenders attempt to prevent their opponent
from dribbling through the gates. When defenders win possession
of the ball, they then become the attacker. The winner is the player
that dribbles through the most gates after a specified time period.
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Activity 10
Activity 10: Most Goals Wins
Activity 11
Activity 11: Mark Up
Players are split into two teams. Each outfield player is designated
an opponent to man-mark. When defending, players can only tackle
their designated opponent and/or intercept passes or block shots. A
point is awarded when a player successfully scores into the
opposing goal. The winner is the team with the most points after a
specified time period.
Activity 12
Activity 12: Four Goal Across
Players are split into four teams. Two basic small-sided games are
played simultaneously across the width and length of the defined
area. A point is awarded when a player successfully scores into the
opposing goal. The winner is the team with the most points after a
specified time period.
World Cup Tournament
Small-sided games (5v5 maximum, including GKs).
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
ATTACKING & DEFENDING (1v1s)
Players are split into two teams. Attackers attempt to score into any
of the six goals. After a 1v1 scenario has finished, attackers sprint
to the nearest ball and recommence another 1v1 attack. Defenders
attempt to prevent the attackers from scoring. The winner is the
attacker that scores the most goals.
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Friday (Full Day)
Fri: Water Games / Penalty Kick
Small-Sided Game 1
Small-Sided Game 1: 4v4
This small-sided game is set up to encourage players to play in a
basic diamond (1-2-1) team shape. Coach allows players to have
the freedom to express themselves and encourage creative skills,
tricks and moves in 1v1 situations.
Small-Sided Game 2
Small-Sided Game 2: 4v4 + GKs
This small-sided game is set up to encourage players to play in a
basic diamond (1-2-1) team shape with a goalkeeper. Coach allows
players to have the freedom to express themselves and encourage
creative skills, tricks and moves in 1v1 situations.
Principle Focus:
Encourage creative imagination and self-expression through free
play.
Team Shape / Principles of Play
Team Shape: 4v4 Diamond (1-2-1)
Principles of Play:
Width: use wide attacking areas to create goal scoring opportunities
Length: stretch the game forward by providing an outlet in attack
Depth: offer support behind the ball in both attack and defense
Penetration: break down opposition by quickly moving ball forward
Support: moving to assist team mates with and without the ball
Creativity: playing with self-expression and creative imagination
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.
WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT
Principle Focus:
Encourage creative imagination and self-expression through free
play.
23
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50 Different Ways to Say ‘Good Job’
During Practice:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Well done!
Terrific!
That’s the way to do it!
That’s a real improvement!
Good thinking!
Keep up the good work!
That’s it!
That’s better!
Outstanding!
Fantastic!
Fine work!
Magnificent!
Wonderful!
You’re really working hard today!
That’s looking good!
Good work!
That’s the right way to do it!
Top stuff!
I think you’ve got it now!
Tremendous!
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
Perfect!
That’s better than what I can do!
That’s a great effort!
You’re getting better!
Now you’ve got the hang of it!
You’re getting better every day!
You’re learning fast!
I knew you could do it!
I’m so proud of you!
That’s much better!
Superb!
That’s amazing!
Great work!
That’s as good as I have seen!
Keep it up!
Spot on!
You are doing much better today!
Keep on trying!
Excellent - I’m impressed!
Very imaginative!
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
That was great, you remembered!
You worked well today!
Great effort out there today!
You really are learning quickly!
You’re nearly getting there!
After Practice:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
That was really good!
I’m proud of your efforts today!
That’s the best you’ve ever done!
You did really well today!
You must have been practicing!
USA coaching staff honors the First Play Soccer Camp
by always creating a POSITIVE learning environment!
© 2013 United Soccer Academy, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This Publication may not be copied without written permission.