A group of player’s in a confined area dribbling a ball and trying to avoid one another giving players different moves. Also include some stretching exercises.

Show correct technique on how to dribble the ball with inside and outside of both feet. Please address that the ball needs to be kept in the frame of the body. Also address a change of pace and direction when dribbling. Keep the ball moving. Also address getting the head up when player is more composed on the ball. Look for balance from the players.

Show correct technique in block tackling (i.e. - toe up, ankle locked, knee locked and crouch position). Eye on the ball the shifting of weight from standing foot to tackling foot. Address getting ready to tackle, when to tackle and tactical application. Begin with players having one hand on their partner’s shoulder for safety, timing and technique.

Use one goal 1v1, so you add pressure. Have defender play to attacker to start. Look at first touch of offensive player when receiving ball. Coach needs to address: how many touches the players have before getting a shot off, what kind of space have they used, did the player use kind of disguise? What kind of stance/position does the defender assume?

Use two goals, no restrictions. In a full game you are looking at the player on the ball to see how they shield the ball with their body, how fast they can dribble under control and with vision.

Most players like to dribble, but they have problems protecting the ball. A good dribbler knows when to release the ball. Tackling needs to be covered in training on a more regular basis. A good tackler is a big asset to a team and sends a message to his own team as well.

2 or 3 players together passing the ball between them over a short distance to begin with and increasing the distance as they get warmer from the warm up which will also include stretching of parts of the body related to passing a ball.

Show correct technique to players on passing the ball with the inside and outside of both feet. Also, cover the chip pass and the drive through. Hit middle to keep ball on the ground. Outside the foot pass toe down, turn foot inside, heel up. Chip pass, open foot up, heel down, bend knee follow through the drive pass, toe down, ankle up knee bent on contact, then follow through. On all of the above passing control body movement mainly the head. A good pass will have good accuracy and weight. Note: it is easier for your teammate to control a ball delivered on the floor!

When possible get in line with the ball. Address how to receive balls on the ground and in the air. ( i.e.- good balance, meet the ball, relax with ball, good first touch away from pressure). Try to get the ball down to the floor (under control) as quickly as possible.

Add pressure (i.e.- 2v1, 3v2 to one goal) looking for disguise in passing. Address shape of body when wanting to pass in one and 2 touch. Looking for good vision and balance in passers. Address using inside/outside of foot and hard passes as opposed to soft passes.

Play to 2 goals looking for players to be using correct technique in passing. Can begin with one neutral player always playing with the team that has the ball. This will promote passing/receiving as there should always be a spare player open. Then lift restrictions and play with even numbers.

If you can’t pass a ball in soccer you are going to be chasing the opposition a lot. The understanding of good fundamentals is important, also in receiving the ball on the ground and from the air players are going to find more space and time if they have a good first touch.

Working in two’s, passing and preparing the ball. Working on 1st touch, stretching the quads and hamstrings. Keep the warm up tidy. Control ball with inside of foot across body and strike pass with laces. Concentrate on accuracy and keeping low.

Show correct technique in driving the ball with laces, inside and outside of both feet. To keep ball low, toe down, keeping head still looking at ball, heel up, play the middle of the ball, follow through if possible, body over the ball. When bending balls, strike ball more to outside and inside of feet. Control of body is very important. Also, address volleys, breakaways, accuracy and power.

1. Going to one goal. Add pressure - (i.e. 2v1, 3v2). Provide target for defender if they win the ball. Looking to shoot as quickly as possible, by having body in correct position, showing good 1st touch when receiving ball. 1st touch should be away from pressure. Disguise your shots.
2. Pull one goal all the way up the field to the outer edge of the 18 yard box. Play 5v2 in an area 18x36 yards with two full size goals 18 yards apart. Play for 1 minute at a time, with the 5 having to make 5 passes before shooting. If the defenders steal the ball they go for goal also. You can add goalkeepers at any time.
3. Can play 4v4v4. Put trash can (or similar) in middle of field and have 1 ball and the three teams play against each other! To score a team simply has to hit the target. Kids will play this game forever! See if previous 2 activities bring out creativity!

Go to 2 goals. 3v3 or 4v4 goals close together, providing plenty of shots - looking for players to penetrate and shoot by dribbling or passing. Coach within the game.