Table of Contents

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................................................1

US Youth Soccer – Best Practices................................................................................................................................................2

Indiana Youth Soccer – Age Group Characteristics..................................................................................................................6

Coaching Comments & Their Messages – Tom Turner.........................................................................................................10

86 Ways to Say Very Good – Michigan State Youth Soccer Association.............................................................................14

Practice Preparation – Paul Thomas..........................................................................................................................................15

Under 6 Recommended Activities

Coordination Movement – Tom Goodman................................................................................................................18
Individual Activities, Coordination – Frank Trovato.................................................................................................20
Balance & Coordination – Lewis L. Atkinson, Ed. D...............................................................................................22
Meeting my Team Members & Coaches – CanCoach...............................................................................................23

Under 8 Recommended Activities

Dribbling – Vince Ganzburg........................................................................................................................................24
Dribbling – Andy Biggs.................................................................................................................................................25
Lower Limb Coordination & Vision – Matthew Callahan.......................................................................................26
Receiving a Bouncing Ball – Rick Meana....................................................................................................................27
Hitting Targets-Working in Pairs - CanCoach............................................................................................................28
Ball Possession – Tom Fleck.........................................................................................................................................30
Principles – Sam Snow...................................................................................................................................................32

The Youth Soccer Coach – Mike Berticelli................................................................................................................................34

 Introduction
Soccer instruction at the youngest ages must be based on creating fun, safe environments for play-
ers. Though teaching proper technique is important, it is not the most important aspect of soccer
instruction at the youngest ages. According to the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), “young
soccer players require a certain amount of uninterrupted play. This allows them to experience soc-
cer first hand. They should be allowed the opportunity to experiment, and with that, succeed and
fail.”

The CASL Academy Handbook is designed to guide a coach through very basic soccer instruction
for the youngest age groups. This handbook contains activities from state associations, Success in
Soccer and other soccer resources. There are many ways to teach the game. The activities in this
handbook have been tried and tested, but they are not the only way to coach.

In addition to soccer-specific activities, this handbook contains coordination and balance activities.
Dr. Tom Turner, Director of Coaching and Player Development for the Ohio Youth Soccer As-
sociation-North, states: “Four and five year olds are learning to coordinate and control their body
movements and dynamic balance, and are generally not very nimble or agile. Practice activities that
develop these basic motor skills, with and without the soccer ball, will be beneficial and fun for all
young children.” Whenever possible, the coordination and balance activities in this handbook will
incorporate a soccer ball, but not always.

The CASL Academy Handbook represents a series of activities that will help to build a basic foun-
dation for soccer development. It presents a compilation of appropriate and achievable activities
that will be enjoyed by all young soccer players.

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 US Youth Soccer-Best Practices

Ball Control and Creativity:

U6 & U8 Age Groups
U-6: K and 1st Graders

Soccer at these ages should be discouraged in any form other than as a fun activity for kids, that happens to include a
soccer ball. There should be groups of players rather than teams. Fees should be nominal. Attendance should be op-
tional. Creating a joyful environment is mandatory.

SOME GENERAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS AGE:

Five and six-year olds are too young to be involved in any structured, organized soccer program. At most, they should
be involved in fun activities that encourage the children to explore their physical abilities, while also including a ball with
which to play. Make sure these are activity-based games that emphasize exploration and experimentation with the rolling,
spinning and bouncing qualities of the ball. The soccer ball should be considered a toy. There should be no activities
where players waiting in lines to perform a pre-determined movement or required action.

Five and six-year olds, although still young, are beginning to gain more control over their bodies. At the same time, it is
still new to them and they will require a lot of time and energy figuring out what their bodies can do, and how to use this
developing coordination. Children at this age also love to use their imagination when they play. Keep this in mind when
designing games. They enjoy playing on their term, and as a by-product of their play, they will gain some limited comfort
with the ball. Although they love to play, their ability to stay focused on any one thing is very limited. Keep your activi-
ties short and simple. Finally, even as they are steadily developing physical and mental abilities, they are still very

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 US Youth Soccer-Best Practices
young. Always treat children with care, patience and give plenty of encouragement. It can be helpful to include par-
ents in the practice/play time so they can take ideas home with them to their backyards or parks. If children must be
involved in these organized practice times, they should be having so much fun that when they go home, the soccer ball
becomes one of their favorite toys.

DURATION OF PRACTICE; RATIO OF BALL TO CHILD AT PRACTICE

30 to 45 minutes is the best option for these ages. Most of the practice should be spent in ratios of one ball per child or
one ball per two children.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WHAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING DURING PRACTICE

The children should be having fun with the ball. There should be periods of active playing where everyone is involved,
and there should be ample opportunities for short breaks for water and for catching their breath. If there is more than
one adult/coach, the children should be divided into smaller groups, with at least one adult per group. At these young
ages, children work hard and tire quickly. Allow them to have “active rests,” where they are not running but are trying to
do something specific with the ball, often sitting or standing. Everyone should be occupied with something, even when
resting. Keep the numbers from 1v1 to 3v3 and keep as many children actively involved with a ball as possible. Let them
go to small goals with no goalkeepers. When possible, a size 3 soccer ball should be used.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF INFORMATION THAT IS COMMUNICATED TO THE PLAYERS BY THE

COACH

At these ages, the coach/parent should be positive and encouraging of each child. Specific soccer-related information
should be limited to basic ideas of how to best keep the ball from running out of bounds too often. There should not
be any discussions about positions or any other team concepts.

BEST QUALITIES OF A COACH FOR THIS AGE PLAYER

Patience, good humor and a willingness to see the world through a child’s eyes. Also, the ability to speak their language
and accept that the children’s play will not look at all like soccer.

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 US Youth Soccer-Best Practices
U-8: 1st and 2nd Graders
Soccer is still about having fun with the ball and encouraging the children to want to have the ball at their feet. The num-
bers should still be one and two players to a ball.

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS AGE

These children are still young. By the end of this phase, (around eight-years old) children are beginning to be able to ap-
ply past experience to the present situation. For example, at a simple level, they can remember what they were shown or
what they tried with the ball from last practice. At the same time, this ability is not present on a consistent basis. They
are still not able to imagine consequences (i.e., if you do this, what will happen?). Let them learning through experience.

Do not attempt to replicate organizational schemes that you have seen older teams doing. Seven and eight-year olds are
not capable of playing anything that resembles organized soccer. For example, team concepts such as combination play
or positions should not be introduced at this age.

Do use older players as mentors and role models. Often the younger players will learn simply by watching how older
players move or by what they can do with the ball.

DURATION; RATIO OF BALL TO PLAYER

Practices should last 45 to 60 minutes. For most of the practice, each player should be actively involved with a ball.
Games of 1v1 or games up to 3v3 with multiple balls involved (2:1 ratio of players to ball) and games to goals are also
enjoyable and effective for this age.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WHAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING DURING PRACTICE

No lines. No laps. No lectures. Attendance is still optional. Provided there is adequate supervision, children at this age
should be allowed to come in and out of practice as they please. At this point, if you have not already done so, you may
want to introduce some boundaries. However, don’t allow the boundaries of the environment to hinder the training time
by producing frequent stoppages of play because the ball goes ‘out of bounds.’ Try to keep the flow of the game going.

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 US Youth Soccer-Best Practices
Encourage informal play without pressure to ‘perform.’ Encourage the basic skills and give the players a lot of time with
the ball. This will ultimately build their confidence. Make sure to always include games to goals.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF INFORMATION THAT IS COMMUNICATED TO THE PLAYERS BY THE

COACH

Similar to the U-6 age group, the coach/parent should be positive and encouraging of each child. Specific soccer-related
information should be limited to basic ideas of how to best keep the ball from running out of bounds too often, as well
as some simple ideas for maneuvering in tight spaces and past opponents. Coaches should exclude discussions about
positions or other team concepts. When addressing technique, consider that kids learn much by watching and copying.
A good picture of proper technique can be a very powerful learning tool. Coaches should say things such as, “See if you
can make it look like this.” Limit time spent breaking down the mechanics. Instead, try to do most of your teaching of
technique by offering a picture and then set up fun games where the objective of the game is for players to practice cer-
tain ways to control the ball. This approach allows the player a certain amount of freedom to develop their ball control
and accept that there is more than one way of doing it. This is applicable at least through U-12.

BEST QUALITIES OF A COACH FOR THIS AGE PLAYER

This coach must clearly understand the capabilities and limitations of this age and appreciate the power of learning by
watching. He or she must have the ability to demonstrate or to use older players to demonstrate.

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 Age Characteristics

AGE CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN

5 & 6 Year-Olds

Psychomotor Development for U-6

• Movement education
• Differences between boys and girls are minimal
• Body segments grow at different rates
• “Energizer Bunny”
• Emphasis of fundamental movement skills (you are a glorified PE teachers)
o Locomotor: walking, running, leaping, jumping, hopping
o Non-locomotor: bending, stretching, twisting, pulling, pushing
o Basic Manipulative: throwing, catching, striking, kicking
• Increased use of all body parts
• Need to explore rolling and bouncing ball
• Weight range: 30-50 pounds; Height range: 35”-37”
• Motor development starts with the head and moves downward to the feet, and from the center of the body
outward. Easy fatigue, rapid recovery. HR around 90 bpm.

Cognitive Development for U-6

• Piaget-Preoperational
• Play consists of imagination and pretend
• Use of symbols represent objects
• One task at a time!
• Small bits of info is needed

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 Age Characteristics
• Simple, Simple, Simple
• Limited understanding of time, space, relations and boundaries
• 4v4 is really 1v7

Psycholsocial Development for U-6

• Self concept, body awareness and self image through movement
• Egocentric: ME, MY ball, 1v7
• Need praise and to play without pressure
• Influential person is parent
• May say TEAM, but really means: “Throw Everything At Me”
• Tactical sign is “This Way” or “One Way”

General Characteristics of Children U-6

• Short attention span
• Move individually oriented (my, my, mine)
• Constantly in motion
• Psychologically easily bruised
• Little or no concern for team activities
• Do believe in Santa Claus, but will not discuss with peers
• Physical and psychological development of boys and girls is quite similar
• Physical coordination immature
• Eye hand and/or eye foot coordination most primitive at best
• Love to run, jump and roll
• Like to roll on the ground
• Enjoy climbing
• Prefer large, soft balls
• Catching skills not developed
• Can balance on good foot
• No sense of pace

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 Age Characteristics
7 & 8 Year-Olds

Psychomotor Development of U-8 Players

• Skeletal system is still growing: growth plates are near the joints, thus injuries to those areas merit special
consideration
• Cardiovascular system is less efficient; endurance makes no sense; a child’s heart rate peaks sooner and takes
longer to recover
• Visual activity isn’t developed
• Take longer to cool down
• Improvement in pace and coordination
• Immaturity of physical ability is obvious
• Still see a child in movement

Cognitive Development of U-8 Players

• Concrete operational stage: “A Rule is a Rule!”
• Can do more than one task at a time, but the simple task of controlling the ball demands most of the atten-
tion capacity, thereby leaving little or no capacity for “tactical” decision making
• Time and space concept is starting to develop
• Limited experience with personal evaluation; effort is synonymous with performance
• Beginnings of categorizing

Psychological Development of U-8 Players

• Very fragile self concept and body image
• Individuality
• Psychological factor of negative comments
• Soccer is FUN
• Universe is expanded to the neighborhood
• Partner activities – “I will share my ball with you”

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 Age Characteristics
• Team identity is limited
• Wants everyone to like them; great need for approval from adults such as parents, teachers and coaches; like
to show individual skills
• Most influential person is father, but could go to mother “comfort zone”

General Characteristics of Children U-8

• Attention span a bit longer than U-6, but still not at the “team at all costs” intensity
• Inclined more toward group activities
• Still in motion: twitching, jerking, scratching and blinking are all second nature physical movements
• Still very sensitive (dislike personal failure in front of peers) – ridicule from the coach in front of the group
is very destructive
• Santa Claus is no longer a peer topic of discussion
• Boys and girls are still quite similar in physical and psychological development
• Beginning to develop some physical confidence
• Still into running, jumping, climbing and rolling
• More into imitation of the big guys (sports heroes become important)
• Still lack a sense of pace.

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 Coaching Comments & Their Messages

Coaching Comments & Their Messages

Tom Turner, Director of Coaching, OYSAN

Much of what players hear from the sidelines reinforces the “fear-soccer” of the direct style and moves them far-
ther away from the playing habits that will help them grow as intelligent soccer players. There are some simple and
obvious reasons why our average players in OYSAN has never developed the competence to enjoy the game and
play into adulthood. Evolving a culture will be a slow group effort, involving educated coaches and parents. What
follows, is a sample of typical comments heard at soccer games, and the underlying messages that are being subtly
relayed to the players about their significant adults’ respect for, and understanding of, the game.

Comments: Get it out of here!/Great Kick!/ Get rid of it!/ Boot it long!/ Don’t pass it backwards, you might lose it!/ Don’t ever
pass the ball across the field!

Message: Don’t take any chances in trying to keep possession. You are going to be under pressure, so get the ball
as far downfield as early as possible so that the ball is away from our goal. Don’t take the time to look for a team-
mate and don’t worry where the ball ends up. Just make sure you don’t lose possession and risk conceding a goal.

Style Conflict: If we never ask young players to take risks and try to play constructive soccer at an age when results
don’t matter, when will they ever develop the skills, insights and confidence to play in control, at speed and under
pressure?

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 Coaching Comments & Their Messages

Comments: Don’t play with it!/ Too many touches!/ Don’t hold onto the ball!

Message: You don’t have the skill to dribble the ball to create space or buy time for a pass, and we might lose a
goal if you are dispossessed. Better to play safe and clear the ball forward out of our end.

Style Conflict: Dribbling is the most important skill a young player can learn because they will never have another
chance to become a creative player.

Comments: Never kick the ball like that!/ Always use the inside of your foot.

Message: There is only one correct way to kick the ball and that is not the right way. I have all the answers and
you must follow my direction because I am the coach and I am in charge. If you don’t do as I say, you will sit on
the bench.

Style Conflict: Creative players solve problems in novel ways. They do the unexpected and use whatever insights
they possess to arrive at solutions. A good pass, for example, is one that arrives at its target and can be used to the
teams’ advantage, regardless of how it was delivered. When we tell players they “cannot” use technique in a unique
way, we are chipping away at their ability to think for themselves and perpetuating a culture where players have lim-
ited skills and no creativity.

Comments: Always play the way you’re facing.

Message: I heard this maxim somewhere and I haven’t thought through what it means, but you were just caught in
possession when trying to turn upfield and this seems like the time to make a coaching point.

Style Conflict: This is a coaching contradiction. Players are often asked to receive the ball with their back to goal

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 Coaching Comments & Their Messages

and turn against pressure. The most difficult opponents are unpredictable in their ability to receive passes and at-
tack space behind and beside defenders. It is a difficult, yet necessary, skill for forwards and midfield players. If we
always ask players to pass the way they are facing, we make play too predictable and devalue the skills and insight
necessary to recognize the opportunity to turn a defender or receive the ball into an open space. The most com-
mon reason why players lose possession is that they have no vision of the field behind them before trying to turn.

Comment: Always look to pass the ball “short-short-long”

Message: I saw a coach demonstrate this drill at a coaching clinic once, but I haven’t though through what it actu-
ally means, other than you should play two short passes and then make a long pass.

Style Conflict: Another coaching contradiction usually featured in warm-up drills. In the real world of soccer,
passes should be played short or long based on the position of the defenders and teammates and the skill level of
the player in possession. In the real world of soccer, players are never required to play the ball long after a number
of short passes, or vice versa. A more reasonable coaching comment would be to play short passes until there is a
tactical advantage in playing a longer pass to a teammate in space.

Comments: That’s a card, Ref!/ Offside!/ Hey Ref, call it both ways!/ Unintentional Ref, that’s not a foul!/ That’s
a handball!/ Didn’t you see that, Ref ?/ Ref, you suck!/ What game are you watching, Ref ?

Message: “I know everything about the interpretation of the rules, and the referee, players and parents need to
know it.” By attacking the credibility of the official, we send the message to the players and parents that referee
abuse is acceptable. When we serve as a negative example, or condone a vocal parent of player’s negative outbursts
by not rebuking them, we are demonstrating disrespect for the game. We also send a strong message to the players
that appealing decisions and questioning the authority of the official is an acceptable part of a soccer education.

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 Coaching Comments & Their Messages

Style Conflict: Refereeing is a matter of opinion and many new referees are just learning to understand the nu-
ances of officiating what can be a very fluid game. There are good and bad referees, good and bad players and
good and bad coaches. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone should be allowed to learn their craft without
undue abuse. Coaching players to react to any call by taking a quick restart or by organizing the defense is a much
more proactive and productive approach to dealing with refereeing decisions. Without a playing background, a ref-
ereeing license and many years of experience in soccer, questioning calls is usually the last action an inexperienced
coach should undertake. Coaches who truly work from a developmental bias, view positive and negative refereeing
decision as an integral part of the game, and which present valuable learning opportunities for their players. Life is
not always fair!

In summary, the safety-first, fear-driven, direct approach to youth soccer develops players who are uncomfortable
and, probably, incapable of playing constructive soccer. Only through more focused, less pressured coaching, and
more appropriate small-sided games, can we provide an environment where our young players have the opportunity
to play soccer as adults in our national style.

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 86 Ways to Say Very Good
86 Ways to Say Very Good
Michigan State Youth Soccer Association

1. Good for you! 44. That’s really nice

2. Superb 45. That’s the best ever
3. You did that very well 46. That’s great!
4. You’ve got it made 47. Way to go!
5. Terrific 48. That’s the way to do it!
6. That’s not bad! 49. That’s quite an improvement
7. Couldn’t have done it better myself 50. Good thinking
8. Marvelous 51. You really are going to town
9. You’re doing fine 52. Keep up the good work
10. You’re really improving 53. That’s it!
11. You’re on the right track now! 54. That’s better
12. Now you’ve got it figured out 55. You haven’t missed a thing
13. Outstanding! 56. Fantastic!
14. That’s coming along nicely 57. You outdid yourself today
15. I know you can do it 58. You’re doing a good job
16. Good work 59. That’s the right way to do it
17. You figured that out fast 60. That’s better
18. I think you’ve got it now 61. Right on!
19. I’m proud of the way you worked today 62. Well, look at you go!
20. Tremendous! 63. That’s the best you’ve ever done!
21. You certainly did well today 64. That’s RIGHT!
22. Perfect! 65. You must have been practicing!
23. Nice going 66. Great!
24. You’ve got your brain in gear today 67. Keep working on it…You’re getting better
25. Now you’ve go the hang of it 68. You remembered!
26. WOW! 69. That kind of work makes me very happy.
27. Wonderful! 70. You’re really working hard today
28. You’re getting better every day 71. That’s what I call a fine job!
29. You’re learning fast 72. I knew you could do it!
30. You make it look easy 73. I’m very proud of you
31. That’s a good boy/girl 74. One more time an you’ll have it
32. That’s very much better 75. Fine!
33. Super! 76. That’s good
34. You did a lot of work today 77. Good job
35. Keep it up! 78. You really make this fun
36. You’ve got that down pat 79. Good remembering
37. Congratulations 80. Nothing can stop you now
38. Exactly right! 81. You are doing much better today
39. Nice going 82. Keep on trying
40. Excellent! 83. You are really learning a lot
41. Sensational! 84. You’ve jut about got it!
42. You’re doing beautifully 85. I’ve never seen anyone do it better
43. You’ve just mastered that! 86. You are very good at that.

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 Practice Preparation

Practice Preparation and Organization

Paul Thomas, Recreational Coaching Director

Practice organization is one of the most important attributes of a successful coach. This aspect can make or break
a season in the eyes of a player and parent. A coach’s ability to move through well thought out and fun activities
without players standing around is a very important attribute at U4, U5 and U6 ages. It reduces the amount of time
young players have to misbehave or lose focus. Follow the suggested progression below to get the best results. As
you become more experienced this aspect of coaching will become easier and easier.

Session Topic
Every training session should have a theme. For instance, “Balance & Coordination.” This should be your first
decision when planning a training session. Focusing every practice on a specific theme is a great habit to get into
and this aspect will become more and more important as your children get older. Try to change the focus of your
sessions weekly as it will keep practice fresh and your players will get more from the season if they are challenged
(indirectly) with a new skill.

Choosing Activities
• Choose activities that will focus on your session’s theme. Well thought out activities will indirectly teach
your players the session’s theme.
• Choose activities that will allow for the ratio of 1 player to 1 ball. These types of activities will make sure
that your players get a lot of touches on the ball. NO LINE DRILLS!

Session Plan
Once you have activities, put them into a practice plan. When placing your activities in your plan, make sure they
follow each other in a smooth progression, from easy to most difficult, starting with a warmup and ending your 3v3
game scrimmage.

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 Practice Preparation
Arriving at the Field
Be there first! Being the first person at the field sets a great example to your parents and players. Be there to wel-
come to the session.

Practice Coaching
Coaching during practice at these ages is a difficult undertaking as you are dealing with young children who have
very short attention spans and they are only concerned with themselves. Trying to teach these children simple soc-
cer techniques or keeping them spread out during scrimmages area almost impossible tasks. Our responsibilities at
these age groups are limited to teaching basic motor skills (with soccer skills thrown in), such as running, stopping
and turning. In order to teach these skills we must introduce technique and motor skills in a very indirect manor,
through fun activities. We must keep all activities and scrimmages fun; if soccer isn’t fun for these children, why
would they come back to play again?

When coaching during practice, there are certain guidelines you can follow to ensure a successful practice:

1. Introducing Activities
This aspect is very important. Introducing activities should be done through an explanation and demonstra
tion. Explanation of activities should be done as quickly as possible. The only aspects that should be explained
while players are sitting are the boundaries and general rules. Anything more than this and will lose the players’
attentions. The majority of activities should be explained through demonstration as most players at this age learn
better by doing rather than listening. Place players in their start positions for the activity and then demonstrate the
movements, actions or rules of the game. After the demonstration, let the players try the activity. If they perform
the activity incorrectly, stop them and explain the activity again while demonstrating what you want them to do.

2. Make Coaching Points

At this age, it is important that the activity you are playing does most of the teaching. When stopping players and
making coaching points, do it in the form a question; try to avoid stopping players, barking instruction or giving
long lectures. Questions involve the players in the process and will distract them from getting bored while you talk.
When asking questions, be sure to keep them simple and short. For example, when introducing dribbling technique:

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 Practice Preparation
• Which parts of the foot can we use to dribble?
• When we dribble, should we take big or small touches?
• When we dribble, should we always look down at the ball or should we try to life our head up?

3. Positive Reinforcement
Keep everything you say to player positive. Make sure to praise everything that the players do related to soccer;
encourage good passing, dribbling, turning, stopping, etc. Players at these ages consider themselves ‘successful’ if
they are giving their best effort and become physically exhausted.

4. Crowd Control
Always try to have an assistant with you at practice. This way one person can be coaching and the other can be
controlling players who have difficulty with the activities or boundaries.

5. Water Breaks
Remember players at these ages are very explosive; they have very high energy levels but only for a short period of
time. Give players short water breaks often throughout your training sessions. Also, take into consideration the
weather. On hot days, take more water breaks and cool days try to keep players moving for longer periods.

6. Final Remarks
At the end of every practice, finish with your final words. Have all players sit on their soccer balls and answer ques-
tions on the day’s activities. While they answer the questions, demonstrate the technique. For example, when we
pass the ball, which part of the foot should we use? When players answer this question, you should actively dem-
onstrate an inside of the foot pass.

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 Recommended Activities
US Youth Soccer Association Age Group: U6
Author: Tom Goodman Topic: Coordination Movement
Activity Name and Description Diagram Coaching Points
WARMUP -Movement
-Repetition in ball touches
Every player has a ball in a 15x20 grid. Coach -Eye-foot coordination
asked all players to move freely with their ball -Change of direction/speed
around the grid Coach then asks players to
move freely with the ball at their feet.

Activity #1 -Same as above

“Goofy Stop and Go”

Same setup as above. All players dribble their

ball in the grid. When coach says “stop”, play-
ers must stop their ball and freeze in a goofy
position.

Activity #2 -Same as above

“Body Part Dribbling”

Same setup as above. All players dribble their

ball in grid. When the coach yells out a body
part, the players must stop the ball with that
body part.
Activity #3 -Challenge of hitting a target
“Hit the Ball”

Players line up shoulder to shoulder on one

end of the grid. Place 2 balls in the middle of
the grid. One at a time, players kick their ball
and try to hit one of the balls in the middle.

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 Recommended Activities
Activity #4 -FUN
“Sharks and Minnows” -Dribbling under pressure
-Change of speed/direction
The minnows (players with a ball) line up
shoulder to shoulder at one end of the grid.
Two players are designated as sharks and are
positioned inside the grid without soccer balls.
On the coach’s command, the minnows must
dribble their ball through the grid and get to
the other side without getting their ball stolen
or kicked away by the sharks. If a player loses
their ball while crossing the grid, they become
a shark.
Activity #5 -FUN
“End Line Soccer” -Directional play
-Change of speed/direction
Set up a 15x20 grid. Divide the players into
two teams. Play 3v3 with no goalkeepers. A
team scores by dribbling or kicking the ball
over their designated end line. Balls are served
one at a time by the coach.

Activity #6 -FUN
“Cool Down Juggling” -Coordination

Every player starts with a ball in their hands.

They drop the ball on their thigh and catch
it. They progress to dropping the ball on one
thigh and juggling it to the other thigh then
catching it. Eventually, they can try thigh-
thigh-foot.

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 Recommended Activities
Alaska State Youth Soccer Association Age Group: U6
Author: Frank Trovato Topic: Individual Activities, Coordination
Activity Name and Description Diagram Coaching Points
WARMUP -FUN
“Zen Master” -Balance
-Coordination
Players stand near a cone. Coast is the master
who demonstrates skill. Players copy skill and
then move to a new cone.
Activities without ball-1 foot balance, 1 foot
hop, 2 foot hop, bear crawl, crab crawl
Activities with ball-Figure 8s, around waist,
thigh catch, toe touches, body part dribble
Activity #1 -FUN
“Follow the Master, Grasshopper” -Balance
-Coordination
Players are in pairs-one is master and one is -Encourage creativity of new
student. Master leads students around and soccer skills
through cones. When a master reaches an
open cone, they perform a skill that must be
replicated by the student. Switch master and
student role.

Activity #2 -Keep ball close

Red Light – Green Light -Balance
-Coordination
Players move across area on commend of
green light. Coach announces red light and
players must stop. Any players caught moving
or with ball far away from them must restart 10
steps backwards. When all players reach end
line game is complete.

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 Recommended Activities
Activity #3 -Balance
“Freeze Tag” -Coordination

Coach is “it.” Players move in area. When

“it” touches a player, player must freeze in that
position. Teammates can unfreeze player by
standing next to frozen player and standing on
one foot.

Activity #4 -Same as above

3v3 Match

Coach serves balls in if the ball goes out of

play. Games to 2 or 3, then reshuffle players if
needed.

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 Recommended Activities
US Youth Soccer Association Age Group: U6
Author: Lewis L. Atkinson, Ed.D Topic: Balance & Coordination
Activity Name and Description Diagram Coaching Points
WARMUP -Body movement
“I can do something, can you?” -Children explore their bod-
The coach begins the activity by saying, “I can do ies
something, can you?” and demonstrating a physi-
cal activity such as jumping jacks, skips, one-legged
bounces, star jumps, rolls, etc. Then the coach asks
the children, “what can you do?” and everyone copies.
Activity #1 -Move in all directions
“Snake in the Grass”
In a 15x15 grid, two children begin by being snakes
by laying on their stomachs. The other children
start by touching the snakes with a hand. On the
command “snake in the grass” the children try to
stay away from the snake. If a snake touches a
child, they become a snake.
Activity #2 -“Chase and flee”
“Find the Coach” -Change direction running
The coach has all children close their eyes and
the coach moves. On the command “find the
coach” the children open their eyes and try to
tag the coach. Add a soccer ball.
Activity #3 -Awareness of surroundings
“Everyone is IT”
In a 20x20 grid, each child runs around and
tries to tag as many other children as possible
without getting tagged.
Activity #4 -Free play
“3v3”

Free play

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 Recommended Activities
CanCoach Age Group: U6
Excerpts Only Topic: Meeting My Team Members & Coaches
Activity Name and Description Diagram Coaching Points
Activity #1 -Various surfaces
“Ball Retrieve” -Change of direction
-Agility
Each player has a ball. The player hands the ball to
the coach who tosses the ball away. The player must
retrieve the ball as quickly as possible and bring it
back to the coach. Coach can move to make the
activity more challenging.

Activity #2 -Change of direction

“Cross Over” -Quick reaction time
-Look for space
Players work in a circle formation, each with a ball.
Players dribble around the circle. On the coach’s
signal, the players attempt to cross through the
circle without touching each other.

Activity #3 -Reaction time

“Math Dribble” -Coordination
-Awareness
Each player with a ball. On the command, -Problem solving
players dribble to keep control while avoiding
other players. The coach yells a simple math
problem and players must get in groups the
size of the solution.
Activity #4 -Lots of dribbling
“Balls Galore” -Awareness

4v4 without keepers. Divide the players into

two teams. There is one ball per two players.

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 Recommended Activities
Indiana Youth Soccer Association Age Group: U8
Author: Vince Ganzburg Topic: Dribbling
Activity Name and Description Diagram Coaching Points
WARMUP -Change Direction
“Elbow Tag” -Can you think ahead?
-Cooperation
Players partner up with someone. One pair is split at
-FUN
first. The pair that is split, one person is “it”, the oth-
er is not. “It” tries to tag the free person. The free
person can be safe if they hook up with of the other
pairs. The person on the opposite end is released and
must run.
Activity #1 -Dribble with head up
“School of Fish” -Change direction
-Use both feet
All players have a ball. Four people (coaches) go on -Keep the ball and “leg’s
each side of the square. The coaches are instructed length” away
to raise their arms and when the players get close to
them put their arms down and then another coach
puts their arms up.
Activity #2 -Dribble with head up
“Gates” -Change direction
-Change direction quickly
Make gates inside the grid about 3 yds.apart.
Make at least one more gate than the number
of players. Players dribble through as many
gates as possible. Can add gate blockers.
Activity #3 -Dribble with head up
“Gate Keepers” -Change direction
-Change direction with a
Make 4 gates about 3 yds apart. A player (or purpose (gate)
coach) is placed in between each gate. Play 3v3
or 4v4. The head coach points to a gate and
each team tries to play the ball through that
gate. The gatekeeper does not try to prevent
the ball from going through.

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 Recommended Activities
US Youth Soccer Association Age Group: U8
Author: Andy Biggs Topic: Dribbling
Activity Name and Description Diagram Coaching Points
WARMUP -See ball through bottom of
“Gate Dribbling” eyes
Every player has a ball. There is more one more gate -Keep ball rolling
than there are players. Players must dribble through
-Different surfaces
the gates; each gates=1pt.

Activity #1 -Same as above

“Stop & Go” -Speed up after stop
-Change of direction
Every player has a ball and on the whistle they stop
the ball and then go. Players can invent their own
stop and go.
Activity #2 -Keep the ball rolling
“Pac-Man” -Find space
2 players are “IT” and have balls. The players -Fake passes
who are “IT” dribble and try to hit other play-
ers below the knees. Players who are hit also
become “IT”.
Activity #3 -Same as above
“Knockout” -Body between ball and
Every player has a ball. Each player tries to other players
kick the other players’ balls out. If the ball
is knocked out, player must do 2 juggles to
return.
Activity #4 -Try to solve game by drib-
“2v2 Get Outta There” bling
Coach is in charge of the balls and passes the
ball onto the field to start play. 2v2 until a goal
is scored or ball goes out of bounds. When
ball goes out of bounds coach yells “get outta
there”

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 Recommended Activities
US Youth Soccer Association Age Group: U8
Author: Matthew Callahan Topic: Lower Limb Coordination & Vision
Activity Name and Description Diagram Coaching Points
WARMUP -FUN
“Greetings Game” -Coordination
All the players run around randomly inside a rect-
angle. The coach calls out various types of greetings,
which each player has to carry out with others: hand
shake, high fives, shoulder to shoulder, back to back.
Add dribbling.
Activity #1 -FUN
“Ouch!” -Balance
-Coordination
Each player has a ball. The coach jobs around in
a rectangle and the players try to kick their ball so
it hits the coach. The players get a point each time
they hit the coach.

Activity #2 -Keep ball close

“Frog Attack” -Balance
All players start on one side of rectangle and -Coordination
try to get to the other side. 2 players who are
frogs must hop and try to tag other players.
When a player is tagged, they become a frog.
Activity #3 -FUN
“Disney Game” -Coordination
Two teams of equal numbers stand at either
end of 25x18 grid. Give each player a Disney
character name (make sure there’s a matching
character on the other end). Coach sends in a
ball and calls out a Disney character and that
character from each end goes onto the field

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 Recommended Activities
US Youth Soccer Association Age Group: U8
Author: Rick Meana Topic: Receiving a Bouncing Ball
Activity Name and Description Diagram Coaching Points
WARMUP -Eye on ball
“ Beginner Juggling” -Bend at the waist
-Bend knee of kicking leg
Every player sitting down holds a ball over their
shoelaces. Strike ball and catch; twice and catch; try
both feet.

Activity #1 -Same as above

“Pair Juggling” -Get in position early
-Use arms for balance
Keep ball off ground using feet only. Two bounces
are allowed. Alternate touches between partners.

Activity #2 -Get in “line of flight”

“Volley Game” -Balance
-Scoop ball with foot
2 players freely pass the ball inside a grid. Try
to keep ball in the air. Count passes inside grid.
Each pass=1pt.
Activity #3 -Move ball
“Gaelic Football” -Support quickly
In a 20x20 grid with 5yd endzone play 5v1 -Move to open space
or 4v2. Play volley-catch-volley. If defender
intercepts, a point is scored. Play into the end-
zone for a point.
Activity #4 -Move to open space
“4v4 to Goal” -Choose surface quickly

Toss a new ball in when ball goes out of

bounds or goal is scored. Bonus point if con-
trol leads to possession or goal.

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 Recommended Activities
CanCoach Age Group: U8
Excerpts Only Topic: Hitting Targets - Working in Pairs
Activity Name and Description Diagram Coaching Points
Activity #1 -Proper pace of pass
“Edge of the World”

Each player has a ball. Players start at one end of the

area and pass their ball to the other endline. They
must run after their own ball before it “falls off the
edge of the earth.” Try with a partner.

Activity #2 -Change of direction

“Shadow Dribbling” -Balance, agility
-Increase field of vision
Players work in pairs with one ball. Player with the
ball follows the player without the ball and attempts
to stay in the shadow.

Activity #3 -Change of direction

“Tail Tag” -Deception

All players tuck a vest in their shorts. On the

signal, players see how many tails they can
gather. The player with the most tails wins.

Activity #4 -Passing for accuracy

“Marbles” -Pace of pass

Players are in pairs, each with a ball. One

player passes their ball away and the partner
tries to hit the moving ball with their ball.
Switch roles.

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 Recommended Activities
Activity #5 -Awareness
“Touch the Cones”

Place cones around the outside of the area.

Each time a player passes the ball, they must go
and touch a cone.

Activity #6 -Awareness
“Four Corners” -Teamwork

Goals are placed at each of the corners of the

field. Game is played without goalkeepers.
Each team is responsible for guarding two of
the goals.

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 Recommended Activities
US Youth Soccer Association Age Group: U8
Author: Tom Fleck Topic: Ball Possession
Activity Name and Description Diagram Coaching Points
WARMUP -FUN
“Tag” -Improves dribbling
In a 20x20 grid, the coach picks two players who must
chase everyone else and tag them. Tagged players
can’t move until you allow them. Chasers do not have
a ball, but all other players do.

Activity #1 -Visual tracking

“Ball Retrieve” -Dribbling to a designated
place
In a 20x20 grid, the coach has a pile of 6-7 balls.
The coach kicks or throws the balls in all directions.
The players should chase the balls and dribble them
back to the pile. The coach kicks or throws them
again.
Activity #2 -Dribbling and movement
“Dribble to the Cone” enhancement
-Expanded decision-making
In a 15x15 grid, put out as many cones as there process
are players. Have the players dribble randomly
until you call out a command. They players
dribble to a cone and freeze.
Activity #3 -Speed
“1v2” -Ability to beat an opponent

Use a 15x15 grid and play 1v2. The player with

the ball must dribble and try to keep it.

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 Recommended Activities
Activity #4 -Speed or response
“50/50 Ball”

In a 20x20 grid, split the players into 2 teams.

Call the players by name and they run from
each side to win the ball and dribble it back to
their side. Keep score.

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 Recommended Activities
US Youth Soccer Association Age Group: U8
Author: Tom Fleck Topic: Ball Possession

The game of soccer provides players with the opportunity to think creatively and solve problems while moving and com-
bining with other players.
• Training activities must be inclusive and developmentally appropriate.
• Information must be clear, concise and correct.
• Activities must be presented from simple to complex.
• Players must train in a safe and appropriate environment.
• There must be decision making for players in all activities.
• All activities must have implications for the game.
• It must be a FUN environment.
U8 players go all-out (100 miles an hour) for a little while and then collapse from exhaustion. After a short rest, they’re
ready to go again. Their play consists of imagination and pretend activities. They are “egocentric” as they see the world
only from their perspective, although they are making the transition to cooperation at this age. Predominately the U8
player can only attend to one task at a time. They are just beginning to sequence two actions together-receive and then
dribble for example.

As you consider these training activities, keep in mind that you can adjust the activities, the size of the playing areas, the
rules and the numbers to make them developmentally appropriate in order to benefit the players.

Activity Name and Description Diagram Coaching Points

WARMUP -Keep the ball close using all
“Stop & Go” surfaces of their feet
-After a “stop” or “change,”
In a 15x20 grid, players dribble freely in various direc-
players must explode into
tions. On the coach’s command, the players “stop
and go” quickly, continuing to dribble the ball. When space
the coach says “change,” the players change direction -Keep head up
while dribbling.

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 Recommended Activities
Activity #1 -Quickness
“Combat” -Speed
-Shielding
In an open area (no boundaries), players are -Vision
divided into 2 teams. Each team lines up single
file on opposite sides of the coach. The coach
yells a number and that number of players
from each line chases after the ball and plays to
goals or plays the ball back to the coach.

Activity #2 -Agility
“The Glob” -Balance
-Passing
In a 20x25 grid there are 2 players who have a -Dribbling
ball at their foot. All the other players do not
have balls. Many soccer balls are placed out-
side the grid. The glob tries to pass and try to
hit players without a ball. If a player is hit, they
become a glob.

Cool Down Activity -Eye on ball

“Juggling” -Prepare the surface
-Hand-eye coordination
Each player has a ball. The coach calls out
“thigh, foot, catch” or “foot, foot, catch.”
Players try to do as coach has called out.

Page 33
 The Youth Soccer Coach
The Youth Soccer Coach
Mike Berticelli
You donate your time for the good of our youth, Soccer is different, not like baseball at all,
But you scream and you yell and are often uncouth. We don’t need positions, just give them the ball.
The ref is just twelve and still learning the game, They first must learn skill, It’s the meat of the game.
But you call him a jerk and say’s he not sane. If they can’t dribble or shoot, then who should we blame?
The parents are screaming and follow your lead, Skill must be learned through repeated trials,
As you spring up the sideline at uncontrollable speed. If motivation is present, you will see them run miles.
You jump as you yell, “Pass, pass the ball!” Fun games are the answer to encourage repetition.
You turn red as you bellow, “Ref, make the damn call!” They laugh and they scream and enjoy competition.
“you’re the left back now, get in your position, Without the skill to dribble past an opponent at will,
If you don’t we might lose and ruin our tradition!” Your players will win, but their growth will stand still.
Positions are needed so we look like a team, I dream of the day when the parents just cheer
Cause they’re miniature pros, so it does seem. And losing the game doesn’t bring out a tear.
The fullback is bored, he picks at his nose, When practice is fun, not dull and so boring,
While the others run wild and kick with their toes. And playing the game means more than just scoring.
You scream for a goal, no matter how it goes in, I know you mean well and you donate your time,
The skill doesn’t matter, just as long as we win! But bury your ego and try something sublime.
The parents go crazy as the ball nears the goal, Call all the parents and ask for the aid,
Their advice and instructions will soon take their toll. You’re teaching their kids and not getting paid.
You see, Junior feels pressure, he’s not having much fun, Your goal’s to develop a youngster with skill,
We tell him to pass, when to shoot and to run. Not a team that must win or some fancy new drill.
He came here to play and to use his own mind, You see, players are not judged by their wins and their losses,
Cause soccer’s the most creative game that you’ll find. Instead they are judged by their shots, heads and crosses!
Imagination is needed on the part of each child, Scholarships are given to players with great names,
Solving problems on the field is what makes them go wild. Not those on youth teams who never lost games.
A week of long practice, while just standing in line, A pro player gets paid ‘cause his skills are real fine,
Waiting to shoot, using one ball at a time. Not because his team never lost when he was just nine.
This just doesn’t cut it, and for some it’s too late, It’s time to bring soccer to new heights in this nation,
Make your practices fun, don’t be the coach that they hate. The future’s in players, not a coaching citation.
The come to “play” soccer, not to “work” at the game, Let’s start to say “dribble” and stop yelling “pass!”
Their excitement is something we don’t want to tame. You’ll then see our players go to the head of the class.
Maradona has moves that are beyond comprehension, I hope you’re concerned, but not really offended,
No coach taught those moves while threatening detention! It’s the need for more skill that I have defended.
He learned from his friends and tried copying others, You’re giving your all, from the good of the heart,
While playing in games, without coaches or mothers. Why not make sure the kids get the right start?

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