Warm-Up (5 min): Juggling
Activity 1 (10 min): Bulldogs & Cats
Activity 2 (10min): Bandits in Pairs
Activity 3 (15 min): 2v2 to Goal at Either End
Activity 4 (15 min): Small Sided Games 4v4
Warm-Up (5 min): Juggling
Activity 1 (10 min): Bulldogs & Cats
Setup: 15 x 15 area. Coach selects 2 players to be the bulldogs. All other players are cats and have a ball.
Instructions: Players with ball (cats) will dribble around the area trying to avoid the bulldogs from stealing their ball. If a bulldog steals their ball, they can either try to get it back or take a ball away from another cat. If a bulldog steals a ball, they bring it to the coach. All other players try to keep the ball. Play until only one cat is left with a ball. They are the winner. Play 2 or 3 rounds and change bulldogs each time.
1. Only bulldogs can bring a ball to the coach on the side.
2. Cats can steal ball from other cats.
Coaching Points: Don’t just kick the ball away, you must steal it and control it. Avoid the bulldogs and other cats.
Activity 2 (10min): Bandits in Pairs
Setup:1/2 of game field. All players are in pairs with one ball between them. Coach selects two players to be bandits. Bandits do not have a ball. Play 2 or 3 rounds.
Instructions: The bandits mission is to get the passing pairs balls and bring it to one of the two hideouts. The passing pairs can take the ball back from the bandits before they get it all the way to the hideout. If the bandits succeed in getting the ball into the hideout, the passing pair become an additional bandit group. Use goals for hideouts. Once ball is in hideout, it has to stay.
1. Coaches start out as bandits.
2. Select 4 players to be bandits.
Coaching Points: Keep ball under control to dribble to space. Keep ball away from bandits trying to steal their soccer ball. Work together with your partner because only the person with the ball can have it stolen.
Activity 3 (15 min): 2v2 to Goal at Either End
Setup: 1/2 of game field with a goal on each end line. Divide players up into two groups.
Instructions: Coach has all the soccer balls on the sideline. Players start on the sideline on either side of the coach. When the coach plays the ball into the playing area, the first 2 players from each team will enter play. Both teams can score on either goal.
Coaching points: Encourage team to work together and stay connected with their partner. Can’t pass to your partner if they hide behind defender. Move to space with and without ball. Find the open goal.
Activity 4 (15 min): Small Sided Games 4v4
Setup: Entire soccer field, divide players up to form 2 or 3 teams of 4
Instructions: Rotate players/teams out every few minutes
Coaching Points: Encourage players to control the ball, do not just kick it