Practice length:
30 minutes with a 30-minute small sided game.
Practice Scope/Emphasis:
Technical 100% and Tactical 0%
Practices should consist almost entirely of fun activities designed to introduce the players to basic soccer technique while playing games. The game is the best teacher for young players. Do not demand that the more confident players share the ball. The coach should avoid the impulse to “coach” his/her players from “play to play” in order to help them win the match. He/She should not be telling players to “pass rather than dribble“hold their positions” or to “never” do something (like pass or dribble in front of the goal).
Technical
Dribbling:
- While standing, player is able to roll ball front and back, alternate feet, touch on top of ball and touch ball between feet.
- While dribbling, player is able to touch ball every step, stop ball, and change directions.
- While dribbling in restricted areas, avoid collisions with others, keep head up and keep ball in front of body.
- While dribbling, player is able to go in straight line using both feet, make small circles using inside of foot, and keep ball close when running.
Passing:
- Player is able to stop ball passed to them, make 5 yards pass/kick and avoid using their toe to pass. Introduce Throw-ins as a passing technique.
Tactical
Encourage the dribbler at the younger ages. The coach can often be more helpful to young players’ development by organizing less, saying less and allowing them to do more.
Psychological:
In practice:
- Stays active for 30 +/- minutes
- Arrives with ball and water
- Can handle getting own drink
- Parents and child separate with ease
- Helps coach with equipment
In games:
- Wants ball in game
- Doesn’t always kick the ball away
- Remembers goal attacking or protecting
- Reacts to movement of ball and goes with it
Physical:
Athletic qualities enhanced:
- Coordination: running with ball at feet
- Agility: stops and starts and changes directions quickly
- Balance: doesn’t fall over when on one leg
- Running: runs with ease
Body and Ball:
- Isn’t afraid of ball
- Feet give when ball comes to them
- Leg movement more controlled
