U10 Activities - Dribbling for Possession Objective: to Improve Dribbling and Shielding Technique

U10 Activities - Dribbling for Possession Objective: To improve dribbling and shielding technique

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Technical Box:  Keep the ball close All players dribbling in a defined space.  Use all surfaces of the foot Players should use all surfaces of their feet. o Inside/outside Coach: Prompt players to work on change of o Sole direction, scissors, fake left/go right, step over o Laces and turn, pull back, half-turn, sole of the foot  Keep your head up and use rolls when he claps, “change”, “turn”, etc. peripheral vision Version 2: Walk around and put pressure on  Change of direction and burst the players. of speed Version 3: Players will try to knock each  Be creative – try something other’s soccer balls out of the grid while new maintaining possession of their own. Time: 15 minutes Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts.  Steal-Shield: Body sideways on to opponent Pair up the players with one ball. One  Use arm to protect and know player starts with the ball and at coach’s where defender is going command, his/her partner tries to steal the  Knees bent ball away. The player that ends with the  Turn as defender attacks or ball gets a point. If the ball goes out of reaches for the ball bounds, one of the players must get it back in play very quickly. Coach: Show proper shielding technique during the demonstration. Fix technical shielding errors throughout the activity to assure that the group is doing it properly. Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts.  Identification of visual cues

o 1v1 no defender behind o Free space in front of 3v3 End-zone Game: dribbler Two teams play in a defined space with each o Near the attacking area team attacking an end-zone defended by the  Identification of verbal cues opponent. Teams score points when a player o “take space”, “time”, “take dribbles into the opponent’s end-zone under him on” control.  Correct shape and balance of Coach: Encourage players to recognize team opportunities to burst into space under control.  Deception and disguise  Attack at pace and set up the defender Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long by  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - Dribbling for Penetration Objective: To improve player’s confidence, their dribbling ability and the recognition of when to take on opponents

other’s soccer balls out of the grid while 15 minutes maintaining possession of their own. Time: Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts.  Keep the ball close to you under control 1v1 to End Lines:  Execute a feint to unbalance In a grid 10x15 yards with end lines. Two the defender and dribble past players try to score by beating the them with a burst of speed defender and dribbling over 10 yard line  opposite to them. Players keep score. Use the outside of the foot or laces when dribbling for Coach: Make groups of 4 or 5 players speed with furthest foot form per grid. Switch a few players between the defender  grids every 2-3 minutes. Encourage players to be creative with the ball at their feet Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts.  Work together to score 3v3 or 4v4 to End Zones:  Verbal & visual Two teams play in a defined space with communication each team attacking an end-zone  defended by the opponent. Teams score Use support players to make points when a player dribbles into the attacking decisions  End-Zone. Encourage players to be Coach: Encourage players to recognize creative and take risks near opportunities to burst into space under the end zone. control. Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - Passing & Receiving 1 Objective: To improve the teams’ passing technique and to recognize the correct timing and opportunity to pass

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Gate Passing:  Technique of passing In a 25x30 yard grid, set up many gates o locked ankle, toe up (two cones about 1 yard apart). Players o eyes on ball at instant of are now in pairs with a soccer ball. They contact, follow through must pass the soccer ball through the gate to partner o to their teammate in order to score a point strike ball solid through the middle, knees bent and move to another goal to score another and balanced point. o receiving first touch - Coach: Players count how many points directional they score in a minute. Have them pass  Communication to ask for the only with their left foot or right foot, or ball the outside of their foot. Time: 10 minutes Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts.  Tech of passing and receiving

 2v2 to 4 Goals: Pace of the pass In a 15x20 yard grid place two sets of  First Touch – Directional cone goals 2 yards apart on the end line  Clear Communication about 1 yard away from the corners. (demand the ball) Players will attack a set of two goals and  Supporting Shape defend the other set. Score by passing the ball through one of the two cone goals.

Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts.  Soft 1st touch receiving into space, away from pressure 3v3 to End Zones:  Proper weight, accuracy and In a 25x30 yard grid, make a one yard timing of passes wide End Zone along each end line.  Possession vs. Penetration Players will score by passing into and  Proper angle and distance of stopping the soccer ball in the End Zone. support off the ball Defenders can’t defend in the End Zone.  Communication between players

Time: 25 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time: 10 min.

U10 Activities - Passing & Receiving 2 Objective: To improve the ability of the players to pass and receive balls played on the ground

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts.  Technique of passing o locked ankle, toe up Paired Passing: o eyes on ball at instant of Two players passing and moving a ball contact, follow through to between them in a defined space. After partner the player passes the ball, he/she shall o strike ball solid through the move into another receiving position. middle, knees bent and Players should position themselves in balanced passing lanes to receive and return a o receiving first touch – pass. directional  Communication to ask for the ball Time: 10 minutes Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 3v3 5 Goal Game:  Tech of passing and receiving In a 20x50 yard grid, five 2 yard goals are  Finding the open gate or goal spread out throughout the grid. The teams  Pace of the pass score by passing and receiving through  First Touch – Directional  any of the goals to a teammate. First team Clear Communication (demand the ball) to get 10 points wins.  Supporting Shape Coach: First have the players receiving with inside of foot, outside, and weak foot. Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 4v4 with Bumpers:  Soft 1st touch receiving into In a 20x30 yard grid, two teams of 4 space, away from pressure players each will try to score. Standing  Proper weight, accuracy and on each sideline will be 2 bumper players timing of passes with 2 touches each who can be used at  Possession vs. Penetration any time by the attacking team. If a team  Proper angle and distance of gets scored upon, they become the support off the ball bumper players and the outside team  Communication between plays on the field. Keep score and make players the game competitive. Coach: Stress correct technique, receiving sideways on, and facing where 25 minutes they wish to play. Time: Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - Receiving Balls in the Air 1 Objective: To improve the technique of using different surfaces (feet, thighs and chest) to receive soccer balls played in the air

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Each Player with a Ball :  Get in line of the flight of the Each player dribbles a soccer ball. On ball coach’s command, the player picks up the  Come to meet the ball ball and tosses it above his/her head and…  Watch the ball  controls with the laces  Make an early selection of the  controls with inside and outside of the body surface to use foot  Controlling surface goes out to  controls with sole of foot meet ball  controls with the thigh, directional  Relax the controlling surface  controls with the chest, directional and withdraw just before Throughout this exercise, all players shall be impact constantly testing themselves and their  1st touch prepares for next quality of first touch. touch Time: 15 minutes Laces: Small Sided Game Organization  Lift foot up to meet the ball 1v1 Soccer Tennis:  As ball is about to make contact, Play 1v1 in a 5x10 yard grid. A player starts drop foot down and cushion ball off with a ball and serves it over a line or net on top of foot in the middle of the area. The ball can bounce once but then must be returned. A point is Thigh: won on a bad serve or when one team fails to  lift thigh up to meet ball return the ball.  drop leg down to cushion the ball Coach: Play 5 minute games.  make sure you push ball slightly You can specify what surface must be used to in front of you control the ball.  make sure players use middle of thigh to cushion balls Chest: Time: 15 minutes  bend knees with feet staggered Exp. Small Sided Game Organization and slightly arch back while Bumper Game 4v4 to Goals: using arms for balance Two teams of four in defined playing area  cushion ball (collapse chest) as it with two goals. 4 “bumpers” are support hits chest and guide it to feet players on both sidelines. Each “bumper”  do not push out chest to pop the shall have 3-4 balls around them to toss or ball out too far in front of you bounce back into playing area to team that passed them the ball. Goals scored on small goals on end lines.

Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - Receiving Balls in the Air 2 Objective: To improve the technique of using different surfaces (feet, thighs and chest) to receive soccer balls played in the air

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Each Player with a Ball : General: Each player dribbles a soccer ball. On  Get in line of the flight of the coach’s command, the player picks up the ball ball and tosses it above his/her head and…  Come to meet the ball  controls with the laces  Watch the ball  controls with inside and outside of the  Make an early selection of the foot body surface to use  controls with sole of foot  Controlling surface goes out to  controls with the thigh, directional meet ball  controls with the chest, directional  Relax the controlling surface Throughout this exercise, all players shall be and withdraw just before constantly testing themselves and their impact quality of first touch.  1st touch prepares for next Time: 15 minutes touch Small Sided Game Organization Laces: 1v1Receiving to End-Lines:  Lift foot up to meet the ball Play 1v1 in a 10x15 yard grid. A player starts  As ball is about to make contact, by serving the soccer ball to his/her drop foot down and cushion ball opponent. The attacking player will make the on top of foot decision to control the ball with the chest, thigh or foot and then proceed to try to score Thigh: by dribbling the ball over the end-line.  lift thigh up to meet ball Players take three turns and switch.  drop leg down to cushion the ball Coach: You can give different point value if  make sure you push ball slightly a players scores by using their chest to in front of you receive the ball or their feet etc.  make sure players use middle of thigh to cushion balls Time: 15 minutes Chest: Exp. Small Sided Game Organization  bend knees with feet staggered Bumper Game 4v4 to Goals: and slightly arch back while Two teams of four in defined playing area using arms for balance with two goals. 4 “bumpers” are support  cushion ball (collapse chest) as it players on both sidelines. Each “bumper” hits chest and guide it to feet shall have 3-4 balls around them to toss or  do not push out chest to pop the bounce back into playing area to team that ball out too far in front of you passed them the ball. Goals scored on small goals on end lines.

U10 Activities - Striking Volleys Objective: To introduce player to technique of striking volleys

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Introduction to Striking Volleys:  Keep eyes open and focused on Groups of two players with a ball the ball  Step 1: Players will self-serve the soccer  Use arms for balance ball and strike the ball to his/her partner Inside of the foot who will catch the soccer ball and repeat  Bring the knee up to the side and the action get the toe up, heel down and ankle locked  Step 2: One partner serves to the other.  The foot should make contact The serve is knee high and underhanded through the middle of the ball  Step 3: In 3’s. One player moves and  The plant foot will help the volleys and the other two serve the ball. player aim for the target, keeping Switch players after a few services. the head and shoulders straight. All technical exercises will: Instep o Let ball bounce and volley  Knee higher than the ball  o Not let the ball bounce and volley Lock ankle and point toe down for instep (laces) volley Players will try to volley the ball with the Time: 15 minutes right and the left foot. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts.  1v1 Soccer Tennis: Do not let the ball strike you  Play 1v1 in a 10x10 yard grid. A player starts Strike the ball on the upper half of off with a ball and serves it with a volley over the ball to drive it down; the middle of the ball to drive it level; a line or net in the middle of the area. The the lower half of the ball to drive it ball can bounce once but then must be up returned. A point is won on a bad serve or  Lock ankle and turn toe up for when one team fails to return the ball. inside of the foot volley; players Coach: Play 5 minute games. should lock ankle and point toe Players can use inside or instep volleys. down for instep (laces) volley Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 3v3/4v4 Headers and Volleys:  Use inside of the foot volley to Organize players into teams of 3 or 4 players. pass to a teammate Set up a 25 yard x 30 yard rectangular field  Use Instep volley for power to with goals centrally located at each end. The team in possession passes the ball by volleying score and for a distance pass, to his/her teammate and catching it. The only clearance away from goal or way to score is by volleying the ball to goal. cross to goal Players can only take a maximum of 3 steps with the ball; then they must pass the ball to a teammate. Goals can only be scored by one touch volley into the goal for 5 points or heading the soccer ball for 3 points. If the soccer ball bounces more than twice, possession goes to the other team Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - Shooting 1 Objective: To improve the technique of shooting with the inside and instep of both feet

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts.  Body position and balance  Eye on the ball at moment of Shooting Though the Cones (15 min): contact Arrange players in 4 lines with a ball  Strike ball with ankle locked between them about 20-30 yards apart and hard bone on top of foot from each other. Place two cones  Non-kicking foot directed at representing a goal between each group target about 6 yards apart. Players shoot the  Strike the center of the ball ball and follow their shot to the opposite and follow through towards side. target landing on shooting foot Time: 15 minutes Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 4 Corner Shooting (15 min):  Proper technique and body Two equal teams playing 2v2 with control GK’s. The remaining players start at  Placement vs. power corners behind their own goal. Coach  Quality preparation touch begins the play from the sideline by  Proper selection of contact serving a ball to player in any corner. surface Players try to score on their opponent’s  Timing and shape of goal. Play continues until ball is out of attacking runs bounds or a goal is scored. Players  Creativity and deception return to their corners. Keepers stay on.  Combination Play Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 3v3 (4v4) Plus Team on Deck (15 min):  Proper technique and body Two goals with GK’s set up about 25-30 control yards apart. Team is divided into 3  Placement vs. power groups. Two teams compete to score a  Quality preparation touch goal. The team that scores defends that  Proper selection of contact goal. The team on deck comes onto the surface field to defend quickly while the scored  Timing and shape of on team quickly leaves the playing field. attacking runs This game teaches teams to go to goal  Creativity and deception with pace and to take chances quickly. Time: 20 minutes

Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - Shooting 2 Objective: To improve the technique of players to strike a moving ball to goal with the instep and the inside of the foot

Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts.  Placement vs. power Blank Out Finishing Game:  Quality preparation touch Two goals with GK’s set up about 40  yards apart. Team is divided in two Finishing rebounds equal sides. All goals are worth 1 point with exception of a one touch goal. Once the one touch goal is scored, that team “blanks out” all the points of the opponent.

U10 Activities - Shooting 3 Objective: To improve the technique and confidence of shooting with the inside and instep of the foot

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts.  Body position and balance  Eye on the ball at moment of Numbered Shooting: contact Two goals with GK’s set up about 40  Strike ball with ankle locked yards apart. Each player with a number and hard bone on top of foot is dribbling in defined area between  Non-kicking foot directed at goals. When coach calls a number, that target player dribbles out of area and shoots on  Strike the center of the ball the goal. Shots should be taken about 10- and follow through towards 12 yards out. target landing on shooting foot  Shooting technique of a moving ball Time: 15 minutes Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 4 Corner Shooting (15 min):  Proper technique and body Two equal teams playing 2v2 with control GK’s. The remaining players start at  Placement vs. power corners behind their own goal. Coach  Quality preparation touch begins the play from the sideline by  Proper selection of contact serving a ball to player in any corner. surface Players try to score on their opponent’s  Timing and shape of goal. Play continues until ball is out of attacking runs bounds or a goal is scored. Players  Creativity and deception return to their corners. Keepers stay on.  Combination Play Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 3v3 (4v4) Plus Team on Deck (15 min):  Proper technique and body Two goals with GK’s set up about 25-30 control yards apart. Team is divided into 3  Placement vs. power groups. Two teams compete to score a  Quality preparation touch goal. The team that scores defends that  Proper selection of contact goal. The team on deck comes onto the surface field to defend quickly while the scored  Timing and shape of on team quickly leaves the playing field. attacking runs This game teaches teams to go to goal  Creativity and deception with pace and to take chances quickly. Time: 20 minutes

U10 Activities - Individual Attacking 1 Objective: To help players understand the importance of individual attacking when their team is in possession of the ball

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Free Dribbling:  Keep the ball close Everyone with a ball, use inside, outside, and  Use all surfaces of the foot laces and sole of the foot to turn away from  Keep your head up and use pressure. Have players dribble with speed, peripheral vision change direction, and perform moves.  Change of direction and burst Version 2: Have players work on moves to of speed beat pressure, such as step over, double step  Be creative – try something new over, etc. Version 3: Moves can be combined so that players are doing 3-4 moves in sequence. Then the sequence can be done with the non- dominant foot. Time: 15 minutes Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 1v1 to Two Small Goals:  Take a “peek” and know In a grid 10x15 yards with small goals what your options are on the end lines. A player passes the  Execute a feint to unbalance ball diagonally across the grid to his the defender and dribble past opponent who then attacks the small them with a burst of speed goal. Passing through the goal is 1 point  Encourage player to be and dribbling through the goal is 3 creative with the ball at their points. Each player keeps track of feet his/her score. Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts.  Work together to score 3v3 to End Zones:  Verbal & visual Two teams play in a defined space with communication each team attacking an end-zone  defended by the opponent. Teams score Use support players to make points when a player dribbles into the attacking decisions  End-Zone. Encourage players to be Coach shall encourage players to creative and take risks near recognize opportunities to burst into the end zone. space under control. Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - Individual Attacking 2 Objective: To improve the player’s decisions and ability to attack when his/her team is in possession of the soccer ball

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Free Dribble:  Keep the ball close All players dribbling in a defined space.  Use all surfaces of the foot Players should use all surfaces of their o Inside/outside feet. o Sole Coach: Prompt players to work on o Laces change of direction, scissors, fake  Keep your head up and use left/go right, step over and turn, pull peripheral vision back, half-turn, sole of the foot rolls  Change of direction and when he claps, “change”, “turn”, etc.. speed Time: 15 minutes Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 1v1 to Two Double Goals:  Keep the ball close In a grid about 12x15 yards with four  Keep your head up sets of cones creating 1 goal divided in  Execute a feint to unbalance three sections. Players compete in 1v1 the defender and dribble past duels in which they score on their him/her with a burst of speed opponent in the following manner:  Encourage players to be  Center of the goal = 5 points, creative with the ball at their dribbling only feet  Outer goals = 1 point, passing only.  If you can’t beat the defender, then decide if you can pass the soccer ball past him/her to goal Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts.  Work together to score 3v3 or 4v4 to 4 Goals:  Verbal & visual cues: In a 30x35 yard grid, place a three yard o Space goal with cones close to the corners of o 1v1 each end line. Players will score by o Support dribbling or passing through any of the  two goals they are attacking. Use support players to make attacking decisions

 Coach: help the players with attacking Demand the ball team shape (support, width and depth of  Encourage players to be the attack). creative and take risks near the end zone. Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - Combination Play 1 Objective: To improve passing technique and introduce and to train combination play (Wall Passes and take Overs)

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Combination Square: General In a grid about 25x25 yards, place 4 to 5  Quality technique while passing players in training vests. These players and receiving will roam around grid and give support  Be patient & let opportunities develop to players with balls. 4 to5 players with  Encourage finishing off of balls dribble in grid looking to connect combination opportunities with support players to perform wall  Positive environment to passes. encourage creative and instinctive Version 2: Build to take-overs play Version 3: Wall passes and take-overs  Communication 15 minutes Wall Pass Time: st st Small Sided Game Organization  1 attacker dribbles at 1 defender 4v4-1(4v3):  2nd attacker is slightly ahead of In a grid about 30X35 yards with two 5 defender in good supporting angle yard goals on each end line. Play 4v4-1, turned sideways on (4v3 +GK). The -1 player is the  1st attacker reads defenders and Goalkeeper on defending team. When supporting cues; decide to dribble the defending team gets the ball they or play a wall pass regain their fourth player. Encourage  Disguise, deception of pass and players to try to score after a wall pass runs or take over.  Accuracy and quality of pass  Wall pass goal= 5 pts. Look for opportunities to create numbers up situations (2v1, 3v1 Take over goal= 3 pts. etc.) Wall pass & take over = 10pts Takeover Time: 15 minutes  2 nd attacker runs directly at the 1st Exp. Small Sided Game Organization attacker from the opposite 4v4 to Two Small Goals: direction  1st attacker protects the ball from In a grid 30x35 yards with four goals st measuring 3 feet across in each corner, the 1 defender by keeping body between ball and defender two teams attack two goals and defend st nd  1 attacker leaves the ball and 2 two goals. To encourage combination attacker takes the ball using same play, the attacking team will receive 5 foot (right to right or left to left) points if they combine with a wall pass or  Simple communication: “take" or takeover before they score. Otherwise, “leave” they receive 1 point for scoring. Variation 2: Add a “plus” player who always plays for the attacking team if they cannot keep possession long enough to create a combination. Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - Combination Play 2

Objective: To introduce players to combination play, improve their passing abilities and recognize the correct timing & opportunity to pass

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Dutch Square: General Half the players create a square in a defined  Quality technique while passing space with a ball. Players without balls are and receiving in the middle and check to receive a pass  Be patient & let opportunities develop from outside players. Once they are inside,  Encourage finishing off of players have the ball and they look to connect a pass with another outside player. combination opportunities  Review technique of passing &  Positive environment to receiving encourage creative and instinctive play  Introduce wall passing  Communication  Introduce take-overs Wall Pass Time: 15 minutes  1st attacker dribbles at 1st Small Sided Game Organization defender nd 2v1 to Small Goals:  2 attacker is slightly ahead of In a 15x 20 yard grid, two players are trying defender in good supporting angle turned sideways on to score after they have combined and put the st ball through the small goals. The exercise  1 attacker reads defenders and starts with the defender passing the ball to supporting cues; decide to dribble any of the attackers at the opposite end. If or play a wall pass the ball goes out of bounds or the attackers  Disguise, deception of pass and score, re-start a new game and change the runs  defender. If the defender scores, he and his Accuracy and quality of pass partner become the attackers.  Look for opportunities to create numbers up situations (2v1, 3v1 etc.) Time: 15 minutes Takeover Exp. Small Sided Game Organization  2nd attacker runs directly at the 1st 3v3 or 4v4 to End Zones: attacker from the opposite Two teams play in a defined space with each direction team attacking an end-zone defended by the  1st attacker protects the ball from opponent. Teams score 5 points when a team the 1st defender by keeping body penetrates the End Zone by performing a wall between ball and defender pass or take over. One point if just pass or  1st attacker leaves the ball and 2nd dribble into the End-Zone attacker takes the ball using same Coach: Encourage players to recognize foot (right to right or left to left) opportunities to combine to penetrate.  Simple communication: “take" or “leave” Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - Individual Defending Objective: To teach players when and how to pressure the ball

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Defend the Cone Warm-Up:  1st defender should bend their Two players at cones 10 yards apart run to block direct path to the facing one another with a ball. The goal (cone) player with the ball passes the ball to his  1st defender shall force the opponent who tries to hit the cone opponent in the direction they where the ball was served from. The want them to go passing player defends his cone.  Defensive stance-on their Version 2: Player starts at same cone toes, knees bent, one foot and defender starts by passing through forward, one foot back attackers legs who turns and tries to  Technique of block and poke score on goal (cone) tackle Time: 15 minutes Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 1v1 to Line (10 min):  Important to delay progress of In a grid 12x12 yards a player passes the opponent by jockeying the the ball diagonally across the grid to his attacker with the ball opponent who then attacks the line on  Read attackers 1st touch and the opposite side. The player scores by make decision to tackle or delay dribbling across the line under control.  Block Tackle The 1st defender defends the line and  Poke Tackle tries to dispossess the attacker. If the 1st defender gains possession of the ball he immediately attacks the opposite goal line. Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 3v3 to Two Small Goals (10 min)  Immediate pressure from behind Two teams compete in 3v3 exercise in a  Patience; do not over commit defined space. Teams score by dribbling  Close down quickly and or passing through the small goals. under control Scoring:  Block Tackle  1 point for passing goal  Poke Tackle  3 points for dribbling goal

U10 Activities - Small Group Defending Objective: To teach the players the responsibilities of the pressuring defender as to when, where, and how to regain the ball for their team

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. st 1v1 Pressure - Warm-up: 1 Pressing Defender should: One group of players will serve to the  “Approach fast, arrive slow”, other and defend the player with the ball  bend run, correct stance, try to applying the principles of 1v1 defend. win ball off first touch of First attacker will try to dribble across opponent, delay progress of opposite end-line. (12 yards wide by 15 opponent by jockeying the yards long) player with ball, try to force them out of play

Time: 15 minutes Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 2v2 to Two Small Goals:  Speed and angle of approach In a 15x20 grid with small goals on each  Pressing defender forces head end line, play 2v2 matches. Rotate teams to down of attacker different fields. You could play matches  Covering defender is with off sides. positioned about 30 degrees

behind pressure

 Patience; do not over commit  Good communication to facilitate role switching while defending Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 3v3 to Two Small Goals:  Immediate pressure from behind Two teams compete in 3v3 exercise in a  Patience; do not over commit defined space. Teams score by dribbling or  Close down quickly and under passing through the small goals. control  Block Tackle

 Poke Tackle

U10 Activities - Heading 1 Objective: To teach players the technical points of heading a soccer ball.

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Heading Introduction(15 min):  Eye on the ball; read the flight Team is divided into two players with a of the ball single ball.  Contact the ball with the upper  Step 1: Player heads ball to teammate half of the forehead, NOT TOP from his/her own hands OF HEAD  Step 2: Player serves ball to him/herself  Body mechanics, shape and and heads ball to teammate balance  Step 3: Players serve balls to each other for return head ball  Step 4: In small groups, players try to keep ball up with head juggling Time: 15 minutes Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. Head Wars -2v2:  Read the flight of the ball Play 2v2 in an 8x10 yard grid. Players are  Keep eye on the ball restricted to their own half (4x10 yard grid).  Get in the line of flight of the Each team protects the 10 yard line. Play starts ball with one player tossing ball to his/her partner to  Lock neck and keep upper body score from a header. If the soccer ball crosses rigid the end line below the defenders’ shoulders,  they scored a goal. The defenders act as Thrust forward from waist goalkeepers, guarding the end-line, using their  Direct ball down and with force hands to catch the ball. The process starts again.  1 point = Toss, header, goal  3 points = Toss, header, header , goal (same team)  5 points = One team heads the ball and the defending team heads it back and scores Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. 3v3 Team Handball:  Use arms for balance, protection Organize players into teams of 3 or 4 players. and to create space Set up a 20 yard x 25 yard rectangular field  Players should bend at the waist with goals centrally located at each end. The 2 for maximum power teams play this game by tossing the ball (with  Communicate and demand the their hands) to their teammates (similar to ball basketball). Players can only take a maximum  Area of contact (striking of 3 steps with the ball, then they must pass surface) the ball to a teammate. Goals can only be scored by heading the soccer ball after it has been thrown by a teammate. If the ball drops on the ground, possession goes to the other team Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-40 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - Heading 2 Objective: To teach players the technical points of heading a soccer ball.

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Heading Introduction:  Eye on the ball; read the flight Team is divided into two players with a of the ball single ball.  Contact the ball with the upper  Step 1: Player heads ball to teammate half of the forehead; NOT TOP from his/her own hands OF HEAD  Step 2: Player serves ball to him/herself  Body mechanics, shape and and heads ball to teammate balance  Step 3: Players serve balls to each other for return head balls  Step 4: In small groups, players try to keep ball up with head juggling Time: 15 minutes Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts.  2v2 Heading Challenge: Read the flight of the ball In an 8x10 yard grid, two teams with two  Keep eye on the ball players each will play to score goals with  Get in the line of flight of the their heads. One team starts attacking by ball moving the ball from their end while  Lock neck and keep upper body serving (under handed serve) the soccer rigid ball and heading it to get close to the  Thrust forward from waist opponent’s goal, and score from a header.  Direct ball down and with force If the soccer ball gets by or through the

defenders, the attackers score a point. If

the defenders catch the ball, they counter

as quickly as they can. Goals from your own zone are worth 5 points and from inside the opponent’s zone 1 point. Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. Head, Catch & Throw:  Use arms for balance, Two equal teams play a modified hand protection and to create ball game in which a player with ball space serves to a teammate who heads it to  Players should bend at the another or the same teammate who waist for maximum power served him/her the ball. Goals are  Communicate and demand scored with the head only. The player the ball serving the ball may only take three  Area of contact (striking steps. The defending team regains surface) possession if the ball hits the ground, they intercept it with a header, or it goes out of bounds. Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - GK Footwork & Diving Objective: To improve the technical aspects of proper footwork, body position, handling the ball, and teach goalkeepers the correct diving technique.

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Up / Down:  Catch the ball with a “W” hand GK’s shuffling in and out of each other within position on any ball waist height the 18 yard box while bouncing a ball on the and above (formed by thumbs and ground, when coach yells out down, the player index fingers rolls a ball out to him/herself to go and scoop it up. The word up means the GK’s throw a high  For low balls have hands together ball to themselves. with fingers pointing towards the Version 2: On the same commands, the GK’s ground (pinky’s together like a quickly find a partner and either serve them a shovel scooping into the body) high ball & switch balls, or roll a ball to the left or right of a partner to scoop it up, switching Time: 10 minutes balls again. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. Diving Progression:  Instill upon the GK’s to attack Basic Diving: Each player is seated on the hands first, moving their body ground, with knees bent. They must place a ball forward about 2 steps away to the left or right at a 45 degree angle in front of them. The GK must roll  Lead with their hands in order to down their side reaching out to make the save. attack the ball Kneel Diving: Each GK is kneeling on one knee  Eyes on the ball, one hand on top, (leg closest to the ball has foot planted on ground) one behind with ball about 2 steps away to the left or right at a 45 degree angle in front of them. Now a small  Elbows slightly bent and top leg step must be taken at a 45 degree angle towards up for protection the ball before reaching out and diving to make  GK must then kick out with the the save. top leg up for protection in order Standing Diving: Each player in a ready position with a ball 4-5 steps away to the right or left of to go back to a standing position them at a 45 degree angle out in front. GK must take a large step towards the ball and collapse in the direction of the ball, rolling down their side and reaching out to make the save. Version 2: Two players per ball with one working, one serving. Time: 15 minutes Exp. Small Sided Game Organization Coaching Pts. Small Goal Saves:  Be in a ready set position before Two lines of players, each in between a cone goal, every ball facing each other with one ball and extras on the sides. (maximum players per line is 3) Goals  Go to the ball and carry should be about 30 yards apart with a 10 yard momentum forward buffer zone in the middle. Keepers are now trying  Quick lateral footwork to get to score on each other by either throwing or rolling it but the ball must bounce on the body behind every ball to limit opponent’s half before a goal is scored. GK gets diving one point for a goal. Once a GK gets scored on, next person in line hops in. Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long by  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Activities - GK Handling & Distribution Objective: To improve the technical aspects of throwing the soccer ball after the Goalkeeper has collected it

Technical Warm up Organization Coaching Pts. Partner Catching for Distribution: Catching: Two lines of players, each in between a cone  Feet square to the body, goal facing each other in a 12x 15 yard grid shoulders square to the ball, (three players per line max). knees bent, arms out to the side, GK1 starts with the soccer ball and bowls it elbow slightly bent, eyes on the to GK2, who scoops it from the ground and brings it up the body to secure the soccer ball ball. Immediately after the service, GK1  Hands always lead, keep body follows his/her service. GK2 repeats the moving forward process and bowl is to the next GK in line.  Be set before the shooter plants After several rounds of bowling and his/her non-kicking foot scooping the soccer ball, the GK’s should:  W or Diamond Shape hands to  Baseball throw - Bag catch  Roundhouse throw - W catch catch high balls Coach: Players should attack the ball  Hands together, fingers point (GK should not wait for the soccer ball towards the ground with pinkies on the goal line). Serving players should together for low balls put a bit of pressure to the catching GK when following their service. Throws: Time: 15 minutes  Bowl: ball must be cupped, GK Small Sided Game Organization stepping forward with opposite GK Wars ( Hands Only): foot from serving hand, low body In an area 15x20 with an 8 yard goal at each posture, release the ball low end and half way line, GK will throw the ball  Round House: ball cupped in at each other trying to score using any of the hand straight back behind GK, three services (Bowl, Baseball or bring hand with ball up over your Roundhouse). GK can’t throw the ball past head with elbow locked and the half way line. If a GK gets scored on, a shoulder going forward, then new GK gets in the goal. No more than 3 GK’s per side. release the ball as hand comes up Time: 15 minutes over the shoulder. Release early Exp. Small Sided Game Organization for a high service, or late for a low service Goalkeepers Hand Ball to End Zones: Split the team or Goalkeepers into two teams  Baseball: ball in palm of hand and play handball. Each player can only take besides head and is thrown 3 steps max. Keepers must catch the ball straight forward as GK steps into inside the End Zone in the air or after one throw, let ball roll off fingertips, bounce to score. On the field, keepers can’t backspin will help settle ball allow the ball to bounce more than twice. quicker Time: 20 minutes Game Organization Coaching Pts. Play with Goalkeepers in a 45-60 yard long  All of the above 6v6 Scrimmage by 35-45 yard wide field. Time: 30 minutes COOL DOWN Activities to reduce heart rate, static stretching & review session – Time 10 min.

U10 Dynamic Activities

Fast Footwork (Foundation Work) Activity Description Coaching Objective  Each player with a soccer ball in  Repetition of proper 15x20 yard grid. (size of grid is mechanics to keep the players close to the coach)  Quick and supple touches  Coach leads the players in choreographed footwork activities:  Head up o Sole of foot ball taps (left‐right‐ left‐right) o Inside of foot ball taps (left‐right‐left‐right) *Variations: add a quarter or o Pull the soccer back with the half turn every 10 touches sole of the foot and push with (right foot then left) the inside of the same foot to the opposite foot. Sole of foot back and forth o o Sole of foot side to side; left foot rolls to right and right foot rolls to left.

Free Dribble Activity Description Coaching Objective  Each player with a soccer ball in  Keep the ball close a 25x35 yard grid.  Players should use all surfaces of  Use all surfaces of the foot their feet. o Inside/outside  Coach will prompt players to: o Sole o Change direction o Laces o Inside foot chop o Scissors  Keep head up and use o Fake left/go right peripheral vision o Step over and turn o Pull back  Change of direction o Half turns and speed o Roll the ball under the foot

U10 Dynamic Activities

Triangle Gate Passing in 3’s Activity Description Coaching Objective

 Coach sets up a 30x45 yard grid with  Quick passes in a small several triangle shaped gates. space  Coach divides the team into groups of 3 with one soccer ball for every each  Playing from the small group. space to open space  At each gate, player 1 passes to player 2 who passes to player 3 so all three sides  Introduction to of the triangle are used. Player 3 dribbles combination play to the next gate and her teammates join her. * variations: Pass with the outside of the  Dribbling player now becomes player 1 foot Pass with inside of the and the same pattern continues to as foot many gates as possible in 45 seconds.  Second round, passes through the gate must be with the outside of the foot.

Numbers Shooting Activity Description Coaching Objective

 Coach sets up a 25x30 yard grid with a  Shooting technique of a goal at both ends. Grid will have a 10 moving ball yard wide lane through the middle.  Each goal will have a goalie in it and all  Repetition of shooting the players will have a soccer ball in technique of a moving ball the lane and will be divided into 2  Shot save repetition for colored teams. goalies  Each player from each team in the center lane has a number 1‐6 (or 1‐the number of players per team).  Each team as a particular goal they are shooting on and will shoot in sequential order.  When the coach gives the command to start, both teams shoot on their goal.  Next shooter can shoot once the goalie has made the previous save.  Shooters chase their soccer balls immediately unless they will interfere with the goalie.  Once all shooters have shot, the players chase their soccer balls and return to the center lane for the next round. U10 Dynamic Activities

4v0 Passing Activity Description Coaching Objective  4 players in a 25x35 yard grid.  Passing and receiving Players will need one soccer ball technique which starts at one end or the other.  3 of the players pass among  Body shape for receiving the themselves. After 4‐5 passes the 4th ball. player calls for the soccer ball. Whoever has it at that point must  Preparation touch make a long pass to the far player.  The 2 players on the side lines  Maintaining group shape support the pass by moving into the and positional discipline opposite end of the field. (maintain a kite shape)  The 3 players to begin to play the ball short for 4‐5 passes before the new long player calls for the ball.  After a couple 90 second rounds, the coach can walk inside the middle of the grid to force some direction.  Multiple games will be played at the same time. 2 teams can work in the same grid at the same time but independent of the other group.

Receiving Flighted Balls in 2’s Activity Description Coaching Objective  One soccer ball for every 2 players.  Proper receiving technique  Partners face each other about 5  Appropriate touch on soccer yards apart. ball  One player is the server. He holds * Variation: the soccer ball in his hands and, Coach can stipulate that two with 2 hands, under hand tosses different surfaces must be the soccer ball to his partner at used prior to the soccer ball different heights. hitting the ground.  The receiver uses his chest, thigh or instep (laces) to receive the ball before it touches the ground.  The receiver then passes the ball back to the server.

 After 9‐10 services, the partners switch rolls.

U10 Dynamic Activities

Dutch Circle (Passing, Receiving & Heading) Activity Description Coaching Objective  Proper receiving technique  Coach divides the players into 2 groups. from all body surfaces  One group of players form a circle with a  Intelligent movement 30‐35 yard radius.  Passing accuracy and pace  Players forming the circle have 1 soccer ball each and they are considered * Variations: windows. Serve to Feet  The other group of players gets set inside Serve to Thigh the circle without a soccer ball. Serve to Chest  Coach will inform the players in the Serve to Head middle how to receive the soccer ball and how to play it back to an open window.  Each round the players may have to either receive the soccer ball to feet, thigh, chest or head.  The inside players must now play the ball to an open window.

 The players on the inside must now receive a different soccer ball from a different window.  Round lasts 1 minute. Players must play as many soccer balls in that time as they can.  Groups now switch rolls and play again.

Heading to Self Activity Description Coaching Objective  Coach sets up a 25X30 yard grid with all  Proper heading technique players inside. Each player has a soccer for both attacking and ball in their hands. defensive head balls.  Players jog around with their soccer ball  Good body balance and serve the ball into the air to  Body in line with the flight themselves. of the soccer ball  Players head the soccer ball into the space in front of them, jog after it and pick it up.  Repeat for the duration of the round  (approx. 1 minute) and at least one more round.  Round 2, players serve the soccer ball into the air, try to head back into the air in order to catch the ball. U10 Dynamic Activities

Heading with a Partner Activity Description Coaching Objective

 All players get a partner and 1 soccer  Head eye coordination ball between every 2 players.  Body shape for both  One player is the server who serves the attacking and defensive soccer ball with 2 hands and under to heading their partner.  Weighted touches on the  The other player tries to head the soccer ball with their head  soccer ball back to their partner.

 After 8‐10 serves, the partners switch rolls.  Second round, the player heading the soccer ball will try to head the soccer ball over the servers head.  The third round, the 2 players try to head the soccer ball back and forth and try to get as many in a row as they can. They can have as many restarts as they want in 90 seconds.

U10 Competitive Activities

 Coach sets up a 25x35 yard grid  Dribbling for individual  Coach divides the players into two possession and shielding. different colored teams.  All the red players start with a soccer  Tackling (winning the ball) ball and the white players do not.  On the coach’s command, the game  Transition from offense to begins. All the white players have 45 defense and defense to seconds to win and possess as many offense soccer balls as they can.  Whoever has a soccer ball at the end of time earns a point for their team. (if the white team has 2 soccer balls and the red has 4, the red team wins the round)  Round 2, white team starts with the soccer balls.  First team to win 4 rounds wins.

4v1(2) Keep Away (Kite Shape) Activity Description Coaching Objective  Coach sets up a 20‐25x35 yard grid with  Passing and receiving 4 players on the perimeter (1 at each technique end and 1 on each side line) and 1 defender in the middle.  Body shape for receiving the  1 soccer ball starts at one of the end ball. lines.  On the coach’s command, the game  Maintaining group shape and begins. The 4 outside players try to keep positional discipline (maintain the soccer ball from the defender by a kite shape) passing side to side and end to end. (the ideal pass is the penetrating pass to the  Decision making (when to play end line player) square and when to play the  If the defender wins the soccer ball, she soccer ball through) returns it to the outside players. After 3 wins or 1 minute, the defender changes rolls with one of the outside players.

U10 Competitive Activities

Timed 4v2 Keep Away Activity Description Coaching Objective  25x35 yard grid.  Pressure and cover of  4 players on the outside of the grid. 2 defenders defenders inside the grid + 2 defenders waiting on the side.  Time to transition new  Coach serves a ball and the outside defenders players possess as long as they can before the defenders win the ball.  As soon as the defenders win the ball, the coach serves another ball in and the 2 defenders on the field leave and the next 2 come on.  Game last till all the balls are gone. Time how long it takes the defenders to win all the balls. 2 teams switch rolls and new defenders try to beat the time.

2v2 to Three Small Goals Activity Description Coaching Objective  Coach set up a 15x25 yard grid with 3  Changing the point of attack small goals on each end line.  Coach divides players into 2 teams. Both  Dribbling for penetration teams put 2 players on in the grid with the rest of the players waiting behind  Opportunity to create their goals. combinations  Each team must defend 3 goals and can score on the 3 goals in the other end.  Players play 2v2 for 1 minute regardless of the number of goals scored.  At the end of a minute, all players leave the field and 4 new players enter to play 2v2.  Game is played till everyone gets 2‐3 rotations onto the field. Players total their scores and get ready to play another round.

U10 Competitive Activities

(8, 9 and Some 10 Year Olds)

3v3+1 to Targets Activity Description Coaching Objective  Coach sets up a 35x25 yard grid with a  Look for a penetrating pass player at each end who serves as a target/goal.  Attacking with a numerical  2 teams of 3 on the field in different advantage colors and a neutral player who will play with the team in possession of the soccer ball.  Each team attacks one target and defends the other target.  In order to score, a team must find a way to pass the soccer ball to the opposition’s target. When in possession of the soccer ball, the attacking team has a 4v3 advantage.  Once a goal is scored, the target with the soccer ball players it to the team defending in front of him and the game continues.  After a game to 3, the coach can switch the targets and neutral player.

3v3+3 On Deck to End Lines (or Goals) Activity Description Coaching Objective  Coach sets up a 35 by 25 yard grid.  Lots of attacking and counter  Coach divides the players into 3 teams attacking of 3. Each team has a different color.  2 teams on the field and 1 team waiting  Passing and dribbling for on the side (On Deck). penetration  Each team on the field attacks 1 end line and defends the other.  Transition from offense to  A team scores by dribbling or passing to defense a teammate over the end line.  Once a team scores, they immediately  Readiness of team on deck drop back to defend.  The team that was scored on, goes to the deck and the team from the deck *Variations: comes onto the field. o Play to small goals instead  The new team on the field starts with of end line the soccer ball at their defending end o Player can’t be waiting line. over end line for a pass;  First team to 3‐4 wins. Coach can re‐mix must time the pass and the teams and play again. run to meet it over the end line

U10 Competitive Activities

(8, 9 and Some 10 Year Olds)

2v2 Head Ball Challenge Activity Description Coaching Objective  Coach sets up multiple fields 8 yards wide  Heading Technique and 10 yards long.  Team is divided into groups of 4 who play  Timing runs to head the 2v2. One team starts attacking and one ball defending.  One attacker serves the soccer ball from midfield to her partner’s head who tries to head the ball past the 2 defender who must remain on their end line.  If the soccer ball gets by the defenders, the attackers are awarded a point.  The attackers must now drop back and cover their end line and the defenders now try to attack.  One player brings the ball to the center and serves the ball to her partner’s head.  Game is played for time or number of goals.

Head/Throw/Catch Activity Description Coaching Objective  Coach sets up a 25x30 yard grid with a goal  Heading technique at each end.  Coach divides the players into 2 teams of 5.  Heading under pressure Coach’s choice to use goalies or not.  One team starts with the soccer ball in their  Heading to control vs hands. They serve the ball with 2 hands and heading for goal under hand.  If their teammate can head it back to them or another teammate, they get a point.  If they can’t head the ball, they can catch it to keep possession with their team.  If the team with the ball can score a head ball in the opponent’s goal, they get 5 points.  Player with the ball cannot run with it (momentum steps only)  The defending team is trying to win the ball and start attacking.  If the soccer ball hits the ground, it is a turnover to the other team.

U10 Competitive Activities

4 Corner Shooting Activity Description Coaching Objective  Coach sets up 25x30 yard grid with a goal and  Dribbling, passing, a goalie at each end. Coach sets up on the receiving and shooting side line with all the soccer balls.  technique under  Team is split in half with half the players split pressure of a game into 2 lines, one on each corner. The other team does the same at the other end.  Decision making in the  The coach serves a soccer ball into play. At competitive game the moment the soccer ball is in play, the first environment. player from each of the 4 lines come out and play 2v2.  Play continues until a goal is scored or the soccer ball goes out of bounds.  When this happens, all players get off the field, the coach serves another soccer ball and 4 new players enter the field for a 2v2 match.  Game continues until the coach is out of soccer balls.  At this point the coach says he is out of soccer balls and asks the players to retrieve them for him. The players must dribble the soccer balls back to him.  Once the soccer balls are collected, a new game begins.

3v3+1 Boss of the Balls Activity Description Coaching Objective  Coach sets up 25x30 yard grid with a goal on  Making a decision that each end line. only the game can  2 teams on the field. Each team has 2 field present. players and a goalie + one neutral player who plays with the team in possession of the  Shooting which can be soccer ball. manipulated by the  Coach sets up on the side line with all the coach’s service soccer balls. Coach is the Boss of the Balls.  The coach serves a soccer ball onto the field  Anticipation and and play begins. Both teams try to win the excitement ball and score in their opposition’s goal.  If a goal is scored or the soccer ball goes out of bounds, the coach serves another soccer ball into play.  Same players continue to play. U10 Competitive Activities

(8, 9 and Some 10 Year Olds)

6v6 Game Activity Description Coaching Objective  Coach sets up a 35x50 yard field with a  Learn to use technical skills goal at each end. in a game environment.  Coach divides the players into teams of 6.  Teams play 5 + a goalie v 5 + a goalie (6v6)  All technical coaching  Game is played with throw‐ins, corner objectives can be kicks, goal kicks and free kicks for fouls. recognized  No restrictions but incentives may be useful.  Coach can observe for future practice themes

8V8 Game Activity Description Coaching Objective  Coach sets up a 50x75 yard field with a  Learn to use technical skills goal at each end. in a game environment.  Coach divides the players into teams of 8.  Teams play 7 + a goalie v 7 + a goalie (8v8)  All technical coaching  Game is played with throw‐ins, corner objectives can be kicks, goal kicks and free kicks for fouls. recognized  No restrictions but incentives may be

useful.