Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): CMS DTP WK#1: Introduction to dribbling (U8-U10)

Warm up: Freeze Tag (10 mins)

Organization: 10y x 10y / 12y x 12y area based on number of players. Create 2 areas if needed (8-10 max per group).

Description: Players play a game of Freeze tag. 2 players are it (red) while the rest try to avoid being tagged. If tagged by someone who is it, that player is now frozen with their arms extended out to the side. Teammates must save the frozen players by running under either arm. Swap players who are it every 2/3 minutes. 

Coaching points: distance, space, timing of fakes, unbalance defender, change of speed. 

Progressions: add a ball! Each player must now travel with a ball at their feet & free their teammates by dribbling the ball under their legs (must stand with feet wide while frozen, ball beside them). 

+add in different ball manipulation exercises (outside, inside, laces, sole, skill) 

4 Surface Dribbling (10 mins)

Organization:

+ Create an 18y x 18y area 

+ Each player has a soccer ball

Description:

The players try to use the following 4 surfaces in 1 fluid motion & in order:

1.Outside of the foot(pinky toe),

2.Inside of the foot (big toe),

3.Laces

4.Bottom (sole).

Once they have stopped it with the bottom of their foot, try to repeat the pattern with their other foot. Once the players understand the pattern, try to do it faster; still in the limited space  

Progression: Add in a defender who must try to tag a teammate by placing a cone (or pinnie) on another players ball. If they can get their cone onto someone's ball by placing it (not throwing) they swap with that player and hand off the cone. 

KEY WORDS: Outside, inside, laces & bottom

GUIDED QUESTIONS: When you are ready to move forward, what are some actions you will do before you strike the ball? What do you have to do with your foot if you want your laces to hit the ball?

ANSWERS: Look up to see where you are going. As you get closer to the ball, put your head back down & watch your foot hit the ball. Point your toe down toward the ground so your laces are facing the ball. Now, hit the ball with your laces.