Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): U5 Running with the ball 2

Warm Up

Warm Up

10 Minutes

Equipment Needed: Bibs, Cones, Balls

Game: Donkey Tails

Set Up: 20x20 Grid

All players have a bib tucked into their shorts like a tail.

Game 1: Players without a ball. All players running trying to take the tail of the other players. If your tail gets taken, you have to do 1 STAR jump before you can try to get another tail. If you take a tail, tuck it into your shorts. How many tails can you get in 1 minute? Play 2-3 games without ball.

Coaching Points: Teach all in the form of questions

Players must run with their head up to see where defenders are (Where should you be looking when you are running?)

Players must change direction to avoid defenders (Who are you trying to stay away from?)

Players must help their teammates (How do you help your teammates?)

Game 2: Add a ball. If players are able to dribble, have the ball at their feet. Players must have control of their ball to take a tail. Let's work on using different surfaces of the foot to dribble: Inside, Outside, Laces, Sole. If your tail is taken, you have to do 10 toe taps or 10 tick tocks (shuffles) with the ball before you can grab another tail. Play 2-3 one minute games.

Coaching Points:

Players should take smaller touches to keep the ball under control

Players need to be able to turn with the ball, stopping it with the inside or bottom of the foot.

Changing Direction

Changing Direction Game

15 Minutes

Equipment Needed: Mini Goals, balls

Coach will have all balls on cone, with players on either side. Coach will roll ball out and first player in each group will play 1v1 to try to score on either goal. Coach can roll out multiple balls to have a few 1v1 groups going at a time. 

Round 1: No rules, players just try to score on either goal. Players should keep track of how many goals they score. If you see a player struggling, try to roll the ball closer to them.

Round 2: Players must now change direction at least 1 time before scoring. Players should keep track of how many goals they score.