COACH RESOURCES
10 WEEK PLAN
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TRANSATLANTICSOCCER.COM
INTRODUCTION
This resource pack has been designed
by qualified International soccer
coaches specifically for coaches of
kindergarten through to U12 teams
Throughout this pack there are session
plans for a full 10 week program including:
-
warm ups
fun games
dribbling, passing and shooting drills
progressions to suit all age groups
coaching points
Using a variety of clear diagrams and
coaching instructions we hope to provide
you with the knowledge to comfortably
provide more engaging, beneficial and enjoyable
coaching sessions for each of your teams.
Each session has been created following the same simple
structure shown below, which is important to follow as to not
overload your team with too much content.
WARM UP - SKILLS PRACTICE - CONDITIONED
GAME - SCRIMMAGE
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SESSION 1 - BALL CONTROL
Gaining control of the soccer ball is something
that should be worked on at all ages in order to
best develop all aspects of the individuals game
WARM UP
Mark out a square.
Players are encouraged to dribble freely within
the defined area.
Coaches add actions and conditions to allow
individuals to develop ball familiarity.
Examples…
1. Use preferred foot only
2. Use weak foot only
3. Use both feet
4. Perform a drag back
5. Try juggle the ball with feet
Development
Rather than shouting each action, number each action and shout the number.
Makes the exercise more cognitively demanding especially for older age groups.
SKILLS PRACTICE
Pair players up.
One player stands with a ball outside a defined area
with their partner inside the area.
Players outside area should play the ball to partner
who should then control the ball and return it.
Development
Start off trapping the ball with foot then change the
part of the body controlling the ball.
Examples…
Use head/chest/knee then trap the ball.
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Progression
Add movement into the practice by getting players to move to a new partner each
time they
control and return the ball.
Players on the inside can either move in the one direction or random.
Encourages spatial awareness and moving after a pass.
Coaching points
-When trapping the ball encourage players to use the sole of their foot
and move into a position to easily control the ball.
-When using the head/chest/knee encourage soft touches to try keep the
ball close to the body to stop opposition from intercepting.
CONDITIONED GAME
Split players into either 2/3/4 teams.
In a square players must try dribble the soccer
ball and stop it on or touch a cone to score a
goal.
While this is happening the opposite team will
be trying to do the same.
Encourage players to pass to each other and
focus on controlling the ball to touch a cone.
Coaching points
- reiterate the coaching points from the
previous exercise throughout the game.
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SESSION 2 - DRIBBLING
Dribbling the ball with confidence is a skill which will
majorly benefit your team. This is a fundamental skill
in developing the individual’s game
WARM UP
Mark out a square.
Select two ‘taggers’ and play a variety of games
of tag such as:
1. Tunnel tag - players caught stand with legs
apart for others players to crawl through to
release them.
2. Toilet Tig - players caught stand with hand
out and players must press this hand down to
‘flush’ to release them.
3. Tails - Use bibs to tuck into shorts. Taggers
should try catch as many bibs in an allocated
time.
Development
Soccer Dodge Ball - Taggers dribble a soccer ball around the square trying to pass it off a player.
If hit below the knee, that player is out or becomes the tagger.
Coaching points
-Encourage players to keep their head to be spatially aware.
-Encourage players to work together to help release each other.
SKILLS PRACTICE
Follow The Leader.
Players pair up with one soccer ball to share.
Number players in pair 1 and 2.
1s will dribble the ball freely around the square and 2s will
follow.
Coach will determine when to swap possession.
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Progression 1
Add actions or commands to the exercise.
Examples…
When coach shouts a number, players should complete an action such as:
1. Back heel to partner
2. Pass to partner
3. Perform a trick
4. Trap the ball
Progression 2
Introduce tackling.
Encourage the player behind to try and steal possession through a fair tackle and
each time this happens that player gets a point.
Can then compare scores in a competition with the rest of the team.
Coaching points
-Encourage players to use the inside and outside of the foot to dribble. Not the toe!
-Use small touches to keep ball close to feet.
-Encourage players to lift their head as much as possible
- To keep control of the ball encourage players to slow down.
CONDITIONED GAME
Split players into either 2/3/4 teams.
Set up either of the two games shown opposite.
1. In a square players must try dribble the soccer ball and stop it on
or touch a cone to score a goal.
While this is happening the opposite team will be trying to do the
same.
Encourage players to pass to each other and focus on controlling the
ball to touch a cone.
2. Set up 4 goals.
Players must attempt to dribble the ball into any of the four
goals.
Once that goal has been scored into it that team cannot
score into that goal again.
Coaching points
-Reiterate the dribbling coaching points from the
previous exercise.
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SESSION 3 - DRIBBLING cont…
WARM UP
Mark out a square.
Create two teams, one with bibs on and one without.
Bibs players stand in a space with legs open, non bibs
dribble freely around the square.
When players approach a static player they should
pass the ball through the legs and retrieve.
Swap over when instructed by the coach.
Development
Change the action when the player approaches a
static player.
Examples…
1. When player approaches static player, ball is passed through the legs then the static player
retrieves the ball.
2. When players approach a static player they must perform a turn or trick
3. Make competitive by asking players to count how many times they pass through a players
legs.
Coaching points
-Remember to make each exercise as fun as possible.
SKILLS PRACTICE
King Of The Ring
Each player has a soccer ball and dribbles freely
around a defined area.
When coach shouts go, players should try and knock
the other players soccer balls out of the area while
keeping control of their own ball.
When your ball gets knocked out the area players are
out of the game.
Play until a ‘king of the ring’ is found.
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Progression
To make harder for players to keep control of the ball select two players to be
designated
tacklers.
These players do not have a ball and their role is to solely kick the other players’
soccer balls out of the area.
Coaching points
-Encourage players to lift their head as much as possible to watch for opposition
and to be spatially aware.
-Encourage players to use small touches to keep ball close to their feet.
- Instruct players to use their body as a shield to defend the ball from the opposition.
SKILLS PRACTICE 2
Dribbling Skills Test
Players dribble to each cone, then back to the start using
their best control.
When finished player will pass ball tot he next player.
Encourage players to keep ball close at all times and get
faster the more comfortable they are.
Competition
Make the drill a competition by making the last team back to
the start has to perform a forfeit.
Coaching points
-As your team’s dribbling skills get better you can encourage players to get
faster. Only when ready!
-Encourage players to use both feet when dribbling.
CONDITIONED GAME
Split players into either 2/3/4 teams.
Set up 4 goals.
Players must attempt to dribble the ball into any of the four
goals.
Once that goal has been scored into it that team cannot score
into that goal again.
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SESSION 4 - CONTROL
WARM UP
Mark out a square.
Select two ‘taggers’ and play a variety of games of tag
such as:
1. Tunnel tag - players caught stand with legs apart for
others players to crawl through to release them.
2. Toilet Tig - players caught stand with hand out and
players must press this hand down to ‘flush’ to
release them.
3. Tails - Use bibs to tuck into shorts. Taggers should try
catch as many bibs in an allocated time.
Development
Soccer Dodge Ball - Taggers dribble a soccer ball around the square trying to pass
it off a player. If hit below the knee, that player is out or becomes the tagger.
Coaching points
-Encourage players to keep their head to be spatially aware.
-Encourage players to work together to help release each other.
SKILLS PRACTICE
Make two teams. One bibs, one non bibs team.
Scatter markers or cones inside a marked area.
Players with bibs stand outside this area and players
without bibs stand inside with a soccer ball.
Players with ball play a pass to bib player then retrieve
ball and dribble through the markers to make a pass with
another bib player.
Swap roles under instruction of the coach.
Coaching points
-Encourage players to keep their head to be spatially aware.
-Encourage players to see markers as defenders therefore they have to dodge them.
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SKILLS
PRACTICE 2
Guard The Centre Circle
Set up either half a pitch, full pitch or marked
out variation of the diagram opposite.
One team defends the centre circle or a nest
whilst the other team attempt to dribble the
ball in.
If you are tackled you must go retrieve another
soccer ball and start again.
Can play with three teams as shown opposite,
two attacking and one defending the circle.
First team to get all their balls into the centre circle wins.
CONDITIONED GAME
Split players into either 2/3/4 teams.
Choose between the two games opposite.
1. Simple scrimmage with no goalkeepers
2. Set up 4 goals.
Players must attempt to dribble the ball into any of the four goals.
Once that goal has been scored into it that team cannot score into that goal again.
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SESSION 5 - PASSING
Passing is another fundamental skill to work on with
your team. Its important to learn correct technique early
to best develop as a player and link up with team mates.
WARM UP
Pair players up.
One player stands with a ball outside a defined
area with their partner inside the area.
Players outside area should play the ball to partner
who should then control the ball and return it.
Development
Start off trapping the ball with foot then change the
part of the body controlling the ball.
Examples…
Use head/chest/knee then trap the ball.
Coaching points
-Emphasize the quality of the pass.
-Encourage players to play the pass accurately.
SKILLS PRACTICE
Passing In Threes.
Organise players into threes, use markers to
make easier.
Player 1 passes short to 2.
Player 2 returns the ball to 1.
Player 1 then plays long pass to player 3.
Repeat.
Change over after a period of time.
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Progression
Add goals
into the exercise to make more game-like.
Set up players as shown opposite.
1 passes to 2, 2 passes to 3 and 3 shoots.
players then rotate into new position.
Coaching points
-Encourage players to use inside of foot to pass.
-Encourage players to follow through with their
-
foot in the intended direction
Place non-passing foot next to ball with toes
pointing towards target.
If easy, encourage players to use weak foot.
CONDITIONED GAME
Split players into either 2/3/4 teams.
Choose between the two games opposite.
1. Teams score by making a set number of passes without losing
possession. Lower number of passes makes the game easier,
higher makes the game harder.
2. Set up 4 goals.
Players must attempt to dribble the ball into any of the four goals.
Once that goal has been scored into it that team cannot score into
that goal again.
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SESSION 6 - PASSING cont…
WARM UP
Get players into groups of 3 or 4 and number each
player.
Players must pass in order of a sequence.
Examples…
Player 1 to 2 then 2 to 3 then 3 to 4 and 4 to 1.
Coach will determine the sequence to pass.
Development
As players get better introduce passing in different
ways for example:
1. Inside of foot.
2. Outside of foot.
3. Lofted
4. Non-preferred foot
Diagram
SKILLS PRACTICE
Put players into pairs and set out like the
diagram opposite.
Three or four pairs pass across an area
while one pair is passing through the area.
Yellow players get a point for each
successful pass.
After a time limit swap players in yellow and
compare scores with the rest of the group.
Progression
Up:
Introduce cones as a gate for players passingSet
across
the area. This gives players a
Pairs- one ball
target to aim for.
Coaching points
-Encourage players to put keep their
Instructions;
Players in red pass ball between each other.
Players in yellow attempt to play longer pass across middle. Players in yellow will receive a
goal for every
successful
pass completed.
Ballthe
must stay
on the
ground. When a pair of red
head
over
the ball
to keep
ball
low.
players intercept pass they will swap places.
- Encourage players to follow through with passing foot in the intended direction
- Emphasize the importance of accurateCoaching
passing
Points:
Timing of pass, weight of pass, decision making & keep head over the ball for ball to remain
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the surface.
CONDITIONED
GAME
Split players into either 2/3/4 teams.
Choose between the two games opposite.
1. Teams score by making a set number of passes without losing
possession. Lower number of passes makes the game easier,
higher makes the game harder.
2. Set up 4 goals.
Players must attempt to dribble the ball into any of the four goals.
Once that goal has been scored into it that team cannot score into
that goal again.
Coaching points
-Reiterate the previous points on passing.
- Emphasize the quality and accuracy of the pass, that the ball moves faster than
the player.
- Encourage players to make passes in the games rather than being selfish.
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SESSION 7 - SHOOTING
Now that teams have developed their dribbling, ball control
and passing skills we can begin to work on improving our
shooting skills. This will help teams attack better and will
develop a more well rounded performer.
WARM UP
Mark out a square.
Players are encouraged to dribble freely within
the defined area.
Coaches add actions and conditions to allow
individuals to develop ball familiarity.
Examples…
1. Use preferred foot only
2. Use weak foot only
3. Use both feet
4. Perform a drag back
5. Try juggle the ball with feet
Development
Add a number of marked out goals on the outside of the defined are.
When instructed players will shoot into the goal, collect the ball then continue the exercise.
SKILLS PRACTICE
Players are split into two or four groups.
One or two groups on the bye line and one or
two groups outside the box as shown.
Players at bye line pass to players outside the
box who then control the ball and shoot into the
goal.
Players rotate by following their pass or
collecting the shot and moving to the bye line.
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Progression
The Shoot
Out!
In groups or teams players take turns to
dribble through the marked out gate then
shoot at goal.
Teams will keep score of the goals they score
in a time limit and compare against the rest of
the squad.
Development
If too easy then introduce a defender from the
other team.
Coaching points
-Encourage players to shoot using the laces of the boot, not the toe!
-Encourage players to follow through with their foot in the intended direction.
-Place non-passing foot next to ball with toes pointing towards target.
-Encourage players to aim for the corners of the goal net and away from the
goalkeeper for best chance of scoring.
CONDITIONED GAME
Split players into either 2/3/4 teams.
Choose between the two games opposite.
1. Simple scrimmage with no goalkeepers
2. Set up 4 goals.
Players must attempt to dribble the ball into
any of the four goals.
Once that goal has been scored into it that
team cannot score into that goal again.
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SESSION 8 - SHOOTING cont…
WARM UP
Mark out a square.
Players are encouraged to dribble freely
within the defined area.
Coaches add actions and conditions to
allow individuals to develop ball
familiarity.
Examples…
1. Use preferred foot only
2. Use weak foot only
3. Use both feet
4. Perform a drag back
5. Try juggle the ball with feet
4 goals with a 20 x 20 square middle.
On instruction players leave the area, take a shot then collect the ball and continue
with the exercise.
SKILLS PRACTICE
Instructions: Players dribble freely with ball in middle on coaches instruction individual
players will exit square and shoot at goal. Collect ball and return to square.
Set up four goals and split players into four
groups set out like the opposite diagram.
Coaching Points: Shooting Technique
Player in corner passes to player in front ofKeep head still and over the ball
Standing foot should be next to the ball
goal who then shoots.
Balance
Players rotate by following their pass,
Both left & right foot shots with inside, outside & front of foot.
collecting the ball and returning to corner.
Progression
Make the task a timed competition to score
the most goals.
Alternatively set a number of successive goals which team have to achieve.
Team who finish last have to do a fun punishment.
Set Up: 4 groups, 4 goals & 2 markers for each group
Instructions: Player in corner will pass ball to player in middle who will then control ball
around cone and shoot towards goal facing them.
Players will rotate by following pass & after shot collect ball and go back to group.
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Coaching Points: Shoot in corner of goals. (You do not need Goal Keepers for this exercise
just add cones in goals for targets)
Balance
Keep head over ball.
Coaching points
-
Encourage players to shoot using the laces of the boot, not the toe!
-Encourage players to follow through with their foot in the intended direction.
-Place non-passing foot next to ball with toes pointing towards target.
- Encourage players to aim for the corners of the goal net and away from the
goalkeeper for best chance of scoring.
CONDITIONED GAME
Split players into either 2/3/4 teams.
Set up 2/3/4 goals as shown opposite.
Each player in each team will have a number.
When the coach calls this number, players run in
to collect the ball and attempt to score into the
defending teams goal.
Works well with two goal nets and two teams.
Progression
Set Up: 4 teams, 4 goals 1 ball
Coaches can shout more than one number at a timeInstructions:
to give
players
towill have a goal to defend.
Players
are numberedteammates
in corners and each group
On coaches instructions the numbered player will enter the pitch and play against the 3
pass to and work together with.
opposition players.
When a goal has been scored in your goal you will return to your group.
To score a point for your team all opposing players have to be removed.
Coaching Points:
Decision making
Head over ball
Left/ Right foot shots
Reactions
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SESSION 9 - POLISHING UP
Having worked on all the fundamental skills involved
in learning to play soccer, we can now use exercises
to consolidate these skills for use on game day!
WARM UP
Mark out a square with markers as gates.
Players are encouraged to dribble freely within the
defined area.
Coaches add actions and conditions to allow
individuals to develop ball familiarity.
Examples…
1. Use preferred foot only
2. Use weak foot only
3. Use both feet
4. Perform a drag back
5. Try juggle the ball with feet
On instruction players should aim to dribble through as
many gates as they can in a time decided by the coach.
Coach can make this a competition and compare scores throughout the team.
SKILLS PRACTICE
Set up three goals in the middle as shown.
Split players into 3 groups.
Players take turns to shoot into the goal, dribble
through the cones then move on to the next goal.
Progression
If too easy then add a defender in front of the goals.
Instruct players to use alternate the foot they use to
shoot.
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Coaching points
-Encourage players to shoot using the laces of the boot, not the toe!
-Encourage players to follow through with their foot in the intended
direction.
-Encourage players to focus on linking their dribbling and shooting skills
without stopping.
CONDITIONED GAME
Split players into either 2/3/4 teams.
Choose between the games opposite.
Top Left - Score by stopping the ball on a cone.
Top Right - Score by making a successive number of
passes decided by the coach, determined by the ability
of the group.
Bottom Left - Simple scrimmage with no goalkeepers.
Bottom Right - Set up 4 goals.
Players must attempt to dribble the ball into any of the four goals.
Once that goal has been scored into it that team cannot score into that goal again.
Coaching points
-Reiterate all previous coaching points regarding dribbling, passing and
shooting.
-Keep reminding players of these points throughout the games.
-Pick a game which will best help the team to develop a certain skill.
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SESSION 10 - FUN GAMES
As mentioned, it is very important to make each session
as fun and enjoyable as possible to ensure each player
remains motivated and wants to pursue soccer further.
These games can be used throughout the season to do
this.
SKILLS PRACTICE
Secret Agent!
Each player has a soccer ball and
lies down with their eyes closed.
Coach will tap two players making
them the secret agents.
On the coach’s instruction all players
dribble freely around a defined area.
When coach shouts go, secret
agents kick their ball out of the area
and then attempt to knock all other
players balls out of the area.
When your ball gets knocked out the area players are out of the game.
Play until a last player is left in.
SKILLS PRACTICE
Crab Soccer!
Two players adopt a crab position in a
defined area.
Other players line up at one end of area with
a soccer ball.
Players with ball attempt to cross the area
without the crabs stealing their ball.
If ball gets stolen then that person also
becomes a crab.
Play until last player is left.
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CONDITIONED
GAME
Split players into either 2/3/4 teams.
Choose between the games opposite.
Top Left - Score by stopping the ball on a cone.
Top Right - Score by making a successive number of
passes decided by the coach, determined by the ability
of the group.
Bottom Left - Simple scrimmage with no goalkeepers.
Bottom Right - Set up 4 goals.
Players must attempt to dribble the ball into any of the four goals.
Once that goal has been scored into it that team cannot score into that goal again.
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FINAL NOTES
This resource pack has been designed by
qualified International soccer coaches specifically
for coaches of kindergarten through to U12 teams
Throughout this pack there have been sessions
outlined to develop the fundamental skills in soccer.
These exercises can be used in a variety of ways
however it may be suggested that they are used as a
guide and you should freely experiment with them
to get the best out of your team.
Make each session as fun and enjoyable as
possible. This can be done in many ways
however one of the best is coaching with an over
enthusiastic attitude, using imagery and
metaphors appropriate to the level of your team.
For example:
- In crab soccer, name the players crabs and fish and
keep this theme running.
- In follow the leader have the players imagine they are
trucks and trailers moving around the freeway…
Such efforts make the exercise more relatable and
therefore, enjoyable for the team.
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