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:

Players evenly spread out on opposite ends of each channel

One defender per channel (Blue)

Yellow players need a soccer ball

Instructions:

One Yellow player from each side dribbles out at the same time

Goal is to make it past the defender and across the channel without losing your ball

Play until you make it across, defender wins the ball, or ball out of bounds

Head down to opposite side and play again

Coaching Points:

Focus on players with the ball - decision making

Close control when defender has picked you to engage

Penetrate open space and get across quickly if defender turns back to you

Can you work with your teammate to help each other get across?

-try not to both dribble down the same side

Progressions:

Remove center line and create one grid

-More traffic and pressure to deal with

Reg - defneders are passive, not trying to win the ball just apply pressure

Reg - No soccer balls, pinni-tails

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