Organization:

1. two 10 x 5 boxes about 20 yards apart

1. players split evenly between the boxes, with a ball each

Instructions:

1. players start off dribbling on their respective rafts (boxes)

2. when the coach yells "cross the river!" the players swim (dribble) across the river to the box across from them and stop the ball

3. first team with everyone across gets one point

4. first team to 5 points wins

Coaching Points:

1. dribble with your head up to see where the opposing team is dribbling.

2. keep the ball close with your short touches when near players, then longer when you have space in front of you.

3. use the inside and outside of you feet to push the ball into space if another player is dribbling at you

Progressions:

1. add alligators (cones) into the middle that the kids have to avoid as well

2. add 2 boxes, one north one south, and split the kids into 4 groups. still dribble to opposite box

Organization:

Same set up as previous activity, except no triangles

Yellow players are attackers with ball

Blue players are defenders, no ball

Instructions:

Knockout style game

Yellow players must dribble around the area without having their ball stolen or kicked out by Blue defenders

If yellow lose ball or dribbles out of the grid, they can re-enter the game by performing instructed coerver skill in one of the boxes off to the side

Play for set time

Coaching Points:

Close control when under pressure from defender

-change direction, body between ball and defender

Big touches into open space once defender is beaten

Quickly into side box and quick touches to re-enter game

Progressions:

Limit how many Lives attackers have

-ex: after 2 knockouts, player is OUT

Add more defenders

R-unlimited lives

-less defenders

Organization:

Players divided into two teams, Blue and Yellow

Blues divided up between two A goals, Yellows divided up between two B goals

All soccer balls with coach on the side

Instructions:

Coach begins game by kicking a ball into the middle

One player from each goal runs out to play, so it becomes 2v2 in the middle

Yellow team tries to score either of the B goals, Blue tries to score in either of the A goals

If goal is scored or ball goes out, players return to their starting spot

Have one player from each color keep score. Most goals wins!

Coaching Points:

Head and eyes up to see open space/goal

Close control when under pressure

Big touch to penetrate open space and attack a goal

Organization:

2 teams - 3 teams if neccessary

small sided game, 4v4 ideal

Instructions:

Free Play