Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Ludwig JCC Youth - Ball Control - 011722 (Start Time: 2022-01-17 16:00:00)

Rainbow Road (10 mins)

Each player has a ball on one pitch - u8 field size.

Players dribble freely around the space, looking to avoid other players.

Avoid cones as well - use vision and various surfaces of feet

Players identify various colored gates (yellow, red, blue) and traverse on the dribble through those gates (hence rainbow road name like Mario Kart). Each time dribbling through a gate = 1 point. Play for a period of time by asking the players how long they should work.

Variations - dribble through different colored gates each time, dribble through same color gate back-to-back then move to a different color, once through gates players performance a move or task, players pair up and pass through the gates, add a third player for third-man running and enhanced communication

Coach adds various tasks to the exercise by calling:

Toe Touches, Tic-Tocs, Pull Backs, Cruyffs, Rolls, Scissors.

Also can include - find a new ball. Dribble to the closest line. Dribble to the furthest line. Groups of 4,5,6, etc. Air juggle 4 times (catch and kick), speed dribble, slow dribble, outside foot, laces. Be creative in commands.

CPs: Players putting forth effort, encourage trying new moves, have fun with the ball, get your head up to avoid collisions, where is the next gate to attack (vision)?, where am I now and where do I need to go?

Multiple 1v1s (10 mins)

Players set up in two teams.

Coach has number of soccer balls and team lineup shoulder-to-shoulder on opposite sides of coach.

Blue team attacks goal to their left

Red team attack goal to their right

Coach bosses balls and plays our numerous teams at a time. Each is playing their own 1v1 contest but with multiple games going on at the same time on the same field.

Once goal is scored or ball goes out-of-bounds, return ball to coach and players return to respective teams.

Continue play for as long as desired.

NOTE: Can progress to 2v2

CPs: Vision, aggressive action (both attacking and defending), get the kids playing

Magic Triangle (10 mins)

Set up triangle with cones at appropriate distances for space and age

Players move ball around the triangle. 

Progression 1: Pass to any direction you choose (follow pass)

Progression 2: Pass to any direction you choose (run to any cone you choose) - fill open spaces as needed (spatial recognition)

Add ability to dribble if desired

Follow pass to next cone.

CPs: firm pass, receive across body, prepare to receive, touch out front to play next ball, think about next decision, scan to find open players, communicate in pass and reception