INDEX

• COACHING GUIDELINES ….…………………………….…….………………………1

• TEACHING POINTS ……………………………………….…….……………………...2
• PRACTICE TIPS ………………………………...………….…….……………………...3
• 8 WEEK SCHEDULE ……………………………………….…….……………………..5
• LESSON PLAN DIAGRAMS ……………………………….….………………………..6
• WEEK 1 ………………………………………………………..…………………………7
• WEEK 2 ………………………………………………………..…………………………9
• WEEK 3 …………………………………………………………..……………………..11
• WEEK 4 ………………………………………………………………..………………..12
• WEEK 5 ………………………………………………………………..………………..13
• WEEK 6 ………………………………………………………………..………………..14
• WEEK 7 ………………………………………………………………..………………..15
• WEEK 8 ………………………………………………………………..………………..16
• ADDITIONAL DRIBBLING ACTIVITIES …………………………..………………..19
• ADDITIONAL PASSING ACTIVITIES .…………………………….………………20

U8 - U10 KICK-OFF COACHING MANUAL ©GAVIN SPOONER 1

 COACHING GUIDELINES
1. COMMUNICATION: Ensure the terminology you use is clear and precise. Let players know you are in
charge.
2. POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT: Whenever possible give individuals and/or groups positive reinforcement.
Refrain from using negative comments. Use praise as an incentive.
3. BE CREATIVE AND USE INITIATIVE: If the drill or game is too advanced, modify to increase the chances
of success.
4. MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Be motivational and inspirational. Enthusiasm and being energetic are contagious.
5. KEEP PLAYERS ACTIVE: If the drill is static, create need of helpers or assistants to keep everyone
involved.
6. EACH PLAYER IS AN INDIVIDUAL: Be aware of player differences. Aggressive or quiet, recognition of
player personalities will allow you to respond to all players, and they will respond to you positively.
7. STRIVE FOR QUALITY: In all demonstrations make the desired objectives clear. If a player shows mastery
of a skill, use him/her to demonstrate.
8. REINFORCE CORRECT TECHNIQUE: In all drills and games continually emphasis the use of correct
techniques.
9. ENCOURAGE PLAYER MOVEMENT: At all times make players aware of importance of readiness.
Emphasize weight forward on toes and bouncing instead of flat footed-ness.
10. ROTATE POSITIONS: All players should be active as servers, assistants. In game situations change positions
each quarter.
11. DEVELOP PLAYER RESPECT: Continually get players to support one another. To show good
sportsmanship towards all players including opponents, and respect for others attempts and effort.
12. EQUALITY AMONGST PLAYERS: Give equal attention to all players in group or games. Do not leave the
less competent players behind nor slow the advanced players.
13. FUN AND ENJOYMENT: Players will respond and want to continue if things are fun. Create their
enjoyment.

• REMEMBER AS A COACH YOU SHOULD BE DEDICATED TO THE

DEVELOPMENT OF ALL PLAYERS WHETHER TECHNICALLY ABLED OR
NEW TO THE GAME. YOUR POSITION IS VERY IMPORTANT. YOU ARE A
ROLE MODEL TO THESE CHILDREN. SET EXEMPLARY STANDARDS.
DEVELOPING GOOD TOUCH AND TECHNIQUE, GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
AND A GOOD ATMOSPHERE IS THE GOAL. KEEP AWAY FROM CREATING A
PRESSURE TO WIN. MAINTAIN EQUALITY THROUGHOUT YOUR SESSIONS
AND EMPHASIZE FUN AND DEVELOPMENT.

U8 - U10 KICK-OFF COACHING MANUAL ©GAVIN SPOONER 2

 COACHING POINTS

DTT. ( Developing Touch and SHOOTING.

Technique.).
• Maintain close control with both feet. • Keep toe pointing down.
• Be agile, stay on toes. • Lock ankle.
• Use all parts of feet, inside, outside, laces, sole. • Strike with shoelaces.
• Move to get behind balls path. • Strike through center of ball.
• Keep a soft contact. • Swing leg and follow through.
• Concentrate on center of ball. • Keep relaxed except keep foot locked.
• Keep head up. • Accuracy before power.
• Control ball first, don’t just kick it away. • Keep knee and head over ball.
• Change direction and speed when turning. • Place standing foot alongside ball, not in front
• Be a friend with the ball. or behind.
• Aim for bottom corners of goal.
• Accuracy before power.
• Follow after shooting.
PASSING. • Use foot closest to the ball. I.E. left or right
foot.
• Use inside of feet.
• Change body position so it’s comfortable.
• Stay relaxed. Don’t be like a robot.
• Look at ball when passing.
• Pass to other players, not just kick and hope. GAMES.
• Move afterwards.
• Move away from players to receive ball. • All of the above.
• Turn body to face ball when receiving. • Keep moving.
• Stay spread out. • Encourage movement towards ball.
• Encourage use of width.
• Keep positions only loosely restricted.
• Take Time-out to rotate subs and positions.
• Coach, educate, and support during games.
• Explain all fouls and calls made.
• Create an understanding of the Laws of the
Game.

U8 - U10 KICK-OFF COACHING MANUAL ©GAVIN SPOONER 3

 PRACTICE TIPS
This page is designed to help coaches overcome some common practice time occurrences. There are
30 solutions listed here to some common problems. Some of these solutions contain a direct link to a
sample in the practice plan manual.

NOT ENOUGH SOCCER BALLS AT PRACTICE or half the team left them at home!

1. Use “ghost” players who play without ball. They can tag a player on shoulder and replace
that player. Good in individual activities and when only 1 or 2 balls missing.
2. Revise practice session to be less Individual and more small group. Good for passing and
shooting type activities that work 1 ball between 2,3 or more players. Useful if half balls
or more are missing.
3. If only 2 balls present: play a 3 Vs 3 style tournament, IE 2 games of small-sided being
played at once. Only 1 ball, rather than play 6 Vs 6 play 3 teams of 4 NON-STOP
SOCCER, where teams rotate after each goal or set time.

HAVE AN ODD NUMBER OF PLAYERS AT PRACTICE or I planned for 12 but got 9!

4. If you have an Assistant or spare parent have them work with a goalkeeper.
5. When doing pair activity make a triangle.
6. If small group activity, ie In groups of 3 players pass to a central player who turns and
passes, add spare player to one group and the passes are alternated.
7. In small group activities use spare as a shadow defender with no tackling allowed (vary)
8. Scrimmage time at the end of practice and only 9 players:
Play 5 vs 4 and make the team with less players loaded wither stronger players
Play 5 vs 4 and have team of 5 attacking small goal
Play 5 vs 4 and team 4 with GK, team 5 without
Use Asst./ parent/ brother - sister to even teams
Play yourself
Play 4 vs 4 with a floating player who plays for the team in attack (good for more
advanced players. )
Play 4 vs 4 and use a sub. Good for more active activities, longer period of play

HOW YOU CAN INCLUDE GK SPECIFIC TRAINING or my keeper needs work but so do
my field players?

9. If odd number of players, remove GK and have them work with Asst or Parent.
10. In individual and group activities allow GK’s to use hand. IE Your topic is passing and
receiving and your activity is give ‘n’ go’s. Allow Gk to use hands to receive and
distribute, or if a defending activity allow them to dive to try and intercept passes.
11. In activities make topic goal orientated. If playing 1 vs 1 game trying to knock over
opponents cone, have 1 player attack a cone and other attack a GK and goal.
12. Small and large group activities can be goal orientated also. Playing 5 vs 2 keep away,
after 6 passes can attack goal

HOW TO PICK TEAMS FOR SCRIMMAGES or I don’t want to use captains?

13. Use your knowledge and judgement to evenly match up individuals

 PRACTICE TIPS
14. Play offense versus defense, or as the Dutch do, play left side versus right side
15. For Random teams:
Choose 1 player to give everyone a number. You turn away then pick random
numbers
Choose players by criteria like 1st letter of 1st name (or any 1st - last combo with
1st name, last name, mom - dad’s name etc)
Choose players by criteria of date of month born, month of year born etc

HOW TO RESTRICT DEFENDERS/OPPOSITION or my defenders always win the ball without

the others gaining experience!

16. Have opposition play only as a shadow (good for introducing new topics as its only light
pressure)
17. Have defender play as a ghost, IE no tackling only pressure to force an error or interception
18. Restrict movement of defender by playing as a crab on all 4's (good for less experienced)
19. Ensure adequate grouping. IE less experienced might need 6 vs 1 to achieve success, more
experienced maybe 3 vs 1
20. Increase the playing area especially in examples like above

HOW TO INCREASE COMPETITION FOR THE MORE ADVANCED PLAYERS ON TEAM

or my good players are creaming the weaker ones and not learning !

21. In pair or group activities match players up by talent/ experience

22. If 1 exceptional player then match against an Asst/ parent/ older brother - sister for greater
physical challenge
23. Reduce the space the stronger player must work in
24. Make their target smaller or further away
25. Limit their number of touches
26. Limit them to use their weaker foot only
27. Allow a less experienced player to play more intense opposition, IE rather than shadow
defend can play 100%
28. In scrimmage you as coach play Against that 1 stronger player
29. 9 players for scrimmage, maybe play 3 stronger players vs 6

IN SOME ELIMINATING GAMES PLAYERS SIT OUT FOR 5 MINUTES or its my weaker
players who lose first - and they need the practice!

30. In games like Knockout, players should do a skill activity that allows them back into the
game. Rather than score game by eliminating players, score by number of successes in a set
period of time, thus allowing players back in after they :
dribble to a distant cone: juggle the ball x times: do x toe taps

WEEK FORMAT PRACTICE GAME

1. INTRO. BASIC TECHNIQUE - FOOT SKILLS 15 - 20 MIN

2. INTRO. BASIC TECHNIQUE - PASSING 15 - 20 MIN

3. CONTROL CONTROL AND TURNING 4 * 10 MIN

4. PASSING PASSING GAMES 4 * 10 MIN

 PRACTICE TIPS
5. ATTACK SHOOTING TECHNIQUE AND GAMES 4 * 10 MIN

6. DEFENCE DEFENDING AND GOALKEEPING 4 * 10 MIN

7. TEAMWORK COMBINING SKILLS LEARNT 4 * 10 MIN

8. FESTIVAL OF FUN SERIES OF

GAMES.
 PROGRAM
TEACHING PLANS.

KEY TO DIAGRAMS.

A, B, C Etc. Player.

Playing area.

O Ball.

X Cone.

Movement of ball.

Movement of player

Movement of Player with ball

Feet with ball.

Goal
 WEEK 1: BASIC FOOT SKILLS
WARM - UPS: 10 - 15 MINS. BALL GYMNASTICS:
Stationary: Roll ball with bottom of foot forwards and
backwards with right then left. Repeat from side to side, and
then in a circular motion. Repeat all with increased speed.
On Toes.
Tick-Tock. Pass the ball from inside of left to inside
TIC - TOC of right ( See Diagram)
Hat Dance. Lightly touch ball with bottom
of right foot then with left. Ball should remain still.
Increase speed for both.
Movement. Tick-Tock but move ball slightly forwards each
touch. Take it width of field then turn and return. Same with
Hat dance. Sideways stance. Roll right foot over ball and stop
with inside of left.On return use other feet.

TECHNIQUE: 10 - 15 MINS. SQUARE ACTIVITIES. (SEE DIAGRAM)

Commands. Move ball inside square. Coach gives
A B Commands like Stop, Go, Turn Left foot, Right
foot, Insides, Tic-toc, etc.
C Other Commands. Body Parts. Touch ball with that BP.
Find Spaces. As kids move their ball inside square they
D E
try to find as much space as possible. On Coaches command

F G player with most space is winner.

2 Squares A. Add a 2nd square and have players on command
move ball into new square.
2 Squares B. Split kids into 2 groups, 1 in each square, on
command they leave their ball and switch squares to find a
new one.
2 Squares C. Same as above but take the ball with them,
avoiding bumping in the middle. (See Diagram)
Lose your Shadow. In the double square each player has ball
2 Squares C and partner. The Shadow has to try and stay within 1
yd of
2 Square C. Partners Switch between Leader and Shadow.

WATER BREAK:

GAMES 1: 10 - 15 MINS. SQUARE GAMES:

Pac Dudes. Kids inside square dribble around, 1 player
Musical Soccerballs ( GHOST ) outside square. On command Pac Dudes the for Musical
X Ghost has to kick all the balls out of the square. Winner is
last one in square. Emphasize shielding and turning. Change
ghosts. U7 all have go as Ghost. U8 have 2 Ghosts.
Musical Soccerballs. Place 4 cones outside square. Dribble in
A O square, on command, players stop ball and leave it, and run
O to touch any one of the 4 cones. Coach removes 1 ball and
X B X When they come back into square they put there foot on ANY
available ball. Player who doesn’t get a ball is out. Get that
C O player to remove next ball. Make sure all players are moving
in square, not staying by the sides. (See diagram)

X
 WEEK 1: BASIC FOOT SKILLS
WATER BREAK:

GAMES 2: 10 - 15 MINS. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA CRABS.

Players start at end of the Island with their Soccer balls.
TMNC set-up. Coach starts as crab sitting with legs forward, and can only
ABCDEFGH move in this position. On Command TMNC, players have to
dribble ball past Crab to the other end ( Beach. ) without their
ball going into the ocean. They must stop the ball on the line.
Crab moves to kick ball into ocean. If ball
goes into ocean, then that player becomes crab. When
everyone has reached the beach, and crabs are ready, then repeat
in opposite direction. Last one still on Island is winner.
Emphasize. close control and movement from side to side to
CRAB get past the crabs. (See Diagram)

WATER BREAK: RECAP: GAME PREP: Use this time to recap on the practice and to organize for the
game.

GAME: 15 - 20 MINS.
Play 4 vs 4 . Do not use GK’s

SEE ADDITIONAL DRIBBLING GAMES AT END OF MANUAL FOR MORE

VARIATIONS. BY ADDING THESE ADDITIONAL GAMES TO THIS STRUCTURE,
YOU WILL HAVE SEVERAL MORE DRIBBLING PPRACTICES.
 WEEK 2: BASIC PASSING
WARM - UPS: 10 - 15 MINS. TEAM GAMES.
Zig Zag. Have 3 teams of 4. Set up about 5 cones per team.
players in turn zig zag through cones using foot and surface
coach has stated. When all have been 1st team
sitting down in straight line are the winners.
Pass and Stop. In pairs players are 3yds apart. Player 1(X)
passes and player 2(X1) stops ball. Player 2 runs backwards and
player 1runs forwards to pass ball again. Repeat for length of field
then return with player roles switched.
Golf. Set up a series of cones 2 yds apart around field. Players
have to pass ball through the course with the least amount of
touches possible.
WATER BREAK:

TECHNIQUE: 10 - 15 MINS. VARIOUS.

1. In pairs approx. 5 yds apart players pass back and forth.
GIVE GOOD DEMO OF TECHNIQUE.
Emphasize stopping
Various 2 ball 1st.
2. In 3’s approx. 5 yds apart with 2 balls. A passes to B. B
A B C stops ball and passes back, then Turns to face C, who passes
in. Repeat and rotate player B.
3. Numbers. In pairs, 1 ball, 4 cones in cross shape. A is
Various 3 2 by bottom cone and passes to B in center of cross. When he
passes shouts a # 1,2,3,4. B stops passes back and then runs
1A B 3 to touch that cone. When A shouts 1 players change position
after passes.
4 4. 3 squares. Have 2 pairs in each square, with 1 ball per
pair. Players move around inside their square, on command
pass to their partner. Repeat. Emphasize movement
and looking up.

GAMES 1: 10 - 15 MINS. BRITISH BULLDOGS.

Set up Island like TMNC (Week 1). Have players start at one end with
O O O O O O O all the balls lined up along the two sides. Coach starts as BB.
A On command players have to run to other end of Island,
B dodging balls that BB is passing in. If hit below knee they
C become a BB. Reset all the balls and repeat till everyone hit.
D Winner starts as BB for next game.
E
F

O O O O O

WATER BREAK:

GAMES 2: 10 - 15 MINS. Elvis Presley.

Divide into pairs and place approx. 5 - 10 yds from each other.
Player A has ball . Payer B must call A’s name before A passes.
A B X A passes. B stops and passes back when A calls his name. After
passing B turns and runs to cone approx. 15 yds away. On return
repeat 3 times. they repeat. Repeat 3 times and on final return players do Elvis
shake, to show they are finished. New game A and B swap roles.

Passing Circle. Set up 2 circles. Player A is in center and other

players have to pass to one another. Player A has to try and
intercept. All players have a go as A. How many passes can
be made without A touching ball.
 WEEK 2: BASIC PASSING
WATER BREAK: RECAP: GAME PREP: Use this time to recap practice and to prepare for practice.

GAME: 15 - 20 MINS.
Play 4 vs. 4. Do not use GK’s
 WEEK 3: CONTROL AND TURNING
WARM UPS: 10 - 15 MINS. PASSING GAMES.
Wall game. Set up 2 or 3 teams. Player A is 5 - 10 yds from group. A
is the Wall. Each player passes to the Wall. When it comes back
DCB A he stops it, and then goes to end of line. All players pass to wall,
then player B becomes wall. All players have turn as wall.
When
Repeat thru team B, C, and D have turn as Wall team is finished and sit down in line.
Recap. BALL GYMNASTICS.

WATER BREAK:

TECHNIQUE: 20 - 25 MINS. COERVER MOVES. (ALSO SEE MOVES APPENDIX)

U7 U8
Choice of set ups. 1. roll 1.roll
2. Cut ( inside and outside ) 2. cut ( inside and outside )
3. Cryuff 3. Cryuff
A 4. Barnes 4. Barnes
5. Step 1 and 2.
6. Scissors.
B
Roll: Roll backwards with sole of shoe.
Cut: Cut across body with inside. Then with outside.
C Cryuff. Put standing leg alongside ball. Look to shoot, then turn
foot inwards and drag ball back behind standing foot with
OR: inside of other foot.
B Barnes: Step over ball with outside of one foot ( LUNGE ), then
push ball forwards with outside of other foot.
Step 1: Fake a pass with inside of foot, but step over ball and cut
ball back with outside of same foot.
A x C Step 2: Opposite as above. Step over with outside, cut with inside.
Scissors: As with Step 1, but cut ball back with inside of other
foot.

D Turning. Allow approx. 5 mins of freedom. In half field get them

moving with the ball trying new tricks , moves, or coervers.
WATER BREAK: (SEE MOVES APPENDIX FOR DIAGRAMMED MOVES)

GAMES 1: 15- 20 MINS. 1 V. 1’S.

Set up. Square with 1 pair per side, 1 ball per pair. A and B face
each other about 1 yd. apart. A has ball and B is shadow. B is not
allowed to steal ball. A must try and stop ball by 1 of the cones
while ‘losing’ B. Start without ball to get the idea of body
movement.
Emphasize upper body movement, change of direction and speed.
Keep away. Set up. 3 squares, 2 pairs per square, 1 ball per pair.
Player A has to try and keep ball away from B. And C away from
D. When player looses ball, or when coach gives command,
whichever is first, players switch roles.

WATER BREAK: RECAP: GAME PREP: If Spare time, recap Coerver moves.
Use this time to recap practice, and to organize for the game.

GAME: 4 * 10 MIN. QTRS.

 WEEK 4: PASSING GAMES
WARM UP: 10 - 15 MINS. VARIOUS.
Recap. Coerver moves. Allow players freedom to try and practice
moves. assist and re-demonstrate where necessary.
Tag. Area of half the field, players in pairs, 1 ball per pair,
playing shadow ball. On coaches command the Shadow has 3
seconds to get away. Player has to pass ball at his shadow.
Scoring
for U8 is through legs, for U7 within 1 yd or a hit. Switch and
repeat. Keep running score.

TECHNIQUE: 20 - 25 MINS. JUGGLING.

Start with feet. Hold ball in hands. Drop ball onto laces and try to
catch. Repeat with other foot. Then kick, let it bounce, and
kick again. Increase number of kicks. Advanced players
shouldn’t let
bounce.
Emphasize: Be relaxed. Don’t throw ball. Focus on Ball. Bend
knee to strike. keep ankle solid ( don’t flick ). Controlled
kicks.
Thigh. repeat above procedures. Use thigh not knee.
Head. Repeat above procedures. Keep head back, eyes open and
looking at ball, and neck tight.
Tony Head. Now try combinations of the above. Try to meet Tony
Head. TOE - KNEE - HEAD.

GAMES 1: 15 - 20 MINS. NETBALL.

Set up. 3 vs. 3 in each half of field.
Objective. Players have to get ball to an end zone, by passing it
with their hands.
Rules. Players cannot be tackled. Players cannot move when they
have ball in hands. Must roll ball to other players to move
ball
Star game forwards. ( U8’s can also Basketball pass ). To score a player must
receive ball standing in end zone.
x Star Game. Rotation Clockwise. Emphasize, passing to players,
moving to ball to receive.
Set up. In groups of 4 have 2 players at points and 2 in
2 3 center, and 2 balls. Players A and B at opposite points of start
with a ball each, and a center player faces each one of them.
On the
xA 1 CxD Bx coaches command of left or right, the ball is passed to the facing
center player (1). The center player turns as A and B run to
the next point (2), and then passes them the ball (3).They continue passing
around in the direction the coach shouted and try to catch the other
team. Then switch player roles and repeat.
x Emphasize: Turning body and ball, accurate passes, and movement.

note: B and D do the same

WATER BREAK: RECAP: GAME PREP: If spare time repeat a previous weeks game.
Recap practice and organize for game.

GAME: 4 * 10 MIN. QTRS.

Set conditions for first 3 quarters.
1 and 3: 3 passes = goal
2: Try to beat defender with move. 4:
WEEK 4: PASSING GAMES
 WEEK 5: SHOOTING TECHNIQUE AND GAMES
WARM UP: 10 MINS. 2 GROUPS.
Coerver: Half the group practice coerver moves in half field.
Juggling: Other half practice juggling. Change after 5 - 7 mins.

TECHNIQUE: 10 - 15 MINS. SHOOTING.

Striking with laces.
1. Circle around coach. players sit in crab position. Try to kick back
into coaches hands. 2. This time players are standing and drop ball
onto their foot. Same objective.3. Same but in pairs approx. 5 yds
apart. 4. Now drop ball and try and get through partners legs. 5. Ball
on ground. Partner approx. 7 - 10yds away. try to get through legs.6.
Set up. Goal of 2 cones approx. 12ft. Players either side of goal
approx.
Emphasize: Strike middle of ball, strike with center of foot, keep
ankle solid, flex from hip and knee, focus on ball only, be relaxed.

GAMES 1: 20 MINS. PASS AND SHOOT.

Set up. 2 lines of players facing goal on half way line, in line with
goal posts. Coach approx. 7 yds from players. Goal divided
into 3.
Numbers game. Players pass to coach who passes to side and/or forwards. Player
runs on and shoots to goal. U7 can dribble. have to shoot before
A B arc and aim for corners. 10 points for corners, 5 points for center.

NUMBERS.
COACH Set up. 4 groups of players. Each group is numbered 1 thru 3.
Coach on center spot with all balls.
Play. Coach calls # and groups A play D, and B play C, in each half.
Player whose # is called tries to score, without going into arc.
D C Progression. Call 2 or 3 #’s .
( SEE DIAGRAM. )

GAMES 2: 10 - 15 MINS. SHOOT AND SAVE.

Set up. Bring goal to half way line ( GET ASSISTANCE. ). GK in
each goal, and players in line outside left post. Balls in both goals

Play. Player takes ball and dribbles towards goal (1) opposite and
Shoots. Then goes to end of other line (2). The GK now becomes a
Forward, takes ball , dribbles (3) and shoots. 1st player in the line
replaces the GK (4)
Shoot and save Players in line can assist collecting balls. Repeat rotation at other
end.
FEDCB
1 2
A Z
3 4

YXWVU

WATER BREAK: RECAP: GAME PREP: Use this time to recap, and organize for game.

GAME: 4 * 10 MIN. QTRS.

WARM UP: 5 - 10 MINS. 2 GROUPS.
Coerver: Half the group practice coerver moves in half field.
Juggling: Other half practice juggling. Change after 5 - 7 mins.
 WEEK 5: SHOOTING TECHNIQUE AND GAMES
TECHNIQUE AND GAME: 25 MINS. DEFENDING.
1 v 1. In squares have 2 pairs working. Defender has to try and win
ball. When does, swap roles.
Progression. In squares. 2 pairs. 1 player from each pair at opposite
sides of square. 2 balls. Pairs alternate turns. A passes to B, who
controls. A follows pass and is defender. tries to force out of square or
win possession. A and B swap roles after each turn.
GAME.
Set up. Divide field into 4 qtrs. using cones. Coach on center spot.
1 defender on goal line in each segment. other players in 4 groups
on half way line.
Play. Attackers take ball to defenders. Defenders job to force ball
back to half way line. Attacker has to stop ball on goal line.
Attacker becomes defender.
Progression. Only half 2 sections and play 2 vs. 2.
Emphasize: Don’t back away, don’t rush in, stay goal side, chase
back if beaten, timing, jockeying, staying low, forcing wide.

TECHNIQUE AND GAME: 25 MINS. GOALKEEPING.

Prep. With no ball, players on half way line facing 1 goal. On
command, run forwards, backwards, left and right. Always
face same goal. Emphasize on sideways running, bring
feet together
And then apart.
Pairs. Approx. 5 - 7 yds apart with 1 ball. Each player in goal of
approx. 12ft. Players serve to one another.
1. Rolling to feet.
2. Throwing to chest.
3. Rolling to side (close)
4. On knees. Roll further to corners.
5. Variety of above.
Emphasize: Not stepping back, on toes, get body behind ball, hold to
chest, scooping to collect ball, keeping legs together.
GAME.
Repeat any shooting game that uses GK repetitively. Or add GK to a
shooting drill.

WATER BREAK: RECAP: GAME PREP:

use this time to recap practice, and to organize for game.

GAME: 4 * 10 MIN. QTRS.

Set Conditions in 1st and 3rd qtrs.
1st. Select a passing condition. i.e. 3 passes = goal.
3rd. Select a control condition. i.e. limit 3 touches.
 WEEK 7: TEAM WORK
WARM UP: 10 - 15 MINS. TEAM GAMES.
Set up. 2 teams of 6 or 3 teams of 4. 6 cones in line approx. 5yds
apart.
1. Passing. Wall Game. ( see week 3 W-up.)
2. Tunnel ball. 1st player rolls ball through everyone’s legs. End
person picks ball up runs to front and repeats. repeat through
team. Sit down in line when finished.
3. Over under. 1st passes over head, next under legs. repeat as
above.
4. Dribbling. dribble through cones. Repeat as above.
Emphasize: Team work, co-ordination.

TECHNIQUE: 10 - 15 MINS. WALL PASS.

Set up. Same as Shoot and save ( week 5 ) but use full field, and
coach is in center circle. Balls in goals.
Play. Similar as shoot and save but player is served ball by GK.
Dribbles forwards and passes to coach. Coach wall passes
back, and player runs on dribbles and shoots. GK serves
his line, goes to
end of line and is replaced in goal by the 1st shooter.
Progression. Use player for the wall pass. Don’t dribble on return
pass.

GAME 1: 10 - 15 MINS. ENGLAND VS. AMERICA.

Set up. Half field. Divide into 2 groups. Put cones on corners.
Teams set up on half way on opposite sides facing opposite goals.
Players on each team given #’s 1 thru 6.
Play. Coach calls a # and serves ball into field. The players with
England vs. America that # run around corner cone, and goal and enter field to try and
score against other team’s player.
1 2 3 4 Progression. Call 2, 3 or more #’s at once. Introduce teamwork.
Set conditions. i.e. have to make a pass. etc.

4 3 2 1 GAME 2: 10 - 15 MINS. PLAYERS CHOICE.

Recap the major skills developed over the weeks. Allow players to
choose favorite game or games.

WATER BREAK: GAME PREP: Organize for game.

GAME: 4 * 10 MIN QTRS.

Allow free play. Encourage team work.
 WEEK 8: SEASON FINALE
This is a fun end of season finale. Play a series of 4 *
20 min games, with 5 min water breaks between game,
or some of the players favorite games. A final game of
Parents Vs. Players can be played. This can be followed
by presentations of participation certificates to all
players.
 ADDITIONAL DRIBBLING GAMES
and have players at the other end of the cones. Each player tries to
dribble down the windy orange brick road, zig-zagging through the
cones. At the end of the road when they meet the Wicked Witch they
X X X have to shoot the ball past her to melt her.
X X X
X X
X
Game: What’s the time Mr Wolf
How to play: Coach starts as the big bad wolf. Each little pig has a
brick house (a cone) The Pigs shout “What’s the time Mr Wolf” and
the wolf shouts back a time. Each player advances the ball the number
the wolf shouts out. Pigs ask again and repeat. When the Wolf shouts
A “Dinnertime”, the pigs have to dribble their soccer balls back to their
B house and the wolf chases and tries to kick their ball away. Let each
C player have a go as the wolf.
D WOLF Teaching points: Use soft touches to keep away from Wolf, and then
E dribble at speed and stop ball with feet only.
F Progressions: Put cones in the way as trees that players avoid. Use
G multiple wolfs, or place wolf close to houses so pigs have to get past.

Game: Pac Dudes

Players in side square with their ball. Dribbling around trying not to
bump each other who lose control of ball. Coach starts on outside of
square and is a Ghost. On command Pac Dudes, the ghost has to try
and knock everybody’s ball out of the square.

Game: Knockout
Each player with a ball inside a square. On command “knockout”
players are allowed to try and kick other players balls out, but must
keep their own ball inside square.

Game: Traffic Lights

How to play: Players start on one end of ( Soccer city) grid with their
soccer balls (car). Coach is the traffic light (or traffic cop). Coach
shouts various colors of traffic lights and players try to drive their
soccer cars to Soccer town at the other end of grid. On command
A “red light” players need to stop their car with the sole of the foot and
B S not move. If they move they return to soccer city and start again. Play
C OT to see who reaches Soccer town first.
D CO Teaching Points: Dribbling and control movement.
E CW Progressions: Add “yellow light” and make players do a stationary tic-
F EN toc or hat dance. Add additional commands: reverse where players go
G R backwards, go home players turn and head back home, left, right etc.
H
Multiple Square Games:
A: Using 4 adjacent squares. All players start in one square with ball.
Coach calls a square number and players move their ball to that
square and keep dribbling inside new square until coach calls another
number.
B: Split players into all 4 squares. Call 2 square numbers and those
1 3 players have to switch squares.
A B C: Have players from 1 square on command try to go and steal balls
C

D E
2 4

Game: Follow the orange brick road

How to play: Set up a bending line of
cones. At 1 end of the line place a
Wicked Witch ( a parent, asst coach)
 ADDITIONAL DRIBBLING GAMES
Game: Relay races.
Set up multiple teams of 3 or 4 players. For each team set up a short
course of cones that players have to dribble through. Players then
dribble back, give ball to next person who repeats the course. When
all players in a team have completed they sit in a straight line with
their hands on their heads.

Game: Downhill Skiing

Set up multiple gates in a grid. Each gate should be about 2-3 ft wide.
Is a gate Players are skiing (dribbling their ball) inside the grid but not going
through the gates until the coach shouts “ Lets go Skiing” then players
B try to ski through as many different gates as possible in the time coach
allows.
A

Game: Shark Attack

Set up 3 Islands. Divide players onto the 3 Islands. Each player with a
ball. Coach starts as the shark in the middle of the ocean. The shark
holds a cone on his/her head, or hands to designate a shark fin, so
everyone knows they are the shark. When Coach shouts “shark
attack” the players have to swim (dribble) their balls to either of the
A B E other 2 islands. The shark attempts to kick soccer balls away. Any
F soccer balls kicked away, then that player also becomes a shark. Play
C G
until 1 person left, who becomes the new shark for the next game.
Teaching points: Players have to respond to the defenders movements
shark and keep possession of the ball. A lot less static and more game like
than the above relay races.

H I
J

From the other players and get them

back to their square. Give each square
a set time and see who can steal the
most balls.
 ADDITIONAL PASSING GAMES
Game: Soccer Golf
Set up a golf course similar to the skiing course using gates as the
holes. Have players pass their ball through the gates in the order you
designate. Players count their number of passes. The lowest score
wins.
2 3 Teaching points: A variety of passing techniques, short, angled, long.
1 Variation: have players design the course, or use obstacles such as
A 4 trees, parents that players have to pass around.
12
11 7 6 5 Game: Tunnel Game
10 8 In pairs players have a ball. 1 player stands with his/her legs shoulder
9 width apart. Player tries to pass ball through the legs. They take it in
turns to try and score points.
Scoring: 3 pts if it goes through without touching. 2pts if it touches a
leg and still goes through, 1 pt hits leg but doesn’t go through. 0pt if
misses.
A B Progression: As ball goes through legs the tunnel player, turns and
runs and receives it dribbles back towards partner and passes. The
partner moves to let the ball pass through legs, turns and runs to
receive it.
Teaching point: For the progression it gets the receiver into getting
their body behind the ball.

Game: Stuck in the mud.

In a grid about 20 by 20, players are dribbling their soccer balls. Have
2 or 3 players as Swamp Monsters outside the grid with a ball each.
On “go” the swamp monsters dribble their balls into the grid and
attempt to hit players on the knees and below or soccer ball. If a
player gets hit, or leaves the grid, they are stuck in the mud and they
pick the ball up and hold it on their head, and stand with legs apart.
Other players may release them by passing their ball through the stuck
players legs. Rotate through the team as Swamp monsters and see who
can get the most people stuck.
Teaching Points: Good passing technique, passing to where a player is
running, good control, turning and changing of direction technique for
the players in the swamp.

Game: Soccer Bowling

Set up several cones as pins. Arrange
players in a circle around the pins and
have each player attempt 2 passes to
knock as many pins down as possible.
 MOVES APPENDIX
There are hundreds of moves, fakes and turns. Some are differentiated from others by slight variations. Some are
basic and some very complex. Some are named for the movement and some named for the player who best
personified the move. There is always overlap in what 1 person might call a move compared to another person.
This list will arm you with an additional 4 moves. Each move is diagrammed like a dance step class and has
descriptions to follow. Read through and replicate the steps to become familiar with the moves.

It is important to remember the function of a move is to beat a defender in a 1 vs 1 situation. In the target age
groups U8 - U12 to beat a defender can simply mean to create enough space to make a pass, relieving pressure or
maintaining possession. Too often in youth soccer, players are able to perform a move well but at the wrong time.
The position of the opponent is very important. A Cryuff turn at the wrong time can and will lead the ball into the
defenders possession. Ensure in your practice sessions you not only give them ample opportunities to practice with
no opposition to get the mechanics down, but provide many opportunities where some passive then active
opposition is provided to develop an appreciation of the opponents position in choosing a successful move.

Some key teaching points that will enable your players to better accomplish moves.

• Develop comfort with the ball by doing rollovers, toe touches, stop-go’s <<Fast footwork>>
• Develop a sense of motion in your player, bouncing, stepping to ball, relaxed body posture
• Disguise move with an upper body fake, drop of shoulder, a look or point one way, a pass or
shot set-up. This movement generally creates an “attacking space” beyond and to the opposite
side of the fake
• Recognize when the player is off balance and penetrate the “attacking space.”

**The “attacking space” is the space the player in possession wants to attack with the ball. This can be beyond the
defender, to either side or withdrawn from the defender. If a space is beyond the defender then the player should
be encouraged to penetrate that space. The addition of the fake (body movement) usually creates a larger and
more obvious space to attack. A Move laterally across the defender can create better passing angles and
opportunities and a cut back or other move withdrawing from the defender can relieve pressure and allow
possession to be maintained.

Basic Set-up for turn activities.

You can control the practice environment by creating 2 lines about 5 -10 yds apart. Have players start on 1 line
approximately 5 - 10 yds between each with a ball. Walk through the mechanics of the move stationary 1st. Then
players can walk towards other line and do move before it, repeat in opposite direction with other foot. And
finally have them Dribble with more speed. It is vital you develop 2-footed players so please provide time to
practice with both feet. For more limited space, you can set-up a square and have players work between cones to
serve 4 players. Alternatively create a Hexagon with a central cone. Players can work each boundary line (6) and
also the interior lines (spokes of a wheel) for another 6 players. This is easier for more proficient players.

Once mechanics and body movements are mastered you can put players back into the square game environments
in your session to provide some opposition.
 MOVES APPENDIX

1 2 3 4

1. Stand in passing position (left foot alongside ball., right behind it)
2. Right foot steps over ball and to the outside of the left.
3. Swivel on the right foot and swing the left foot around the outside of the right
4. Knock the ball back (180) where you just came from and follow.

1 2 3 4
1. Set-up in a passing position for a right foot pass.
2. Right foot fakes a pass but circles around and in front of the ball (pointing at other toe at 90 degree
angle)
3. Using inside of the right foot push the ball back through gap
4. and spin to the left to follow ball

1 2 3 4

1. With the ball and body turned to the left

2. drag the ball back with the sole of the right foot
3. and then use the inside of right foot to move in the opposite direction. As you roll ball back, turn hips and
left foot
4. to allow a forwards push pass and follow

1 2 3 4
 MOVES APPENDIX

1. Position ball on outside of left foot.

2. Step over ball with outside of the left foot, and lunge forward . (Can be more effective if the left foot
circles forward and around the ball rather then stepping over)
3. Using the outside of trailing right foot
4. Play the ball away to the right