Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Protect The Ball Activities

Protect the Ball at All Costs!

Organization: Create multiple mini 5x5 boxes. Players find a partner with a ball and cone between them. Ball is placed on the cone within a box.

How to play: Play 60 second rounds. One player tries to protect their ball, while their partner is trying to knock the ball off the cone. If the ball is knocked off, the defender gets 1 point, the ball is placed back on the cone, and the round continues. After 60 seconds, the round is over. The attacker who gave the defender the least amount of point wins! Have players switch roles and begin another round.

CP's:

• When shielding the ball, use your arms to keep the attacker farther away from the ball
  
• Keep your body in between the ball and the defender at all times
  

Progression: Play 1v1 in the small grids. One teammate tries to prevent their partner from stealing the ball. If the ball is kicked out by the defender, the ball is returned to the player who didn't kick it out. The defender is working to win the ball, while the attacker is working to keep the ball. Play 60 second rounds. The player with the ball at the end, wins the round.

CP's:

• When shielding the ball, use your arms to keep the attacker farther away from the ball
  
• Try to hold a sideways stance and have the ball under the foot farthest away from the defender for quick manipulation of the ball
  
• Keep your body in between the ball and the defender at all times
  

1v1 Gaunlet

Organization: 20x30y grid; one goal at one end, players lined up at the other (each with a ball). An 8x8y box in the middle with one player inside. Along the side are two cones spaced ~15y apart.

How to Play: A player dribbled towards the defender in the box; Attacker tries to dribbler passed the defender and towards goal. The attacker must enter the box in order to score. Once the player makes it passed the defender, they should try to score on goal as quickly as possible. Defender must stay inside the box. The next player can go as soon as the player ahead of them has exited the box. 

After the attacker shoots/scores, they collect their ball and on the way back, they must perform some type of dribble/skill between the two green cones before joining the line. Switch the defender after 2 minutes.

CP's:

• Try to be quick with your movements; change of speed and direction to beat the defender
  
• As you approach the defender, try to keep your touches small and controlled in order to keep the ball safe
  
• Try not to get stuck in a corner; if you do, try to protect the ball! Arms out, foot on the ball, and body in between
  

Types of dribbling to practice on the side:

• Outside-inside, Outside-inside
  
• Toe Taps & Happy Feet
  
• Scissors
  
• V-pulls
  
• Sole Roles
  
• Get Creative