Grassroots soccer is not about the

amount of trophies you win.

It’s about the difference you make
to a young person’s life.

THE ONTARIO SOCCER ASSOCIATION

GRASSROOTS WORKBOOK &
PRACTICE PLANS
April 2015

T r a in
r n t o
Le golden age”
a
“The
les
fema
t o U11
U8
s of
c o ache males
For to U
12
& U9
 Introduction
Welcome to the second edition of the Grassroots Soccer Provincial curriculum. This resource should be used in
conjunction with the first edition of the curriculum. The Ontario Soccer Association has created this resource for
Districts, Clubs, Academies, and youth coaches to follow a coaching curriculum that is designed to meet physical
literacy needs for players from age 4-12

The information within this document will allow Technical Directors as well as youth coaches to create programs
and coaching sessions that are appropriate for the development stage of each player. By implementing the
curriculum, along with good coaching methodology, players will benefit from and enjoy practice sessions more. All
sessions will focus on player development in a low stress, supportive, positive, fun-filled and safe environment. By
coaches creating this environment the players will be excited to learn and be anxious to return.

In general terms a curriculum consists of information that promotes technical, social, physical and psychological
development of the players. In addition to the activity examples and sample session plans it includes approaches to
teaching and learning. The curriculum helps to remove the ‘guess work’ in choosing developmentally appropriate
content and enables coaches to work on their methodology and coaching style.

What is Grassroots Soccer?

bring
ramme is to
iv e fo r its G rassroots prog es si ng FI FA’s
FIFA’s main ob
ject
as po ss ib le , thus addr
many people
football to as
de ve lop the game”.
mission to “ rs – these ar
e all
pl ay in g, an d meeting othe hile, of course,
aring, sroots football,
w
Interacting, sh omote in gras is
s th at w e pr r so m e, gr as sroots football
benefit th e pi tc h. Fo in a cl ub
joyment on football
encouraging en the practice of
na l ac tiv ity. For others, it is ng an d matches, that
is
a recreatio en t, w ith re gular traini
ronm
or school envi
an t.
im po rt FA’s grassroots
ga m e , for the world. FI ugh
eryone, Fo r th e 4-12 years thro
Football for ev ta rg et s bo ys and girls aged nc ep t of the
football progra
mme
in iti at iv es . The key co ug h
ro
unity, and club y people as po
ssible th
school, comm ge th er as m an ge s an d
to bring to s exchan
programme is oo ts pr og ra mme advocate e pl ea su re of
grassr otes th
football. The course, prom
in g hu m an values and, of
shar t.
marvellous spor
practising our of the future an
d
pl ay er s w ill be come the stars al pl ay er s.
all young ofessi on
Of course not d to become pr t
no t al l ha ve the skills require co m pl ic at ed tactics are no
they do io ns an d
training sess
So intensive
appropriate .

Sepp Blatter,
FA
President of FI

Reprinted with permission from FIFA

2
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The OSA Player Development Model . . . . . . . . . . 4

Learn to Train Week 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Learn to Train Week 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

What is a SSG? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Creating an inclusive environment for Grassroots

players and what is a game day roster. . . . . . . . . 11

Learn to Train Week 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Talent selection vs Talent identification . . . . . . . 14

Learn to Train Week 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Learn to Train Week 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Goalkeeper activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Learn to Train planning template . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

3
Learn To Train Practice Plan
OSA Player Development Model – The Station Concept
The activities provided illustrate how stations can being used during
Grassroots practices.

During the practice players will spend an allotted time at each station
having fun, developing specific skills and qualities before moving onto
the next station. By using station work we create an environment
where players are continually motivated and that they are continually
challenged.

In the following activities players will players will travel through four
stations. In these examples one station focuses on general
movements, one station on soccer coordination with the ball, one
station on soccer technique and the final station focuses on a small
sided soccer game 3v3, 4v4 and 5v5

All sessions take a holistic approach to developing our youth. Each

game and activity will focus on four main areas of the child's
development; these include social/emotional, physical, psychological
and also technical.
If working with a larger group organize players into groups of 10-12. Each
Total Practice time: 45 - 70 minutes as per the OSA Recreational and
station has a coach who will lead that specific station for the session.
Development Matrix
Players rotate every 12-15 minutes with a two minute break in between
each station to have a water break and move to the next station.

If working with a smaller group you can still have the four stations and
players will move together through all four stations until all are
complete.

Different scenarios based on numbers in attendance

(Scenarios are based on each session being 60 minutes in length)
# Players Stations # Coach/Parent/volunteer Setup
1 General Movement
2 Soccer Coordination Ideal scenario
3 Soccer Technique • 4 coaches 4 groups.
• This requires 2 coaches to change their
4 Small-Sided Game
32 - 40 4 station over to on the second half of
5 Soccer Technique
the training session.
6 Small-Sided Game
• 1.2.3.4. first 24 minutes
7 Soccer Technique
• 5.6.7.8. final 36 minutes
8 Small-Sided Game

1 General Movement Second scenario

• 2 coaches 3 groups.
2 Soccer Coordination
3 Small-Sided Game • This requires one coach to change their
24 - 30 4 Soccer Technique
3 station over on the second half of the
5 Small-Sided Game training session.
• 1.2.3. first 18 minutes
6 Soccer Technique
• 4.5.6. final 42 minutes
1 General Movement Third scenario
• 2 coaches 2 groups.
2 Soccer Coordination • Coaches have allocated activities and
16 - 28 2 then swap groups or activities.
3 Small-Sided Game
• 1.2. first 12minutes
4 Soccer Technique • 3.4. final 48 minutes
4
5
 Learn to Train practice plan – Week 1
STATION A - GENERAL MOVEMENT
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Changing direction

Eye-foot Coordination
Aware of surroundings
Balance
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Passing, receiving
Running with the ball

Organization: A 30m x 30m area is divided into equal smaller boxes. 3 players in PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
each group. Each group has 1 ball. A,B,C’s Listening to cues
Procedure: Players move in their box, passing, and receiving, and are asked to Change of direction Communicating
perform different movements. I.e. Step over, Matthew's move. On the coach's call, Peer interaction
players move to another box.

STATION B - SOCCER COORDINATION

Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Listening
Running with the ball
Changing direction
Eye- hand(foot) Coordination
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Positive reinforcement Running with the ball
Confidence Part of the ball,
Being safe Part of the foot

Organization: Mark out two courses. Two to four players stand at each starting cone. SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
Each team has a ball.
Eye-hand coordination Listening
Procedure: On coach's call, the first player rolls the ball with hands around the far Agility, Balance Communicating
cone, and back to the next player in line. Which team can complete the activity first? Peer interaction/fun
Change of Direction
Variation: Players bounce the ball around the far cone, run with the ball around the far
cone or they can head a balloon around the far cone.

6
 Learn to Train practice plan – Week 1
STATION C - SOCCER TECHNIQUE - DRIBBLING/CREATIVITY
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Changing direction

Change of speed
Agility, Balance, Coordination
Shooting, finishing
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Positive reinforcement Dribbling
Confidence 1v1 attacking/defending
Being safe passing,
Fun Shooting

Organization: 30m x 15m area is divided to three equal grids, one player is a PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
defender in each grid. Speed Listening
Procedure: Attacker runs to 1st defender and performs a dribbling move, when A,B,C’s Communicating
he/she passes the first defender, then he/she runs to 2nd defender performing different Change of direction Peer interaction
dribbling move. Once they pass the final defender the attacker gets to shoot on goal.
Progression: This exercise could be done in 2v1 situation, working on when to pass,
and when to dribble. Rotate players.

STATION D - SMALL SIDED GAME WITH RETREAT LINE

Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Running with the ball

Dribbling
1v1
Changing direction
Change of speed
Agility, Balance, Coordination
Imagination
Creativity
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Fun Dribbling
Confidence 1v1
Being safe Shooting

Organization: Players play 5v5 on a 35m x 25m field. The Retreat line is located at PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
the half way line. Speed Listening
Procedure: Once the ball goes out for a goal kick or the goalkeeper has control of the A,B,C’s Communicating
ball the opposition must retreat behind the retreat line. Once the player receives the Change of Direction Fun with friends
pass from the goalkeeper the game is live. If you have odd numbers you can have the
extra player become a neutral player in the game.

7
 Learn to Train practice plan – Week 2
STATION A - GENERAL BASIC MOVEMENT
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Changing direction

Running
Spatial awareness
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Playing under pressure passing
Fun Receiving
1v1

Organization: 20m x 20m area. All players have a soccer ball except the mud
monster. PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
A,B,C’s Listening
Procedure: All players dribble around inside the area. 1 player at a time is selected to
become the "MUD MONSTER". When the coach says go the Mud monster comes in Change of Direction Communicating
and attempt's to tag the players. If a player is tagged they must stand with their legs Speed Team work
apart, holding the soccer ball and their head shouting, "help, help I'm stuck in the
mud" to be freed a player who is dribbling crawls through the back of their legs. Each
player gets to be the mud monster for 1 minute.

STATION B - 3v2 SHOOTING

Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Turning
Changing direction
Shooting
Passing
Receiving
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Finishing
Shooting

Organization: A 9v9 size goal, a few balls, 10 to 12 players. Mark out field as shown SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
(18 yds. box if it's possible), and 3 cones 10m from 18 yds. line.
A,B,C`s Listening
Procedure: The first passer initiates the 3v2 with a pass into the penalty box. Change of Direction Communicating
(Extra defender juggles on the side, and will rotate each round)
Attackers can only shoot after receiving and controlling the ball. When the first ball
goes out of the field or into the goal, the next passer passes into penalty box. Team
switch their roles after two or three rounds.
8
 Learn to Train practice plan – Week 2
STATION C - SOCCER TECHNIQUE - INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Patience
Body position
1v1 mentality
Angle of approach
Element of surprise
Speed of approach
Fun!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Decision making Angle of Approach
Confidence Body position
1v1 defending mentality Time of tackle

Organization: field is marked out 15m x 6m, it could be varied depend on the age and
the ability of players.
PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Procedure: Divide players to two teams. One team (attackers) receive the ball from
A,B,C’s Listening
the defender and try to pass the defender and cross the line.
Change of direction Communicating
Attacker will rotate every round. Same procedure will take place on the other side.
Progression: 2 defenders vs 1 attacker
If the defender intercepts the ball, they will pass it to their teammate on the other half,
who will receive and turn to cross the line.

STATION D - SMALL SIDED GAME - END ZONE GAME

Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Running with the ball

Dribbling
1v1
Changing direction
Change of speed
Agility, Balance, Coordination
Imagination
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Decision making Receiving
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe passing

Organization: 30m x 30m area, with two end zones as shown in diagram. PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Procedure: Teams score a point by passing the ball into end zone where it will be A,B,C’s Listening
received by teammate. Players can't wait for the ball in end zone, they must run to end Change of direction Communicating
zone to receive the ball.

9
What is a SSG or Small Sided Game?
A SSG or small sided game is any game that is played with less than 11v11. Any small sided game will always
have targets or goals. When playing a small sided game players will always have opposition. In Canada, u12 and
younger children play small sided games. The objective of small sided games is to apply a stair step approach to
develop children until they are old enough and physically mature to play the adult game of 11v11

U13 PLUS
U11-U12 11V11
U9 – U10 9V9
U7-U8 7V7
U6 4V4
U4 – U5 3V3
1v1 5V5

What are the benefits of small sided games?

s More touches
s More shots on goal
s More saves by the goalkeeper
s More 1v1 attacking
s More 1v1 defending
s Ball in play longer
s Easy to organise
s Spatially appropriate
s Physically appropriate
s Cognitively appropriate
s Experience technical and tactical situations
s Constant transition from attack to defence
s Most importantly its FUN!!!

10
Creating an Inclusive environment for Grassroots players
The very thought of attending a trial puts fear into most of us adults. Think how you feel when you go
for a job interview. Can you imagine what a child feels? One of our guiding principles in Grassroots
Soccer is that there are opportunities for all. We want all children to be allowed access to
programs that they have decided that they want to join. During their Grassroots Soccer years, if
a child decides that they want to be a part of a development program and the family can meet
the added time, financial, travel and practice commitment, they should be allowed to. If
they want to be the best that they can be, then allow them to be that. Don’t deny children
opportunities to participate in programs.” Lets include as many children as possible in
our Development programs. They want skills, lets give them skills.

How?
When clubs are preparing the Grassroots age groups for the new season we should be
thinking of how we can develop as many players as possible. In the past clubs have held
tryouts where the best players get selected and the weaker players are not given the
opportunity. Instead of tryouts clubs should hold “Open development sessions” where
players and parents can attend to find out more information about the development
program. This gives all parties involved the opportunity to find out what is needed at the
development level and then the families can make the best decision for their child, rather than
the coach making the decision on a player based on ability, strength or size. Clubs now have the
ability to create game day rosters which will allow for more players to be involved.

What is a “Game day roster?”

At the development level of Grassroots soccer no longer does a club or team have to roster a specific player to a specific team.
Players are registered within the clubs development program as a development player. Clubs can fill as many game day rosters
as their resources will allow. This would include things such as coaches, facilities etc. Once a player is registered as a
development player they can be placed on different game day rosters each week (if the club has multiple game day rosters)
which will now allow for appropriate competition on a weekly basis. An example is below.

Club Age Group

Recreation Game
Program day
e.g. Girls u10 roster
105 players
Group
Game
Advertise Practice
day
Development Preferred training roster
Program
to all
Model
Game
day
Age Group
Open Roster roster
36 players

11
 Learn to Train practice plan – Week 3
STATION A - GENERAL MOVEMENT
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Running
Skipping
Side steps
Changing direction
Changing speed

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence N/A

PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Organization: Players are placed into pairs in a 25m x 25m area. Listening
A,B,C’s
Procedure: 1 player becomes the leader and the 2nd player becomes the follower. Change of direction Communicating
Encourage the players to use different movements such as walking, running, jumping,
rolling, running backwards and also sideways. After 30 seconds players switch.
Progression: Each player has a ball.

STATION B - PASSING AND RECEIVING

Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Changing direction

Spatial Awareness
Passing
Receiving
Support
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Passing
Playing under pressure Receiving
1v1

Organization: Players are placed into 2s inside 30m x 30m area. SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
Procedure: Players pass and move inside area. Focus should be on how the player A,B,C’s Listening
passes and receives the ball. Change of Direction Communicating
Progression: To make it fun/competitive for the players add gates into the area and Speed Team work
on the command of "Shopping" players look to pass the ball through the gates. Each Support
gate = 1 point, after 60 seconds pair with the most points wins the competition. Repeat
game several times.

12
 Learn to Train practice plan – Week 3
STATION C - HOW TO PLAY OUT FROM THE BACK
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Patience
Body position
Passing/receiving
Support
Decision making
Awareness
Learning different roles
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Decision making Passing
Confidence Receiving
Risk assessment Penetrating pass

PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Organization: Players set up as above. Team play
A,B,C’s
Procedure: S plays ball into the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper now looks to distribute Speed of play Communication
the ball to one of his/her team mates. As soon as the player receiving the ball touches Hip flexor rotation Co-operation
the ball the 2 strikers are released to pressure the ball. The team in possession now
look to get the ball to T or S to score a point. If the Strikers win possession they head
to goal. All players rotate through all positions.

STATION D - 5v5 WITH RETREAT LINE

Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Patience
Body position
Passing/receiving
Support
Decision making
Awareness
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Decision making Passing
Confidence Receiving
Risk assessment Penetrating pass

Organization: Players play 5v5 on a 35m x 25m field. The Retreat line is located at PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
the half way line. A,B,C’s Team play
Procedure: Once the ball goes out for a goal kick or the goalkeeper has control of the Speed of play Communication
ball the opposition must retreat behind the retreat line. Once the player receives the Co-operation
pass from the goalkeeper the game is live. If you have odd numbers you can have the
extra player become a neutral player in the game.

13
 TALENT SELECTION VS
TALENT IDENTIFICATION –
What’s the difference?

Talent selection is when coaches choose players on their current

abilities on what they can currently do on the field which will have
an impact on events that are taking place in the near future.
Talent identification is however not what the child can currently
do but is a prediction on what a child can do in the future. Both
are totally separate, talent selection will help you get results
today, while talent identification will help you build stronger
teams for the future once players reach the talented pathway.

In our old system where tryouts have taken place talent selection
has been promoted as coaches have had the “must win” attitude.
This attitude has come about due to the pressure that has been
placed on coaches by clubs and parents to win championships
and win promotion. Even in the majority of situations, where
coaches are volunteers, they have still been under pressure to
win to return the following year as the coach. So when it came to
tryouts, players that were selected were the bigger, stronger,
faster more athletic players, which will help coaches and teams
gain short term success. Players that did not match these criteria
were told “sorry you are not good enough and you need to work
on the following…” However they were not given the opportunity
to work on the following because they were not selected to the
program.

In the new grassroots system The OSA is recommending that no

tryouts take place and that “open development sessions” are
made available to any player who wishes to play at the
development level. Now we can build our player pool and
become talent identifiers. Players within the pool may not be the
elite athletes at the present moment but they do show high levels
of commitment, a high level of coachability, sensitivity to training
and the motivation and desire to learn and become better. Now
using the holistic approach and focusing on the four corners of
the child’s development, physiological, social, physical and
technical, we can strive to develop more athletes, better human
beings as well as better soccer players.

Talent identification also takes a long term approach to player

development, with the focus on training large numbers of
players, instead of cutting all but the elite athlete. This approach
now gives all children the opportunity to realise their potential
and release that potential when they feel the time is right.
14
 CREATE THE BEST ENVIRONMENT FOR ATHLETES
SSG
PLAY

FUN
LISTEN TO PLAYERS

BEST
EXPERIENCE

ROLE MODELS LOVE

NO FEAR
FRIENDS INDIVIDUALS
IMITATE
COMPETITIVE
15
 Learn to Train practice plan – Week 4
STATION A - GENERAL MOVEMENT
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Changing direction

Eye-foot Coordination
Running with the ball
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Passing, receiving
Running with the ball

PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Organization: 5m x 5m area as shown. 5 players, 4 have balls. Players with the ball Listening to cues
A,B,C’s
are on the outside of the square, evenly spaced.
Change of Direction Communicating
Procedure: Players attempt to dribble across the square or to a different side, Peer interaction
avoiding being tagged by the player in the middle.
Getting across gains 2 points, dribbling to the closest side gets you 1 point.
If an outside player is tagged 3 times, He/she becomes the tagger.

STATION B - SOCCER COORDINATION

Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Communication
Passing/Receiving
Running with the ball
Changing direction
Spatial Awareness
Lots of touches
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Positive reinforcement Running with the ball
Confidence Part of the ball,
Being safe Part of the foot

Organization: 15m x 15m area. 8-10 players with a ball each. 2 additional players SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
with 1 ball between them.
Coordination Listening
Procedure: Players dribbling and move freely within the area. The pair of players with Agility, Balance Communicating
one ball between them moves within the area passing to one another, avoiding Peer interaction /fun
dribbling players.
Change of Direction
The pair will be changed every 1 minute.
Progression: Add more "pairs" passing amongst the dribblers. Or reduce the area. A
pair with more passing sequence will win. 16
 Learn to Train practice plan – Week 4
STATION C - SOCCER TECHNIQUE – PASSING/POSSESSION
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Passing
Receiving
Communication
Changing direction
Change of speed
Agility, Balance, Coordination
Spatial Awareness
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Fun Dribbling
Confidence 1v1
Being safe Passing

Organization: 40m x 40m area. 10 players are organized into 2 teams of 5, 2 targets, PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
and a server (S). One ball to play, and a few balls around the field. Server may move Speed Listening
around the outside of the area. A,B,C’s Communicating
Procedure: Practice starts with a pass into play by the server. Team in possession Change of Direction Fun with friends
can use targets and server to keep possession. Targets can move to open square to
help the team.
Team scores by passing the ball to a target into designated area.

STATION D - SMALL SIDED GAME – TARGET ZONES

Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Running with the ball

Passing
Receiving
Possession
Changing direction
Change of speed
Agility, Balance, Coordination
Imagination
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Fun Dribbling
Confidence 1v1
Being safe Passing

Organization: 20m x 20m area (could be modify according to age). PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
10 players in two teams of 5. Two players from each team are target players in Speed Listening
designated area (2m x 2m). Communicating
A,B,C’s
Procedure: Team in possession must pass to one target player, get it back and play Change of Direction Fun with friends
to other target player in order to score.

17
 Learn to Train practice plan – Week Week 5
STATION A - GENERAL MOVEMENT
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Changing direction

Eye-hand (foot) Coordination
Running with the ball
Stop and start to run
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Passing, receiving
Running with the ball

PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Organization: 30m x 20m area. 12 players, 8 inside the grid (3 with the ball in their Communicating
A,B,C’s
hands), and 4 outside (taggers).
Change of direction Peer interaction
Procedure: On coach's signal, players outside of the grid try to tag players without the
ball. If a player has the ball, he/she cannot be tagged. Players with the ball can pass
the ball to players to stop them being tagged.
Progression: Game can be played with ball at player's feet.

STATION B - SOCCER COORDINATION

Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Using both feet

Running with the ball
Changing direction
Good balance
Spatial Awareness
Lots of touches
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Positive reinforcement Running with the ball
Confidence Part of the ball,
Being safe Part of the foot
First touch

Organization: 30m x 25m area (could be modified according to age). 10-12 players SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
each with ball at their feet.
Eye-hand coordination Communicating
Procedure: Players moving and dribbling freely within the area performing various Agility, Balance Peer interaction /fun
moves. Players are encouraged to use both feet.
Change of Direction
Progression: Add 2-3 defenders.

18
 Learn to Train practice plan – Week 5
STATION C - SOCCER TECHNIQUE – DRIBBLE AND SHOOT
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Dribbling
Shooting
Goalkeeping
Agility, Balance, Coordination
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Fun Dribbling
Confidence Shooting
Being safe Goalkeeping

Organization: Area is 20m x10m (age appropriate), 2 goals, cones, balls, and two PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Gks A,B,C’s Communicating
Procedure: Players dribble to the shooting cones, do a 90 degree turn around the Change of Direction Fun with friends
cone and shoot. 2 stations are set up next tea each other, so two players can go at the
same time to cut down on players waiting. Note: Alternate the players so they can use
both feet.

STATION D - SMALL SIDED GAME – 4V4 TO 3 GOALS

Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Running with the ball

Dribbling
1v1
Passing and Receiving
Possession
Changing direction
Change of speed
Agility, Balance, Coordination
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Fun Dribbling
Confidence 1v1 attack/defend
Being safe Passing
Possession

Organization: 25m x15m area. Two teams of 5, 3 gates used as goals on 2 sides of PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
the area. 1 player from each team stays outside of the field and can move behind any Speed Listening
of the goals to defend them. Communicating
A,B,C’s
Procedure: 4v4 game to score on any of the opponent open goals, team in Change of Direction Fun with friends
possession can't score on a goal that is covered by opponent.

19
 Learn to Train practice plan
GOALKEEPING ACTIVITIES - HAND DISTRIBUTION/BALL PICK UP
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Distribution on the ground

Body behind the ball
Eyes on the ball
Ball pick up
Agility, Coordination, Balance
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Catching
Being safe Distribution

Organization: Players are placed into 2 teams of 6v6 on a 30m x 30m area with a 5m
PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
end zone at both ends.
A,B,C’s Communicating
Procedure: The team in possession aims to score a point by saving the ball in an end Diving Celebrating
zone. Players must distribute the ball (roll) on the ground to a team mate. When in
possession players are only allowed 3 steps. The opposition cannot knock the ball out
Team work
of a player's hand but can intercept a pass by making a save. Only 1 player from each
team is allowed in the end zone at any time. Players are only to use their hands.

GOALKEEPING ACTIVITIES - OVER ARM DISTRIBUTION/CATCHING

Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Distribution on the ground

Body behind the ball
Eyes on the ball
Ball pick up
Agility, Coordination, Balance
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Catching
Being safe Distribution

Organization: Players are placed into 2 teams of 6v6 on a 30m x 30m field with a SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
goal at both ends.
A,B,C’s Communicating
Procedure: The team in possession aims to score a point by scoring in their Diving Celebrating
opponents goal with an over arm throw. To keep possession players must distribute Team work
the ball (roll or throw) to a team mate. When in possession players are only allowed 3
steps. The opposition cannot knock the ball out of a players hand but can intercept a
pass by making a save. All players play as goalkeepers and any player can play in the
goal. Players are only to use their hands.
20
 Learn to Train practice plan
GOALKEEPING ACTIVITIES - SAVING THE GATES
Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis: Distribution
Body behind the ball
Eyes on the ball
Ball pick up, Diving
Dribbling
Agility, Coordination, Balance
FUN!

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Catching
Being safe Distribution
Diving
Dribbling

Organization: Players are placed into to 2 teams of 5 or 6. 1 team of goalkeepers

start in the goals and the other goalkeepers dribble the ball inside the area. PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Procedure: When the coach calls "save" the players with the ball dribble toward a A,B,C’s Communicating
goal and roll the ball at the goal for the goalkeeper to make the save. Once the Change of Direction Fun with friends
goalkeeper makes the save he/she dribbles inside the area and the players that were
dribbling now become the goalkeepers.
If the Goalkeeper makes the save they score 1 point.
Progression: Once the goalkeepers become comfortable making the save players
can progress to using their feet to pass the ball with more pace.

21
 Learn to Train practice plan
STATION A - GENERAL MOVEMENT
For coaches to plan their own sessions Time Frame: 12 - 15 minutes

Emphasis:

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL

PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL

STATION B - SOCCER COORDINATION

For coaches to plan their own sessions Time Frame: 12-15 minutes

Emphasis:

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL

PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL

22
 Learn to Train practice plan
STATION C - SOCCER TECHNIQUE
For coaches to plan their own sessions Time Frame: 12-15 minutes

Emphasis:

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL

PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL

STATION D - SMALL SIDED GAME

For coaches to plan their own sessions Time Frame: 12-15 minutes

Emphasis:

PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL

PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL

23
 For more information on grassroots soccer development please contact:
[email protected] or visit www.ontariosoccer.net/grassroots

Ontario Soccer Association Resources

Ÿ The Ontario Soccer Association Recreation Matrix Ÿ Retreat Line Information
Ÿ The Ontario Soccer Association Development Ÿ Active Start Brochure
Matrix Ÿ FUNdamentals Brochure
Ÿ "Wellness To World Cup" Brochure Ÿ Learn To Train Brochure
Ÿ Player Evaluation Forms Ÿ Soccer For Life Brochure
Ÿ Game Organization Guide Ÿ CS4L LTPD for parents
Ÿ U8 Festival Guide Ÿ OSA LTPD Video
Ÿ Game Leader Information Ÿ OSA Grassroots Video
Printed documents are uncontrolled. For the most recent version of this document please visit
www.ontariosoccer.net
To contact The Ontario Soccer Association call 905-264-9390 or visit www.ontariosoccer.net

Acknowledgments
The OSA would like to acknowledge time and support in developing this resource from technical leaders in
the province.

The OSA would like to acknowledge the other readily available documents, resources and suppliers we
reference in creating this curriculum:

CANADA