Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): coaching age 9-10 years (grassroots sessions)

Explosive Body Movements (15 mins)

Exercise Objectives:

This practice is designed to improve the technical ability of explosive body movements, feints anddribbling moves. 

 Field Preparation2 Players, 2 Cones 10 yards apart, 1 Ball.

 Coaching Pointers:Two cones should be placed approximately 10 yards apart. Two players are positioned each sideof the cones. No player may cross over the imaginary line and the defender may not try to stealthe ball.The player in possession of the ball must use body feints, head fakes and a variety of dribblingmoves to upset the balance of the defender. A goal is scored each time the dribbling player canlose the defender and stop the ball dead at either of the cones. The dribbling player’s kneesshould be bent and center of gravity low for an explosive start. If the defender does not move byusing body movements, then move the ball to move the position of the defender. Once thedefender is off balance the player should explode into the opposite direction. Try to face thedefender at all times.

 The defensive player can prevent the dribbling player from scoring a goal by placing their foot infront of the cone the player is attacking. The defender may not tackle or cross over the imaginaryline. Players should alternate every 3 minutes. Score should be kept to determine winner.

Dribble around the Cone (15 mins)

Exercise Objectives:This practice is designed to develop close control while running and turning with the ball.

Field Preparation2 Players, Area 10 x 10 yards, Cones or Flag poles, Supply of Balls

 Coaching Pointers:Divide players into pairs, with one ball each. Player’s alternate dribbling the ball to the oppositecone, turning and dribbling back to the starting position. The cone is placed approximately 5-7yards from the starting line. 

 The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:

• Maintain close control over the ball. 

• Build up speed gradually. Don’t sacrifice quality for speed. 

• Use the outside and inside of the foot to dribble with the ball.

 • Don’t keep the eye’s fixed on the ball. Scan the horizon.

Small-Sided Game (with goalkeepers) (30 mins)

Exercise Objectives:Finish with small sided game 6 v 6, 7 v 7 (with Goalkeepers). The practice should be concludedwith a small-sided game reinforcing the coaching points from your drills.

   Field Preparation 

 Entire Group (split into two equal teams)

 Area 30 x 40 yards

 Use Small Goals, Cones or Flag poles 

 Supply of Balls

 Colored Bibs 

Coaching Pointers: 

• Divide the players into two equal teams with goalkeepers. 

• Each field should be approximately 30 yards x 40 yards. 

• Use corner flags or cones as goals. 

• Total time, 20-30 minutes.

 • At the end of your session, review all coaching points made during the practice.

 Record Score:

Team 1_________________ v Team 2 _________________

At the end of your session, review all coaching points made during the practice