AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U5/U6 Curriculum Week 1
Sample Training Session - Mobility Skills
Theme
Mobility Skills -running forward and backward
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Pac Man
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Around the Cones (3 minutes) - Add ball
Dogs n’ Rabbits (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 25 minutes
Demonstrate proper running form forward and backward (emphasize arm
movements)
Red Light Green Light (10 minutes)
City Game (10 minutes) - forward to 2 cities; backward to 2 cities
Small-Sided Game - 20 minutes
3v3
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Ask players to demonstrate proper running form.
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Pac Man
Purpose
To improve dribbling, striking the ball with the inside of your foot
and agility
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a good game because it involves passing the ball while on the move. This correlates nicely to
the real game of soccer.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards.
Select two players to be Pac Men. Each of the Pac Men should have a ball. The rest of the balls
should be outside of the area. When you say "Go!", the Pac Men dribble around trying to hit the
other players BELOW the waist by passing the ball at them. The players, who are not Pac Men, run
around dodging the attempts to tag them with a pass. If a player is hit by a ball below the waist, that
player becomes a Pac Man, too. The new Pac Man should get one of the balls that is outside of the
area and join the game as soon as possible. The last two players who are not Pac Men become the
Pac Men to start the next game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
hurt.
Emphasize passing the ball not shooting it, and constantly remind the Pac Men to pass low so that no one gets
Warm Up Activities (10 Minutes)
Around the Cones
Purpose
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - in relay teams with 3 or 4 players per team
Equipment 1 ball per relay team; 4 disc cones per team
Time 2 minutes
Relays are a very simple game to use to train dribbling at speed. The competitive nature of relays
always means players will give a good effort. Around the Cones is a very simple relay with easy setup
and few rules to learn. Relay teams should have three or four players so that players get two or three
parts rest to every part of work (2:1 or 3:1 rest:work ratio). If you have an odd number of players,
add a parent, sibling or coach. You can also have one player go twice at each distance.
Set up the relay by laying out disc cones in front of each relay team at the following distances: 0
yards (the starting line), 5 yards, 10 yards and 15 yards.
When the relay is started, the first player from each relay dribbles around the 5-yard cone and then
passes to the second player. The second player dribbles around the 5-yard cone and then passes to
the third player. When the ball is passed to the first player, the first player then dribbles around the
10-yard cone and passes the ball to the second player. When the ball is passed to the first player
again, the first player dribbles around the 15-yard cone and passes to the second player. The relay is
done when the last player dribbles around the 15-yard cone and dribbles back across the starting
line.
VARIATIONS
Instead of just dribbling around the cones, have the players practice an appropriate move (Zico,
Spin or Screw) when they reach a cone.
You can train sprinting skills by running around the cones instead of dribbling. You can have players
run forward, backward, shuffle, etc. - whatever mobility skill(s) you would like to train.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T1:
T2:
Make sure players are dribbling in a straight line.
Divide players into relay teams that are equal.
Let the players pass to the next player from whatever distance they want. They will soon figure out the correct
distance that will be successful and fastest.
Dogs 'n Rabbits
Purpose
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - in pairs with 3 pairs at each course
Equipment 1 ball per pair, 3 disc cones per course
Time 5-10 minutes
What could give more incentive to dribbling faster than being a dribbling rabbit chased by a mad,
drooling dog? In this game, the chaser (the dog) tries to run down and tag the dribbler (the rabbit)
before the dribbler can reach the finish line.
Set up each course by laying out disc cones at the following distances: 0 yards, 5 yards and 30 yards.
Have each pair decide who is the dog and who is the rabbit. The first pair starts the game. The dog
stands at the cone at 0 yards. The rabbit stands with a ball at the cone at 5 yards. As soon as the
rabbit makes his/her first dribble, the dog is released and chases the rabbit. If the dog tags the rabbit
before the rabbit reaches the cone at 30 yards, the dog gets a point. If the rabbit makes it to the 30yard cone without being tagged, the rabbit gets a point.
Once the first pair has finished, the second and then third pairs play the game. When the first pair
plays for a second time, switch roles so that the rabbit becomes the dog and vice versa.
The first player to get three points in any pair is the winner of the game and gets to be Bugs Bunny
for the day!
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
T3:
T4:
If the rabbits are not being successful, move the dogs back several yards.
Proper dribbling foot position and length of the dribble are crucial to a rabbit's survival.
The dogs should be using proper sprinting form.
To make the game more fun, have the dogs bark like crazy when they try to chase down their rabbit.
Main Activities (25 Minutes)
Red Light Green Light
Purpose
To improve stopping and starting ability
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, 10 disc cones
Time 5-10 minutes
Use your disc cones to set up two parallel lines that are 30 yards apart. All of the players line up
along one line. You stand at the other line facing away from the players. Pick a dribbling move that
all players must do when you say "Green Light".
To start the game, you say "Green Light!". At that point, all of the players do the selected dribbling
move and start dribbling toward the far line as fast as possible. When you say "Red Light!", all of the
players must stop and put their foot on top of their ball. When you say "Red Light!", you also turn
around. Any players who are not standing with a foot on their ball have to go back to the starting
line and start over. You then turn back around and say "Green Light!" The players do the dribbling
move and dribble forward again. First player to cross the line wins the game and gets to call Red
Light, Green Light for the next game.
VARIATIONS
Make the lines 40 yards apart and play without soccer balls. When you say "Green Light", the players
must do some mobility skill - forward somersault, push up, cartwheel, sky jump, etc. - and then
sprint forward. When you say "Red Light", the players must stop. Any who don't stop in time have
to start over.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
To improve skill with both feet, make players dribble with their right foot during the first game and their left
foot in the next game.
T2: Since you are not watching the game, it helps to have an assistant watch and make sure the rules are being
followed.
City Game
Purpose
Multi-faceted game that can be used to improve dribbling, dribbling
at speed and agility
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - divided equally among the four cities
Equipment 1 ball per player, 16 disc cones
Time 10-15 minutes
The City Game is adapted from the Dutch KNVB training game of the same name. It can be used
in the training of a variety of skills.
Set up four cities in a square grid with each city being 10 yards apart. Use four cones (about three
yards apart) to mark the corners of each city. Name the cities (or have the players name them) and
divide the players among the cities
Agility Variants (No Balls)
1. When you say "Go!", each player must run in a counterclockwise direction around the grid
passing through each city. When they return to their home city, they go down on one knee to
show they have finished. First city with all of its residents back is the winner.
2. Game is the same except when you run from City A to City B, you must run forward. From City
B to City C, you must run backward. From City C to City D, you must shuffle sideways. From
City D to City A, you run forward but must do a somersault in the middle.
3. Make an obstacle course with different obstacles between each city. Put hula hoops between
City A and City B and make players run around the hoops. Put hurdles between City B and City
C. Put bars between City C and City D and make players shuffle sideways around the bars. Hold
hoops on their edge between City D and City A and make players dive through the hoops.
Dribbling Variants (Every Player with a Ball)
1. When you say "Go!", each player must dribble in a counterclockwise direction around the grid
passing through each city. When they return to their home city, they need to stop the ball by
placing their foot on top of it and wait in that position until all the other residents of their city
finish. First city with all of its residents back is the winner.
2. Between each city, you have to do a certain dribbling move or sequence of dribbling moves. For
example, between City A and City B you must do a Spin. Between City B and City C you must
do two Zicos and so forth.
3. Make an obstacle course similar to that described above. For hurdles, have them pass the ball to
the end of the hurdles, jump over all of them, get their ball and continue. For the hoops on their
edge, make them pass the ball through the hoop.
VARIATIONS
Have half of the players from each city go in a clockwise direction. Have the other half go in a
counterclockwise direction. Now the players will also be obstacles as they run/dribble around the
course.
Place a fifth city in the middle of the grid. Players must visit the four other cities (including the one
in the middle) and return to their home city. How they do that is up to them.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Have the players pick the city names. Some "cities" will have an interesting names like "Mexico" and "Japan"
To make the game more fun and a learning experience, have players yell out a word appropriate to their city
when they finish. For example, if the city is Madrid, they must yell out something in Spanish. If it's a city for which
you don't know a word, let the players make up a word that sounds like the city's language!
Small Sided Game (20 Minutes)
3v3
Purpose
Small-sided game to train all basic aspects of soccer play.
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players 6 - in two teams of 3
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 15x20 field, 2 Pugg goals, 3 pinnies
Time 10-20 minutes
This is the standard 3v3 game with each team attacking a goal. It teaches directional play toward a
single target just like in 7v7 and 11v11 soccer.
Use your disc cones to set up a 15x20-yard field. Place one Pugg goal halfway along each 15-yard
line. Have one team put on pinnies.
Select a team to kick off from the midfield and let the fun begin. If the ball goes over a touch line
(the 20-yard lines), restart play by having a player kick the ball in instead of a throw in. Use corner
kicks, goal kicks and kickoffs as in a normal game. No goals can be scored directly off a restart.
Play a short 3-5 minute game and have a water break. You can then divide into new teams or just
start a new game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
If you have 8 players, divide into teams of 4 with one substitute. With 10 players, divide into teams of 5 with
two substitutes. Rotate players so that all players take turns being substitutes. Substitute frequently - watching is
boring!
T2: Let the players play. You should be relegated to the role of big cheerleader. Only stop the game if the players
repeatedly make the same mistakes.
T3: Discourage players from being goalies and standing right in front of the goal.
T4: Scoring a goal should be a big deal. After each goal, devise some sort of celebration that involves the players
from both teams. Let the goal scorer pick a silly word and have everyone yell it aloud. Count off the total number of
goals that have been scored so far (in Spanish!). Just do something so that all the players know that scoring a goal is
what it's all about.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U5/U6 Curriculum Week 2
Sample Training Session - Mobility Skills
Theme
Mobility Skills -running forward and backward
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Pac Man
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Around the Cones (3 minutes) - Add ball
Dogs n’ Rabbits (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 25 minutes
Demonstrate proper running form forward and backward (emphasize arm
movements)
Red Light Green Light (10 minutes)
City Game (10 minutes) - forward to 2 cities; backward to 2 cities
Small-Sided Game - 20 minutes
3v3
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Ask players to demonstrate proper running form.
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Pac Man
Purpose
To improve dribbling, striking the ball with the inside of your foot
and agility
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a good game because it involves passing the ball while on the move. This correlates nicely to
the real game of soccer.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards.
Select two players to be Pac Men. Each of the Pac Men should have a ball. The rest of the balls
should be outside of the area. When you say "Go!", the Pac Men dribble around trying to hit the
other players BELOW the waist by passing the ball at them. The players, who are not Pac Men, run
around dodging the attempts to tag them with a pass. If a player is hit by a ball below the waist, that
player becomes a Pac Man, too. The new Pac Man should get one of the balls that is outside of the
area and join the game as soon as possible. The last two players who are not Pac Men become the
Pac Men to start the next game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
hurt.
Emphasize passing the ball not shooting it, and constantly remind the Pac Men to pass low so that no one gets
Warm Up Activities (10 Minutes)
Around the Cones
Purpose
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - in relay teams with 3 or 4 players per team
Equipment 1 ball per relay team; 4 disc cones per team
Time 2 minutes
Relays are a very simple game to use to train dribbling at speed. The competitive nature of relays
always means players will give a good effort. Around the Cones is a very simple relay with easy setup
and few rules to learn. Relay teams should have three or four players so that players get two or three
parts rest to every part of work (2:1 or 3:1 rest:work ratio). If you have an odd number of players,
add a parent, sibling or coach. You can also have one player go twice at each distance.
Set up the relay by laying out disc cones in front of each relay team at the following distances: 0
yards (the starting line), 5 yards, 10 yards and 15 yards.
When the relay is started, the first player from each relay dribbles around the 5-yard cone and then
passes to the second player. The second player dribbles around the 5-yard cone and then passes to
the third player. When the ball is passed to the first player, the first player then dribbles around the
10-yard cone and passes the ball to the second player. When the ball is passed to the first player
again, the first player dribbles around the 15-yard cone and passes to the second player. The relay is
done when the last player dribbles around the 15-yard cone and dribbles back across the starting
line.
VARIATIONS
Instead of just dribbling around the cones, have the players practice an appropriate move (Zico,
Spin or Screw) when they reach a cone.
You can train sprinting skills by running around the cones instead of dribbling. You can have players
run forward, backward, shuffle, etc. - whatever mobility skill(s) you would like to train.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T1:
T2:
Make sure players are dribbling in a straight line.
Divide players into relay teams that are equal.
Let the players pass to the next player from whatever distance they want. They will soon figure out the correct
distance that will be successful and fastest.
Dogs 'n Rabbits
Purpose
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - in pairs with 3 pairs at each course
Equipment 1 ball per pair, 3 disc cones per course
Time 5-10 minutes
What could give more incentive to dribbling faster than being a dribbling rabbit chased by a mad,
drooling dog? In this game, the chaser (the dog) tries to run down and tag the dribbler (the rabbit)
before the dribbler can reach the finish line.
Set up each course by laying out disc cones at the following distances: 0 yards, 5 yards and 30 yards.
Have each pair decide who is the dog and who is the rabbit. The first pair starts the game. The dog
stands at the cone at 0 yards. The rabbit stands with a ball at the cone at 5 yards. As soon as the
rabbit makes his/her first dribble, the dog is released and chases the rabbit. If the dog tags the rabbit
before the rabbit reaches the cone at 30 yards, the dog gets a point. If the rabbit makes it to the 30yard cone without being tagged, the rabbit gets a point.
Once the first pair has finished, the second and then third pairs play the game. When the first pair
plays for a second time, switch roles so that the rabbit becomes the dog and vice versa.
The first player to get three points in any pair is the winner of the game and gets to be Bugs Bunny
for the day!
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
T3:
T4:
If the rabbits are not being successful, move the dogs back several yards.
Proper dribbling foot position and length of the dribble are crucial to a rabbit's survival.
The dogs should be using proper sprinting form.
To make the game more fun, have the dogs bark like crazy when they try to chase down their rabbit.
Main Activities (25 Minutes)
Red Light Green Light
Purpose
To improve stopping and starting ability
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, 10 disc cones
Time 5-10 minutes
Use your disc cones to set up two parallel lines that are 30 yards apart. All of the players line up
along one line. You stand at the other line facing away from the players. Pick a dribbling move that
all players must do when you say "Green Light".
To start the game, you say "Green Light!". At that point, all of the players do the selected dribbling
move and start dribbling toward the far line as fast as possible. When you say "Red Light!", all of the
players must stop and put their foot on top of their ball. When you say "Red Light!", you also turn
around. Any players who are not standing with a foot on their ball have to go back to the starting
line and start over. You then turn back around and say "Green Light!" The players do the dribbling
move and dribble forward again. First player to cross the line wins the game and gets to call Red
Light, Green Light for the next game.
VARIATIONS
Make the lines 40 yards apart and play without soccer balls. When you say "Green Light", the players
must do some mobility skill - forward somersault, push up, cartwheel, sky jump, etc. - and then
sprint forward. When you say "Red Light", the players must stop. Any who don't stop in time have
to start over.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
To improve skill with both feet, make players dribble with their right foot during the first game and their left
foot in the next game.
T2: Since you are not watching the game, it helps to have an assistant watch and make sure the rules are being
followed.
City Game
Purpose
Multi-faceted game that can be used to improve dribbling, dribbling
at speed and agility
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - divided equally among the four cities
Equipment 1 ball per player, 16 disc cones
Time 10-15 minutes
The City Game is adapted from the Dutch KNVB training game of the same name. It can be used
in the training of a variety of skills.
Set up four cities in a square grid with each city being 10 yards apart. Use four cones (about three
yards apart) to mark the corners of each city. Name the cities (or have the players name them) and
divide the players among the cities
Agility Variants (No Balls)
1. When you say "Go!", each player must run in a counterclockwise direction around the grid
passing through each city. When they return to their home city, they go down on one knee to
show they have finished. First city with all of its residents back is the winner.
2. Game is the same except when you run from City A to City B, you must run forward. From City
B to City C, you must run backward. From City C to City D, you must shuffle sideways. From
City D to City A, you run forward but must do a somersault in the middle.
3. Make an obstacle course with different obstacles between each city. Put hula hoops between
City A and City B and make players run around the hoops. Put hurdles between City B and City
C. Put bars between City C and City D and make players shuffle sideways around the bars. Hold
hoops on their edge between City D and City A and make players dive through the hoops.
Dribbling Variants (Every Player with a Ball)
1. When you say "Go!", each player must dribble in a counterclockwise direction around the grid
passing through each city. When they return to their home city, they need to stop the ball by
placing their foot on top of it and wait in that position until all the other residents of their city
finish. First city with all of its residents back is the winner.
2. Between each city, you have to do a certain dribbling move or sequence of dribbling moves. For
example, between City A and City B you must do a Spin. Between City B and City C you must
do two Zicos and so forth.
3. Make an obstacle course similar to that described above. For hurdles, have them pass the ball to
the end of the hurdles, jump over all of them, get their ball and continue. For the hoops on their
edge, make them pass the ball through the hoop.
VARIATIONS
Have half of the players from each city go in a clockwise direction. Have the other half go in a
counterclockwise direction. Now the players will also be obstacles as they run/dribble around the
course.
Place a fifth city in the middle of the grid. Players must visit the four other cities (including the one
in the middle) and return to their home city. How they do that is up to them.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Have the players pick the city names. Some "cities" will have an interesting names like "Mexico" and "Japan"
To make the game more fun and a learning experience, have players yell out a word appropriate to their city
when they finish. For example, if the city is Madrid, they must yell out something in Spanish. If it's a city for which
you don't know a word, let the players make up a word that sounds like the city's language!
Small Sided Game (20 Minutes)
3v3
Purpose
Small-sided game to train all basic aspects of soccer play.
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players 6 - in two teams of 3
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 15x20 field, 2 Pugg goals, 3 pinnies
Time 10-20 minutes
This is the standard 3v3 game with each team attacking a goal. It teaches directional play toward a
single target just like in 7v7 and 11v11 soccer.
Use your disc cones to set up a 15x20-yard field. Place one Pugg goal halfway along each 15-yard
line. Have one team put on pinnies.
Select a team to kick off from the midfield and let the fun begin. If the ball goes over a touch line
(the 20-yard lines), restart play by having a player kick the ball in instead of a throw in. Use corner
kicks, goal kicks and kickoffs as in a normal game. No goals can be scored directly off a restart.
Play a short 3-5 minute game and have a water break. You can then divide into new teams or just
start a new game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
If you have 8 players, divide into teams of 4 with one substitute. With 10 players, divide into teams of 5 with
two substitutes. Rotate players so that all players take turns being substitutes. Substitute frequently - watching is
boring!
T2: Let the players play. You should be relegated to the role of big cheerleader. Only stop the game if the players
repeatedly make the same mistakes.
T3: Discourage players from being goalies and standing right in front of the goal.
T4: Scoring a goal should be a big deal. After each goal, devise some sort of celebration that involves the players
from both teams. Let the goal scorer pick a silly word and have everyone yell it aloud. Count off the total number of
goals that have been scored so far (in Spanish!). Just do something so that all the players know that scoring a goal is
what it's all about.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U5/U6 Curriculum Week 3
Sample Training Session - Mobility Skills
Theme
Mobility Skills -running forward and backward
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Pac Man
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Body Part Dribbling (5 minutes)
Dogs n’ Rabbits (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 25 minutes
Demonstrate proper running form forward and backward (emphasize arm
movements)
Capture the Flag (10 minutes)
Freeze Tag (10 minutes)
Small-Sided Game - 20 minutes
3v3 Multiple Balls
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Ask players to demonstrate proper running form.
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Pac Man
Purpose
To improve dribbling, striking the ball with the inside of your foot
and agility
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a good game because it involves passing the ball while on the move. This correlates nicely to
the real game of soccer.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards.
Select two players to be Pac Men. Each of the Pac Men should have a ball. The rest of the balls
should be outside of the area. When you say "Go!", the Pac Men dribble around trying to hit the
other players BELOW the waist by passing the ball at them. The players, who are not Pac Men, run
around dodging the attempts to tag them with a pass. If a player is hit by a ball below the waist, that
player becomes a Pac Man, too. The new Pac Man should get one of the balls that is outside of the
area and join the game as soon as possible. The last two players who are not Pac Men become the
Pac Men to start the next game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
hurt.
Emphasize passing the ball not shooting it, and constantly remind the Pac Men to pass low so that no one gets
Warm Up Activities (10 Minutes)
Body Part Dribbling
Purpose
To improve technical dribbling ability
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones to lay out a 20x25 area
Time 5 minutes
A fun, short dribbling game with lots of ball touches for the amount of time spent.
Use your disc cones to set up a 20x25-yard area. Each player has a ball and must stay inside the area.
Pick out a move that the players should be working on while dribbling.
When you say "Go!", players dribble around the field freely. Players should do the suggested move
as often as possible. While the players are dribbling, call out a body part. All players must stop and
touch the ball with the specified body part. Get them started again and then call out another body
part. Thumb, ear, nose, elbow, butt, etc. - all make great choices. You can even start teaching left
from right by saying right elbow, right thumb, etc.
Change the dribbling move frequently and have fun with the game. Call out multiple parts - left foot
and right thumb. Call out impossible combinations: both ears, right foot and back, etc.
VARIATIONS
Instead of calling out the body part, simply point to it. This will encourage players to dribble with
their heads up. Last player to comply has to do some silly task.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Make sure players keep moving, keep dribbling, and keep working on the selected dribbling move.
To promote skillful use of both feet, tell players they can only dribble with their right foot. On the next round,
players can only dribble with their left foot.
Dogs 'n Rabbits
Purpose
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - in pairs with 3 pairs at each course
Equipment 1 ball per pair, 3 disc cones per course
Time 5-10 minutes
What could give more incentive to dribbling faster than being a dribbling rabbit chased by a mad,
drooling dog? In this game, the chaser (the dog) tries to run down and tag the dribbler (the rabbit)
before the dribbler can reach the finish line.
Set up each course by laying out disc cones at the following distances: 0 yards, 5 yards and 30 yards.
Have each pair decide who is the dog and who is the rabbit. The first pair starts the game. The dog
stands at the cone at 0 yards. The rabbit stands with a ball at the cone at 5 yards. As soon as the
rabbit makes his/her first dribble, the dog is released and chases the rabbit. If the dog tags the rabbit
before the rabbit reaches the cone at 30 yards, the dog gets a point. If the rabbit makes it to the 30yard cone without being tagged, the rabbit gets a point.
Once the first pair has finished, the second and then third pairs play the game. When the first pair
plays for a second time, switch roles so that the rabbit becomes the dog and vice versa.
The first player to get three points in any pair is the winner of the game and gets to be Bugs Bunny
for the day!
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
T3:
T4:
If the rabbits are not being successful, move the dogs back several yards.
Proper dribbling foot position and length of the dribble are crucial to a rabbit's survival.
The dogs should be using proper sprinting form.
To make the game more fun, have the dogs bark like crazy when they try to chase down their rabbit.
Main Activities (25 Minutes)
Capture the Flag
Purpose
To improve dribbling and problem solving skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All - in 2 teams
Equipment Lots of balls, 8 disc cones
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a soccer version of the classic children's game. Instead of trying to capture the flag, each team
tries to capture as many soccer balls as possible.
Use your disc cones to create two 10x10 squares that are approximately 20 yards apart. Place half of
the balls in each square. Place all of the players from one team in one square; all of the players for
the second team in the other square.
When you say "Go!", players from both teams run to the other square and take a ball. They dribble
the ball back to their square and then get another ball. No passing is allowed - only dribbling. Play
for 1-2 minutes. At the end of the game, the winner is the team with the most balls in their square.
VARIATIONS
Let players defend the balls in their square. Now each team needs to decide who will attack and who
will defend. Only legal soccer defending tactics can be used - no holding, tripping, etc.
Play just like a real game with defenders, passing, etc. all allowed.
Play with more than two teams. This makes the problem solving part of the game much more
intriguing.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only and the next game with the left.
Freeze Tag
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills as well as particular dribbling
moves
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All (one is Mr./Mrs. Freeze)
Equipment 1 ball for each player (except Mr./Mrs. Freeze), disc cones to mark
off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This fun tag game utilizes a dribbling move to make a player "safe". This makes the players work on
this particular dribbling move over and over as they try to prevent being tagged.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards. Choose a dribbling move that will
keep a player safe from being tagged (a Zico in this example).
For the first round, you are Mr./Mrs. Freeze. When you say "Go!", all players start dribbling around
the marked area trying to avoid being tagged by Mr./Mrs. Freeze. If a player is doing the selected
move (e.g., a Zico), they are safe and can not be tagged. If they are tagged at any other time, the
player is frozen. When frozen, the player stands with his/her legs spread apart holding his/her ball
overhead. To be unfrozen and back in the game, an unfrozen player must pass the ball between the
frozen player's legs.
For the second round, pick a new "safe" move and a player to be Mr./Mrs. Freeze.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Just attempting the "safe" move makes the player safe - it doesn't have to be successful.
To promote skillful use of both feet, pick a one-footed move for the "safe" move and tell players they can only
dribble with their right foot. On the next round, players can only dribble with their left foot.
T3: Make the area smaller/larger to make the game more difficult/easier.
Small Sided Game (20 Minutes)
3v3 Multi-Ball
Purpose
Small-sided game to train all basic aspects of soccer play
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players 6 - in two teams of 3
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 15x20 field, 2 Pugg goals, 3 pinnies
Time 10-20 minutes
This game helps break up the 6-player pack when playing 3v3. By introducing additional balls into
the game, you create more 1v1 duals and more opportunities to score.
Set up is the same as the standard 3v3 game.
The game is played the same as the standard 3v3 game except that you play with more than one ball
at a time. As goals are scored or balls go out of play, throw in another ball to keep the game lively.
Experiment with playing with two, three and even four balls at the same time.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
See the standard 3v3 game.
Send the ball into players who are relatively inactive to get them more involved in the game.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U5/U6 Curriculum Week 4
Sample Training Session - Mobility Skills
Theme
Mobility Skills -running forward and backward
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Pac Man
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Body Part Dribbling (5 minutes)
Dogs n’ Rabbits (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 25 minutes
Demonstrate proper running form forward and backward (emphasize arm
movements)
Capture the Flag (10 minutes)
Freeze Tag (10 minutes)
Small-Sided Game - 20 minutes
3v3 Multiple Balls
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Ask players to demonstrate proper running form.
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Pac Man
Purpose
To improve dribbling, striking the ball with the inside of your foot
and agility
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a good game because it involves passing the ball while on the move. This correlates nicely to
the real game of soccer.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards.
Select two players to be Pac Men. Each of the Pac Men should have a ball. The rest of the balls
should be outside of the area. When you say "Go!", the Pac Men dribble around trying to hit the
other players BELOW the waist by passing the ball at them. The players, who are not Pac Men, run
around dodging the attempts to tag them with a pass. If a player is hit by a ball below the waist, that
player becomes a Pac Man, too. The new Pac Man should get one of the balls that is outside of the
area and join the game as soon as possible. The last two players who are not Pac Men become the
Pac Men to start the next game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
hurt.
Emphasize passing the ball not shooting it, and constantly remind the Pac Men to pass low so that no one gets
Warm Up Activities (10 Minutes)
Body Part Dribbling
Purpose
To improve technical dribbling ability
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones to lay out a 20x25 area
Time 5 minutes
A fun, short dribbling game with lots of ball touches for the amount of time spent.
Use your disc cones to set up a 20x25-yard area. Each player has a ball and must stay inside the area.
Pick out a move that the players should be working on while dribbling.
When you say "Go!", players dribble around the field freely. Players should do the suggested move
as often as possible. While the players are dribbling, call out a body part. All players must stop and
touch the ball with the specified body part. Get them started again and then call out another body
part. Thumb, ear, nose, elbow, butt, etc. - all make great choices. You can even start teaching left
from right by saying right elbow, right thumb, etc.
Change the dribbling move frequently and have fun with the game. Call out multiple parts - left foot
and right thumb. Call out impossible combinations: both ears, right foot and back, etc.
VARIATIONS
Instead of calling out the body part, simply point to it. This will encourage players to dribble with
their heads up. Last player to comply has to do some silly task.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Make sure players keep moving, keep dribbling, and keep working on the selected dribbling move.
To promote skillful use of both feet, tell players they can only dribble with their right foot. On the next round,
players can only dribble with their left foot.
Dogs 'n Rabbits
Purpose
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - in pairs with 3 pairs at each course
Equipment 1 ball per pair, 3 disc cones per course
Time 5-10 minutes
What could give more incentive to dribbling faster than being a dribbling rabbit chased by a mad,
drooling dog? In this game, the chaser (the dog) tries to run down and tag the dribbler (the rabbit)
before the dribbler can reach the finish line.
Set up each course by laying out disc cones at the following distances: 0 yards, 5 yards and 30 yards.
Have each pair decide who is the dog and who is the rabbit. The first pair starts the game. The dog
stands at the cone at 0 yards. The rabbit stands with a ball at the cone at 5 yards. As soon as the
rabbit makes his/her first dribble, the dog is released and chases the rabbit. If the dog tags the rabbit
before the rabbit reaches the cone at 30 yards, the dog gets a point. If the rabbit makes it to the 30yard cone without being tagged, the rabbit gets a point.
Once the first pair has finished, the second and then third pairs play the game. When the first pair
plays for a second time, switch roles so that the rabbit becomes the dog and vice versa.
The first player to get three points in any pair is the winner of the game and gets to be Bugs Bunny
for the day!
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
T3:
T4:
If the rabbits are not being successful, move the dogs back several yards.
Proper dribbling foot position and length of the dribble are crucial to a rabbit's survival.
The dogs should be using proper sprinting form.
To make the game more fun, have the dogs bark like crazy when they try to chase down their rabbit.
Main Activities (25 Minutes)
Capture the Flag
Purpose
To improve dribbling and problem solving skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All - in 2 teams
Equipment Lots of balls, 8 disc cones
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a soccer version of the classic children's game. Instead of trying to capture the flag, each team
tries to capture as many soccer balls as possible.
Use your disc cones to create two 10x10 squares that are approximately 20 yards apart. Place half of
the balls in each square. Place all of the players from one team in one square; all of the players for
the second team in the other square.
When you say "Go!", players from both teams run to the other square and take a ball. They dribble
the ball back to their square and then get another ball. No passing is allowed - only dribbling. Play
for 1-2 minutes. At the end of the game, the winner is the team with the most balls in their square.
VARIATIONS
Let players defend the balls in their square. Now each team needs to decide who will attack and who
will defend. Only legal soccer defending tactics can be used - no holding, tripping, etc.
Play just like a real game with defenders, passing, etc. all allowed.
Play with more than two teams. This makes the problem solving part of the game much more
intriguing.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only and the next game with the left.
Freeze Tag
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills as well as particular dribbling
moves
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All (one is Mr./Mrs. Freeze)
Equipment 1 ball for each player (except Mr./Mrs. Freeze), disc cones to mark
off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This fun tag game utilizes a dribbling move to make a player "safe". This makes the players work on
this particular dribbling move over and over as they try to prevent being tagged.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards. Choose a dribbling move that will
keep a player safe from being tagged (a Zico in this example).
For the first round, you are Mr./Mrs. Freeze. When you say "Go!", all players start dribbling around
the marked area trying to avoid being tagged by Mr./Mrs. Freeze. If a player is doing the selected
move (e.g., a Zico), they are safe and can not be tagged. If they are tagged at any other time, the
player is frozen. When frozen, the player stands with his/her legs spread apart holding his/her ball
overhead. To be unfrozen and back in the game, an unfrozen player must pass the ball between the
frozen player's legs.
For the second round, pick a new "safe" move and a player to be Mr./Mrs. Freeze.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Just attempting the "safe" move makes the player safe - it doesn't have to be successful.
To promote skillful use of both feet, pick a one-footed move for the "safe" move and tell players they can only
dribble with their right foot. On the next round, players can only dribble with their left foot.
T3: Make the area smaller/larger to make the game more difficult/easier.
Small Sided Game (20 Minutes)
3v3 Multi-Ball
Purpose
Small-sided game to train all basic aspects of soccer play
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players 6 - in two teams of 3
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 15x20 field, 2 Pugg goals, 3 pinnies
Time 10-20 minutes
This game helps break up the 6-player pack when playing 3v3. By introducing additional balls into
the game, you create more 1v1 duals and more opportunities to score.
Set up is the same as the standard 3v3 game.
The game is played the same as the standard 3v3 game except that you play with more than one ball
at a time. As goals are scored or balls go out of play, throw in another ball to keep the game lively.
Experiment with playing with two, three and even four balls at the same time.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
See the standard 3v3 game.
Send the ball into players who are relatively inactive to get them more involved in the game.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U5/U6 Curriculum Week 5
Sample Training Session - Ball Mastery
Theme
Ball mastery
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Retriever
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Ballnastics (2 minutes) – Foundation, Step Ups
Tail Tag (4 minutes)
Cars (4 minutes)
Main Activities - 25 minutes
Demonstrate Spin
Freeze Tag (10 minutes) - Spin as move to be made
Get Outta There (10 minutes) – extra point for a successful Spin move
Small-Sided Game - 20 minutes
3v3 Line Soccer - award extra point if player does a successful Spin!
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Review Spin - ask players to demonstrate
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Retriever
Purpose
To improve dribbling moves
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player
Time 5 minutes
Players love this silly and fun game. It's also fun for you especially if you’re a little tired of your
players (just throw the ball further away!).
There is no set up necessary for this game - simply select a dribbling move to be practiced.
Each of the players brings his/her ball to you. You throw it or kick it in any direction. The player
chases after the ball, retrieves it, and dribbles it back. The player should do the selected move as
many times as possible. After the ball is returned, you throw it or kick it away again.
After several retrievals, pick a different move to be practiced.
VARIATIONS
Instead of practicing dribbling moves, you can practice speed dribbling by having each player dribble
back their ball as fast as possible.
You can practice striking the ball by calling out a number. Each player must return the ball in that
exact number of touches. You can even do Retriever in pairs and the players need to do the selected
number of passes while returning.
Work on agility and problem solving by calling out different ways to bring the ball back – dribbling,
one hand only, one hand and head, head only. T he possibilities are endless.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
To make the game more fun, have the players bark and act like Black Labs when they run out to retrieve their ball.
Warm Up Activities (10 Minutes)
Foundation
Purpose
To develop balance and foot quickness
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player
Time 20-30 seconds
Start with your feet shoulder width apart and the ball directly under you. Push the ball back and
forth with the inside of the feet. Foundation resembles a game of Ping Pong played with the insides
of your feet.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Players should be light on their feet moving the ball back and forth as fast as possible. When done properly, the
heels of your feet never touch the ground.
T2: Knees should be slightly bent, and players should try to develop a rhythm moving the ball back and forth. Players
should NOT look like stick figures with straight legs and an awkward flow to the ball movement.
T3: Excitement is not this exercise's strong point so keep it short. It helps if you have players make video game noises
every time they touch the ball o r some other suitable distraction to make it more fun. You can also time them for 15
seconds and see how many touches they can make in that time. See if they can beat their first score on the second try.
Tail Tag
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All – in 2 equal groups (Tigers and Hunters)
Equipment 1 ball for each player in the Tigers group, 1 pinnie for each player in the Tigers group,
disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is another fun, continuous action tag game.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards. Each Tiger starts out with a ball.
Give each Tiger a pinnie and have them tuck them into their shorts as tails.
When you say "Go!", the Tigers start dribbling around the marked area. The Hunters try to tag the
Tigers by pulling out their “tails.” If successful, the Hunter calls out “Got your tail!”. The Hunter
now becomes a Tiger, tucks the pinnie in his/her shorts and starts dribbling the ball. The original
Tiger is now a Hunter.
Play for one minute and see who will be the Tigers at the end of the game. You can also see which
original group has the most Tigers in its group at the end of the game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Get the Tigers to recognize where open space is so that they can dribble away from the Hunters.
Cars
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball for each player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
In this simple and fun game, players get to do their best car impersonations.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards.
Each player has to dribble around the marked area according to the following traffic “conditions”
that you will call out:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Green light – go (normal speed)
Red light – stop
First gear – slow
Turbo – as fast as possible
Reverse – dribble backwards
Horn – sit on the ball
Accident – try to hit another player (below the waist!) with the ball
Make sure the players are making appropriate car noises as they play the game. Once they get the
hang of it, have one of the players call out the traffic conditions.
VARIATIONS
Make the game into an agility game without a ball by adopting traffic conditions for running.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
To promote skillful use of both feet, tell players they can only dribble with their right foot. On the next round,
players can only dribble with their left foot.
Main Activities (25 Minutes)
Freeze Tag
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills as well as particular dribbling moves
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All (one is Mr./Mrs. Freeze)
Equipment 201 ball for each player (except Mr./Mrs. Freeze), disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard
area
Time 5-10 minutes
This fun tag game utilizes a dribbling move to make a player "safe". This makes the players work on
this particular dribbling move over and over as they try to prevent being tagged.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards. Choose a dribbling move that will
keep a player safe from being tagged (a Zico in this example).
For the first round, you are Mr./Mrs. Freeze. When you say "Go!", all players start dri bbling around
the marked area trying to avoid being tagged by Mr./Mrs. Freeze. If a player is doing the selected
move (e.g., a Zico), they are safe and can not be tagged. If they are tagged at any other time, the
player is frozen. When frozen, the player stands with his/her legs spread apart holding his/her ball
overhead. To be unfrozen and back in the game, an unfrozen player must pass the ball between the
frozen player's legs.
For the second round, pick a new "safe" move and a player to be Mr./Mrs. Freeze.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Just attempting the "safe" move makes the player safe - it doesn't have to be successful.
To promote skillful use of both feet, pick a one-footed move for the "safe" move and tell players they can only
dribble with their right foot. On the next round, players can only dribble with their left foot.
T3: Make the area smaller/larger to make the game more difficult/easier.
Get Outta There
Purpose
To impro ve 1v1 skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All - in two or four groups
Equipment Lots of balls, disc cones to lay out a 20x25 field, 2 Pugg goals
Time 10 minutes
This game with the harsh-sounding name is a fast-paced game of mano-a-mano.
Use your disc cones to create a 20x25-yard field. Place a Pugg goal halfway along each goal line. Line
half of the players up at one corner and the other half up at the diagonal corner.
Roll a ball onto the field without saying anything. When the ball enters the field of play, the first
players in each group run down their goal line, around their goal, and onto the field to play a 1v1
game. If the ball goes out of play, all the remaining players yell "Get Outta There!" The players on
the field must leave immediately. You (silently) roll another ball onto the field for the second player
from each group to play. By rolling the ball onto the field silently, you are forcing players to really
pay attention.
If a player scores a goal, that player stays on the field. If Super Annie gave up the goal, all of the
remaining players should yell "Get Outta There Super Annie!" Super Annie must then leave the
field, and the next player in her group plays as soon as you put the ball into play. Leaving the goal
scorer on the field helps break up pairs so players don't have to play against the same players.
You can have players keep track of their goals and the first to three goals is Ronaldino for the day!
variations
Place goals in each corner so players have two goals on which to score. This will emphasize
changing directions.
Roll two balls onto the field and have two separate 1v1 games going on at a time.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Change of speed and change of direction - stress it repeatedly. Encourage players to take chances by attempting
attacking dribbling moves instead of taking a defensive posture.
T2: If there are many players, make the field smaller so the ball will go out of play more often.
Small Sided Game (20 Minutes)
3v3 Line Soccer
Purpose
To train ball control, dribbling moves, and recognition of space
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players 6 - in two teams of 3
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 20x15 field, 3 pinnies
Time 10-20 minutes
This 3v3 game is all about dribbling so it makes a nice session ending game when dribbling was the
theme of the session.
Set up a 20x15-yard field using your disc cones. Note that the field is wider than it is long (so that
there is more space in which to score a goal).
The game is played the same as the standard 3v3 game except that the method of scoring a goal is
different. To score a goal, a player needs to dribble the ball and stop it anywhere on the goal line
they are attacking.
Since you can score anywhere along the goal line, it is important for p layers to recognize when the
space in front of them is heavily defended (2+ defenders). In that case, the dribbler needs to quickly
change directions and attack another part of the goal line. Of course, passing is another way to
change the point of attack quickly. If that happens, great; however, stress dribbling first and passing
second.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
See the standard 3v3 game.
Try to get the attacking team to create some space around the dribbler so they are not "defenders' as well. We want
many 1v1 duels - not 3v3s.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U5/U6 Curriculum Week 6
Sample Training Session - Ball Mastery
Theme
Ball mastery
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Retriever
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Ballnastics (2 minutes) – Push Pull, Switchback
Tail Tag (4 minutes)
Cars (4 minutes)
Main Activities - 25 minutes
Demonstrate Spin
Freeze Tag (10 minutes) - Switchback as move to be made
Get Outta There (10 minutes) – extra point for a successful Switchback move
Small-Sided Game - 20 minutes
3v3 Multi-Balls
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Review move of the day - ask players to demonstrate
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Retriever
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
To improve dribbling moves
Ball Mastery
All
1 ball per player
Time 5 minutes
Players love this silly and fun game. It's also fun for you especially if you’re a little tired of your
players (just throw the ball further away!).
There is no set up necessary for this game - simply select a dribbling move to be practiced.
Each of the players brings his/her ball to you. You throw it or kick it in any direction. The player
chases after the ball, retrieves it, and dribbles it back. The player should do the selected move as
many times as possible. After the ball is returned, you throw it or kick it away again.
After several retrievals, pick a different move to be practiced.
VARIATIONS
Instead of practicing dribbling moves, you can practice speed dribbling by having each player dribble
back their ball as fast as possible.
You can practice striking the ball by calling out a number. Each player must return the ball in that
exact number of touches. You can even do Retriever in pairs and the players need to do the selected
number of passes while returning.
Work on agility and problem solving by calling out different ways to bring the ball back – dribbling,
one hand only, one hand and head, head only. T he possibilities are endless.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
To make the game more fun, have the players bark and act like Black Labs when they run out to retrieve their ball.
Warm Up Activities (10 Minutes)
Push-Pull
Purpose
To develop a light touch on the ball
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player
Time 20-30 seconds
Start with your feet shoulder width apart and the ball directly in front of your right foot. With the
instep of your right foot, push the ball until it is 1 to 2 feet in front of your left foot. Return your
right foot to its original starting position. With the sole of your left foot, pull the ball back so that it
is directly in front of your left foot's original starting position. Put your left foot down so that your
feet are shoulder width apart again. Repeat by pushing with the left foot and pulling with the right
foot.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
The key to being successful is a light and accurate touch with the instep of the pushing foot. Push too hard and
the ball will go too far away. Push too lightly and the ball won't move.
Switchback
Purpose
To quickly change directions 180°
When to Use This move is often used when the dribbler or ball is moving away
from the intended target. It is a great way to turn around quickly so that you are now
moving toward the intended target.
The Switchback is a relatively simple move that is great at changing directions 180°.
Start by dribbling the ball forward so that it is approximately 2 feet in front of your right foot. Step
forward with your left foot. As you step forward, turn your left foot 90° to the right so that your left
toes are pointing at the ball. Step on top of the ball with your right foot. Using the sole of your right
foot, drag the ball backward 180° at the same time that you spin your body 180° to the right. During
the spin, your right foot should remain in contact with the ball. Accelerate away.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Turing your pivot foot so that your toes point at the ball is vitally important if the move is to be made in the
most efficient and quickest way possible.
T2: Many players will drag the ball backward and lose contact with the ball leaving it out in the open for a defender
to steal easily.
T3: Many players will stop the ball by stepping on it and then step on the ground with that foot. Then, they will
turn 180° and complete the move. This is not as efficient as stopping and turning with the ball in the same step.
Tail Tag
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All – in 2 equal groups (Tigers and Hunters)
Equipment 1 ball for each player in the Tigers group, 1 pinnie for each player in the Tigers group,
disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is another fun, continuous action tag game.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards. Each Tiger starts out with a ball.
Give each Tiger a pinnie and have them tuck them into their shorts as tails.
When you say "Go!", the Tigers start dribbling around the marked area. The Hunters try to tag the
Tigers by pulling out their “tails.” If successful, the Hunter calls out “Got your tail!”. The Hunter
now becomes a Tiger, tucks the pinnie in his/her shorts and starts dribbling the ball. The original
Tiger is now a Hunter.
Play for one minute and see who will be the Tigers at the end of the game. You can also see which
original group has the most Tigers in its group at the end of the game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Get the Tigers to recognize where open space is so that they can dribble away from the Hunters.
Cars
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball for each player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
In this simple and fun game, players get to do their best car impersonations.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards.
Each player has to dribble around the marked area according to the following traffic “conditions”
that you will call out:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Green light – go (normal speed)
Red light – stop
First gear – slow
Turbo – as fast as possible
Reverse – dribble backwards
Horn – sit on the ball
Accident – try to hit another player (below the waist!) with the ball
Make sure the players are making appropriate car noises as they play the game. Once they get the
hang of it, have one of the players call out the traffic conditions.
VARIATIONS
Make the game into an agility game without a ball by adopting traffic conditions for running.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
To promote skillful use of both feet, tell players they can only dribble with their right foot. On the next round,
players can only dribble with their left foot.
Main Activities (25 Minutes)
Freeze Tag
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills as well as particular dribbling moves
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All (one is Mr./Mrs. Freeze)
Equipment 201 ball for each player (except Mr./Mrs. Freeze), disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard
area
Time 5-10 minutes
This fun tag game utilizes a dribbling move to make a player "safe". This makes the players work on
this particular dribbling move over and over as they try to prevent being tagged.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards. Choose a dribbling move that will
keep a player safe from being tagged (a Zico in this example).
For the first round, you are Mr./Mrs. Freeze. When you say "Go!", all players start dri bbling around
the marked area trying to avoid being tagged by Mr./Mrs. Freeze. If a player is doing the selected
move (e.g., a Zico), they are safe and can not be tagged. If they are tagged at any other time, the
player is frozen. When frozen, the player stands with his/her legs spread apart holding his/her ball
overhead. To be unfrozen and back in the game, an unfrozen player must pass the ball between the
frozen player's legs.
For the second round, pick a new "safe" move and a player to be Mr./Mrs. Freeze.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Just attempting the "safe" move makes the player safe - it doesn't have to be successful.
To promote skillful use of both feet, pick a one-footed move for the "safe" move and tell players they can only
dribble with their right foot. On the next round, players can only dribble with their left foot.
T3: Make the area smaller/larger to make the game more difficult/easier.
Get Outta There
Purpose
To impro ve 1v1 skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All - in two or four groups
Equipment Lots of balls, disc cones to lay out a 20x25 field, 2 Pugg goals
Time 10 minutes
This game with the harsh-sounding name is a fast-paced game of mano-a-mano.
Use your disc cones to create a 20x25-yard field. Place a Pugg goal halfway along each goal line. Line
half of the players up at one corner and the other half up at the diagonal corner.
Roll a ball onto the field without saying anything. When the ball enters the field of play, the first
players in each group run down their goal line, around their goal, and onto the field to play a 1v1
game. If the ball goes out of play, all the remaining players yell "Get Outta There!" The players on
the field must leave immediately. You (silently) roll another ball onto the field for the second player
from each group to play. By rolling the ball onto the field silently, you are forcing players to really
pay attention.
If a player scores a goal, that player stays on the field. If Super Annie gave up the goal, all of the
remaining players should yell "Get Outta There Super Annie!" Super Annie must then leave the
field, and the next player in her group plays as soon as you put the ball into play. Leaving the goal
scorer on the field helps break up pairs so players don't have to play against the same players.
You can have players keep track of their goals and the first to three goals is Ronaldino for the day!
variations
Place goals in each corner so players have two goals on which to score. This will emphasize
changing directions.
Roll two balls onto the field and have two separate 1v1 games going on at a time.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Change of speed and change of direction - stress it repeatedly. Encourage players to take chances by attempting
attacking dribbling moves instead of taking a defensive posture.
T2: If there are many players, make the field smaller so the ball will go out of play more often.
Small Sided Game (20 Minutes)
3v3 Multi-Ball
Purpose
Small-sided game to train all basic aspects of soccer play
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players 6 - in two teams of 3
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 15x20 field, 2 Pugg goals, 3 pinnies
Time 10-20 minutes
This game helps break up the 6-player pack when playing 3v3. By introducing additional balls into
the game, you create more 1v1 duals and more opportunities to score.
Set up is the same as the standard 3v3 game.
The game is played the same as the standard 3v3 game except that you play with more than one ball
at a time. As goals are scored or balls go out of play, throw in another ball to keep the game lively.
Experiment with playing with two, three and even four balls at the same time.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
See the standard 3v3 game.
Send the ball into players who are relatively inactive to get them more involved in the game.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U5/U6 Curriculum Week 7
Sample Training Session - Striking the Ball
Theme
Striking the ball
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Cross Country
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Hit the Cone (5 minutes) - right foot first and then left foot!
Superman (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 25 minutes
Demonstrate instep shooting technique
Step on the Crack (10 minutes) - right foot, left foot, either foot
Clean Up Your Room (15 minutes) - right then left
Small-Sided Game - 20 minutes
3v3 Over the Edge
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Review instep shooting technique - see if players can remember key phrases (run
through the ball, laces, etc.)
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Cross Country
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve striking the ball with the instep of the foot
Striking the Ball
All
1 ball per player
5 minutes
No cones, no setup, no organizing teams - what could be better? Cross Country is an extremely
simple game that lets you really concentrate on training striking the ball with the instep of the
foot.
Line up all of the players across one touch line. Each player needs a ball. Select a foot to be used.
When you say "Go!", players strike the ball with the instep of the selected foot. They continue to
do this until the ball crosses the far touch line. Players should count how many strikes it took
them to cross the field.
Line all of the players up for a second round and see if they can beat their first score.
VARIATIONS
Who can cross the field the fastest?
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Stress proper striking the ball technique.
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only and the next game with the left.
Warm Up Activities (10 Minutes)
Hit the Cone
Purpose
To improve dribbling and striking the ball with the inside of your
foot
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones spread out in a 20x25-yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a good warmup game because it can be played with any number of players.
Spread disc cones out in a 20x25-yard area.
When you say "Go!", all players try to dribble around the area hitting as many cones as possible. A
player can not hit the same cone twice in a row. Play for one minute and see which player hit the
most number of cones.
If you have unique soccer balls available (e.g., a bunch of size 5 balls), you can use those instead of
cones. You can also use corner flags.
VARIATIONS
Divide the players into teams and see which team can hit the most number of cones.
Use different color cones and call out the color that must be hit to score a point. Change the color
frequently.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
To emphasize striking the ball, tell the players that they must be at least 5-yards away from a cone when they
shoot at it.
Superman
Purpose
To improve dribbling, striking the ball with the inside of your foot
and agility
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
# of Players All – in 2 teams (each team needs to select a Superman)
Equipment 1 ball per player (except the two Supermen), disc cones to mark off
20x25 yard area and the two safe zones
Time 5-10 minutes
Another good game that involves passing the ball while on the move. This correlates
nicely to the real game of soccer.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards. Mark off two small safe zones in
diagonal corners. Select one player from each team to be the Superman (or Superwoman) for that
team and have them start off in one of the safe zone. Each non-Superman has a ball and starts in the
marked area (non-Supermen can not enter the safe zones).
When you say "Go!", all of the non-Supermen start dribbling around the marked area trying to hit
players from the other team below the waist. If a player is hit, he/she must stop and hold his/her
ball overhead. If the player’s Superman touches him/her on the head, the player comes back to life
and begins dribbling again. The game is over when one of the Supermen gets hit when outside of
one of the safe zones. The team hitting the Superman wins the game. Pick new Supermen and start
again.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Emphasize passing the ball not shooting it, and constantly remind players to pass low so that no one gets hurt.
Main Activities (25 Minutes)
Clean Up Your Room
Purpose
Theme(s)
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve striking the ball with either instep or inside of the foot
Basic Passing, Shooting
All - in 2 teams
Lots of balls, 10 disc cones
5-10 minutes
This frenetic game is a player favorite. The only downfall of the game is it needs a large amount
of space so that players aren't kicking balls into other practice areas, etc.
Use your disc cones to set up two parallel lines that are 10 yards apart. Put one team on one side
of the lines and the other team on the opposite side. The area between the lines is a neutral zone
that can not be entered. Divide the balls so that each team has an equal number. It helps if each
team has more balls than they have players.
When you say "Go!", players from
teams try to "clean up their rooms" by
kicking balls over to the other team's
"room". Play the game for 1-2
minutes. At the end of that time, the
team with the "cleanest room" (i.e.,
fewest balls) wins.
both
Note that players are not allowed to
into the neutral zone to recover any
balls there although they can try to
go
the
knock them out like in Marbles.
TECHNICAL POINTS
Stress proper striking the ball technique.
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only and the next game with the left.
Play one game using only the inside of the foot and the next game using the instep.
Step on the Crack
Purpose
To enforce the position of the plant foot when shooting
Themes
Striking the Ball
# of Players All - in two groups.
Equipment As many balls as possible, 2 Pugg goals (or any goals will do)
Time 5 minutes
Improper positioning of the plant foot is the death of a good shot. Most players place their plant
foot too far back and rob themselves of power and accuracy. This game awards points for proper
placement of the plant foot.
You need a line to make this game work (or you can paint a line yourself). Place the goals side by
side approximately 10 yards apart and 10 yards behind the line. Split the players into two groups.
Each group should be approximately 5 yards behind the line and in front of the goal they will be
using. You will need an assistant to set balls up for the other group. You will also need two or more
parents to shag balls for you.
You and your assistant place a ball on the line. The first player in each group shoots the ball using
the instep. Regardless of where the shot goes, the player's team gets a point if that player places
his/her plant foot on or over the line. Count points aloud and the first team to 20 is the big winner.
Switch goals and shoot with the other foot for the next game.
Since you and your assistant will be placing balls on the line as fast as possible, your shaggers will
have to be hard at work.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Don't worry about any other aspects of shooting other than plant foot and instep. As the players start to
master these simple points, you'll start to hear increasingly resounding thuds as proper strikes are made.
Small Sided Game (20 Minutes) Scroll down to see activity.
3v3 Over the Edge
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
Small-sided game to train shooting
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
6 - in two teams of 3
3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 15x20 field, 3 pinnies
10-20 minutes
This is an easy variant of the standard 3v3 game. If your players are having trouble scoring goals
in the other 3v3 variants, try this one. Goals will be made aplenty!
Set up a 15x20-yard field using
your disc cones.
The game is played the same as
standard 3v3 game except that
score a goal by simply kicking
ball over your opponent’s goal
With goal scoring being so
easy, the emphasis is on
shooting as soon as possible.
soon as a player gets just a
little opening, he/she should be
thinking about shooting.
the
you
the
line.
As
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
See the standard 3v3 game.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U5/U6 Curriculum Week 8
Sample Training Session - Striking the Ball
Theme
Striking the ball
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Cross Country
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Hit the Cone (5 minutes) - right foot first and then left foot!
Pac Man (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 25 minutes
Demonstrate instep shooting technique
Dribble & Shoot (10 minutes) - right foot, left foot, either foot
Clean Up Your Room (15 minutes) - right then left
Small-Sided Game - 20 minutes
3v3 Shoot!
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Review instep shooting technique - see if players can remember key phrases (run
through the ball, laces, etc.)
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Cross Country
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve striking the ball with the instep of the foot
Striking the Ball
All
1 ball per player
5 minutes
No cones, no setup, no organizing teams - what could be better? Cross Country is an extremely
simple game that lets you really concentrate on training striking the ball with the instep of the
foot.
Line up all of the players across one touch line. Each player needs a ball. Select a foot to be used.
When you say "Go!", players strike the ball with the instep of the selected foot. They continue to
do this until the ball crosses the far touch line. Players should count how many strikes it took
them to cross the field.
Line all of the players up for a second round and see if they can beat their first score.
VARIATIONS
Who can cross the field the fastest?
TECHNICAL POINTS
T3:
T4:
Stress proper striking the ball technique.
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only and the next game with the left.
Warm Up Activities (10 Minutes)
Hit the Cone
Purpose
To improve dribbling and striking the ball with the inside of your
foot
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones spread out in a 20x25-yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a good warmup game because it can be played with any number of players.
Spread disc cones out in a 20x25-yard area.
When you say "Go!", all players try to dribble around the area hitting as many cones as possible. A
player can not hit the same cone twice in a row. Play for one minute and see which player hit the
most number of cones.
If you have unique soccer balls available (e.g., a bunch of size 5 balls), you can use those instead of
cones. You can also use corner flags.
VARIATIONS
Divide the players into teams and see which team can hit the most number of cones.
Use different color cones and call out the color that must be hit to score a point. Change the color
frequently.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
To emphasize striking the ball, tell the players that they must be at least 5-yards away from a cone when they
shoot at it.
Pac Man
Purpose
To improve dribbling, striking the ball with the inside of your foot
and agility
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a good game because it involves passing the ball while on the move. This correlates nicely to
the real game of soccer.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards.
Select two players to be Pac Men. Each of the Pac Men should have a ball. The rest of the balls
should be outside of the area. When you say "Go!", the Pac Men dribble around trying to hit the
other players BELOW the waist by passing the ball at them. The players, who are not Pac Men, run
around dodging the attempts to tag them with a pass. If a player is hit by a ball below the waist, that
player becomes a Pac Man, too. The new Pac Man should get one of the balls that is outside of the
area and join the game as soon as possible. The last two players who are not Pac Men become the
Pac Men to start the next game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Emphasize passing the ball not shooting it, and constantly remind the Pac Men to pass low so that no one gets
hurt.
Main Activities (25 Minutes)
Clean Up Your Room
Purpose
Theme(s)
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve striking the ball with either instep or inside of the foot
Basic Passing, Shooting
All - in 2 teams
Lots of balls, 10 disc cones
5-10 minutes
This frenetic game is a player favorite. The only downfall of the game is it needs a large amount
of space so that players aren't kicking balls into other practice areas, etc.
Use your disc cones to set up two parallel lines that are 10 yards apart. Put one team on one side
of the lines and the other team on the opposite side. The area between the lines is a neutral zone
that can not be entered. Divide the balls so that each team has an equal number. It helps if each
team has more balls than they have players.
When you say "Go!", players from
teams try to "clean up their rooms" by
kicking balls over to the other team's
"room". Play the game for 1-2
minutes. At the end of that time, the
team with the "cleanest room" (i.e.,
fewest balls) wins.
both
Note that players are not allowed to
into the neutral zone to recover any
balls there although they can try to
knock them out like in Marbles.
go
the
TECHNICAL POINTS
Stress proper striking the ball technique.
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only and the next game with the left.
Play one game using only the inside of the foot and the next game using the instep.
Dribble and Shoot
Purpose
To improve instep shooting off the dribble.
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball
# of Players All - in two groups
Equipment Lots of balls, 2 disc cones, 2 Pugg goals (or any goals)
Time 5-10 minutes
This is the basic shooting game that is played everywhere. Players get to work on their dribbling
moves and shooting at the same time.
Set up your Pugg goals side by side approximately 5-10 yards apart. In front of each Pugg goal, set
up disc cones at the following distances: 10 yards and 25 yards. Behind each of the 25-yard cones,
line up one group of players. Every player should have a ball. Note that if you only have one large
goal, simply have both groups shoot on the same goal at the same time.
The first player from each group dribbles forward, makes a dribbling move, and must shoot before
reaching the cone. If the shot goes into the goal, that player's team gets one point. Have each group
count their points aloud and the first team with ten points is the winner. Switch goals and shooting
feet for the next round.
You can make players shag their own shots to give them extra incentive to put them into the net!
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
The last dribble before the shot should be a longer one. This allows the player to accelerate into the shot for
more power. If the last dribble is a short one, the player will have a hard time getting the ball out from under
his/her feet in order to shoot powerfully.
T2: Stress proper instep shooting form - plant foot next to the ball, toe down, follow through with the knee and
the toe and land on the shooting foot.
Small Sided Game (20 Minutes) Scroll down to see activity.
3v3 SHOOT!
Purpose
Small-sided game to train shooting
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
# of Players 6 - in two teams of 3
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 20x15 field, 4 corner flags, 3 pinnies
Time 10-20 minutes
This is a fast-paced, shooting game on a short and wide field. It is an excellent ending to a training
session with a shooting/striking the ball theme.
Set up is the same as the standard 3v3 game except:
1. Field is 20x15 yards (field is wider than it is long).
2. Use corner flags for goals instead of Pugg goals. Make each goal 6-8 yards wide.
There are no goalies in this game.
The game is played the same as the standard 3v3 game. With the goals so close together and so big,
the emphasis is on shooting as soon as possible. As soon as a player gets just a little opening, he/she
should be thinking about shooting.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
See the standard 3v3 game.
If you have real soccer goals available, use those. Shooting games are always better when you can shoot the ball
into a net!
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U5/U6 Curriculum Week 9
Sample Training Session - Mobility Skills
Theme
Mobility Skills -running forward and backward
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Pac Man
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Around the Cones (3 minutes) - Add ball
Dogs n’ Rabbits (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 25 minutes
Demonstrate proper running form forward and backward (emphasize arm
movements)
Red Light Green Light (10 minutes)
City Game (10 minutes) - forward to 2 cities; backward to 2 cities
Small-Sided Game - 20 minutes
3v3
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Ask players to demonstrate proper running form.
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Pac Man
Purpose
To improve dribbling, striking the ball with the inside of your foot
and agility
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a good game because it involves passing the ball while on the move. This correlates nicely to
the real game of soccer.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards.
Select two players to be Pac Men. Each of the Pac Men should have a ball. The rest of the balls
should be outside of the area. When you say "Go!", the Pac Men dribble around trying to hit the
other players BELOW the waist by passing the ball at them. The players, who are not Pac Men, run
around dodging the attempts to tag them with a pass. If a player is hit by a ball below the waist, that
player becomes a Pac Man, too. The new Pac Man should get one of the balls that is outside of the
area and join the game as soon as possible. The last two players who are not Pac Men become the
Pac Men to start the next game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Emphasize passing the ball not shooting it, and constantly remind the Pac Men to pass low so that no one gets
hurt.
Warm Up Activities (10 Minutes)
Around the Cones
Purpose
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - in relay teams with 3 or 4 players per team
Equipment 1 ball per relay team; 4 disc cones per team
Time 2 minutes
Relays are a very simple game to use to train dribbling at speed. The competitive nature of relays
always means players will give a good effort. Around the Cones is a very simple relay with easy setup
and few rules to learn. Relay teams should have three or four players so that players get two or three
parts rest to every part of work (2:1 or 3:1 rest:work ratio). If you have an odd number of players,
add a parent, sibling or coach. You can also have one player go twice at each distance.
Set up the relay by laying out disc cones in front of each relay team at the following distances: 0
yards (the starting line), 5 yards, 10 yards and 15 yards.
When the relay is started, the first player from each relay dribbles around the 5-yard cone and then
passes to the second player. The second player dribbles around the 5-yard cone and then passes to
the third player. When the ball is passed to the first player, the first player then dribbles around the
10-yard cone and passes the ball to the second player. When the ball is passed to the first player
again, the first player dribbles around the 15-yard cone and passes to the second player. The relay is
done when the last player dribbles around the 15-yard cone and dribbles back across the starting
line.
VARIATIONS
Instead of just dribbling around the cones, have the players practice an appropriate move (Zico,
Spin or Screw) when they reach a cone.
You can train sprinting skills by running around the cones instead of dribbling. You can have players
run forward, backward, shuffle, etc. - whatever mobility skill(s) you would like to train.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T1:
T2:
Make sure players are dribbling in a straight line.
Divide players into relay teams that are equal.
Let the players pass to the next player from whatever distance they want. They will soon figure out the correct
distance that will be successful and fastest.
Dogs 'n Rabbits
Purpose
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - in pairs with 3 pairs at each course
Equipment 1 ball per pair, 3 disc cones per course
Time 5-10 minutes
What could give more incentive to dribbling faster than being a dribbling rabbit chased by a mad,
drooling dog? In this game, the chaser (the dog) tries to run down and tag the dribbler (the rabbit)
before the dribbler can reach the finish line.
Set up each course by laying out disc cones at the following distances: 0 yards, 5 yards and 30 yards.
Have each pair decide who is the dog and who is the rabbit. The first pair starts the game. The dog
stands at the cone at 0 yards. The rabbit stands with a ball at the cone at 5 yards. As soon as the
rabbit makes his/her first dribble, the dog is released and chases the rabbit. If the dog tags the rabbit
before the rabbit reaches the cone at 30 yards, the dog gets a point. If the rabbit makes it to the 30yard cone without being tagged, the rabbit gets a point.
Once the first pair has finished, the second and then third pairs play the game. When the first pair
plays for a second time, switch roles so that the rabbit becomes the dog and vice versa.
The first player to get three points in any pair is the winner of the game and gets to be Bugs Bunny
for the day!
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
T3:
T4:
If the rabbits are not being successful, move the dogs back several yards.
Proper dribbling foot position and length of the dribble are crucial to a rabbit's survival.
The dogs should be using proper sprinting form.
To make the game more fun, have the dogs bark like crazy when they try to chase down their rabbit.
Main Activities (25 Minutes)
Red Light Green Light
Purpose
To improve stopping and starting ability
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, 10 disc cones
Time 5-10 minutes
Use your disc cones to set up two parallel lines that are 30 yards apart. All of the players line up
along one line. You stand at the other line facing away from the players. Pick a dribbling move that
all players must do when you say "Green Light".
To start the game, you say "Green Light!". At that point, all of the players do the selected dribbling
move and start dribbling toward the far line as fast as possible. When you say "Red Light!", all of the
players must stop and put their foot on top of their ball. When you say "Red Light!", you also turn
around. Any players who are not standing with a foot on their ball have to go back to the starting
line and start over. You then turn back around and say "Green Light!" The players do the dribbling
move and dribble forward again. First player to cross the line wins the game and gets to call Red
Light, Green Light for the next game.
VARIATIONS
Make the lines 40 yards apart and play without soccer balls. When you say "Green Light", the players
must do some mobility skill - forward somersault, push up, cartwheel, sky jump, etc. - and then
sprint forward. When you say "Red Light", the players must stop. Any who don't stop in time have
to start over.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
To improve skill with both feet, make players dribble with their right foot during the first game and their left
foot in the next game.
T2: Since you are not watching the game, it helps to have an assistant watch and make sure the rules are being
followed.
City Game
Purpose
Multi-faceted game that can be used to improve dribbling, dribbling
at speed and agility
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - divided equally among the four cities
Equipment 1 ball per player, 16 disc cones
Time 10-15 minutes
The City Game is adapted from the Dutch KNVB training game of the same name. It can be used
in the training of a variety of skills.
Set up four cities in a square grid with each city being 10 yards apart. Use four cones (about three
yards apart) to mark the corners of each city. Name the cities (or have the players name them) and
divide the players among the cities
Agility Variants (No Balls)
1. When you say "Go!", each player must run in a counterclockwise direction around the grid
passing through each city. When they return to their home city, they go down on one knee to
show they have finished. First city with all of its residents back is the winner.
2. Game is the same except when you run from City A to City B, you must run forward. From City
B to City C, you must run backward. From City C to City D, you must shuffle sideways. From
City D to City A, you run forward but must do a somersault in the middle.
3. Make an obstacle course with different obstacles between each city. Put hula hoops between
City A and City B and make players run around the hoops. Put hurdles between City B and City
C. Put bars between City C and City D and make players shuffle sideways around the bars. Hold
hoops on their edge between City D and City A and make players dive through the hoops.
Dribbling Variants (Every Player with a Ball)
1. When you say "Go!", each player must dribble in a counterclockwise direction around the grid
passing through each city. When they return to their home city, they need to stop the ball by
placing their foot on top of it and wait in that position until all the other residents of their city
finish. First city with all of its residents back is the winner.
2. Between each city, you have to do a certain dribbling move or sequence of dribbling moves. For
example, between City A and City B you must do a Spin. Between City B and City C you must
do two Zicos and so forth.
3. Make an obstacle course similar to that described above. For hurdles, have them pass the ball to
the end of the hurdles, jump over all of them, get their ball and continue. For the hoops on their
edge, make them pass the ball through the hoop.
VARIATIONS
Have half of the players from each city go in a clockwise direction. Have the other half go in a
counterclockwise direction. Now the players will also be obstacles as they run/dribble around the
course.
Place a fifth city in the middle of the grid. Players must visit the four other cities (including the one
in the middle) and return to their home city. How they do that is up to them.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Have the players pick the city names. Some "cities" will have an interesting names like "Mexico" and "Japan"
To make the game more fun and a learning experience, have players yell out a word appropriate to their city
when they finish. For example, if the city is Madrid, they must yell out something in Spanish. If it's a city for which
you don't know a word, let the players make up a word that sounds like the city's language!
Small Sided Game (20 Minutes)
3v3
Purpose
Small-sided game to train all basic aspects of soccer play.
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players 6 - in two teams of 3
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 15x20 field, 2 Pugg goals, 3 pinnies
Time 10-20 minutes
This is the standard 3v3 game with each team attacking a goal. It teaches directional play toward a
single target just like in 7v7 and 11v11 soccer.
Use your disc cones to set up a 15x20-yard field. Place one Pugg goal halfway along each 15-yard
line. Have one team put on pinnies.
Select a team to kick off from the midfield and let the fun begin. If the ball goes over a touch line
(the 20-yard lines), restart play by having a player kick the ball in instead of a throw in. Use corner
kicks, goal kicks and kickoffs as in a normal game. No goals can be scored directly off a restart.
Play a short 3-5 minute game and have a water break. You can then divide into new teams or just
start a new game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
If you have 8 players, divide into teams of 4 with one substitute. With 10 players, divide into teams of 5 with
two substitutes. Rotate players so that all players take turns being substitutes. Substitute frequently - watching is
boring!
T2: Let the players play. You should be relegated to the role of big cheerleader. Only stop the game if the players
repeatedly make the same mistakes.
T3: Discourage players from being goalies and standing right in front of the goal.
T4: Scoring a goal should be a big deal. After each goal, devise some sort of celebration that involves the players
from both teams. Let the goal scorer pick a silly word and have everyone yell it aloud. Count off the total number of
goals that have been scored so far (in Spanish!). Just do something so that all the players know that scoring a goal is
what it's all about.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U5/U6 Curriculum Week 10
Sample Training Session - Ball Mastery
Theme
Ball mastery
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Retriever
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Ballnastics (2 minutes) – Foundation, Step Ups
Tail Tag (4 minutes)
Cars (4 minutes)
Main Activities - 25 minutes
Demonstrate Spin
Freeze Tag (10 minutes) - Spin as move to be made
Get Outta There (10 minutes) – extra point for a successful Spin move
Small-Sided Game - 20 minutes
3v3 Line Soccer - award extra point if player does a successful Spin!
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Review Spin - ask players to demonstrate
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Retriever
Purpose
To improve dribbling moves
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player
Time 5 minutes
Players love this silly and fun game. It's also fun for you especially if you’re a little tired of your
players (just throw the ball further away!).
There is no set up necessary for this game - simply select a dribbling move to be practiced.
Each of the players brings his/her ball to you. You throw it or kick it in any direction. The player
chases after the ball, retrieves it, and dribbles it back. The player should do the selected move as
many times as possible. After the ball is returned, you throw it or kick it away again.
After several retrievals, pick a different move to be practiced.
VARIATIONS
Instead of practicing dribbling moves, you can practice speed dribbling by having each player dribble
back their ball as fast as possible.
You can practice striking the ball by calling out a number. Each player must return the ball in that
exact number of touches. You can even do Retriever in pairs and the players need to do the selected
number of passes while returning.
Work on agility and problem solving by calling out different ways to bring the ball back – dribbling,
one hand only, one hand and head, head only. T he possibilities are endless.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
To make the game more fun, have the players bark and act like Black Labs when they run out to retrieve their ball.
Warm Up Activities (10 Minutes)
Foundation
Purpose
To develop balance and foot quickness
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player
Time 20-30 seconds
Start with your feet shoulder width apart and the ball directly under you. Push the ball back and
forth with the inside of the feet. Foundation resembles a game of Ping Pong played with the insides
of your feet.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Players should be light on their feet moving the ball back and forth as fast as possible. When done properly, the
heels of your feet never touch the ground.
T2: Knees should be slightly bent, and players should try to develop a rhythm moving the ball back and forth. Players
should NOT look like stick figures with straight legs and an awkward flow to the ball movement.
T3: Excitement is not this exercise's strong point so keep it short. It helps if you have players make video game noises
every time they touch the ball o r some other suitable distraction to make it more fun. You can also time them for 15
seconds and see how many touches they can make in that time. See if they can beat their first score on the second try.
Tail Tag
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All – in 2 equal groups (Tigers and Hunters)
Equipment 1 ball for each player in the Tigers group, 1 pinnie for each player in the Tigers group,
disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is another fun, continuous action tag game.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards. Each Tiger starts out with a ball.
Give each Tiger a pinnie and have them tuck them into their shorts as tails.
When you say "Go!", the Tigers start dribbling around the marked area. The Hunters try to tag the
Tigers by pulling out their “tails.” If successful, the Hunter calls out “Got your tail!”. The Hunter
now becomes a Tiger, tucks the pinnie in his/her shorts and starts dribbling the ball. The original
Tiger is now a Hunter.
Play for one minute and see who will be the Tigers at the end of the game. You can also see which
original group has the most Tigers in its group at the end of the game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Get the Tigers to recognize where open space is so that they can dribble away from the Hunters.
Cars
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball for each player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
In this simple and fun game, players get to do their best car impersonations.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards.
Each player has to dribble around the marked area according to the following traffic “conditions”
that you will call out:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Green light – go (normal speed)
Red light – stop
First gear – slow
Turbo – as fast as possible
Reverse – dribble backwards
Horn – sit on the ball
Accident – try to hit another player (below the waist!) with the ball
Make sure the players are making appropriate car noises as they play the game. Once they get the
hang of it, have one of the players call out the traffic conditions.
VARIATIONS
Make the game into an agility game without a ball by adopting traffic conditions for running.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
To promote skillful use of both feet, tell players they can only dribble with their right foot. On the next round,
players can only dribble with their left foot.
Main Activities (25 Minutes)
Freeze Tag
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills as well as particular dribbling moves
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All (one is Mr./Mrs. Freeze)
Equipment 201 ball for each player (except Mr./Mrs. Freeze), disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard
area
Time 5-10 minutes
This fun tag game utilizes a dribbling move to make a player "safe". This makes the players work on
this particular dribbling move over and over as they try to prevent being tagged.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards. Choose a dribbling move that will
keep a player safe from being tagged (a Zico in this example).
For the first round, you are Mr./Mrs. Freeze. When you say "Go!", all players start dri bbling around
the marked area trying to avoid being tagged by Mr./Mrs. Freeze. If a player is doing the selected
move (e.g., a Zico), they are safe and can not be tagged. If they are tagged at any other time, the
player is frozen. When frozen, the player stands with his/her legs spread apart holding his/her ball
overhead. To be unfrozen and back in the game, an unfrozen player must pass the ball between the
frozen player's legs.
For the second round, pick a new "safe" move and a player to be Mr./Mrs. Freeze.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Just attempting the "safe" move makes the player safe - it doesn't have to be successful.
To promote skillful use of both feet, pick a one-footed move for the "safe" move and tell players they can only
dribble with their right foot. On the next round, players can only dribble with their left foot.
T3: Make the area smaller/larger to make the game more difficult/easier.
Get Outta There
Purpose
To impro ve 1v1 skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All - in two or four groups
Equipment Lots of balls, disc cones to lay out a 20x25 field, 2 Pugg goals
Time 10 minutes
This game with the harsh-sounding name is a fast-paced game of mano-a-mano.
Use your disc cones to create a 20x25-yard field. Place a Pugg goal halfway along each goal line. Line
half of the players up at one corner and the other half up at the diagonal corner.
Roll a ball onto the field without saying anything. When the ball enters the field of play, the first
players in each group run down their goal line, around their goal, and onto the field to play a 1v1
game. If the ball goes out of play, all the remaining players yell "Get Outta There!" The players on
the field must leave immediately. You (silently) roll another ball onto the field for the second player
from each group to play. By rolling the ball onto the field silently, you are forcing players to really
pay attention.
If a player scores a goal, that player stays on the field. If Super Annie gave up the goal, all of the
remaining players should yell "Get Outta There Super Annie!" Super Annie must then leave the
field, and the next player in her group plays as soon as you put the ball into play. Leaving the goal
scorer on the field helps break up pairs so players don't have to play against the same players.
You can have players keep track of their goals and the first to three goals is Ronaldino for the day!
variations
Place goals in each corner so players have two goals on which to score. This will emphasize
changing directions.
Roll two balls onto the field and have two separate 1v1 games going on at a time.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Change of speed and change of direction - stress it repeatedly. Encourage players to take chances by attempting
attacking dribbling moves instead of taking a defensive posture.
T2: If there are many players, make the field smaller so the ball will go out of play more often.
Small Sided Game (20 Minutes)
3v3 Line Soccer
Purpose
To train ball control, dribbling moves, and recognition of space
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players 6 - in two teams of 3
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 20x15 field, 3 pinnies
Time 10-20 minutes
This 3v3 game is all about dribbling so it makes a nice session ending game when dribbling was the
theme of the session.
Set up a 20x15-yard field using your disc cones. Note that the field is wider than it is long (so that
there is more space in which to score a goal).
The game is played the same as the standard 3v3 game except that the method of scoring a goal is
different. To score a goal, a player needs to dribble the ball and stop it anywhere on the goal line
they are attacking.
Since you can score anywhere along the goal line, it is important for p layers to recognize when the
space in front of them is heavily defended (2+ defenders). In that case, the dribbler needs to quickly
change directions and attack another part of the goal line. Of course, passing is another way to
change the point of attack quickly. If that happens, great; however, stress dribbling first and passing
second.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
See the standard 3v3 game.
Try to get the attacking team to create some space around the dribbler so they are not "defenders' as well. We want
many 1v1 duels - not 3v3s.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U5/U6 Curriculum Week 11
Sample Training Session - Mobility Skills
Theme
Mobility Skills -running forward and backward
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Pac Man
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Body Part Dribbling (5 minutes)
Dogs n’ Rabbits (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 25 minutes
Demonstrate proper running form forward and backward (emphasize arm
movements)
Capture the Flag (10 minutes)
Freeze Tag (10 minutes)
Small-Sided Game - 20 minutes
3v3 Multiple Balls
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Ask players to demonstrate proper running form.
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Pac Man
Purpose
To improve dribbling, striking the ball with the inside of your foot
and agility
Themes
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a good game because it involves passing the ball while on the move. This correlates nicely to
the real game of soccer.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards.
Select two players to be Pac Men. Each of the Pac Men should have a ball. The rest of the balls
should be outside of the area. When you say "Go!", the Pac Men dribble around trying to hit the
other players BELOW the waist by passing the ball at them. The players, who are not Pac Men, run
around dodging the attempts to tag them with a pass. If a player is hit by a ball below the waist, that
player becomes a Pac Man, too. The new Pac Man should get one of the balls that is outside of the
area and join the game as soon as possible. The last two players who are not Pac Men become the
Pac Men to start the next game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
hurt.
Emphasize passing the ball not shooting it, and constantly remind the Pac Men to pass low so that no one gets
Warm Up Activities (10 Minutes)
Body Part Dribbling
Purpose
To improve technical dribbling ability
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All
Equipment 1 ball per player, disc cones to lay out a 20x25 area
Time 5 minutes
A fun, short dribbling game with lots of ball touches for the amount of time spent.
Use your disc cones to set up a 20x25-yard area. Each player has a ball and must stay inside the area.
Pick out a move that the players should be working on while dribbling.
When you say "Go!", players dribble around the field freely. Players should do the suggested move
as often as possible. While the players are dribbling, call out a body part. All players must stop and
touch the ball with the specified body part. Get them started again and then call out another body
part. Thumb, ear, nose, elbow, butt, etc. - all make great choices. You can even start teaching left
from right by saying right elbow, right thumb, etc.
Change the dribbling move frequently and have fun with the game. Call out multiple parts - left foot
and right thumb. Call out impossible combinations: both ears, right foot and back, etc.
VARIATIONS
Instead of calling out the body part, simply point to it. This will encourage players to dribble with
their heads up. Last player to comply has to do some silly task.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Make sure players keep moving, keep dribbling, and keep working on the selected dribbling move.
To promote skillful use of both feet, tell players they can only dribble with their right foot. On the next round,
players can only dribble with their left foot.
Dogs 'n Rabbits
Purpose
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All - in pairs with 3 pairs at each course
Equipment 1 ball per pair, 3 disc cones per course
Time 5-10 minutes
What could give more incentive to dribbling faster than being a dribbling rabbit chased by a mad,
drooling dog? In this game, the chaser (the dog) tries to run down and tag the dribbler (the rabbit)
before the dribbler can reach the finish line.
Set up each course by laying out disc cones at the following distances: 0 yards, 5 yards and 30 yards.
Have each pair decide who is the dog and who is the rabbit. The first pair starts the game. The dog
stands at the cone at 0 yards. The rabbit stands with a ball at the cone at 5 yards. As soon as the
rabbit makes his/her first dribble, the dog is released and chases the rabbit. If the dog tags the rabbit
before the rabbit reaches the cone at 30 yards, the dog gets a point. If the rabbit makes it to the 30yard cone without being tagged, the rabbit gets a point.
Once the first pair has finished, the second and then third pairs play the game. When the first pair
plays for a second time, switch roles so that the rabbit becomes the dog and vice versa.
The first player to get three points in any pair is the winner of the game and gets to be Bugs Bunny
for the day!
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
T3:
T4:
If the rabbits are not being successful, move the dogs back several yards.
Proper dribbling foot position and length of the dribble are crucial to a rabbit's survival.
The dogs should be using proper sprinting form.
To make the game more fun, have the dogs bark like crazy when they try to chase down their rabbit.
Main Activities (25 Minutes)
Capture the Flag
Purpose
To improve dribbling and problem solving skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players All - in 2 teams
Equipment Lots of balls, 8 disc cones
Time 5-10 minutes
This is a soccer version of the classic children's game. Instead of trying to capture the flag, each team
tries to capture as many soccer balls as possible.
Use your disc cones to create two 10x10 squares that are approximately 20 yards apart. Place half of
the balls in each square. Place all of the players from one team in one square; all of the players for
the second team in the other square.
When you say "Go!", players from both teams run to the other square and take a ball. They dribble
the ball back to their square and then get another ball. No passing is allowed - only dribbling. Play
for 1-2 minutes. At the end of the game, the winner is the team with the most balls in their square.
VARIATIONS
Let players defend the balls in their square. Now each team needs to decide who will attack and who
will defend. Only legal soccer defending tactics can be used - no holding, tripping, etc.
Play just like a real game with defenders, passing, etc. all allowed.
Play with more than two teams. This makes the problem solving part of the game much more
intriguing.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only and the next game with the left.
Freeze Tag
Purpose
To improve general dribbling skills as well as particular dribbling
moves
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players All (one is Mr./Mrs. Freeze)
Equipment 1 ball for each player (except Mr./Mrs. Freeze), disc cones to mark
off 20x25 yard area
Time 5-10 minutes
This fun tag game utilizes a dribbling move to make a player "safe". This makes the players work on
this particular dribbling move over and over as they try to prevent being tagged.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately 20x25 yards. Choose a dribbling move that will
keep a player safe from being tagged (a Zico in this example).
For the first round, you are Mr./Mrs. Freeze. When you say "Go!", all players start dribbling around
the marked area trying to avoid being tagged by Mr./Mrs. Freeze. If a player is doing the selected
move (e.g., a Zico), they are safe and can not be tagged. If they are tagged at any other time, the
player is frozen. When frozen, the player stands with his/her legs spread apart holding his/her ball
overhead. To be unfrozen and back in the game, an unfrozen player must pass the ball between the
frozen player's legs.
For the second round, pick a new "safe" move and a player to be Mr./Mrs. Freeze.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
Just attempting the "safe" move makes the player safe - it doesn't have to be successful.
To promote skillful use of both feet, pick a one-footed move for the "safe" move and tell players they can only
dribble with their right foot. On the next round, players can only dribble with their left foot.
T3: Make the area smaller/larger to make the game more difficult/easier.
Small Sided Game (20 Minutes)
3v3 Multi-Ball
Purpose
Small-sided game to train all basic aspects of soccer play
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players 6 - in two teams of 3
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 15x20 field, 2 Pugg goals, 3 pinnies
Time 10-20 minutes
This game helps break up the 6-player pack when playing 3v3. By introducing additional balls into
the game, you create more 1v1 duals and more opportunities to score.
Set up is the same as the standard 3v3 game.
The game is played the same as the standard 3v3 game except that you play with more than one ball
at a time. As goals are scored or balls go out of play, throw in another ball to keep the game lively.
Experiment with playing with two, three and even four balls at the same time.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
See the standard 3v3 game.
Send the ball into players who are relatively inactive to get them more involved in the game.