Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): 2018 U9 Game Day Clinic

Freeze Tag (10 mins)

Organization

In Soccer Freeze Tag, all the players except the catchers have possesion of a ball. Players move freely within a grid to avoid the catchers. If someone is tagged they shoud stand still (freeze) with their legs open holding the ball above their head (to indicate they are frozen) and their legs astride in order for a free player to pass the ball through and free them. Game continues until everyone is caught.

(Players are tagged when the catcher touches their ball with their foot)

Focus

This game not only encourages dribbling and observation, but also team play for both the free players and catchers (when more than one catcher is playing).

Progression

A further progression of this drill is to play with two catchers as indicated, so they need to consider zonal or man-man defending.

For the free players an additional condition could be to play with just one foot (right or left).

Pinnie Task Tage (15 mins)

Set Up

12 or more players

Pinnies to match the amount of players

Instructions

Players will tuck pinnies to the side of their hip knee height length.

Go! - players will attempt to strip other players of their pennie. When your pinnie has been taken, you have to go complete a task in one of the four corners. Players must complete all four tasks before repeating a task. Have break after a few minutes to give players a break.

Option - split the players into two or three teams and have them play within their teams. This promotes team play, strategies, and communication. After 2-3 minutes, mix the teams and allow for a water break.

Off To The Races (15 mins)

Set Up

Up to 12 players, in three teams of 3; no ball to start

Teams line up parallel to each other on the field, with one player in the middle (the racer). Players' positions are marked out by cones

Instructions

-Go!! - middle players (racers) have to sprint to one end, run around a teammate, sprint to the other end and run around the other teammate. Repeat 3-5 times, then run back to the middle and do a goal celeration. The first player to do their goal celebration gets the point.

- "Switch" - players switch positions until all three have had a turn as the racer.

Progression

-Racer has a ball and dribble around both teammates 3 times and strikes a funny pose with their foot on the ball at the end

-Each end player has a ball: racers receive a ground pass and then pass back before running around them.

-Each end player has a ball: racers receive a theow in the air and then head it back before running around them.