Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Recreational Summer Camp Games 6U - 7U

Bull Rush (10 mins)

MONDAY

Organization:

Coach is to outline a square or rectangle for the game to take place. Players are to line up on one side of the area in a straight line, with the coaching standing in the middle as the first Tipper. 

How to Play:

The aim of the game is for the attackers (red) to run or dribble from one side of the area, to the other side of the area without getting tipped by the tippers (black and/or blue). 

If an attacker gets tipped, they join the defenders in the middle as tippers. 

When playing without the ball, defenders can tip attackers on the shoulder. When playing with the ball, defenders can tip attackers by placing placing their foot on top of the attacker's ball. 

Coaching Tips:

Coach should always start as the tipper. This way everyone will get a good chance to achieve success without getting tipped immediately. 

With younger kids, you can play a couple of games without the ball to warm them up and allow them to understand the aim of the game before introducing the ball. 

Can you keep your head up to see where the defenders are

Can you keep the ball close to you so you can change direction if the defender gets close

Can you use some of the skills we learnt in the first game to get past the defender?

CHANGEIT / Progressions:

Make the space smaller to make it harder for the attackers and easier for defenders. 

Make space bigger to make it easier for the attackers and harder for defenders. 

Add more or less defenders to change the starting difficulty level for the attackers. 

1v1 to Endlines (MOJO) (15 mins)

TUESDAY

Organization:

Set out a grid with enough space for every player to have a ball and dribble freely. 

How to Play:

Players dribble randomly around the grid trying to tag each other with their hands, while at the same trying not to get tagged themselves. 

When tagged, players must yell, "Ouch!" and hold one hand on the spot where they got tagged. 

If tagged a 2nd time, they yell, "Ouch!" again and hold the other hand on that spot - but keep on dribbling to avoid being tagged. 

If tagged a 3rd time, players must visit the doctor (you) at the 'hospital.'

The doctor should do something funny to magically heal the player's injuries so they can get back to dribbling and tagging. E.g., a dance or bells/toe taps. 

Coaching Tips:

Players might tag too roughly, remind them to ONLY tag Shoulders and Hips. Tagging on the back too hard can knock someone over. 

Players will quickly find that it's really hard to run when your hands aren't helping you balance. This helps them develop stability and agility. 

CHANGEIT / Progressions:

You can change it from "Hospital Tag" where you're the doctor to a cars game (e.g., coach is the mechanic), etc. 

Play a game or two without the ball if it is too hard for the kids. 

Make the field bigger or smaller. 

Shooting on Goal

THURSDAY

Organization:

1. 20 x 25 yard grid

2. Separate players into 2 lines

3. Every player has a ball.

4. 2 small goals

5. Line of cones to mark shooting line

Instructions:

1. On coaches command, Players start at the cone and dribble and shoot after the line at the goal.

2. Start with line close to goal where players have to pass it in the goal (inside foot).

3. Slowly move the shooting line back toward the players lines and focus on laces as the line gets further away from the goal.

4. Play for (X) amount of time or (X) number of goal then switch sides.

Coaching Points:

1. Body Shape

2. Knee over ball

3. Position plant foot for Direction

4. Lock ankle

5. Point toe down

6. Focus on ball.

Progression:

1. Gradually move the shooting line back, so they are shooting further.

2. players switch goals to score on dribbling diagonal to the other side goal to score.