Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): U8 (4v4) Week #7

CORE ACTIVITY: 2v2 Defend 3 Goals - Counter to 1

OBJECTIVE: Protect the goals from opponents trying to score

PLAYER ACTIONS: Protect your goal, Steal the ball

ORGANIZATION: Divide your 15Wx25L grid, with 3 small goals on one end line and 1 goal on the other, play a 2v2 game. Half the team starts on one end line and half on the other. The team defending the single goal starts with the ball. 2players from the attacking team enter the field. As soon as they enter, 2 players from the opposite end also enter the field. The team who starts with the ball can attack any of the 3 goals on their opponent’s end line. If the defending team wins the ball, they can attack the single goal.

Rules: defending team cannot enter the field until the attacking team takes their first touch on the soccer ball. Game last for 1 minute. Coach can serve another ball onto the field if the game ball leaves the field or is scored. Multiple goals can be scored within 1 minute. After 1 minute, switch the players on the field and play again.

KEY WORDS: block your goal, win the ball

GUIDED QUESTIONS: Which of the 3 goals is most dangerous? Where should a defender be if a goal is dangerous? What should you do if the attacker kicks the ball too far in front of him/her?

ANSWERS: The goal closest to the ball is the most dangerous. Someone should try to block the goal so the attacker can’t score. Step closer to the ball and try to poke tackle the ball away from the attacker.

Note: Remember to focus on the defending players. If a team stops in a triangle, they can no longer score until they come out. What can the defenders to protect a different goal when they do come out? Coaches can partner with an attacking player if need be but allow the players to take on the role of defenders.

MORE CHALLENGING ACT.: 2v3 Defend 3 Goals - Counter to 1

OBJECTIVE: Protect the goals from opponents trying to score

PLAYER ACTIONS: Protect your goal, Steal the ball

ORGANIZATION: Divide your 15Wx25L grid, with 3 small goals on one end line and 1 goal on the other, play a 2v3 game. Half the team starts on one end line and half on the other. The team defending the single goal starts with the ball. 3players from the attacking team enter the field. As soon as they enter, 2 players from the opposite end also enter the field. The team who starts with the ball can attack any of the 3 goals on their opponent’s end line. If the defending team wins the ball, they can attack the single goal.

Rules: defending team cannot enter the field until the attacking team takes their first touch on the soccer ball. Game last for 1 minute. Coach can serve another ball onto the field if the game ball leaves the field or is scored. Multiple goals can be scored within 1 minute. After 1 minute, switch the players on the field and play again.

KEY WORDS: block your goal, win the ball

GUIDED QUESTIONS: Which of the 3 goals is most dangerous? Where should a defender be if a goal is dangerous? What should you do if the attacker kicks the ball too far in front of him/her?

ANSWERS: The goal closest to the ball is the most dangerous. Someone should try to block the goal so the attacker can’t score. Step closer to the ball and try to poke tackle the ball away from the attacker.

Note: Remember to focus on the defending players. If a team stops in a triangle, they can no longer score until they come out. What can the defenders to protect a different goal when they do come out? Coaches can partner with an attacking player if need be but allow the players to take on the role of defenders.