AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U8/U7 Curriculum Week 1
Sample Training Session – Mobility Skills
Theme
Mobility Skills -running forward and backward
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Slam
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Around the Cones (3 minutes) - no ball
Dogs 'n Rabbits (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 30 minutes
Demonstrate proper running form forward and backward (emphasize arm movements)
Use skipping to demonstrate arm movement (2 minutes)
Crackers/Crunch (10 minutes)
City Game (15 minutes) - forward to 2 cities; backward to 2 cities
Small-Sided Game - 15 minutes
4v4 Movable Goal
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Ask players to demonstrate proper running form.
Remind players of game on game schedules etc.
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.
Warmup Activities – 10 Minutes
Around the Cones
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All - in relay teams with 3 or 4 players per team
1 ball per relay team; 4 disc cones per team
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
cones in front of each relay
team at the following
distances: 0 yards (the starting
line), 10 yards, 20 yards and 30
yards.
disc
When the relay is started, the
first
player from each relay dribbles
around the 10-yard cone and
then passes to the second
player. The second player dribbles around the 10-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 20-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
30-yard cone and passes to the second player. The relay is done when the last player dribbles around the
30-yard cone and dribbles back across the starting line.
The different distances allow players to change their dribbling patterns to be most successful. In addition,
you get some work on passing, receiving and first-touch control during the relay.
VARIATIONS
Instead of just dribbling around the cones, have the players practice one of the 180° moves (Zico or
Switchback) 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:
T2:
Make sure players are dribbling in a straight line.
Divide players into relay teams that are equal.
T3:
T4:
Work on proper foot position while dribbling as well as the length of the dribble.
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
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All - in pairs with 3 pairs at each course
1 ball per pair, 3 disc cones per course
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 30-yard 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:
T5:
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 – 30 Minutes
Crackers/Crunch
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve cutting and acceleration
Mobility Skills
All
Disc cones for three lines
5-10 minutes
This is a very fun game that works on acceleration. It has the added benefit of making players listen
carefully to what you are saying. Wouldn't it be nice if they'd do that all the time. Once the players get
the hang of the game, let the winner from the previous game be the caller. This game is so much fun you'll
have trouble ending the game to play soccer!
Use your disc cones to set up three
parallel lines each 15-20 yards apart.
You stand at the end of the
centerline.
Before the game starts, select one of
end lines to be the "Crackers" line
the other to be the "Crunch" line. If
say "Crackers", players run to the
"Crackers" line. If you say
"Crunch", players run to the
"Crunch" line.
the
and
you
Line all of the players up one behind the other straddling the centerline and facing you. Say either
"Crackers" or "Crunch". Last two players to the correct line are eliminated. The remaining players line up
to try again. Keep playing until only one player is left.
Make it fun by stretching out the words - "Cccccccrrrrrrrrrrackers" or "Cccccccrrrrrrunch".
VARIATIONS
Have each player use a ball. This makes it a dribbling at speed game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T5:
T6:
Proper footwork is key. Make sure players plant their trailing foot and push off without stepping backward.
Stress proper acceleration and running form.
City Game
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
Multi-faceted game that can be used to improve dribbling, dribbling at speed and agility
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All - divided equally among the four cities
1 ball per player, 16 disc cones
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)
divide the players among the cities
and
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 Matthews. Between City B and City C you must
do two Switchbacks 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.
Dribbling at Speed Variants (Every Player with a Ball)
Increase the distance between cities to 20 yards.
1. When you say "Go!", each player must dribble at speed 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.
VARIATIONS
Instead of dribbling through each city, make the players perform an appropriate 90°-dribbling move Chop or Pull and Tuck.
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
T7:
T8:
T9:
Have the players pick the city names. Some "cities" will have an interesting names like "Mexico" and "Japan"
For dribbling at speed, work on proper foot position while dribbling as well as the length of the dribble.
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 – 15 Minutes
4v4 Movable Goal
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
Small-sided game to train all basic aspects of soccer play
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
8 - in two teams of 4
3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 25x30 field, 2 corner flags, 4 coaches or parents to serve
as "goal posts", 4 pinneys
10-15 minutes
This is a very fun variant of the
standard 4v4 game. Because the
goals are moving, players must get
heads up to see where they must
attack. The "goal posts" can move
quickly or as slowly as necessary,
their
as
but
don't make it too hard to score a goal.
Set up a 25x30-yard field using your disc cones. Two coaches or parents grab each end of a corner flag
holding it horizontally. The coaches/parents are the goal posts and the corner flag is the crossbar. Safety
note: if possible, remove the stake from the corner flag (or have the coach/parent cover it up with his/her
hand). Have the other pair of coaches/parents take the second corner flag.
The game is played the same as the standard 4v4 game except that the goals can move. Make sure the
players know which goal they are attacking (you may want to give pinneys to the goal posts). A goal can
be scored in either direction through the goal. The goals can move anywhere on the field of play.
VARIATIONS
Allow both teams to score on either goal.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T10:
T11:
See the standard 4v4 game.
Because the goals can move, players need to adapt quickly to
their changing environment. This is a crucial skill for success in soccer.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U8/U7 Curriculum Week 2
Sample Training Session – Mobility Skills
Theme
Mobility Skills -running forward and backward
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Slam
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Around the Cones (3 minutes) - no ball
Dogs 'n Rabbits (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 30 minutes
Demonstrate proper running form forward and backward (emphasize arm movements)
Use skipping to demonstrate arm movement (2 minutes)
Crackers/Crunch (10 minutes)
City Game (15 minutes) - forward to 2 cities; backward to 2 cities
Small-Sided Game - 15 minutes
4v4 Movable Goal
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Ask players to demonstrate proper running form.
Remind players of game on game schedules etc.
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.
Warmup Activities – 10 Minutes
Around the Cones
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All - in relay teams with 3 or 4 players per team
1 ball per relay team; 4 disc cones per team
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
cones in front of each relay
team at the following distances:
yards (the starting line), 10
yards, 20 yards and 30 yards.
disc
0
When the relay is started, the
first
player from each relay dribbles
around the 10-yard cone and
then
passes to the second player.
The
second player dribbles around
the
10-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 20-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 30-yard cone and passes to the second player.
The relay is done when the last player dribbles around the 30-yard cone and dribbles back across the
starting line.
The different distances allow players to change their dribbling patterns to be most successful. In addition,
you get some work on passing, receiving and first-touch control during the relay.
VARIATIONS
Instead of just dribbling around the cones, have the players practice one of the 180° moves (Zico or
Switchback) 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
T12:
T13:
Make sure players are dribbling in a straight line.
Divide players into relay teams that are equal.
T14:
Work on proper foot position while dribbling as well as the
length of the dribble.
T15:
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
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All - in pairs with 3 pairs at each course
1 ball per pair, 3 disc cones per course
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 30-yard 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
T6: If the rabbits are not being successful, move the dogs back several yards.
T7: Proper dribbling foot position and length of the dribble are crucial to a rabbit's survival.
T8: The dogs should be using proper sprinting form.
T9: To make the game more fun, have the dogs bark like crazy when they try to chase down
T10:
their rabbit.
Main Activities – 30 Minutes
Crackers/Crunch
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve cutting and acceleration
Mobility Skills
All
Disc cones for three lines
5-10 minutes
This is a very fun game that works on acceleration. It has the added benefit of making players listen
carefully to what you are saying. Wouldn't it be nice if they'd do that all the time. Once the players get
the hang of the game, let the winner from the previous game be the caller. This game is so much fun you'll
have trouble ending the game to play soccer!
Use your disc cones to set up three
parallel lines each 15-20 yards apart.
You stand at the end of the
centerline.
Before the game starts, select one of
end lines to be the "Crackers" line
the other to be the "Crunch" line. If
say "Crackers", players run to the
"Crackers" line. If you say
"Crunch", players run to the
"Crunch" line.
the
and
you
Line all of the players up one behind the other straddling the centerline and facing you. Say either
"Crackers" or "Crunch". Last two players to the correct line are eliminated. The remaining players line up
to try again. Keep playing until only one player is left.
Make it fun by stretching out the words - "Cccccccrrrrrrrrrrackers" or "Cccccccrrrrrrunch".
VARIATIONS
Have each player use a ball. This makes it a dribbling at speed game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T16:
Proper footwork is key. Make sure players plant their trailing
foot and push off without stepping backward.
T17:
Stress proper acceleration and running form.
City Game
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
Multi-faceted game that can be used to improve dribbling, dribbling at speed and agility
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All - divided equally among the four cities
1 ball per player, 16 disc cones
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)
divide the players among the cities
and
Agility Variants (No Balls)
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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)
4. 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.
5. 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 Matthews. Between City B and City C you must
do two Switchbacks and so forth.
6. 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.
Dribbling at Speed Variants (Every Player with a Ball)
Increase the distance between cities to 20 yards.
2. When you say "Go!", each player must dribble at speed 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.
VARIATIONS
Instead of dribbling through each city, make the players perform an appropriate 90°-dribbling move Chop or Pull and Tuck.
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
T18:
Have the players pick the city names. Some "cities" will have an
interesting names like "Mexico" and "Japan"
T19:
For dribbling at speed, work on proper foot position while
dribbling as well as the length of the dribble.
T20:
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 – 15 Minutes
4v4 Movable Goal
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Small-sided game to train all basic aspects of soccer play
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
8 - in two teams of 4
3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 25x30 field, 2 corner flags, 4 coaches or parents to serve
as "goal posts", 4 pinneys
Time
10-15 minutes
This
is a very fun variant of the standard
4v4
game. Because the goals are
moving, players must get their
heads up to see where they must
attack. The "goal posts" can move
as
quickly or as slowly as necessary, but don't make it too hard to score a goal.
Set up a 25x30-yard field using your disc cones. Two coaches or parents grab each end of a corner flag
holding it horizontally. The coaches/parents are the goal posts and the corner flag is the crossbar. Safety
note: if possible, remove the stake from the corner flag (or have the coach/parent cover it up with his/her
hand). Have the other pair of coaches/parents take the second corner flag.
The game is played the same as the standard 4v4 game except that the goals can move. Make sure the
players know which goal they are attacking (you may want to give pinneys to the goal posts). A goal can
be scored in either direction through the goal. The goals can move anywhere on the field of play.
VARIATIONS
Allow both teams to score on either goal.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T21:
T22:
See the standard 4v4 game.
Because the goals can move, players need to adapt quickly to
their changing environment. This is a crucial skill for success in soccer.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U8/U7 Curriculum Week 3
Sample Training Session – Mobility Skills
Theme
Mobility Skills -running forward and backward
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Slam
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Juggling (5 minutes)
Around the Cones (5 minutes) – Add Ball
Main Activities - 30 minutes
Demonstrate proper running form forward and backward (emphasize arm movements)
Use skipping to demonstrate arm movement (2 minutes)
Capture the Flag (10 minutes)
Sharks n’ Minnows (15 Minutes)
Small-Sided Game - 15 minutes
4v4 Four Goals
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Ask players to demonstrate juggling skills assign number of juggles as goal for next
practice.
Remind players of game schedules etc.
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Slam
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve striking and receiving of the ball
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball
All - no more than six players per wall.
Several soccer balls per wall
5-10 minutes
This is a classic playground game. There are almost limitless variations possible and players will play the
game for the entire training session if allowed.
You need some sort of rebounding surface to be able to play Slam. At Urbana Park, our new shooting
wall on the Lower Field is perfect. Plus, you can use both sides of the wall at once to have two
simultaneous games. You can also play Slam using the wooden rebounding walls that are at Urbana Park.
Putting two walls side-by-side will make the game a little easier. At other practice locations, building walls
can be used. Please keep an eye out for safety - stay away from windows, outside lights and low roofs. At
Oakdale MS, the concrete wall on the tennis courts makes for a great game of Slam. Please make sure that
players do not wear their cleats on the tennis courts.
In the basic game of Slam, players line up one
the other approximately 10-15 yards from the
first player in the line has the ball. All players have
"lives".
behind
wall. The
three
To start the game, the first player shoots the ball
against
the wall and goes to the end of the line. The second player receives the shot off the wall and must shoot
within two touches - the first touch to control the ball and the second touch to shoot (shooting on the
first touch is fine, too). The player loses a life if he/she misses the wall completely or lets the ball stop
moving at any time. If a player loses a life, the next player in line starts the game again with a shot. As long
as the shots are successful, play continues in a round-robin fashion until someone loses a life.
Players are eliminated from the game when they have lost their third life. The last player with one or more
lives left is the winner. The winner picks the next game.
VARIATIONS
To make this a non-elimination game, a player gets a point each time that he/she is successful. First player
to get ten points wins the game.
When a player is eliminated, allow them to get an extra life if they can juggle the ball five times in a row
before the end of the game.
Using disc cones, make a line five yards in front of the wall. All shots must be taken from behind the line
and must come back beyond the line or the shooter loses a life. This is a great game to work on longer
shots.
Play a game where only one touch is allowed.
Play a game where you must use two touches. This helps to improve first touch control.
Play a game where only one foot can be used for shooting (or for all touches).
Make the middle of the wall out-of-bounds (i.e., a goalie). Players lose a life it they hit the middle area.
Have the first player volley the ball. The next player runs to pick up the volley after it rebounds off the
wall. The second player volleys the ball from where he/she picked it up. Players continue volleying the ball
until someone loses a life.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T23:
T24:
Constantly stress to the players to keep the ball moving.
Stress a good first touch that pushes the ball an adequate
distance away so a proper approach and shot can be made. If the first touch does not push the ball far enough away,
the player will have difficulty shooting with the ball under his/her feet.
T25:
Stress proper shooting technique. Make sure the players follow
through on their longer shots.
T26:
This is a great game to work on a player's non-dominant foot.
Make sure there are both right-footed and left footed games.
Warmup Activities – 10 Minutes
Juggling
For U8s, we will concentrate on thigh and foot juggling. A basic progression for juggling is:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Thigh and catch
Other thigh and catch
Foot and catch
Other foot and catch
Thigh, other thigh and catch
Foot, other foot and catch
Thigh, foot and catch
Bounce juggling (juggle, bounce, juggle, bounce, juggle, etc.).
Free form juggling using any body part other than the hands and arms.
Some important points in regard to juggling:
•
•
•
•
Let the ball bounce once on the ground if that is necessary.
For thigh juggling, make sure they are using their thigh and not their knee. Knees are too
bony and can't control the ball. Thigh should be parallel to the ground so the ball pops
straight up.
When juggling with your foot, use the instep of the foot as opposed to the inside or outside
of the foot.
Consider doing timed juggling to see how many juggles players can do in 30 seconds (does
not have to be consecutive juggles - just the total).
•
Juggling balloons or beach balls can help players get more confidence.
Around the Cones
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All - in relay teams with 3 or 4 players per team
1 ball per relay team; 4 disc cones per team
5 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
cones in front of each relay
team at the following distances:
yards (the starting line), 10
yards, 20 yards and 30 yards.
disc
0
When the relay is started, the
first
player from each relay dribbles
around the 10-yard cone and
then
passes to the second player.
The
second player dribbles around
the
10-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 20-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 30-yard cone and passes to the second player.
The relay is done when the last player dribbles around the 30-yard cone and dribbles back across the
starting line.
The different distances allow players to change their dribbling patterns to be most successful. In addition,
you get some work on passing, receiving and first-touch control during the relay.
VARIATIONS
Instead of just dribbling around the cones, have the players practice one of the 180° moves (Zico or
Switchback) 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
T27:
T28:
T29:
length of the dribble.
Make sure players are dribbling in a straight line.
Divide players into relay teams that are equal.
Work on proper foot position while dribbling as well as the
T30:
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.
Main Activities – 30 Minutes
Capture the Flag
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling and problem solving skills
Ball Mastery
All - in 2 teams
Lots of balls, 8 disc cones
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
yards apart. Place half of the balls in
square. Place all of the players from
team in one square; all of the players
the second team in the other square.
20
each
one
for
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
T11:
and the next game with the left.
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only
Sharks 'n Minnows
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling at speed and under pressure
Ball Mastery
All - two players start out as sharks (the rest are minnows)
1 ball per minnow; disc cones to set up a 20x25-yard area
15 minutes
This is the soccer version of the classic swimming pool game. It challenges players’ (minnows’) dribbling
skill by introducing defenders (sharks).
Use your disc cones to set up a 20x25-yard area. Pick two players to be sharks and place them at one end
of the marked area. The remaining players are minnows. Each minnow needs a ball and all of the
minnows line up on the other side of the
marked area.
When you say "Swim!", the minnows must
"swim" (i.e., dribble) across the marked area to
other end. The sharks try to knock each
minnow's ball out of the marked area. If a
minnow's ball is knocked out of the marked
before he/she reaches the end, that minnow
becomes a shark for the next round.
the
area
After the round, all of the sharks go to the
other end of the marked area and the surviving minnows try again. Last two surviving minnows become
the sharks for the next game.
VARIATIONS
You can easily make this a tag game to work on movement skills and agility instead of dribbling. Give
each minnow a pinney. Have the minnows tuck them in the top of their shorts with most of the pinney
still showing (like flag football). The sharks must grab the pinney.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T12:
they won't be caught.
Teach your players to recognize space and to explode into it so
Small Sided Game – 15 Minutes
4v4 4 Goals
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To train changing of direction while dribbling and the concept of space
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
8 - in two teams of 4
3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 25x30 field, 8 corner flags, 4 pinneys
10-15 minutes
U8s are notorious in 4v4 for blocking the goal with two or three defenders. In this game, each team has
two goals to attack. The object is to attack one goal, draw all of the defenders, and then quickly change
direction and attack the undefended goal. As the players get older, this change of direction will most likely
be done with a pass. At this age, it will usually be done with a change of direction dribbling move.
Set up is the same as the
standard 4v4 game
except we use corner
flags
for goals and create four
goals instead of two.
Make each goal 2 yards
wide
and place a goal in each
corner of the field.
Now, teams will try to
score a goal in either of
the
two goals on the goal
line
they are attacking. If you
don't have enough
corner flags, just make a
goal
with one corner flag and the disc cone that marks the corner of the field. If you have two sets of Pugg
goals, you can use those.
The game is played the same as the standard 4v4 game. Try to get the players to recognize when they are
dribbling toward a heavily defended goal (one with two or more defenders). When that occurs, they
should immediately change directions via a dribbling move or pass and attack the other goal. See if they
can be patient and switch back and forth if the defenders are playing well.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T13:
T14:
See the standard 4v4 game.
As U10s, you'll start to teach them about spacing, and that one
attacking player should play wide by the other goal. That way, he/she will be open for a pass and an easy goal. At
U8, that's a long way from the action. See if you can get the attackers to spread out around the dribbler. That will be
a good first step.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U8/U7 Curriculum Week 4
Sample Training Session – Mobility Skills
Theme
Mobility Skills -running forward and backward
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Slam
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Juggling (5 minutes)
Around the Cones (5 minutes) – Add Ball
Main Activities - 30 minutes
Demonstrate proper running form forward and backward (emphasize arm movements)
Use skipping to demonstrate arm movement (2 minutes)
Capture the Flag (10 minutes)
Sharks n’ Minnows (15 Minutes)
Small-Sided Game - 15 minutes
4v4 Four Goals
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Ask players to demonstrate juggling skills assign number of juggles as goal for next
practice.
Remind players of game schedules etc.
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Slam
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve striking and receiving of the ball
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball
All - no more than six players per wall.
Several soccer balls per wall
5-10 minutes
This is a classic playground game. There are almost limitless variations possible and players will play the
game for the entire training session if allowed.
You need some sort of rebounding surface to be able to play Slam. At Urbana Park, our new shooting
wall on the Lower Field is perfect. Plus, you can use both sides of the wall at once to have two
simultaneous games. You can also play Slam using the wooden rebounding walls that are at Urbana Park.
Putting two walls side-by-side will make the game a little easier. At other practice locations, building walls
can be used. Please keep an eye out for safety - stay away from windows, outside lights and low roofs. At
Oakdale MS, the concrete wall on the tennis courts makes for a great game of Slam. Please make sure that
players do not wear their cleats on the tennis courts.
In the basic game of Slam, players line up one
the other approximately 10-15 yards from the
first player in the line has the ball. All players have
"lives".
behind
wall. The
three
To start the game, the first player shoots the ball
against
the wall and goes to the end of the line. The second player receives the shot off the wall and must shoot
within two touches - the first touch to control the ball and the second touch to shoot (shooting on the
first touch is fine, too). The player loses a life if he/she misses the wall completely or lets the ball stop
moving at any time. If a player loses a life, the next player in line starts the game again with a shot. As long
as the shots are successful, play continues in a round-robin fashion until someone loses a life.
Players are eliminated from the game when they have lost their third life. The last player with one or more
lives left is the winner. The winner picks the next game.
VARIATIONS
To make this a non-elimination game, a player gets a point each time that he/she is successful. First player
to get ten points wins the game.
When a player is eliminated, allow them to get an extra life if they can juggle the ball five times in a row
before the end of the game.
Using disc cones, make a line five yards in front of the wall. All shots must be taken from behind the line
and must come back beyond the line or the shooter loses a life. This is a great game to work on longer
shots.
Play a game where only one touch is allowed.
Play a game where you must use two touches. This helps to improve first touch control.
Play a game where only one foot can be used for shooting (or for all touches).
Make the middle of the wall out-of-bounds (i.e., a goalie). Players lose a life it they hit the middle area.
Have the first player volley the ball. The next player runs to pick up the volley after it rebounds off the
wall. The second player volleys the ball from where he/she picked it up. Players continue volleying the ball
until someone loses a life.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T31:
T32:
Constantly stress to the players to keep the ball moving.
Stress a good first touch that pushes the ball an adequate
distance away so a proper approach and shot can be made. If the first touch does not push the ball far enough away,
the player will have difficulty shooting with the ball under his/her feet.
T33:
Stress proper shooting technique. Make sure the players follow
through on their longer shots.
T34:
This is a great game to work on a player's non-dominant foot.
Make sure there are both right-footed and left footed games.
Warmup Activities – 10 Minutes
Juggling
For U8s, we will concentrate on thigh and foot juggling. A basic progression for juggling is:
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Thigh and catch
Other thigh and catch
Foot and catch
Other foot and catch
Thigh, other thigh and catch
Foot, other foot and catch
Thigh, foot and catch
Bounce juggling (juggle, bounce, juggle, bounce, juggle, etc.).
Free form juggling using any body part other than the hands and arms.
Some important points in regard to juggling:
•
•
•
•
Let the ball bounce once on the ground if that is necessary.
For thigh juggling, make sure they are using their thigh and not their knee. Knees are too
bony and can't control the ball. Thigh should be parallel to the ground so the ball pops
straight up.
When juggling with your foot, use the instep of the foot as opposed to the inside or outside
of the foot.
Consider doing timed juggling to see how many juggles players can do in 30 seconds (does
not have to be consecutive juggles - just the total).
•
Juggling balloons or beach balls can help players get more confidence.
Around the Cones
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All - in relay teams with 3 or 4 players per team
1 ball per relay team; 4 disc cones per team
5 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
cones in front of each relay
team at the following distances:
yards (the starting line), 10
yards, 20 yards and 30 yards.
disc
0
When the relay is started, the
first
player from each relay dribbles
around the 10-yard cone and
then
passes to the second player.
The
second player dribbles around
the
10-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 20-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 30-yard cone and passes to the second player.
The relay is done when the last player dribbles around the 30-yard cone and dribbles back across the
starting line.
The different distances allow players to change their dribbling patterns to be most successful. In addition,
you get some work on passing, receiving and first-touch control during the relay.
VARIATIONS
Instead of just dribbling around the cones, have the players practice one of the 180° moves (Zico or
Switchback) 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
T35:
T36:
T37:
length of the dribble.
Make sure players are dribbling in a straight line.
Divide players into relay teams that are equal.
Work on proper foot position while dribbling as well as the
T38:
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.
Main Activities – 30 Minutes
Capture the Flag
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling and problem solving skills
Ball Mastery
All - in 2 teams
Lots of balls, 8 disc cones
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
yards apart. Place half of the balls in
square. Place all of the players from
team in one square; all of the players
the second team in the other square.
20
each
one
for
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
T15:
and the next game with the left.
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only
Sharks 'n Minnows
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling at speed and under pressure
Ball Mastery
All - two players start out as sharks (the rest are minnows)
1 ball per minnow; disc cones to set up a 20x25-yard area
15 minutes
This is the soccer version of the classic swimming pool game. It challenges players’ (minnows’) dribbling
skill by introducing defenders (sharks).
Use your disc cones to set up a 20x25-yard area. Pick two players to be sharks and place them at one end
of the marked area. The remaining players are minnows. Each minnow needs a ball and all of the
minnows line up on the other side of the
marked area.
When you say "Swim!", the minnows must
"swim" (i.e., dribble) across the marked area to
other end. The sharks try to knock each
minnow's ball out of the marked area. If a
minnow's ball is knocked out of the marked
before he/she reaches the end, that minnow
becomes a shark for the next round.
the
area
After the round, all of the sharks go to the
other end of the marked area and the surviving minnows try again. Last two surviving minnows become
the sharks for the next game.
VARIATIONS
You can easily make this a tag game to work on movement skills and agility instead of dribbling. Give
each minnow a pinney. Have the minnows tuck them in the top of their shorts with most of the pinney
still showing (like flag football). The sharks must grab the pinney.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T16:
they won't be caught.
Teach your players to recognize space and to explode into it so
Small Sided Game – 15 Minutes
4v4 4 Goals
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To train changing of direction while dribbling and the concept of space
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
8 - in two teams of 4
3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 25x30 field, 8 corner flags, 4 pinneys
10-15 minutes
U8s are notorious in 4v4 for blocking the goal with two or three defenders. In this game, each team has
two goals to attack. The object is to attack one goal, draw all of the defenders, and then quickly change
direction and attack the undefended goal. As the players get older, this change of direction will most likely
be done with a pass. At this age, it will usually be done with a change of direction dribbling move.
Set up is the same as the
standard 4v4 game
except we use corner
flags
for goals and create four
goals instead of two.
Make each goal 2 yards
wide
and place a goal in each
corner of the field.
Now, teams will try to
score a goal in either of
the
two goals on the goal
line
they are attacking. If you
don't have enough
corner flags, just make a
goal
with one corner flag and the disc cone that marks the corner of the field. If you have two sets of Pugg
goals, you can use those.
The game is played the same as the standard 4v4 game. Try to get the players to recognize when they are
dribbling toward a heavily defended goal (one with two or more defenders). When that occurs, they
should immediately change directions via a dribbling move or pass and attack the other goal. See if they
can be patient and switch back and forth if the defenders are playing well.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T17:
T18:
See the standard 4v4 game.
As U10s, you'll start to teach them about spacing, and that one
attacking player should play wide by the other goal. That way, he/she will be open for a pass and an easy goal. At
U8, that's a long way from the action. See if you can get the attackers to spread out around the dribbler. That will be
a good first step.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U8/U7 Curriculum Week 5
Sample Training Session - Ball Mastery
Theme
Ball mastery
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Juggling
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Ballnastics (5 minutes) - Step Ups, Foundation, Pull the V
Like Magnets (5 minutes) - Zico as move to be made
Main Activities - 30 minutes
Demonstrate Spin, Switchback
Freeze Tag (10 minutes) - Spin and then Switchback as moves to be made
Run the Gauntlet (10-15 minutes)
Small-Sided Game - 15 minutes
4v4 Line Soccer - award extra point if player does a Spin or Switchback!
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Review Spin and Switchback - ask players to demonstrate.
Up date players on practice schedule etc.
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Juggling
For U8s, we will concentrate on thigh and foot juggling. A basic progression for juggling is:
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
Thigh and catch
Other thigh and catch
Foot and catch
Other foot and catch
Thigh, other thigh and catch
Foot, other foot and catch
Thigh, foot and catch
Bounce juggling (juggle, bounce, juggle, bounce, juggle, etc.).
Free form juggling using any body part other than the hands and arms.
Some important points in regard to juggling:
•
•
•
•
•
Let the ball bounce once on the ground if that is necessary.
For thigh juggling, make sure they are using their thigh and not their knee. Knees are too
bony and can't control the ball. Thigh should be parallel to the ground so the ball pops
straight up.
When juggling with your foot, use the instep of the foot as opposed to the inside or outside
of the foot.
Consider doing timed juggling to see how many juggles players can do in 30 seconds (does
not have to be consecutive juggles - just the total).
Juggling balloons or beach balls can help players get more confidence.
Warmup Activities – 10 Minutes
Foundation
Purpose
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To develop balance and foot quickness
All
1 ball per player
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
T39:
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.
T40:
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.
T41:
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 or 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.
Pull the V
Purpose
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To develop the quickness necessary to make moves to get out of congested areas
All
1 ball per player
20-30 seconds
Start with your feet shoulder width apart and the ball 1 to 2 feet in front of your left foot. Reach across
with your right foot and drag the ball with the sole of your right foot until the ball reaches the middle of
your stance. Without letting your right foot touch the ground, pivot your right hip 45° to your right. Push
the ball with the inside of your right foot until it is 1 to 2 feet in front of your right foot's originally starting
location. Put your right foot down so that your feet are shoulder width apart again. Repeat with the left
foot.
The goal is to repeatedly make the letter "V" in the grass as you pull/push the ball back and forth.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
While you want players to make Vs as fast as possible, you want them to do it with a fluid rhythm. Players should be
pivoting at the hip as they transition from the sole of the foot to the inside of the foot. The stationary foot should
be just that - stationary.
T2: Pull the V is an important tool for players to master. The "V" ball movement is necessary to get out of tight,
congested areas where defenders are very close.
Like Magnets
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
To improve 180° dribbling moves (Zico/Switchback)
Ball Mastery
All
1 ball for each player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area, pair of like and opposite
magnets
Time
2-3 minutes
Nothing like a lesson in physics to spice up soccer
training. Show the players how the opposite charged
magnets attract while the like magnets repel each
other.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately
20x25 yards. Choose a 180° dribbling move (Zico or
Switchback) to be used during the game.
When you say "Go!", all players start dribbling around in the area. Whenever they approach another
player, they must act as if they are like magnets and repel each other. To do this, they do the selected
dribbling move and dribble off in the other direction.
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 – 30 Minutes
Freeze Tag
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve general dribbling skills as well as particular dribbling moves
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All (one is Mr./Mrs. Freeze)
1 ball for each player (except Mr./Mrs. Freeze), disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
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
T42:
Just attempting the "safe" move makes the player safe - it doesn't
have to be successful.
T43:
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.
T44:
Make the area smaller/larger to make the game more
difficult/easier.
Run the Gauntlet
Purpose
To improve 1v1 dribbling skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players Minimum 6, maximum 12
Equipment 1 ball per player, 8 disc cones
Time
5-10 minutes
This excellent, rapid-fire 1v1 game challenges dribbling skills and requires quick thinking.
Mark the corners of a 10x30-yard area. Put additional cones at 10 and 20 yards on each of the 30-yard
sides. You
should now
have three
consecutive
10x10-yard
areas.
Pick three
players to be
defenders. Have the first defender stand between the two 10-yard cones. The second defender stands
between the two 20-yard cones. The third defender stands between the two 30-yard cones. The other
players each get a ball and line up one behind the other between the 0-yard cones.
When the first player dribbles into the first box, the first defender moves into the box trying to stop the
dribbler from advancing into the second box. If the dribbler successfully makes it to the second box, the
second defender comes forward to defend that box. If the dribbler successfully makes it to the third box,
the third defender comes forward to defend the third box. If the dribbler's ball is knocked out of the
boxes, the dribbler retrieves the ball and moves to the back of the dribblers' line. The dribbler earns one
point for each box they successfully navigate (maximum of three points if they get through all three boxes
without losing his/her ball).
As soon as the first dribbler gets to the second box (or as soon as the first dribbler's ball is knocked out of
the first box), the second dribbler enters the first box.
Defenders must retreat to the back of their box when waiting for the next dribbler.
Play continues in a furious fashion until one of the dribblers gets to 10 points and is the winner.
Keep playing games until everyone has had a chance to be a defender.
VARIATIONS
You can vary the way players start to force them to work on other dribbling aspects:
1. Start with the attacker in the first box with the defender right behind the attacker. The next player
in line passes the ball to the attacker (the pass is free and the defender must let the attacker have
the first touch). By starting in this manner, players must learn to play with their back to the
defender. If the attacker beats the defender in the first box, play continues as in the normal game
for the second and third boxes.
2. Same as #1 above, but pass the ball in from the side of the box. The play is very similar, but now
the attacker must receive the ball from the side and attack.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T45:
Constantly stress the importance of changing direction and
speed to beat the defenders. First, dribble to your left and then make a big move to your right. You can't dribble to
your left and then make a move to your left - you'll be out of space.
T46:
Also stress to the players to dribble into the box and then,
BANG!, make their big move and accelerate away. If they are too cautious and slow, they'll never succeed.
Small Sided Game – 15 Minutes
4v4 Line Soccer
Purpose
To train ball control, dribbling moves, and recognition of space
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players 8 - in two teams of 4
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 30x25 field, 4 pinneys
Time
10-15 minutes
This 4v4 game is all about dribbling so it makes a nice session ending game when dribbling was the theme
of the session.
Set up a 30x25-yard field using
disc cones. Note that the field is
wider than it is long (so that there
more space in which to score a
goal).
your
is
The game is played the same as the
standard 4v4 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 players 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
T47:
T48:
See the standard 4v4 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
U8/U7 Curriculum Week 6
Sample Training Session - Ball Mastery
Theme
Ball mastery
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Juggling
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Ballnastics (5 minutes) - Step Ups, Push Pull, Rollover
Like Magnets (5 minutes) – Chop, Shake N’ Bake moves to be made
Main Activities - 30 minutes
Demonstrate Chop, Shake N’ Bake
Freeze Tag (10 minutes) - Chop and then Shake N’ Bake as moves to be made
Run the Gauntlet (10-15 minutes)
Small-Sided Game - 15 minutes
4v4 4 Goals
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Review moves of the day - ask players to demonstrate.
Update players on practice and game schedule etc.
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Juggling
For U8s, we will concentrate on thigh and foot juggling. A basic progression for juggling is:
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
Thigh and catch
Other thigh and catch
Foot and catch
Other foot and catch
Thigh, other thigh and catch
Foot, other foot and catch
Thigh, foot and catch
Bounce juggling (juggle, bounce, juggle, bounce, juggle, etc.).
Free form juggling using any body part other than the hands and arms.
Some important points in regard to juggling:
•
•
•
•
•
Let the ball bounce once on the ground if that is necessary.
For thigh juggling, make sure they are using their thigh and not their knee. Knees are too
bony and can't control the ball. Thigh should be parallel to the ground so the ball pops
straight up.
When juggling with your foot, use the instep of the foot as opposed to the inside or outside
of the foot.
Consider doing timed juggling to see how many juggles players can do in 30 seconds (does
not have to be consecutive juggles - just the total).
Juggling balloons or beach balls can help players get more confidence.
Warmup Activities – 10 Minutes
Step Ups
Purpose
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To develop balance and foot quickness
All
1 ball per player
20-30 seconds
Start with your feet shoulder width apart and the ball directly in front of you. Touch the top of the ball
with the sole of your right foot, and then return your right foot to its original position. Then, touch the
top of the ball with the sole of your left foot, and then return your left foot to its original position. Keep
alternating feet with no pause in movement.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T1:
T2:
T3:
T4:
T5:
Players should be light on their feet moving as quickly as possible. When done properly, the heels of your feet never
touch the ground.
The ball should not be moving.
Expect a lot of falling down in this exercise. At the U8 level, this is half the fun 
To increase the difficulty, have the players rotate around the ball in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction as
they do their step ups.
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 or 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.
Push-Pull
Purpose
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To develop a light touch on the ball
All
1 ball per player
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
T49:
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.
Rollover
Purpose
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To develop agility and mastery of the ball
All
1 ball per player
20-30 seconds
Start with your feet shoulder width apart and the ball directly in front of your right foot. With your right
foot, roll the ball to your left by moving the right foot from the outside of the ball, over the top, and to
the left side of the ball. Your right foot will end up crossed over your left. Move your left foot to your left
and roll the ball again with your right. You should be moving in a straight line to your left. After 10 yards
or so, switch feet and use your left foot to roll the ball to your right until you end up where you started.
Keep repeating back and forth.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T50:
Make sure the players don't kick the ball to the left and right.
The foot should stay in contact with the ball as it rolls the ball from the outside of the ball, over the top to the
inside of the ball.
T51:
Like Pulling the V, the players should move as fast as possible,
but the movement needs to be fluid and rhythmic.
T52:
A player's torso should always be facing straight ahead (at a 90°
angle to the direction they are traveling). The twisting movements necessary should be coming from the hips.
Like Magnets
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve 180° dribbling moves (Chop/Shake N’ Bake)
Ball Mastery
All
1 ball for each player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area, pair of like and opposite
magnets
2-3 minutes
Nothing like a lesson in physics to spice up soccer
training. Show the players how the opposite charged
magnets attract while the like magnets repel each
other.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately
20x25 yards. Choose a 180° dribbling move (Zico or
Switchback) to be used during the game.
When you say "Go!", all players start dribbling
around in the area. Whenever they approach another player, they must act as if they are like magnets and
repel each other. To do this, they do the selected dribbling move and dribble off in the other direction.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T2:
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 – 30 Minutes
Freeze Tag
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve general dribbling skills as well as particular dribbling moves
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All (one is Mr./Mrs. Freeze)
1 ball for each player (except Mr./Mrs. Freeze), disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
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
T53:
Just attempting the "safe" move makes the player safe - it doesn't
have to be successful.
T54:
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.
T55:
Make the area smaller/larger to make the game more
difficult/easier.
Run the Gauntlet
Purpose
To improve 1v1 dribbling skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players Minimum 6, maximum 12
Equipment 1 ball per player, 8 disc cones
Time
5-10 minutes
This excellent, rapid-fire 1v1 game challenges dribbling skills and requires quick thinking.
Mark the corners of a 10x30-yard area. Put additional cones at 10 and 20 yards on each of the 30-yard
sides. You
should now
have three
consecutive
10x10-yard
areas.
Pick three
players to be
defenders. Have the first defender stand between the two 10-yard cones. The second defender stands
between the two 20-yard cones. The third defender stands between the two 30-yard cones. The other
players each get a ball and line up one behind the other between the 0-yard cones.
When the first player dribbles into the first box, the first defender moves into the box trying to stop the
dribbler from advancing into the second box. If the dribbler successfully makes it to the second box, the
second defender comes forward to defend that box. If the dribbler successfully makes it to the third box,
the third defender comes forward to defend the third box. If the dribbler's ball is knocked out of the
boxes, the dribbler retrieves the ball and moves to the back of the dribblers' line. The dribbler earns one
point for each box they successfully navigate (maximum of three points if they get through all three boxes
without losing his/her ball).
As soon as the first dribbler gets to the second box (or as soon as the first dribbler's ball is knocked out of
the first box), the second dribbler enters the first box.
Defenders must retreat to the back of their box when waiting for the next dribbler.
Play continues in a furious fashion until one of the dribblers gets to 10 points and is the winner.
Keep playing games until everyone has had a chance to be a defender.
VARIATIONS
You can vary the way players start to force them to work on other dribbling aspects:
3. Start with the attacker in the first box with the defender right behind the attacker. The next player
in line passes the ball to the attacker (the pass is free and the defender must let the attacker have
the first touch). By starting in this manner, players must learn to play with their back to the
defender. If the attacker beats the defender in the first box, play continues as in the normal game
for the second and third boxes.
4. Same as #1 above, but pass the ball in from the side of the box. The play is very similar, but now
the attacker must receive the ball from the side and attack.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T56:
Constantly stress the importance of changing direction and
speed to beat the defenders. First, dribble to your left and then make a big move to your right. You can't dribble to
your left and then make a move to your left - you'll be out of space.
T57:
Also stress to the players to dribble into the box and then,
BANG!, make their big move and accelerate away. If they are too cautious and slow, they'll never succeed.
Small Sided Game – 15 Minutes
4v4 4 Goals
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
To train changing of direction while dribbling and the concept of space
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
8 - in two teams of 4
3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 25x30 field, 8 corner flags, 4 pinneys
Time
10-15
minutes
are notorious in 4v4 for
blocking the goal with
or three defenders. In
game, each team has
U8s
two
this
two
goals to attack. The object is to attack one goal, draw all of the defenders, and then quickly change
direction and attack the undefended goal. As the players get older, this change of direction will most likely
be done with a pass. At this age, it will usually be done with a change of direction dribbling move.
Set up is the same as the standard 4v4 game except we use corner flags for goals and create four goals
instead of two. Make each goal 2 yards wide and place a goal in each corner of the field. Now, teams will
try to score a goal in either of the two goals on the goal line they are attacking. If you don't have enough
corner flags, just make a goal with one corner flag and the disc cone that marks the corner of the field. If
you have two sets of Pugg goals, you can use those.
The game is played the same as the standard 4v4 game. Try to get the players to recognize when they are
dribbling toward a heavily defended goal (one with two or more defenders). When that occurs, they
should immediately change directions via a dribbling move or pass and attack the other goal. See if they
can be patient and switch back and forth if the defenders are playing well.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T19:
T20:
See the standard 4v4 game.
As U10s, you'll start to teach them about spacing, and that one
attacking player should play wide by the other goal. That way, he/she will be open for a pass and an easy goal. At
U8, that's a long way from the action. See if you can get the attackers to spread out around the dribbler. That will be
a good first step.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U8/U7 Curriculum Week 7
Sample Training Session - Striking the Ball
Theme
Striking the ball - inside of the foot
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Cross Country
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Pong (5 minutes) - right foot first and then left foot!
Swim the Channel (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 30 minutes
Demonstrate inside of the foot pass technique
Marbles (10 minutes) - right foot, left foot, either foot
Clean Up Your Room (15 minutes) - inside of the foot only - right then left
Small-Sided Game - 15 minutes
4v4 4 Big Goals
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Review inside of the foot technique - see if players can remember key phrases (heel
down/toe up, etc.)
Remind players of practice and game day schedules
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
T21:
T22:
and the next game with the left.
Stress proper striking the ball technique.
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only
Warmup Activities – 10 Minutes
Pong
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To train proper technique when striking the ball with the inside of the foot
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball
All - in pairs with one pair at each goal
1 ball per pair, 2 disc cones per goal
5 minutes
This is a great game to focus solely on striking the ball with the inside of the foot. It is a very controlled
game so it is easy to have players work on striking the ball with either foot. A side benefit is that players
learn receiving skills as well.
Use your disc cones to set up one goal for each pair. Each goal
should be two yards wide. There should be about five yards
between each goal so the pairs won't be interfering with one
another. Player A should be about three yards on one side of the
player B about three yards on the other side of the goal.
goal;
Tell the players which foot they will be using for passing. When you say "Go!", players in each pair pass
back and forth to each other using the inside of the chosen foot. If the ball goes through the goal, that
pair is awarded one point. First pair to ten wins the game and jumps for joy! Have the pairs count each
point aloud so you can tell how much progress they are making (this also puts pressure on the teams who
are behind to catch up). The game should look like the old Pong arcade game.
Switch the passing foot for the second game and play again. If the players are doing well, have them move
back several steps and play again.
VARIATIONS
Instead of playing to ten, if a pair makes three consecutive successful passes through the goal, each player
takes one big step backward. If they mess up, they have to start back at the beginning (three yards from
the goal). See which pair can get the furthest apart.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T58:
Plant foot pointing toward the target (through the goal), passing
foot turned outward at a 90° angle, heel down/toes up, lock the ankle, and follow through.
T59:
Have the players try to keep the ball moving. You don't want
them to trap it and then pass it.
T60:
This can turn into a boring drill very quickly. Make sure you
keep it a game by keeping score or some other means.
Swim the Channel
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve movement skills, agility and striking the ball
Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
All - two players start out as passers (the rest are swimmers)
Lots of balls; disc cones to set up a 20x25 yard area
5-10 minutes
This is another extremely fun game like Sharks 'n Minnows. In Swim the Channel, the roles are reversed the swimmers play without a ball while the taggers have all of the balls.
Use your disc cones to set up a 20x25-yard area. Pick two players to be passers and place them on
opposite sides of the marked area. Split all of the soccer balls between the two passers. The remaining
players are swimmers. All of the swimmers line
up at
one end of the marked area.
When you say "Swim!", the swimmers must
"swim" (i.e., run) across the marked area to the
end. The passers pass the ball and try to hit the
swimmers BELOW the waist before they
the end of the area. Swimmers who are hit
become passers in the next round.
After the round, split the passers evenly on
side of the area. The surviving swimmers try
again. Last two surviving swimmers become
passers for the next game.
other
reach
each
the
TECHNICAL POINTS
T23:
Make sure that the passers are passing the ball and not shooting.
Because you can only be hit below the waist, stress to the passers to keep the ball low (and so that there are no
tears).
T24:
You can work on passing with both feet by making players play
one game with one foot and the next game with the other.
T25:
To keep the game flowing as quickly as possible, have parents
help you retrieve balls.
Main Activities – 30 Minutes
Marbles
Purpose
Theme(s)
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve striking the ball with the inside of the foot
Basic Passing,
All - in 2 teams
Lots of balls, 10 disc cones
5-10 minutes
is the soccer equivalent of the standard marbles game. It's
good game to use because there are no lines and everyone
active at the same time. It helps if you have a bountiful
supply of soccer balls for this game so that there are
plenty of target marbles and plenty of balls to use as
shooters.
This
a
is
Use your disc cones to set up two parallel lines that are 10
yards apart, and put 5-10 balls in between the two lines.
Have one team set up on the outside of each line. Each
player should have a ball. It is very helpful if the 5-10 balls
in
the middle (a.k.a., the marbles) are easily differentiated from the other balls. This way, players will know
the balls at which they are shooting. If you don't have different color soccer balls, you can put duct tape
on the "marbles" to differentiate them.
When you say "Go!", players from both teams begin shooting their soccer balls at the "marbles" in the
middle. Players should be using the inside of their feet to strike the ball. The goal of the game is to knock
the marbles across the other team's line. The game is over when all of the marbles have been knocked
over one of the two lines. Count the marbles knocked out by each team to determine the winner.
TECHNICAL POINTS
Stress proper inside of the foot technique.
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only and the next game with the left.
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 both
teams try to "clean up their rooms" by
kicking balls over to the other team's
"room". Play the game for 1-2 minutes.
the end of that time, the team with the
"cleanest room" (i.e., the fewest balls)
At
wins.
Note that players are not allowed to go into the neutral zone to recover any balls there although they can
try to 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.
Small Sided Game – 15 Minutes
4v4 4 Big Goals
Purpose
Theme(s)
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To train changing the point of attack, the concept of space and shooting
Ball Mastery, Basic Passing, Shooting, Basic Team Play, Basic Communication
8 - in two teams of 4
3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 25x30 field, 8 corner flags, 4 pinneys
10-15 minutes
This game is the same as the 4v4 4 Goals game except the goals are bigger to put more emphasis on
shooting.
Set up is the same as the 4v4
Goals game except the goals
should all be six yards wide.
4
The game is played the
same as the standard 4v4
game. Try to get the players
to
recognize when they are
dribbling toward a heavily
defended goal (one with
two
or more defenders). When
that
occurs, they should
immediately change directions via a dribbling move or pass and attack the other goal. See if they can be
patient and switch back and forth if the defenders are playing well.
Also, stress that the players should shoot as soon as possible (shoot early). With such big goals, the players
should be able to shoot and score from a good distance.
VARIATIONS
Play with goalies but only use one goalie per team. That means the goalie has to defend two goals, which
can lead to lots of fun (and some exercise for the goalie).
TECHNICAL POINTS
See the standard 4v4 game.
Remember diamonds and triangles. Make sure players spread out so they can switch the attack to the other goal quickly.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U8/U7 Curriculum Week 8
Sample Training Session - Striking the Ball
Theme
Striking the ball - inside of the foot
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Cross Country
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Crows and Cranes (5 minutes)
Swim the Channel (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 30 minutes
Demonstrate inside of the foot pass technique
Dribble and Shoot (10 minutes) - right foot, left foot, either foot
Clean Up Your Room (15 minutes) - inside of the foot only - right then left
Small-Sided Game - 15 minutes
4v4 Shoot!
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Review inside of the foot technique - see if players can remember key phrases (heel
down/toe up, etc.)
Remind players of practice and game day schedules
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
T26:
T27:
and the next game with the left.
Stress proper striking the ball technique.
Work on both feet by playing one game with the right foot only
Warmup Activities – 10 Minutes
Crows and Cranes
Purpose
Theme(s)
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve turning and acceleration as well as inside of the foot passing
Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
All - divided into two teams
Lots of balls (at least one per player), disc cones for three lines
5-10 minutes
At this age, this game will be a player's favorite. It has an advantage over Crackers/Crunch in that it is not
an elimination game. There is also a lower probability of tears in this game (than in other similar games
like Swim the Channel and Pac Man) because players are usually hit in the back because they are running
away.
Use your disc cones to set up three
parallel lines each 20 yards apart. You
stand at the end of the centerline. All of
balls are placed on the centerline with
teams facing one another. Before the
game starts, select one of the teams to be
"Crows" and the other to be "Cranes"
the
When the players are ready, call out a
team's name ("Crows" or "Cranes"). The
team not called turns and tries to run to
their line. The players on the called team pass the ball (inside of the foot) and try to hit the retreating
players. Any players who are hit before reaching the line switch teams and join the team that hit them.
The game continues until all the players are on one team.
Make it fun by stretching out the words - "Cccccccrrrrrrrrrrows" or "Cccccccrrrrranes".
TECHNICAL POINTS
T28:
T29:
Stress proper inside of the foot passing form.
Stress proper acceleration and running form.
Swim the Channel
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve movement skills, agility and striking the ball
Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
All - two players start out as passers (the rest are swimmers)
Lots of balls; disc cones to set up a 20x25 yard area
5-10 minutes
This is another extremely fun game like Sharks 'n Minnows. In Swim the Channel, the roles are reversed the swimmers play without a ball while the taggers have all of the balls.
Use your disc cones to set up a 20x25-yard area. Pick two players to be passers and place them on
opposite sides of the marked area. Split all of the soccer balls between the two passers. The remaining
players are swimmers. All of the swimmers line
up at
one end of the marked area.
When you say "Swim!", the swimmers must
"swim" (i.e., run) across the marked area to the
end. The passers pass the ball and try to hit the
swimmers BELOW the waist before they
the end of the area. Swimmers who are hit
become passers in the next round.
After the round, split the passers evenly on
side of the area. The surviving swimmers try
again. Last two surviving swimmers become
passers for the next game.
other
reach
each
the
TECHNICAL POINTS
T30:
Make sure that the passers are passing the ball and not shooting.
Because you can only be hit below the waist, stress to the passers to keep the ball low (and so that there are no
tears).
T31:
You can work on passing with both feet by making players play
one game with one foot and the next game with the other.
T32:
To keep the game flowing as quickly as possible, have parents
help you retrieve balls.
Main Activities – 30 Minutes
Dribble and Shoot
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve instep shooting off the dribble.
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball
All - in two groups
Lots of balls, 2 disc cones, 2 Pugg goals (or any goals)
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
T33:
let players walk into their shots.
Dribbling moves and shots must be made at game speed. Don't
T34:
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.
T35:
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.
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 both
teams try to "clean up their rooms" by
kicking balls over to the other team's
"room". Play the game for 1-2 minutes.
the end of that time, the team with the
"cleanest room" (i.e., the fewest balls)
Note that players are not allowed to go
the neutral zone to recover any balls there
although they can try to knock them out
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.
At
wins.
into
like
Small Sided Game – 15 Minutes
4v4 SHOOT!
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
Small-sided game to train shooting
Ball Mastery, Striking the Ball, Mobility Skills
8 - in two teams of 4
3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 30x20 field, 4 corner flags, 4 pinneys
10-15 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 4v4
game except:
1. Field is 30x20 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 usually no goalies in this
game, but you can add them if you like.
The game is played the same as the
standard 4v4 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
T61:
T62:
See the standard 4v4 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
U8/U7 Curriculum Week 9
Sample Training Session – Mobility Skills
Theme
Mobility Skills -running forward and backward
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Retriever
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Around the Cones (3 minutes) - no ball
Dogs 'n Rabbits (5 minutes)
Main Activities - 30 minutes
Demonstrate proper running form forward and backward (emphasize arm movements)
Use skipping to demonstrate arm movement (2 minutes)
Crackers/Crunch (10 minutes)
City Game (15 minutes) - forward to 2 cities; backward to 2 cities
Small-Sided Game - 15 minutes
4v4 Movable Goal
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Ask players to demonstrate proper running form.
Remind players of game on game schedules etc.
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.
Warmup Activities – 10 Minutes
Around the Cones
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All - in relay teams with 3 or 4 players per team
1 ball per relay team; 4 disc cones per team
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
cones in front of each relay
team at the following distances:
yards (the starting line), 10
yards, 20 yards and 30 yards.
disc
0
When the relay is started, the
first
player from each relay dribbles
around the 10-yard cone and
then
passes to the second player.
The
second player dribbles around
the
10-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 20-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 30-yard cone and passes to the second player.
The relay is done when the last player dribbles around the 30-yard cone and dribbles back across the
starting line.
The different distances allow players to change their dribbling patterns to be most successful. In addition,
you get some work on passing, receiving and first-touch control during the relay.
VARIATIONS
Instead of just dribbling around the cones, have the players practice one of the 180° moves (Zico or
Switchback) 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
T63:
T64:
Make sure players are dribbling in a straight line.
Divide players into relay teams that are equal.
T65:
Work on proper foot position while dribbling as well as the
length of the dribble.
T66:
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
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve dribbling at speed in a straight line
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All - in pairs with 3 pairs at each course
1 ball per pair, 3 disc cones per course
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 30-yard 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
T36:
If the rabbits are not being successful, move the dogs back
several yards.
T37:
Proper dribbling foot position and length of the dribble are
crucial to a rabbit's survival.
T38:
T39:
they try to chase down their rabbit.
T40:
The dogs should be using proper sprinting form.
To make the game more fun, have the dogs bark like crazy when
Main Activities – 30 Minutes
Crackers/Crunch
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve cutting and acceleration
Mobility Skills
All
Disc cones for three lines
5-10 minutes
This is a very fun game that works on acceleration. It has the added benefit of making players listen
carefully to what you are saying. Wouldn't it be nice if they'd do that all the time. Once the players get
the hang of the game, let the winner from the previous game be the caller. This game is so much fun you'll
have trouble ending the game to play soccer!
Use your disc cones to set up three
parallel lines each 15-20 yards apart.
You stand at the end of the
centerline.
Before the game starts, select one of
end lines to be the "Crackers" line
the other to be the "Crunch" line. If
say "Crackers", players run to the
"Crackers" line. If you say
"Crunch", players run to the
"Crunch" line.
the
and
you
Line all of the players up one behind the other straddling the centerline and facing you. Say either
"Crackers" or "Crunch". Last two players to the correct line are eliminated. The remaining players line up
to try again. Keep playing until only one player is left.
Make it fun by stretching out the words - "Cccccccrrrrrrrrrrackers" or "Cccccccrrrrrrunch".
VARIATIONS
Have each player use a ball. This makes it a dribbling at speed game.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T67:
Proper footwork is key. Make sure players plant their trailing
foot and push off without stepping backward.
T68:
Stress proper acceleration and running form.
City Game
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
Multi-faceted game that can be used to improve dribbling, dribbling at speed and agility
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All - divided equally among the four cities
1 ball per player, 16 disc cones
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)
divide the players among the cities
and
Agility Variants (No Balls)
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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)
7. 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.
8. 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 Matthews. Between City B and City C you must
do two Switchbacks and so forth.
9. 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.
Dribbling at Speed Variants (Every Player with a Ball)
Increase the distance between cities to 20 yards.
3. When you say "Go!", each player must dribble at speed 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.
VARIATIONS
Instead of dribbling through each city, make the players perform an appropriate 90°-dribbling move Chop or Pull and Tuck.
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
T69:
Have the players pick the city names. Some "cities" will have an
interesting names like "Mexico" and "Japan"
T70:
For dribbling at speed, work on proper foot position while
dribbling as well as the length of the dribble.
T71:
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 – 15 Minutes
4v4 Movable Goal
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Small-sided game to train all basic aspects of soccer play
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
8 - in two teams of 4
3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 25x30 field, 2 corner flags, 4 coaches or parents to serve
as "goal posts", 4 pinneys
Time
10-15 minutes
This
is a very fun variant of the standard
4v4
game. Because the goals are
moving, players must get their
heads up to see where they must
attack. The "goal posts" can move
as
quickly or as slowly as necessary, but don't make it too hard to score a goal.
Set up a 25x30-yard field using your disc cones. Two coaches or parents grab each end of a corner flag
holding it horizontally. The coaches/parents are the goal posts and the corner flag is the crossbar. Safety
note: if possible, remove the stake from the corner flag (or have the coach/parent cover it up with his/her
hand). Have the other pair of coaches/parents take the second corner flag.
The game is played the same as the standard 4v4 game except that the goals can move. Make sure the
players know which goal they are attacking (you may want to give pinneys to the goal posts). A goal can
be scored in either direction through the goal. The goals can move anywhere on the field of play.
VARIATIONS
Allow both teams to score on either goal.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T72:
T73:
See the standard 4v4 game.
Because the goals can move, players need to adapt quickly to
their changing environment. This is a crucial skill for success in soccer.
AYSA Inter Atlanta FC
U8/U7 Curriculum Week 10
Sample Training Session - Ball Mastery
Theme
Ball mastery
Pre-Session Game - N minutes
Juggling
Warmup Activities - 10 minutes
Ballnastics (5 minutes) - Step Ups, Foundation, Pull the V
Like Magnets (5 minutes) - Zico as move to be made
Main Activities - 30 minutes
Demonstrate Spin, Switchback
Freeze Tag (10 minutes) - Spin and then Switchback as moves to be made
Run the Gauntlet (10-15 minutes)
Small-Sided Game - 15 minutes
4v4 Line Soccer - award extra point if player does a Spin or Switchback!
Wrap Up - 2 minutes
Review Spin and Switchback - ask players to demonstrate.
Up date players on practice schedule etc.
Clean Up - 3 minutes
Pre-Session Game
Juggling
For U8s, we will concentrate on thigh and foot juggling. A basic progression for juggling is:
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
Thigh and catch
Other thigh and catch
Foot and catch
Other foot and catch
Thigh, other thigh and catch
Foot, other foot and catch
Thigh, foot and catch
Bounce juggling (juggle, bounce, juggle, bounce, juggle, etc.).
Free form juggling using any body part other than the hands and arms.
Some important points in regard to juggling:
•
•
•
•
•
Let the ball bounce once on the ground if that is necessary.
For thigh juggling, make sure they are using their thigh and not their knee. Knees are too
bony and can't control the ball. Thigh should be parallel to the ground so the ball pops
straight up.
When juggling with your foot, use the instep of the foot as opposed to the inside or outside
of the foot.
Consider doing timed juggling to see how many juggles players can do in 30 seconds (does
not have to be consecutive juggles - just the total).
Juggling balloons or beach balls can help players get more confidence.
Warmup Activities – 10 Minutes
Foundation
Purpose
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To develop balance and foot quickness
All
1 ball per player
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
T74:
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.
T75:
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.
T76:
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 or 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.
Pull the V
Purpose
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To develop the quickness necessary to make moves to get out of congested areas
All
1 ball per player
20-30 seconds
Start with your feet shoulder width apart and the ball 1 to 2 feet in front of your left foot. Reach across
with your right foot and drag the ball with the sole of your right foot until the ball reaches the middle of
your stance. Without letting your right foot touch the ground, pivot your right hip 45° to your right. Push
the ball with the inside of your right foot until it is 1 to 2 feet in front of your right foot's originally starting
location. Put your right foot down so that your feet are shoulder width apart again. Repeat with the left
foot.
The goal is to repeatedly make the letter "V" in the grass as you pull/push the ball back and forth.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T3:
While you want players to make Vs as fast as possible, you want them to do it with a fluid rhythm. Players should be
pivoting at the hip as they transition from the sole of the foot to the inside of the foot. The stationary foot should
be just that - stationary.
T4: Pull the V is an important tool for players to master. The "V" ball movement is necessary to get out of tight,
congested areas where defenders are very close.
Like Magnets
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
To improve 180° dribbling moves (Zico/Switchback)
Ball Mastery
All
1 ball for each player, disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area, pair of like and opposite
magnets
Time
2-3 minutes
Nothing like a lesson in physics to spice up soccer
training. Show the players how the opposite charged
magnets attract while the like magnets repel each
other.
Use your disc cones to mark an area approximately
20x25 yards. Choose a 180° dribbling move (Zico or
Switchback) to be used during the game.
When you say "Go!", all players start dribbling around in the area. Whenever they approach another
player, they must act as if they are like magnets and repel each other. To do this, they do the selected
dribbling move and dribble off in the other direction.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T3:
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 – 30 Minutes
Freeze Tag
Purpose
Themes
# of Players
Equipment
Time
To improve general dribbling skills as well as particular dribbling moves
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
All (one is Mr./Mrs. Freeze)
1 ball for each player (except Mr./Mrs. Freeze), disc cones to mark off 20x25 yard area
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
T77:
Just attempting the "safe" move makes the player safe - it doesn't
have to be successful.
T78:
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.
T79:
Make the area smaller/larger to make the game more
difficult/easier.
Run the Gauntlet
Purpose
To improve 1v1 dribbling skills
Themes
Ball Mastery
# of Players Minimum 6, maximum 12
Equipment 1 ball per player, 8 disc cones
Time
5-10 minutes
This excellent, rapid-fire 1v1 game challenges dribbling skills and requires quick thinking.
Mark the corners of a 10x30-yard area. Put additional cones at 10 and 20 yards on each of the 30-yard
sides. You
should now
have three
consecutive
10x10-yard
areas.
Pick three
players to be
defenders. Have the first defender stand between the two 10-yard cones. The second defender stands
between the two 20-yard cones. The third defender stands between the two 30-yard cones. The other
players each get a ball and line up one behind the other between the 0-yard cones.
When the first player dribbles into the first box, the first defender moves into the box trying to stop the
dribbler from advancing into the second box. If the dribbler successfully makes it to the second box, the
second defender comes forward to defend that box. If the dribbler successfully makes it to the third box,
the third defender comes forward to defend the third box. If the dribbler's ball is knocked out of the
boxes, the dribbler retrieves the ball and moves to the back of the dribblers' line. The dribbler earns one
point for each box they successfully navigate (maximum of three points if they get through all three boxes
without losing his/her ball).
As soon as the first dribbler gets to the second box (or as soon as the first dribbler's ball is knocked out of
the first box), the second dribbler enters the first box.
Defenders must retreat to the back of their box when waiting for the next dribbler.
Play continues in a furious fashion until one of the dribblers gets to 10 points and is the winner.
Keep playing games until everyone has had a chance to be a defender.
VARIATIONS
You can vary the way players start to force them to work on other dribbling aspects:
5. Start with the attacker in the first box with the defender right behind the attacker. The next player
in line passes the ball to the attacker (the pass is free and the defender must let the attacker have
the first touch). By starting in this manner, players must learn to play with their back to the
defender. If the attacker beats the defender in the first box, play continues as in the normal game
for the second and third boxes.
6. Same as #1 above, but pass the ball in from the side of the box. The play is very similar, but now
the attacker must receive the ball from the side and attack.
TECHNICAL POINTS
T80:
Constantly stress the importance of changing direction and
speed to beat the defenders. First, dribble to your left and then make a big move to your right. You can't dribble to
your left and then make a move to your left - you'll be out of space.
T81:
Also stress to the players to dribble into the box and then,
BANG!, make their big move and accelerate away. If they are too cautious and slow, they'll never succeed.
Small Sided Game – 15 Minutes
4v4 Line Soccer
Purpose
To train ball control, dribbling moves, and recognition of space
Themes
Ball Mastery, Mobility Skills
# of Players 8 - in two teams of 4
Equipment 3+ balls, disc cones to lay out a 30x25 field, 4 pinneys
Time
10-15 minutes
This 4v4 game is all about dribbling so it makes a nice session ending game when dribbling was the theme
of the session.
Set up a 30x25-yard field using
disc cones. Note that the field is
wider than it is long (so that there
more space in which to score a
goal).
your
is
The game is played the same as the
standard 4v4 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 players 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
T82:
T83:
See the standard 4v4 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.