THE 8 v 8 GAME

U12 CURRICULUM

THE GPS APPROACH TO PLAYER DEVELOPMENT IS BASED ON A CONSISTENT AND POSITIVE

APPROACH TO GETTING YOUNG PLAYERS TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.

THERE ARE 4 AREAS THAT WILL BE ADDRESSED IN THIS DOCUMENT:

• THE GPS PHILOSOPHY

• THE GPS METHODOLOGY
• THE GPS STRUCTURE FOR THE AGE GROUP
• THE GPS CURRICULUM – U12 PROGRAM SPECIFIC

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 COACHING GUIDELINES
GPS METHODOLOGY

AIM: TO ALLOW PLAYERS OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES, TO DEVELOP TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL, IN AN ENJOYABLE, CHALLENGING
AND POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT.

OBJECTIVES:

CREATE A CLEAR AND SIMPLE PATHWAY FOR PLAYER DEVELOPMENT.

ALWAYS KEEP THE PLAYER AT THE CENTER OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.

ALLOW PLAYERS AS MUCH ACTIVE TIME WITH A BALL EACH, AS POSSIBLE.

TEACH THE PRINCIPLES OF THE GAME.

TEACH “ROLES” NOT “POSITIONS”.

CREATE A DEEP AND UNDERLYING PASSION FOR THE SPORT OF SOCCER AT ALL AGES.

ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PLAYERS WILL LEARN AND DEVELOP AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS.

TO KEEP A FRESH AND CURRENT OUTLOOK ON THE CHANGES IN YOUNG PLAYER DEVELOPMENT.

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 GPS PHILOSOPHY
MISSION STATEMENT:

“THE MISSION OF GLOBAL PREMIER SOCCER IS TO ENHANCE THE SOCCER EXPERIENCE OF PLAYERS AND COACHES IN THE US. WE
PROVIDE OUR PLAYERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP AS ATHLETES AND AS PEOPLE BY FOSTERING AN IDENTITY OF EXCELLENCE. WE
STRIVE TO PRODUCE PLAYERS WHO CAN COMPETE AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SOCCER THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.”

GPS METHODOLOGY

OUR APPROACH TO PLAYER DEVELOPMENT IS SIMPLE AND BASED ON 3 KEY ELEMENTS:

ENJOYABLE - IT IS A PROVEN EDUCATIONAL FACT THAT YOUNG PLAYERS IN ANY SPORT, OR FOR THAT MATTER IN THE CLASSROOM, WILL
BE MORE LIKELY TO EXCEL AND REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL IF THEY ARE ENJOYING THEIR SUBJECT MATTER. MAKING SOCCER FUN AND
AGE APPROPRIATE IS A KEY CONCEPT IN ANY SUCCESSFUL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MODEL.

CHALLENGING - FOR A YOUNG PLAYER TO DEVELOP TO THEIR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL THEY MUST BE IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS
DIFFERENTIATED BASED ON THEIR ABILITY. THERE NEEDS TO BE A CAREFULLY LAID OUT PLAN THAT IS PROGRESSIVE AND ALLOWS A
YOUNG PLAYER TO FACE NEW CHALLENGES AT EACH STAGE. YOUNG PLAYERS LEARN AT DIFFERENT RATES AND ALSO IN DIFFERENT WAYS
AND THERE HAS TO BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PLAYERS TO BE ALLOWED TO SUCCEED IN THEIR OWN TIME.

POSITIVE - IT IS VITAL THAT A YOUNG PLAYER RECEIVES THE NECESSARY SUPPORT STRUCTURE THROUGHOUT THEIR DEVELOPMENT.
THERE MUST BE CLARITY IN THE EXPECTATIONS AT EACH STAGE IN THE PROCESS AND THERE CANNOT BE UNNECESSARY PRESSURE
APPLIED AT TOO YOUNG AN AGE OR PLAYERS WILL BE LOST TO THE SPORT. PLAYERS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO LEARN FROM THEIR
MISTAKES AND NOT FEEL AS IF THEY WILL BE BERATED FOR TRYING TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES.

THE GPS STRUCTURE

GETTING STARTED PHASE K-2ND GRADE

FUNDAMENTAL PHASE 3RD – 6TH GRADE

TRAINING TO TRAIN PHASE 7TH – 9TH GRADE

TRAINING TO COMPETE PHASE 10TH – 12TH GRADE

TRAINING TO WIN PHASE 18+

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 GPS CURRICLUM
U10 U12 U14
Curriculum
PRATICE TO DEVELOP THRU PRACTICE TO COMPETE
Methodology
COACHING STRUCTURE 3 V 2 TO 6 V 6 5 V 3 TO 8 V 8 7 V 5 TO 11 V 11
Coaching Emphasis SUPPORTING DEFENDER/ATTACKER RD
COVERING DEFENDER/3 ATTACKER TEAM/FUNCTIONAL PLAY
PROGRESSION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF
INTRODUCTION TO LONG & DRIVEN PASSES,
PASSING UNDER PRESSURE, PROGRESSION OF HIGH COMFORT LEVEL
ALSO THE CHIP AND SWERVE PASSING,
PROGRESSION OF CONTROLLING ON THE BALL, PASSING IN PRESSURIZED
TECHNICAL RECEIVING THE BALL IN THE AIR, TURNS &
TECHNIQUES UNDER PRESSURE, TURNS & AREAS OF THE FIELD, RECOVERING &
DEVELOPMENT MOVES PROGRESSED, HEADING, SHOOTING
MOVES VARIOUS COMBINATIONS, ONE MAINTAINING POSSESSION, DEFENDING
(ACCURACY & POWER), PRESSURE & COVER,
TWO TOUCH PASSING, CROSSING, AS A TEAM/UNIT
GK
DEFENDING SUPPORT & BALANCE
PRINCIPLES OF PLAY, DEVELOPMENT OF
INTERCHANGING OF POSITIONS TO
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN THE DECISION MAKING WITH AND WITHOUT
CREATE SPACE, DEFENSIVE: BALANCE,
TEAM, DEVELOPING TEAM SHAPE & THE BALL, TRANSITION, DEFENDING THE
Tactical Awareness FORMATION, WHEN TO PRESSURE WHEN
ATTACK: WIDTH & DEPTH,
COUNTER ATTACK, LOW PRESSURE &
COMBINATIONS IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF
TO COVER, PROGRESSION OF ANGLES & HIGH PRESSURE DEFENSE,
THE FIELD, SET PLAYS
DISTANCES OF SUPPORT, COMMUNICATION
STRENGTH DEVELOPED THROUGH HOPPING,
PHYSICAL MORE STRUCTURED AEROBIC TRAINING
SKIPPING AND OTHER BODY WEIGHT CONDITIONING FOR SOCCER
REQUIREMENTS AND SHORT ANAEROBIC WORK
EXERCISES
FOCUS ON PLAYER PERFORMANCE RATHER DEVELOPING WORK ETHIC WITH THE
DEVELOPING PLAYER PERFORMANCE AND
Psychological Needs THAN RESULT, IDENTIFYING ROLES &
INDIVIDUAL TARGETS,
TEAM, PROBLEM SOLVING ON THE FIELD
RESPONSIBILITIES WITH THE TEAM AND RESPONSIBILITY.
BALL MASTERY 1-2-3 STEP OVER, SLIDES & ROLL ACROSS SLIDES REVERSED & DRIBBLE CUTS SIDE ROLLS: FRONT/BACK & V'S
Turns and Direction
CRUYFF & L TURN DRAG FLICK & STEP OVER TURN (ZICO) TWIST OFF & DOUBLE CRUYFF
Change
STEP OVER, DOUBLE SCISSORS & KNOCK & MARADONA, NUTMEG, SHIMMY & FAKE DRAG STEP OVER, RONALDINHO &
MOVES AND FAKES GO PASS RONALDO
Practice to Game
2 PRACTICES AND 1 GAME 2 PRACTICES AND 1 GAME 2 PRACTICES AND 1 GAME
ratio
ISOCCER ASSESSMENT FIRST TOUCH & PASSING AERIAL CONTROL BALL STRIKING
Practice Time 75 MINUTES 75-90 MINUTES 90 MINUTES
FIELD DIMENSIONS 60X40 YARDS 70X50 YARDS FULL SIZE
Suggested
6 V 6 WITH GOALKEEPERS 8 V 8 WITH GOALKEEPERS 11 V 11 WITH GOALKEEPERS
Scrimmage
SIZE 4 BALLS, CONES & PINNIES. GOALS 4 SIZE 4 BALLS, CONES & PINNIES. GOALS 7 SIZE 5 BALLS, CONES & PINNIES
EQUIPMENT YARDS YARDS. FULL SIZE GOALS
Curriculum Theme PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WORLD CUP
WEEK 1 RUNNING WITH THE BALL AT SPEED TURNS & MOVES V AWARENESS
WEEK 2 BALL CONTROL PASSING 1 & 2 TOUCH SPEED OF PLAY
AERIAL BALL CONTROL: HEADING &
WEEK 3 PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK
VOLLEYING
CROSSING & FINISHING

WEEK 4 COMBINATION PLAY TURNING WITH BACK TO PRESSURE MOVEMENT IN THE FINAL 3RD
WEEK 5 POSSESSION ATTACKING IN THE FINAL 3RD II COUNTER ATTACK
WEEK 6 ATTACKING 2V1 FINISHING TRANSITION
WEEK 7 ATTACKING IN THE FINAL 3RD I SWITCHING THE POINT OF ATTACK GOAL KEEPING
WEEK 8 GOAL KEEPING GOAL KEEPING DEFENDING 4V4: SMALL GROUPS
WEEK 9 DEFENDING 1V1 & 2V2 DEFENDING: BALANCE DEFENDING AS A TEAM
WEEK 10 REVIEW & MATCH PLAY REVIEW & MATCH PLAY REVIEW & MATCH PLAY

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 GPS CURRICLUM

AGE U10 U12 U14

Theme PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WORLD CUP

1 RUNNING WITH THE BALL AT SPEED TURNS & MOVES V AWARENESS

2 BALL CONTROL PASSING 1 & 2 TOUCH SPEED OF PLAY

AERIAL BALL CONTROL: HEADING
3 PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK CROSSING & FINISHING
& VOLLEYING
TURNING WITH BACK TO
4 COMBINATION PLAY MOVEMENT IN THE FINAL 3RD
PRESSURE
5 POSSESSION ATTACKING IN THE FINAL 3RD II COUNTER ATTACK

6 ATTACKING 2V1 FINISHING TRANSITION

SWITCHING THE POINT OF
7 ATTACKING IN THE FINAL 3RD I GOAL KEEPING
ATTACK
8 GOAL KEEPING GOAL KEEPING DEFENDING 4V4: SMALL GROUPS

9 DEFENDING 1V1 & 2V2 DEFENDING: BALANCE DEFENDING AS A TEAM

10 REVIEW & MATCH PLAY REVIEW & MATCH PLAY REVIEW & MATCH PLAY

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 COACHING GUIDELINES
THERE ARE FOUR MAIN PILLARS OF SOCCER, WHICH ARE EVIDENT AT EVERY LEVEL OF THE GAME:
TECHNICAL, PHYSICAL, TACTICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL.

THERE WILL BE DIFFERENT EMPHASIS PLACED ON EACH PILLAR OF THE GAME, DEPENDING ON THE AGE AND ABILITY OF THE PLAYER.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT A COACH HAS CLEAR GOALS FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR THEIR TEAM PRIOR TO WORKING WITH ANY AGE GROUP.

TRAINING TO TRAIN PHASE, 7TH – 9TH GRADE

• TECHNICAL
• PHYSICAL
• TACTICAL
• PSYCHOLOGICAL

TECHNICAL:
AT THIS AGE WE SHOULD BE LOOKING TO PRACTICE WITH BOTH FEET SO THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE BALL ON EITHER FOOT.
WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE PLAYERS BE ABLE TO CHANGE PACE, DIRECTION AND BECOME CONFIDENT IN 1V1 SITUATIONS PERFORMING
MOVES AND TURNS AT SPEED.
PLAYERS ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE CONSISTENCY IN SHORT PASSING WITH DIFFERENT SURFACES OF THE FOOT.

PHYSICAL:
PLAYERS AT THIS AGE FIND IT FUN TO BE ACTIVE. KEEP THEM MOVING WITH A BALL AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT PLAYERS ARE DEVELOPING PHYSICALLY AT DIFFERENT RATES NOW SO EXPECT SOME LACK OF
CO-ORDINATION IN SOME ACTIVITIES.
ANY FITNESS THAT THEY RECEIVE SHOULD BE AS A RESULT OF PLAYING THE GAME OF SOCCER. USE SOCCER GAMES TO IMPROVE
BALANCE AND CO-ORDINATION.
COACHES SHOULD ONLY INTRODUCE FITNESS WITH THE BALL.

TACTICAL:
TEACH ROLES AND ROTATE POSITIONS OFTEN.
IN GAMES, PLAYERS SHOULD PLAY IN AN 8 V 8 FORMAT TO ENCOURAGE MORE TOUCHES ON THE BALL AND DEVELOP UNDERSTANDING
OF THE TACTICAL GAME.
GOALKEEPERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAY THE BALL WIDE TO FEET OR INTO SPACE WITH THEIR DISTRIBUTION EITHER WITH A THROW OR
KICK.
NORMAL LAWS OF THE GAME INCLUDING THE OFFSIDE RULE.

PSYCHOLOGICAL:
PLAYERS SHOULD STILL HAVE FUN AND BE EXCITED ABOUT THE GAME.
COACHES NEED TO MAINTAIN AN EXCITING AND POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TO THE GAME OF SOCCER TO ENSURE FUTURE PARTICIPATION
TOGETHER WITH SOME CHALLENGING GOALS SO AS TO STRETCH THE PLAYERS.

EMPHASIS IS STILL VERY MUCH ON PLAYER DEVELOPMENT VS. WINNING

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 RECOMMENDED BREAKDOWN FOR A TYPICAL U12 PRACTICE SESSION

A TYPICAL SESSION FOR THIS AGE GROUP SHOULD BE 75 MINUTES

WARM-UP. 15 MINUTES
BEGIN WITH A TECHNICAL ACTIVITY. THIS SHOULD PREPARE THE PLAYERS MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY FOR THE REST OF THE PRACTICE.

2 X SKILL GAMES – UNOPPOSED AND OPPOSED. 25 MINUTES EACH

THESE GAMES ARE DESIGNED TO BE HIGH ENERGY, FUN ACTIVITIES THAT REINFORCE THE BASIC TECHNIQUES WITHOUT PRESSURE.
THE GAME THEN PROGRESSES TO CHALLENGE PLAYERS TO TRY THEIR NEW SKILLS IN A SLIGHTLY MORE COMPETITIVE SCENARIO.

SMALL-SIDED GAMES – OPPOSED 6 V 6 & 8 V 8. 30 MINUTES

EACH PRACTICE SHOULD CONCLUDE WITH A SMALL-SIDED GAME. 6 V 6 (60 X 40 YARDS) OR 8 V 8 (70 X 50 YARDS) WITH NORMAL
RULES INCLUDING OFFSIDE.

COOL DOWN. 5 MINUTES

SPEND FIVE MINUTES AT THE END OF EACH SESSION COOLING DOWN. REINFORCING POINTS FROM THE SESSION WITH Q & A.

PLAYING THE 6 V 6 TO 8 V 8 GAME

EVERY PRACTICE SHOULD CONCLUDE WITH A SMALL-SIDED GAME. REMEMBER THAT THE GAME IS THE BEST TEACHER OF ALL. YOUR
MAIN AIM IS TO CREATE AN ENJOYABLE, CHALLENGING, POSITIVE AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH YOUR PLAYERS CAN
DEVELOP. THIS SHOULD BE THE LARGEST PORTION OF YOUR PRACTICE – ABOUT THIRTY MINUTES IN LENGTH.

ORGANIZATION
1) FIELD SIZE: 60 X 40 YARDS (6 V 6) TO 70 X 50 YARDS (8 V 8).
2) EQUIPMENT: USE CONES TO CLEARLY MARK OUT THE AREA OF THE FIELD.
USE UPRIGHT CONES OR FLAGS AS GOALS AND PLACE THEM ABOUT 6 FEET APART.
USE BIBS TO AVOID CONFUSION AMONGST PLAYERS.
PLAY WITH A SIZE 4 BALL.
TEAMS HAVE A GOALKEEPER. EVERY PLAYER SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE GOALKEEPER. USE THIS TIME TO BRIEFLY EXPLAIN
THE ROLE OF THE GOALKEEPER IN THE GAME.

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 RECOMMENDED BREAKDOWN FOR A TYPICAL U12 PRACTICE SESSION

6 V 6 WILL PROMOTE PLAYERS GETTING MORE TOUCHES ON THE BALL MORE AND BEING INVOLVED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, AS WELL AS
CREATE 1 V 1 SITUATIONS.
8 V 8 WILL INTRODUCE SOME OF THE TACTICAL ELEMENTS OF THE GAME BUT SHOULD STILL ALLOW FOR 1 V 1 OPPORTUNITIES.
KEEP INSTRUCTIONS CLEAR AND TO A MINIMUM AND USE YOUR ENTHUSIASM TO KEEP ALL PLAYERS MOTIVATED.
ALWAYS STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF FAIR PLAY AND SPORTSMANSHIP AND HAVE THE PLAYERS SHAKE HANDS / HIGH FIVE AT THE END
OF EACH GAME.

BY THE END OF YOUR SESSION MAKE SURE THAT ALL YOUR PLAYERS HAVE ACHIEVED SOME MEASURE OF SUCCESS.

6 V 6 GAME LAYOUT
6 V 6 GAME IN 60 X 40 AREA, WITH A GOALKEEPER. HAVE A SUPPLY
OF BALLS AT THE SIDE TO KEEP THE GAME FLOWING AND TO TRY AND
LIMIT STOPPAGES.

A 3-1-1 FORMAT SHOULD STILL ENCOURAGE 1 V 1 SITUATIONS.

ENCOURAGE LEFT AND RIGHT DEFENDER TO GET FORWARD AND BUILD
ATTACKS.
ENCOURAGE ATTACKS TO START FROM GOALKEEPER BY ROLLING THE
BALL TO LEFT OR RIGHT DEFENDER IN WIDE POSITIONS OF THE FIELD.

8 V 8 GAME LAYOUT
8 V 8 GAME IN 70 X 50 AREA, WITH A GOALKEEPER. HAVE A SUPPLY
OF BALLS AT THE SIDE TO KEEP THE GAME FLOWING AND TO TRY AND
LIMIT STOPPAGES.

ENCOURAGE LEFT AND RIGHT DEFENDER TO GET FORWARD AND BUILD

ATTACKS.
ENCOURAGE ATTACKS TO START FROM GOALKEEPER BY ROLLING THE
BALL TO LEFT OR RIGHT DEFENDER IN WIDE POSITIONS OF THE FIELD.
LEFT AND RIGHT ATTACKERS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO CENTRE STRIKER
IN ATTACKS.
ALL PLAYERS ATTEMPT TO WIN THE BALL BACK AS SOON AS
POSSESSION IS LOST.

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 BEATING AN OPPONENT – TURNS & 1 V 1 MOVES
CONCEPT EXPLANATION

REPETITION PLAYERS WILL NOT ALWAYS BE SUCCESSFUL

SLOW START ALLOW PLAYERS TO BE SUCCESSFUL BEFORE PROGRESSING
LOW CENTRE OF GRAVITY VITAL TO ALLOW QUICK CHANGES OF DIRECTION WITH ACCELERATION
OVER-EMPHASIZE GET PLAYERS TO EXAGGERATE THEIR MOVEMENTS AND USE THEIR BODY IN 1V1 SITUATION
BE CONFIDENT PRAISE EVERY ATTEMPT

BELOW ARE 6 TURNS AND 9, 1 V 1 MOVES THAT WE WOULD WANT PLAYERS TO BE CONFIDENT OF PERFORMING, OR AT LEAST
ATTEMPTING, BY THE END OF THE U12 PROGRAM.

TURNS
DRAG BACK:
WITH BALL UNDER CONTROL, PLACE SOLE OF FOOT ON TOP OF BALL AND QUICKLY DRAG BALL ACROSS THE FRONT OF BODY. PUSH THE
BALL AWAY WITH OUTSIDE OF SAME FOOT AND ACCELERATE INTO SPACE.

STOP TURN:
WITH BALL UNDER CONTROL, PLAYER FEINTS TO PASS OR SHOOT TO GET DEFENDER OFF BALANCE. PLACE SOLE OF FOOT ON TOP OF BALL
TO STOP IT DEAD. QUICKLY PLACE SAME FOOT ON OTHER SIDE OF BALL BETWEEN DEFENDER AND YOURSELF IN A HOPPING MOTION.
WITH KNEES BENT, BRING OTHER FOOT QUICKLY OVER THE BALL AND PUSH THE BALL AWAY WITH OUTSIDE OF OPPOSITE FOOT AND
ACCELERATE INTO SPACE.

INSIDE & OUTSIDE HOOK/CUT:

WITH BALL UNDER CONTROL, REACH WITH INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF FOOT AND HOOK BALL BACK 180 DEGREES BEHIND BODY. KNEES
SHOULD BE BENT AND BALL SHOULD BE PUSHED INTO SPACE. QUICKLY TAKE BALL AWAY IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION WITH OUTSIDE OF
OPPOSITE FOOT AND ACCELERATE INTO SPACE.

CRUYFF:
WITH BALL UNDER CONTROL, PLAYER FEINTS TO PASS OR SHOOT TO GET DEFENDER OFF BALANCE. BRING LEG AROUND OUTSIDE OF
BALL SO INSTEP MAKES CONTACT WITH BALL. PUSH BALL BACK AND UNDERNEATH BODY. WITH KNEES BENT PUSH BALL AWAY WITH
OUTSIDE OF OPPOSITE FOOT AND ACCELERATE INTO SPACE.

STEP OVER:
WITH BALL UNDER CONTROL, PLAYER FEINTS TO PASS OR SHOOT TO GET DEFENDER OFF BALANCE. BRING THE PASSING FOOT QUICKLY
OVER THE TOP OF THE BALL WITHOUT TOUCHING IT. PLANT FOOT PAST BALL WITH TOE POINTING AWAY FROM DEFENDER. WITH BENT
KNEES, QUICKLY TURN BODY 180 DEGREES AND TAKE BALL AWAY WITH OUTSIDE OF SAME FOOT OR INSIDE OF OPPOSITE FOOT AND
ACCELERATE INTO SPACE.

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 BEATING AN OPPONENT – TURNS & 1 v 1 MOVES

MOVES

MATTHEWS OR FAKE:
USE FULL BODY AND LUNGE TO ONE SIDE TO GET DEFENDER OFF BALANCE. PUSH THE BALL AWAY AND PAST THE DEFENDER USING
THE OUTSIDE OF THE OPPOSITE FOOT. ACCELERATE INTO SPACE AND PLACE BODY QUICKLY BETWEEN DEFENDER AND THE BALL.

PUSH & GO:

A SIMPLE, SLOW APPROACH TOWARDS THE DEFENDER, PUSH THE BALL PAST THE OPPONENT AND ACCELERATE TO CATCH UP TO
THE BALL. ENSURE THAT THE PLAYER GETS THEIR BODY IN-BETWEEN THE BALL AND THE OPPONENT AS THEY ACCELERATE AWAY.

SCISSORS:
SLOW APPROACH TO THE OPPONENT, BRING THE FRONT FOOT AROUND THE FRONT OF THE BALL, TO PROTECT IT FROM THE
DEFENDER. AS THE WEIGHT SHIFTS TO THE FRONT FOOT PUSH THE BALL AWAY AND PAST THE DEFENDER USING THE OUTSIDE OF
THE OPPOSITE FOOT. ACCELERATE INTO SPACE AND PLACE BODY QUICKLY BETWEEN DEFENDER AND THE BALL.

DOUBLE SCISSORS:
BODY FORWARD. REPEAT MOVEMENT ABOVE A SECOND TIME TO THROW DEFENDER OFF BALANCE. MOVEMENT SHOULD BE FLUID
AND QUICK.

STOP AND GO:

USED WHEN DEFENDER IS EVEN WITH ATTACKER. BREAK MOMENTUM OF DRIBBLE BY STOPPING THE BALL WITH THE SOLE OF FOOT
AND THEN QUICKLY PUSH FORWARD WITH TOE OR LACES OF OPPOSITE FOOT (CAN ALSO USE SAME FOOT). HESITATION WILL GET
DEFENDER OFF BALANCE AND ALLOW ATTACKER TO ACCELERATE AWAY.

PULL BACK:
TO BE USED WHEN DEFENDER IS EVEN WITH ATTACKER. FEINT INITIALLY TO GET DEFENDER OFF BALANCE. USE SOLE OF FOOT TO
PULL BALL BACK AND THEN PUSH BEHIND STANDING LEG AND ACCELERATE AWAY. YOU CAN ALSO LOOK AT THE “RONALDO”
VARIATION WHERE HE SIMPLY CHOPS THE BALL BEHIND THE STANDING LEG AND ACCELERATES AWAY.

INSIDE OUT :
DRIBBLE AT DEFENDER WITH BALL CLOSE AND UNDER CONTROL. TOUCH THE BALL INSIDE TOWARDS THE DEFENDER WITH THE
INSIDE OF THE FOOT AND THEN VERY QUICKLY TAKE THE BALL AWAY IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AND PAST THE DEFENDER WITH
THE OUTSIDE OF THE SAME FOOT. ACCELERATE PAST DEFENDER INTO SPACE. THIS CAN ALSO BE REVERSED FOR AN OUTSIDE-IN
MOVE.

MARADONA:
PLACE SOLE OF FOOT ON TOP OF BALL AND SPIN QUICKLY AWAY USING THE SOLE OF THE OTHER FOOT. USEFUL IN GETTING OUT
OF TIGHT SPACES.

NUTMEG:
TO BE USED WHEN A DEFENDER HAS BECOME SQUARE TO THE PLAY AND IS OFF BALANCE. QUICKLY PLAY THE BALL BETWEEN THE
DEFENDERS LEGS AND RUN AROUND THE DEFENDER TO THE OTHER SIDE AND ACCELERATE INTO SPACE.

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AGE GROUP/PROGRAM: U12 TOWN WEEK # 1 THEME: TURNS & MOVES/MADRID
SESSION GOALS: COACHING POINTS: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE:
 Push ball out in front
 Increase quality of turns
 Encourage passing to set up 1v1 situations or goal  Developing more physically
 Improve confidence in 1v1
scoring opportunities  Beginning to understand tactics
attacking situations
 Use feints, deception to elude defenders  Enjoys being part of the team
 Work both feet, to keep
 Change direction in order to go for any of the  Individual targets & achievement set
defenders guessing
goals
WARM UP: TURNS & MOVES SET UP: 20X20 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

1. First player to make four turns?

2. Once they have made turn can they
Each player dribbles up to each cone and executes a
change direction and dribble to the next
turn and dribbles back to their start cone. Start with
start cone (all players go the same
the easiest: drags and hooks (both feet) and work up
direction)
to more difficult turns.
3. Moves

CORE GAME 1: 1V1 END ZONE SET UP: 15X15 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

Defenders are stationed at side of square. Attacker 1. Start defenders on other side.
starts in middle of one side of square. Defender starts 2. Defender can move as ball moves.
with ball and passes to attacker – is allowed to move 3. Attacker starts with the ball – on ground
on attacker’s 1st touch. Attacker tries to get into end and then in hands.
zone to score. If defender wins ball, they can dribble 4. Move defender to opposite end line from
over attacker’s end line to score. attacker.

CORE GAME 2: CORNER DRIBBLING SET UP: 40 X 30 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

1. Teams can only score in 2 of the goals –

Set up 4 goals in each corner of field. Player can score a
start with diagonal and then move to two
goal by dribbling through any of the mini goals. Play
goals on same end line.
for a designated time or for a predetermined number
2. Players’ score by passing through mini-
of goals.
goals – make goals smaller.

SMALL SIDED GAME SET UP:

8v8 with normal rules. Play 2 periods of 12-15 minutes.

HOMEWORK:
ISOCCER TEST:
BALL MASTERY:

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AGE GROUP/PROGRAM: U12 TOWN WEEK # 2 THEME: 1 & 2 TOUCH PASSING/BARCELONA
SESSION GOALS: COACHING POINTS: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE:
 All players on their toes
 Developing more physically
 Develop quality first touch  Quality of pass
 Beginning to understand tactics
 Correct weight of passing  Speed of support
 Enjoys being part of the team
 Maintaining possession  Create a wide angle to get a pass
 Individual targets & achievement set
 Big touch out of feet when receiving

WARM UP: 1-2 PASSING SET UP: 20X10 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

Set up groups of 4 with one ball per group. Place 2

players at opposite end of area. First player in line (A,
1. Use only one foot.
B) must dribble towards (C) and (D) and passes to
2. Lay ball off to both sides so receiving
player facing them. When each player (A, B) is
player must take with left and right foot.
approximately 2-3 yards away they play a give and go
3. Extend distance and have give and go
with receiving player. The sequence is repeated for a
from further away.
designated number of reps or for a predetermined
period of time.

CORE GAME 1: PASS & MOVE SET UP: 20X10 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

Four players to a group with one ball. Two players in

middle provide support for the target players at either 1. All players must take 2 touches.
end. Play starts when a target player passes into a 2. Inside players are only allowed 1 touch.
support player to their left, then to their right and 3. Make it competitive. 1 goal scored for
plays a long pass into the opposite target player. The getting ball from one end to the other.
support players then move to the other end to repeat First team to 10.
the process.

CORE GAME 2: PASSING 5V5 SET UP: 60 X 40 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

Set Up: 60x40Yard Area with 4 support players on the

side lines and 2 GK’s. 1. Support players are only allowed 2
Normal rules apply but players in possession can play touches.
to any of the four support players on side. The support 2. Support players are only allowed 1 touch.
player can only play back to the team they received 3. Move support players to end line.
from.

SMALL SIDED GAME SET UP:

8v8 with normal rules. Play 2 periods of 12-15 minutes.

HOMEWORK:
ISOCCER TEST:
BALL MASTERY:

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AGE GROUP/PROGRAM: U12 TOWN WEEK # 3 THEME: BALL CONTROL/ARSENAL
SESSION GOALS: COACHING POINTS: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE:

 Developing more physically

 Consistency in controlling the ball  Eyes on ball and get in line of ball
 Beginning to understand tactics
 Developing a quality 1st touch  First touch is soft to take the impact of the ball
 Enjoys being part of the team
 composure  2nd touch is a pass back
 Individual targets & achievement set

WARM UP: BALL CONTROL SET UP: 5 YARDS APART PROGRESSION

In pairs 5 yards apart, one player serves, the other player is on
their toes ready to receive. Start with 2-3 touch on the right
foot and then work to the left. Progress to 2 touch and then 1
touch. 1. Work your way up; inside foot volley,
laces volley, thigh-volley, chest-volley
Then ask the servers to throw the ball, so their partner can
2. How many times out of 10 can you get it
make a side foot volley back, work both feet.
Then progress to volley the ball back with the laces (not back to the server?
power just technique). Move on to 2 touch; thigh & then 3. Headers
chest with a volley back to the server (allow the player one
bounce if they need it). Play for 1 minute then rotate
positions.

ISOCCER TEST: 14 AERIAL CONTROL PROGRESSION

1. Attempt to complete set of 8

Set Up: Have a square made of cones 5mx5m for each
control/volleys from 2.5m away. For
pair. One player serves throwing the ball under arm,
every successful control/volley they get 1
For more information visit and the other player controls the ball using different
point.
www.isoccer.org body parts and passes it back with a volley using the
2. If you score 6 or more point, server a
designated foot (RV or LV). 8 control/volley – Head RV,
move back and does another set of 8
Head LV, Chest RV, Chest LV, R Thigh RV, L Thigh LV, R
control/volleys from 5m away (can only
Foot RV, L Foot LV.
move if scored 6 or more).

CORE GAME 2: SET UP: PROGRESSION

2 teams playing against each other. No GK, corners or

goal kicks, every time the ball goes out of play it’s a
THROW IN. The sequence must be player 1 throws for
1. Add a GK
player 2 to head the ball to another player to catch.
2. If ball touches ground you lose possession
3. Heading and volleys used to score
You score a goal by heading the ball into the goal.

Players can’t be contested when going to head the ball.

SMALL SIDED GAME SET UP:

8v8 with normal rules. Play 2 periods of 12-15 minutes.

HOMEWORK:
ISOCCER TEST:
BALL MASTERY:

www.globalpremiersoccer.com
 THEME: TURN WITH BACK TO
AGE GROUP/PROGRAM: U12 TOWN WEEK # 4
PRESSURE/MAN UTD
SESSION GOALS: COACHING POINTS: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE:
 Quick movement on an off the ball
 Improve turning under pressure  Striker looks to check away and gain a yard on  Developing more physically
 Work both sides and different defender, and comes to meet the ball  Beginning to understand tactics
turns  Look to turn and face goal immediately.  Enjoys being part of the team
 Speed of play  if it’s not on, be creative to turn past defender  Individual targets & achievement set
 Play back to server when appropriate
WARM UP: BACK TO PRESSURE SET UP: 20X10 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

Groups of 4 with 2 balls. Place 2 players on end lines

1. Turn to the right with inside of foot.
with balls and 2 in the middle. A passes to B and
2. Turn to the left with outside of foot.
follows pass. B turns to left using inside of foot and
3. Turn to right with outside of foot.
dribbles to the opposite end. As A arrives at the middle
4. Receiving player passes instead of
cone they turn to face the group they started at to
dribbles.
receive a pass.

CORE GAME 1: TURNING WITH PRESSURE SET UP: 20X20 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

The red player will receive a pass from the server at

the edge of the box. The red player must turn and
1. Take away the side goals and make the
attempt to dribble through one of the three goals. The
centre goal wider
yellow player is the defender and must try to win the
2. Now add a GK
ball. If they do, they attempt to dribble through the
two top goals.

CORE GAME 2: POSSESSION SET UP: 15X15 YARD AREA IN THE FINAL 3RD PROGRESSION

1. The player who passes out can join the

Reds must keep possession of the ball for five passes.
attack to create a 2v1
They must then pass into the feet of the striker who
2. One defender can join the 2v1 to create a
tries to turn and shoot on goal.
2v2

SMALL SIDED GAME SET UP:

8v8 with normal rules. Play 2 periods of 12-15 minutes.

HOMEWORK:
ISOCCER TEST:
BALL MASTERY:

www.globalpremiersoccer.com
AGE GROUP/PROGRAM: U12 TOWN WEEK # 5 THEME: ATTACKING IN THE FINAL 3RD/SPURS
SESSION GOALS: COACHING POINTS: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE:
 First touch out of feet
 Developing more physically
 Improve quality & composure in  Get head up and look to cross to the front post
 Beginning to understand tactics
front of goal  Attack the front post
 Enjoys being part of the team
 Decision making in the final 3rd  Attackers need to get in front of defenders
 Individual targets & achievement set
 Look for rebounds

WARM UP: LONG RANGE PASSING SET UP: 30X15 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

1. Use both feet

2. Inside and outside of the foot to curl the
Players in pairs are to pass to each other whilst trying
ball
to keep the ball in their channel.
3. Laces
4. Number of passes race

CORE GAME 1: CROSSING & FINISHING SET UP: FINAL 3RD PROGRESSION

The exercise starts with one player passing to

themselves down the line; they then run after their 1. First time finish (1 touch)
ball and cross it for two forwards who are making runs 2. Forwards crossover their runs
in to the box. One forwards will finish the other will 3. Crosser chips the ball in to the area
look for rebounds. Work both sides of the field.

CORE GAME 2: CHANNEL GAME SET UP: 30X30 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

1. Allow player only 7 seconds within the

Players must attempt to get wide into a channel with
channel before passing or crossing
the ball. Here they cannot be challenged. Once in the
2. Take away the channels
channel players must cross or pass only before
3. Allow players a point if the run with the
rejoining play. Players cannot dribble back into play.
ball for more than 3 seconds

SMALL SIDED GAME SET UP:

8v8 with normal rules. Play 2 periods of 12-15 minutes.

HOMEWORK:
ISOCCER TEST:
BALL MASTERY:

www.globalpremiersoccer.com
AGE GROUP/PROGRAM: U12 TOWN WEEK # 6 THEME: FINISHING/INTER MILAN
SESSION GOALS: COACHING POINTS: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE:

 Keep eye on the ball  Developing more physically

 Develop a variety of finishes in
 Head down and follow through with the strike  Beginning to understand tactics
front of goal
 Attempt to hit corners  Enjoys being part of the team
 Confidence in using both feet
 Follow up for re-bounds  Individual targets & achievement set

WARM UP: SHOOTING SET UP: 30X15YARD AREA (6-8 YARD GOAL) PROGRESSION

1. GK serves the ball (play 2-3 touch)

2. GK serves a bouncing ball
Have two players each end with a GK in the middle. 3. Add player at each end so players can
Players take it in turns to shoot at the goal. play a wall pass or overlap pass before
Progression: shooting
4. Add defender so the striker has to take
the ball to the side before shooting

CORE GAME 1: FINISHING IN PAIRS SET UP: 15 YARDS AWAY FROM GOAL PROGRESSION

With a 5x5x5 triangle

1. Finish with inside of foot
Red player will dribble towards the cone at the point of 2. Finish with laces
the triangle and stop the ball dead, continuing with a 3. Use the weaker foot
curved run looking for rebounds as the blue player 4. Add in a GK
runs up to strike the dead ball at goal.

CORE GAME 2: SHOOT ON SIGHT SET UP: 40X30 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

Players are split into two teams. The goal is centrally

placed in the field. Both teams can score on either side 1. Add a GK who is neutral. They play the
of the goal. Normal scrimmage rules apply such as ball into space if they save.
throw-ins. No GK at first.

SMALL SIDED GAME SET UP:

8v8 with normal rules. Play 2 periods of 12-15 minutes.

HOMEWORK:
ISOCCER TEST:
BALL MASTERY:

www.globalpremiersoccer.com
 THEME: SWITCHING THE POINT OF
AGE GROUP/PROGRAM: U12 TOWN WEEK # 7
ATTACK/LYON
SESSION GOALS: COACHING POINTS: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE:

 Head up – Look for best pass

 Awareness  Developing more physically
 Communication with and without ball
 Speed of play  Beginning to understand tactics
 Receive on half turn and play out. – i.e. ball comes
 Possession  Enjoys being part of the team
from left and played out to the right
 Exploiting space  Individual targets & achievement set
 Can the play change direction

WARM UP: FIGURE 0F 8 SET UP: 15X15 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

The practice starts in the top left of the box. After

1. Limit the players to 3 or 2 touch
every pass made, the player making the pass must
2. Use other foot to control and pass
follow to the next cone. Players on the left always pass
3. Check away to receive the ball
up the line. Players on the right play diagonally.

CORE GAME 1: SWITCHING THE POINT OF

SET UP: 40X30 YARD AREA PROGRESSION
ATTACK

One player in each of the three boxes. 9v3. Players 1. When you pass into a box you must swap
must try to keep possession and feed the ball into one with that person
of the box players who pass the ball back out to their 2. When the box player receives, they must
teammates. Remember to swap the defenders and box play a wall pass with someone
players 3. Set three or two touch for box players

CORE GAME 2: SWITCHING SET UP: 50X40 YARDS OR HALF FIELD PROGRESSION

It is 6v4 in favor of the defensive side with an extra 2

target players. The attacking teams try to score a goal
and the defensive side must attempt to pass to a
1. Players limited to 3 touches
target player in one of the gates in the corners of the
2. Players must dribble through the gates
field. The point of the game is to play out wide
immediately, and if one target man is covered can the
point of attack be switched.

SMALL SIDED GAME SET UP:

8v8 with normal rules. Play 2 periods of 12-15 minutes.

HOMEWORK:
ISOCCER TEST:
BALL MASTERY:

www.globalpremiersoccer.com
AGE GROUP/PROGRAM: U12 TOWN WEEK # 8 THEME: GK: ANGLES/CHELSEA
SESSION GOALS: COACHING POINTS: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE:
 Plant step is towards the flag you are diving to
 Never dive backwards, position yourself so you  Developing more physically
 Knowledge of GK position can dive at a 45 degree angle  Beginning to understand tactics
 Correct technique  Cut off the angle.  Enjoys being part of the team
 Get set for the shot.  Individual targets & achievement set
 React to the different types of service.
WARM UP: SET UP: PROGRESSION

Set-up: 6 flags (different colored cones can be used as 1. Coach shouts a different number flag
well) placed eight yards from the center cone. Place a each time the goal keeper returns to the
ball at each of the six flags. Goal keeper starts at the center cone. Goalkeeper performs dive
center cone and lines themselves up parallel with the to the indicated flag.
first flag. The GK lowers their center of gravity and 2. As goalkeeper approaches the ball with
performs a low dive to the ball positioned at the flag. hands, try and kick the ball loose.

CORE GAME 1: SET UP: PROGRESSION

Set-up: Set two cones 1 yard off the goal line and two 1. Goal keepers start in kneeling down
yards in from the posts. Servers line up with balls just position, and starts facing the goal.
behind the corners of the six yard box. Goalkeeper(s) 2. Goal keeper makes low dive save from
faces forward and moves in front of the cone, gets set server 1 and collapse dive save from
and receives the volley or shot. Throw the ball back to server 2.
the server and repeat. 3. Servers take and touch a then shoot.

CORE GAME 2: SET UP: PROGRESSION

Set-up: Set up four different stations: Goalkeeper

starts at the near post facing the first server. At the
“1” they receive a volley from the first server, a low
dive from the second server “2” and recovers quickly 1. Increase the amount of reps to 5 in a row.
to their feet. At the third station, the goalkeeper jumps 2. If the goalkeeper drops or fumbles a ball
over the cone laterally and makes a collapse dive save. they must start at the beginning.
The fourth service is from the hands and is a power
dive over the cone to the near post. Repeat to the
other side as well.

SMALL SIDED GAME SET UP:

8v8 with normal rules. Play 2 periods of 12-15 minutes.

HOMEWORK:
ISOCCER TEST:
BALL MASTERY:

www.globalpremiersoccer.com
AGE GROUP/PROGRAM: U12 TOWN WEEK # 9 THEME: DEFENDING (BALANCE)/BAYERN
SESSION GOALS: COACHING POINTS: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE:
 Apply quick pressure, slow up on approach and
delay the attack
 Developing more physically
 Learning the roles &  Get the defense compact so ball can’t be played
 Beginning to understand tactics
responsibilities of the 1st, 2nd, and through
 Enjoys being part of the team
3rd defender  Intercept or steal the ball where appropriate
 Individual targets & achievement set
 Communicate to each other! ‘You pressure!’
‘Cover!’
WARM UP: 5V2 SET UP: 15X15 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

Play 5 attackers vs. 2 defenders, rotate positions after 1. How many passes can the attackers
90 seconds. If defenders win the ball they can keep complete?
position or pass back to the attackers and try to win 2. How many touches can the defenders
possession again. make in 90 seconds

CORE GAME 1: PRESSURE-COVER-BALANCE SET UP: 3 BOXES 5X5 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

2 cones on either side of the 5x5 two yards back.

Players outside the squares attempt to get the ball to
the other side by passing through the defense.
1. Lanes - 3v3 game so that there are three
Whichever outside player has possession of the ball
channels where everyone is restricted to
the defender nearest applies the Pressure. The other
their own zone. Attackers must get past
two become the cover and balance. Use the lines if you
the defense and run the ball over the line.
are Cover and use the cones if you are Balance. (See
Diagram) No one can come out of their box or their
cone.

CORE GAME 2: 3V3 WITH GOAL SET UP: FINAL 3RD OR 30X20 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

Defenders start by passing into the opposite attackers.

Defenders starting position is on the 6 yard box.
Attackers must keep the ball under control and try to
1. Now add in goals with goalkeepers
score. Defender must win the ball or force the
attacker out of bounds to the sides to win a point.
Progressions:

SMALL SIDED GAME SET UP:

8v8 with normal rules. Play 2 periods of 12-15 minutes.

HOMEWORK:
ISOCCER TEST:
BALL MASTERY:

www.globalpremiersoccer.com
AGE GROUP/PROGRAM: U12 TOWN WEEK # 10 THEME: ATTACKING/AJAX
SESSION GOALS: COACHING POINTS: UNDERSTAND YOUR AUDIENCE:
 Movement of strikers to receive ball
 Developing more physically
 Confidence to finish from crosses  Try to attack the front post and get in front of GK
 Beginning to understand tactics
 Improve crossing & delivery  Get ball out of feet to strike
 Enjoys being part of the team
 Support play  Quality of shot. Don’t take too long to shoot
 Individual targets & achievement set
 Crosses need to be aiming for front post

WARM UP: SET UP: 14 AERIAL CONTROL PROGRESSION

Set Up: Have a square made of cones 5mx5m for each

pair. One player serves throwing the ball under arm,
1. Attempt to complete set of 8
For more information visit and the other player controls the ball using different
control/volleys from 2.5m away. For
www.isoccer.org body parts and passes it back with a volley using the
every successful control/volley they get 1
designated foot (RV or LV). 8 control/volley – Head RV,
point.
Head LV, Chest RV, Chest LV, R Thigh RV, L Thigh LV, R
Foot RV, L Foot LV.

CORE GAME 1: FINISHING FROM CROSSES SET UP: 30X30 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

Set Up: 30Wx30L Yard Area split into 2 halves. 2 goals

with GK’s. 2 strikers in each half with 3 servers per
1. Finish with either one or two touch
team numbered 1, 2, and 3. Coach calls out either, 1, 2
2. Add one defender in
or 3 and the servers for each team will pass the ball
3. Vary the type of serve – throws if
into their strikers who must try and score. Whichever
necessary
pair scores first gets a point. Position the servers at
different points as shown.

CORE GAME 2: THROWN IN GAME SET UP:50X40 YARD AREA PROGRESSION

2 teams playing against each other. No GK, corners or

goal kicks, every time the ball goes out of play it’s a
1. Add a GK
THROW IN. The sequence must be player 1 throws for
2. If ball touches ground you lose possession
player 2 to head the ball to another player to catch.
3. Heading and volleys used to score
You score a goal by heading the ball into the goal.
Players can’t be contested when going to head the ball.

SMALL SIDED GAME SET UP:

8v8 with normal rules. Play 2 periods of 12-15 minutes.

HOMEWORK:
ISOCCER TEST:
BALL MASTERY:

www.globalpremiersoccer.com