Community Soccer

COMMUNITY SOCCER

U5 - U8 COACHING GUIDE

WEEK 1: DRIBBLING CONTROL

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

The focus for this week is on Dribbling Control. The goal is to introduce players to the concepts of communication, dribbling at speed, and turning all while keeping the ball close and under control.

1. Dribbling to Keep Possession (15 minutes) 2. Moving and Dribbling at Speed (20 minutes) 3. Turning Skills (15 minutes) 4. Scrimmage (20 minutes)

Activity #1 Dribbling to Keep Possession 15 minutes

The goal of this drill is to introduce your players to communicating with others while dribbling and controlling the ball.

Setup 4 cones in a 20 X 25 yard grid. All players begin dribbling their ball within the grid. Coach will then ask them to complete an action (high five another player, Bump shoulders with another player, etc.). Play- ers continue dribbling while listening for Coach’s next instruction.

To make the activity easier, begin the activity without any ball/dribbling. Introduce the ball/dribbling after 2-3 actions.

Key Coaching Points

• Dribbling Control: Players should keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling to ensure they have control of the ball. Players should take 1 step every touch of the ball when dribbling. • Dribbling Technique: Players should have their knees bent pushing the ball with the top of their foot (Just under the laces). Players should not be flat footed so they can push off in different directions quickly. • Turning: Players should experiment on different turns. When turning, players should turn using different parts of their foot like the sole, inside and outside of their foot to make them unpredictable.

U5 - U8 3 WEEK 1: DRIBBLING CONTROL

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #2 Moving and Dribbling at Speed 20 minutes

This activity focuses on movement skills to get into the middle as soon as possible as well as dribbling back as quickly as possible while having the ball under control

Setup 4 cones in a 20 X 20 yard grid. Split all players into equal groups of 4 and position them in the 4 corners of the grid. Place all of your soccer balls in the middle of the grid.

The goal of the game is for each group (1 player at a time) to steal as many balls from the middle as possible (dribbling the balls back to their corner). Group with the most balls at the end of 2 minutes wins. Once no more balls are available in the middle. Groups can steal balls from other groups. Groups cannot defend the balls they have collected.

Key Coaching Points

• Dribbling Control: Players should keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling to ensure they have control of the ball. Players should take 1 step every touch of the ball when dribbling. • Dribbling Technique: Players should have their knees bent pushing the ball with the top of their foot (Just under the laces). Players should push the ball with their feet pointing where they want them to go. • Turning: Players should experiment on different turns. Players should keep low with knees bent through the turn and explode away.

U5 - U8 4 WEEK 1: DRIBBLING CONTROL

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #3 Turning Skills 15 minutes

This is a 1v1 practice allowing your players to explore how to get past a defender 1v1, this will allow your players to experiment with different skills to use in a 1v1.

Setup 4 cones in a 20 X 20 yard grid. Place players into two teams, one at each side of the coach.

Coach plays the ball into the grid and the first two players in line play 1 v 1. Players score by dribbling into their end zone.

Key Coaching Points

• Dribbling Technique Under Pressure: Players should try to use skills and different parts of their feet to dribble out of pressure into space. Players should try to use both feet to make them unpredictable. • Turning Technique Under Pressure: Players to keep low and knees bent to allow them to push off with power when they change direction. Once turned players must explode into space once changed direction. • Shielding the Ball: When players are under pressure and can’t get out into space straight away they should look to hide the ball away from the defender. Players should put their body between the ball and player. The tip is to create a big space between the ball and player by holding the ball as far away from the player as possible with the bottom of their foot.

U5 - U8 5 WEEK 1: DRIBBLING CONTROL

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #4 Scrimmage 20 minutes

This practice is a small sided game giving players the freedom to combine their learn- ing in a game-like environment.

Set up 2 fields that are 15 x 30 in size.

Play two games of 3 v 3 with no goalkeeper. On restarts, allow players to retrieve the ball from the goal and pass or dribble the ball into the area (no kick-offs).

Key Coaching Points

• Dribbling: Your players should decide when to take small or big touches of the ball in different game situations. Players to showcase their skills to get past players using beat the player moves. • Creating Space: Players should use movement to engage defenders to create space. Players should play in a triangle shape so they have width, depth, and height. • Decision Making: Players should work the ball as a team and work out if they pass, dribble or run with the ball. Players try and play forward when they can.

U5 - U8 6 WEEK 2: DRIBBLING UNDER PRESSURE

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

This practice will continue to reinforce dribbling skills with the additon of defensive pressure on the ball from other players.

1. Dodging the Defenders (20 minutes) 2. Keeping the Ball Under Control (15 minutes) 3. 1v1 Turning Skills (15 minutes) 4. Scrimmage (20 minutes)

Activity #1 Dodging Defenders 20 minutes

The goal of this drill is to introduce players to getting away from a defender with and without a ball. Your players will learn how to solve problems and get out of tight areas with a defender close by.

Setup 4 cones in a 15 X 20 yard grid. Each player is randomly placed in the grid with their own ball.

Coach assigns someone to be “it”, and he/ she must dribble their ball and tag as many players as possible within 1 minute. Others try and get away.

To make it easier, the player that is “it” does not have to dribble their own ball.

Key Coaching Points

• Movement: Players should use clever movements with and without the ball to get away from defenders, to try to add disguise and sell the defender. Players can use feints to support this. • Creating Space and Awareness: Players should use movement to engage defenders to create space. Players should identify spaces by scanning allowing them to make better and quicker decisions with and without a ball. • Dribbling and Turning: Players keep the ball close to their feet in tight areas, when under pressure players should look to shield the ball away using their body between the ball and the defender. When turning players should look to do it quickly and explode away into space to off balance the defender. U5 - U8 7 WEEK 2: DRIBBLING UNDER PRESSURE

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #2 Keeping the Ball Under Control 15 minutes

Teach your players dribbling and turning skills with various challenges that will improve those skills under pressure.

Setup 4 cones in a 15 X 20 yard grid. Each player is randomly placed in the grid with their own ball.

Each player is a “dog walker” and their ball is their “dog”. Coach calls out a variety of commands for each dog walker (keep your dog on a short leash, the dog ran away - go catch him, pet the dog with your foot, switch dogs with another player).

To make the activity more difficult, add a “dog catcher” that tries and eliminate players/dogs from the grid.

Key Coaching Points

• Dribbling: Players take one touch for every step they take to allow them to have control of the ball. Players try to use multiple parts of both feet to allow them to manipulate the ball in different directions. • Turning: Players use turns to change direction into space, players should use turns like the drag back and pull back with the sole of their foot allowing them to change direction quickly. Once turned players should explode into the direction they want to go to which should be in space. • Creating Space and Awareness: Players should use clever movements with the ball to create space. Players should identify spaces by scanning allowing them to make better and quicker decisions for where to go.

U5 - U8 8 WEEK 2: DRIBBLING UNDER PRESSURE

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #3 1v1 Turning Skills 15 minutes

This is a 1v1 practice allowing your players to explore how to get past a defender 1v1, this will allow your players to experiment with different skills to use in a 1v1.

Setup 4 cones in a 20 X 20 yard grid. Place players into two teams, one at each side of the coach.

Coach plays the ball into the grid and the first two players in line play 1 v 1. Players score by dribbling into their end zone.

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 9 WEEK 2: DRIBBLING UNDER PRESSURE

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #4 Scrimmage 20 minutes

This practice is a small sided game giving players the freedom to combine their learn- ing in a game-like environment.

Set up 2 fields that are 15 x 30 in size.

Play two games of 3 v 3 with no goalkeeper. On restarts, allow players to retrieve the ball from the goal and pass or dribble the ball into the area (no kick-offs).

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 10 WEEK 3: BALL MASTERY SKILLS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Your players will learn different ball mastery skills and movements where they copy what the coach is executing with or without the ball. This is a technical practice allowing lots of touches on the ball working on multiple Dribbling and Movement skills.

1. Dribbling Challenges (15 minutes) 2. Technical Turning (20 minutes) 3. 1v1 Turning Skills (15 minutes) 4. Scrimmage (20 minutes)

Activity #1 Dribbling Challenges 15 minutes

The goal of this drill is to get as many touches as possible, using different parts of the foot, while keeping eyes up off the ground.

Each player gets their own ball and is posi- tioned in a 20 x 25 yard grid with adequate space between each player.

Players dribble in any direction until Coach issues a Challenge. Challenges can include: • Balance on one leg • Go the opposite direction • Turn to the left/right • Invent your own move

After the challenge is completed, players continue dribbling.

Key Coaching Points

• Control: Players should keep the ball close to their feet by taking little touches, so players are ready to change direction or stop the ball when the coach does. • Awareness: Players should have their heads up to recognize what the coach does and where the other players are so they don’t bump into them. • Concentration: Players should concentrate on each of the techniques set by the coach as well as being on their toes ready to change from one activity to the other.

U5 - U8 11 WEEK 3: BALL MASTERY SKILLS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #2 Technical Turning 20 minutes

Teach your players dribbling skills within a fun environment and theme based around the age group. Your players will learn how to keep the ball under control whilst dribbling to different countries.

Use 4 cones to set up a 20 x 20 yard grid. Each player takes a ball and starts any- where within the grid.

Label each side of the area a country’s name. Players start to dribble freely around the area, when the coach says a country’s name, all the players dribble to that side of the area. Once players are used to the game, call out multiple countries and see which players can dribble to all designated signs quickest.

Key Coaching Points

• Turning: Players need to check if there is pace to run into. When turning players should be turning sharply looking to explode away so they can get to where they want to quickly. Encourage players to be creative with their turns. • Dribbling: Players should take on touch for every step they take in tight areas, encouraging players to dribble into spaces and to keep the ball close to their feet allowing them to manipulate the ball in different directions easier. • Scanning: Players should be checking all around them for other players so they don’t bump into them, this will increase player awareness on the ball.

U5 - U8 12 WEEK 3: BALL MASTERY SKILLS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #3 1v1 Turning Skills 15 minutes

This is a 1v1 practice allowing your players to explore how to get past a defender 1v1, this will allow your players to experiment with different skills to use in a 1v1.

Use 4 cones to set up a 20 x 20 yard grid. Split your players into 2 rows next to you on the sideline.

Coach plays the ball into the grid and the first two players in line play 1 v 1. Players score by dribbling into their end zone.

Key Coaching Points

• Ball Manipulation: Players should try to use skills and different parts of their feet to dribble out of pressure into space. Players should try to use both feet to make them unpredictable. • Body Position: Players keep low and knees bent to allow them to push off with power when they change direction. Once turned players must explode into space once changed direction. • Shielding the Ball: When players are under pressure and can’t get out into space straight away they should look to hide the ball away from the defender. Players should put their body between the ball and player. The tip is to create a big space between the ball and player by holding the ball as far away from the player as possible with the bottom of their foot.

U5 - U8 13 WEEK 3: BALL MASTERY SKILLS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #4 Scrimmage 20 minutes

This practice is a small sided game giving players the freedom to combine their learn- ing in a game-like environment.

Set up 2 fields that are 15 x 30 in size.

Play two games of 3 v 3 with no goalkeeper. On restarts, allow players to retrieve the ball from the goal and pass or dribble the ball into the area (no kick-offs).

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 14 WEEK 4: 1v1 BALL MASTERY

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

The goal of this week is to continue to focus on and improve players 1v1 skills with the ball. We will focus on dribbling and turning with the ball, both in the open field and under pressure.

1. Ball Mastery Skills and Turns (15 minutes) 2. Creative Dribblers (20 minutes) 3. 1v1 Turning Skills (15 minutes) 4. Scrimmage (20 minutes)

Activity #1 Ball Mastery Skills and Turns 15 minutes

Teach your players dribbling skills within a fun environment and theme based around the age group. Your players will explore their dribbling skills in a relaxed environment.

Set up 4 cones in a 20 x 15 yard grid and randomly place players throughout the grid with their own ball.

Players dribble in any direction until Coach issues a command. Commands include: • Stop (players stop with foot on ball) • Go (players dribble) • Fake (players do a step fake) • Swap (players swap balls) • Steal (Coach tries to steal from players)

Key Coaching Points

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #2 Creative Dribblers 15 minutes

In this activity, your players will learn to dribble and to turn whilst reacting to their partner’s movements testing reaction time.

Setup 4 cones into a 20 x 15 yard grid. Place players into pairs, each player has a soccer ball.

Players take it in turns to be the leader, their partner follows and does whatever their teammate does. Players should be encour- aged to be creative.

Key Coaching Points

• Turning: Players need to check if there is space to run into. When turning players should be turning sharply looking to explode away so they can off balance their partner. • Dribbling: Encouraging players to dribble into spaces and to keep the ball close to their feet allowing them to manipulate the ball in different directions to catch their partner off balance. Players should mix their dribbling speeds up to make them unpredictable. • Scanning: Players should be checking all around them for other players so they don’t bump into them and any opportunities to burst into space.

U5 - U8 16 WEEK 4: 1v1 BALL MASTERY

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #3 1v1 Turning Skills 15 minutes

This is a 1v1 practice allowing your players to explore how to get past a defender 1v1, this will allow your players to experiment with different skills to use in a 1v1.

Use 4 cones to set up a 20 x 20 yard grid. Place players into two teams, one at each side of the coach.

Coach plays the ball into the grid and the first two players in line play 1 v 1. Players score by dribbling into their end zone.

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 17 WEEK 4: 1v1 BALL MASTERY

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #4 Scrimmage 20 minutes

This practice is a small sided game giving players the freedom to combine their learn- ing in a game-like environment.

Set up 2 fields that are 15 x 30 in size.

Play two games of 3 v 3 with no goalkeeper. On restarts, allow players to retrieve the ball from the goal and pass or dribble the ball into the area (no kick-offs).

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 18 WEEK 5: MAINTAINING POSSESSION

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

The goal of practice is to continue with ball mastery & manipulation with turns and speed.

1. Ball Coordination and Ball Mastery (20 minutes) 2. Shielding and Turning Skills (20 minutes) 3. 1v1 Turning Skills (15 minutes) 4. Scrimmage (20 minutes)

Activity #1 Ball Coordination and Ball Mastery 20 minutes

This practice teaches your players the key technical skills around dribbling and turning. Your players will learn ball mastery skills improving their ball control.

Set up 4 cones in a 20 x 15 yard grid and randomly place players throughout the grid with their own ball.

Players dribble in any direction until Coach issues a command:

Red Light = Stop Green Light = Go Yellow Light = sit on a ball

Key Coaching Points

• Dribbling: Players should keep the ball close to their feet when dribbling to ensure they have control of the ball. Players should take 1 step every touch of the ball when dribbling. Players should use different parts of their foot allowing them to move the ball in different directions. • Scanning: Players should be checking their ‘Mirrors’ at all times making sure they don’t ‘crash’ into anyone. Players should be looking for big spaces to move into. • Stopping the Ball: When stopping the ball players should aim to put the sole of their foot on top of the ball, players putting their arms out to support their balance whilst having one foot on the ball and one foot on the ground. U5 - U8 19 WEEK 5: MAINTAINING POSSESSION

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #2 Shielding and Turning Skills 20 minutes

This practice guides your players in solving problems for when there are one or two defenders trying to win the ball for them, this will allow them to use their dribbling skills and creative thinking skills to get out of pressure and protect the ball.

Set up 4 cones in a 10 x 10 yard grid.

Designate two players as knockout players, whose job is to knock players soccer balls out of the grid. Players who are knocked out must retrieve their ball, complete a task (10 toe taps, 10 chops, etc) and then reenter the game.

Play for 1 minute, then rotate the two knockout players.

Add/subtract defenders to increase/de- crease difficulty.

Key Coaching Points

• Dribbling: Players should keep the ball close to their feet in tight areas allowing the defender to not pinch the ball of them. Players should use all parts of both feet to allow them to move the ball wherever they like to get out of pressure. • Scanning: Players should be checking around at all times making sure they don’t bump into anyone. Players should be looking for big spaces to move into away from the defenders. • Turning: Players should try different turns to change direction quickly. When doing so players should explode into space as soon as they have off balanced the defender. In the turn, players should add disguise and keep low within their knees bent.

U5 - U8 20 WEEK 5: MAINTAINING POSSESSION

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #3 1v1 Turning Skills 15 minutes

This is a 1v1 practice allowing your players to explore how to get past a defender 1v1, this will allow your players to experiment with different skills to use in a 1v1.

Use 4 cones to set up a 20 x 20 yard grid. Place players into two teams, one at each side of the coach.

Coach plays the ball into the grid and the first two players in line play 1 v 1. Players score by dribbling into their end zone.

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 21 WEEK 5: MAINTAINING POSSESSION

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #4 Scrimmage 20 minutes

This practice is a small sided game giving players the freedom to combine all the skills learned thus far.

Set up 2 fields that are 15 x 30 in size.

Play two games of 3 v 3 with no goalkeeper. On restarts, allow players to retrieve the ball from the goal and pass or dribble the ball into the area (no kick-offs).

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 22 WEEK 6: BODY AND BALL MOVEMENTS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

The goal of practice is to learn and gain comfort in moving your body and manipulating the abll in a variety of ways in order to maintain possession.

1. Tag (15 minutes) 2. Dribbling to Dodge the Defender (20 minutes) 3. 1v1 Turning Skills (15 minutes) 4. Scrimmage (20 minutes) Activity #1 Tag 15 minutes

This practice is moving on the fundamentals of movement through changes in direction and speed with and without the ball.

Use 4 cones to set up a 20 x 20 yard grid.

Assign 2 players to be “it”. Players who are tagged must stand with their legs open. Teammates can unfreeze these players by crawling through a player’s legs.

Continue for 2-3 minutes or until all players are frozen. Rotate who is “it” and play again.

Key Coaching Points

• Movement: Your players will problem solve and find an effective way to move in order to not be tagged. Players should try feints to off balance the defender. Players should be always on the move, on their toes so they can get away fast. • Awareness: Players should be aware of where the defenders are and possible spaces to move into. This will allow them to make better and quicker decisions, making them effective decision makers on and off the ball. • Dribbling and Shielding: Players should keep the ball close to their feet in tight areas, players should use their ball mastery skills using all parts of their foot. Players to shield the ball when under pressure, players should try to get between the ball and the defender.

U5 - U8 23 WEEK 6: BODY AND BALL MOVEMENTS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #2 Dribbling to Dodge the Defender 20 minutes

Your players will learn how to dribble past a defender into spaces in behind. Your players will learn how to look for spaces and how to protect their ball away from the defender.

Use 4 cones to set up a 20 x 15 yard grid. Place all players with a soccer ball in one safe area. The coach is Mr. Freeze and stands in the center of the grid.

Player’s are attempting to dribble across to the opposite safe zone, if a player’s area is tagged they must freeze in that position. Players who are frozen can tag players dribbling from the spot. Continue until all players are frozen.

Key Coaching Points

• Dribbling: Players manipulate the ball in different directions to make them unpredictable when going forward. Players have their heads up while dribbling so they can recognize where to go to get across. • Awareness: Players should recognize potential spaces to move into as well as where the defender(s) are. Players should be aware of each other so they keep control of their ball. • Turning and Running with the Ball: If players can’t go forward can they turn into space and explode into that space away from the defender. The player should then look to take bigger touches.

U5 - U8 24 WEEK 6: BODY AND BALL MOVEMENTS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #3 1v1 Turning Skills 15 minutes

This is a 1v1 practice allowing your players to explore how to get past a defender 1v1, this will allow your players to experiment with different skills to use in a 1v1.

Use 4 cones to set up a 20 x 20 yard grid. Place players into two teams, one at each side of the coach.

Coach plays the ball into the grid and the first two players in line play 1 v 1. Players score by dribbling into their end zone.

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 25 WEEK 6: BODY AND BALL MOVEMENTS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #4 Scrimmage 20 minutes

This practice is a small sided game giving players the freedom to combine all the skills learned thus far.

Set up 2 fields that are 15 x 30 in size.

Play two games of 3 v 3 with no goalkeeper. On restarts, allow players to retrieve the ball from the goal and pass or dribble the ball into the area (no kick-offs).

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 26 WEEK 7: 1v1 SKILLS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

This goals of this practice is to continue to build 1v1 dribbling and ball possession skills.

1. Relay Race (15 minutes) 2. 1v1 Dribbling (20 minutes) 3. 1v1 Turning Skills (15 minutes) 4. Scrimmage (20 minutes) Activity #1 Relay Race 15 minutes

This activity teaches your players key fundamental skills within agility, balance, coordination, and speed with and without a ball in a race.

Divide players into equally sized groups for relay races. Each player has a ball.

Each team races against each other through a series of cones/obstacles. Only one player per group runs at a time. First group to have all their players complete the course wins.

To make things easier, coaches can decide to complete a heat without a ball and/or car- rying the ball before introducing dribbling.

Key Coaching Points

• Dribbling: Players should be taking touches with multiple parts of their feet to allow them to manipulate the ball through the cones quickly. Players should be taking small touches so they don’t lose control of the ball. • Running with the Ball: Players should take one touch every 3-5 steps they take, players should push the ball with their laces to give them power. Using your LACE into SPACE increases your PACE. (LACE, SPACE, PACE) • Beat the Player Moves: Players should use body feints and other beat the player moves when approaching every other cone.

U5 - U8 27 WEEK 7: 1v1 SKILLS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #2 1v1 Dribbling 20 minutes

This activity teaches your players to beat the player moves to get past the defender.

Use 4 cones to set up a 20 x 20 yard grid. Split players into groups of three. Place one player in a crab-like position (on hands and feet, facing upward) in the center of the grid and the others on an end line. Play for 1 minute.

Players receive a point for dribbling past the crab and get to the other side of the grid. If they do a step fake to beat the crab they get 5 points. Rotate crab after each game.

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 28 WEEK 7: 1v1 SKILLS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #3 1v1 Turning Skills 15 minutes

This is a 1v1 practice allowing your players to explore how to get past a defender 1v1, this will allow your players to experiment with different skills to use in a 1v1.

Use 4 cones to set up a 20 x 20 yard grid. Place players into two teams, one at each side of the coach.

Coach plays the ball into the grid and the first two players in line play 1 v 1. Players score by dribbling into their end zone.

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 29 WEEK 7: 1v1 SKILLS

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #4 Scrimmage 20 minutes

This practice is a small sided game giving players the freedom to combine all the skills learned thus far.

Set up 2 fields that are 15 x 30 in size.

Play two games of 3 v 3 with no goalkeeper. On restarts, allow players to retrieve the ball from the goal and pass or dribble the ball into the area (no kick-offs).

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 30 WEEK 8: BALL MASTERY

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

The goal of this practice is to continue work on ball mastery skills and applying them in game-like scenarios

1. Ball Mastery and Running with the Ball (20 minutes) 2. Shielding and Turning vs. a Team (20 minutes) 3. 1v1 Turning Skills (15 minutes) 4. Scrimmage (20 minutes) \Activity #1 Ball Mastery and Running with the Ball 20 minutes

This practice guides your players to look after the ball working on their dribbling and turning skills.

Use 8 cones to set up a 20 x 20 yard grid. Each player has a ball and finds a space between two cones.

While on the edge of the grid, players complete ball mastery activities (toe taps, chops) before the coach gives command.

Coaches commands include:

Dribble across the grid in a straight line Dribble across the grid in a zig zag pattern Dribble with only the right foot Dribble with only the left foot

Key Coaching Points

• Dribbling: Players should take one touch for every step they take whilst dribbling, encourage your players to use both feet. • Running with the Ball: When there is space in front to drive into, encourage players to run with the ball by taking one touch for every three steps they take. • Turning: Players should use multiple turns to support them when changing direction or moving side to side. Players should try to use the inside and outside hook, encourage players to use both feet allowing them to be unpredictable on the ball.

U5 - U8 31 WEEK 8: BALL MASTERY

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #2 Shielding and Turning vs. a Team 20 minutes

This skill practice teaches your players how to shield the ball under pressure, guiding your players to look for areas to penetrate into using clever and creative dribbling skills.

Use 4 cones to set up a 10 x 15 yard grid. Split the group into three teams.

One team defends while the other two try to keep their soccer balls. The defending team wins a point for knocking a player’s soccer ball out of the grid. If a player’s ball is knocked out, they do a ball mastery activity before re-entering.

Play for 3 minutes then rotate the teams.

Key Coaching Points

• Dribbling: When dribbling players should keep their heads up allowing them to look up for spaces to dribble into. Your players should use all the parts of their foot so it al- lows them to manipulate the ball into different directions. This will allow your players to move the ball away from easier. • Shielding: When under pressure from a defender, players should place themselves between the ball and the defender to create a bigger space between the ball and the defender. • Turning: Players should use multiple turns to support them when changing direction or moving side to side. Players should try to use the inside and outside hook, encourage players to use both feet allowing them to be unpredictable on the ball.

U5 - U8 32 WEEK 8: BALL MASTERY

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #3 1v1 Turning Skills 15 minutes

This is a 1v1 practice allowing your players to explore how to get past a defender 1v1, this will allow your players to experiment with different skills to use in a 1v1.

Use 4 cones to set up a 20 x 20 yard grid. Place players into two teams, one at each side of the coach.

Coach plays the ball into the grid and the first two players in line play 1 v 1. Players score by dribbling into their end zone.

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 33 WEEK 8: BALL MASTERY

LAKESHORE UNITED FC COMMUNITY SOCCER COACHING GUIDE

Activity #4 Scrimmage 20 minutes

This practice is a small sided game giving players the freedom to combine all the skills learned thus far.

Set up 2 fields that are 15 x 30 in size.

Play two games of 3 v 3 with no goalkeeper. On restarts, allow players to retrieve the ball from the goal and pass or dribble the ball into the area (no kick-offs).

Key Coaching Points

U5 - U8 34