Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Bright Futures - Pressure from 12 - U6-U8

RWTB (10 mins)

Running with the ball

- 1 ball per player

- Players split into two groups as shown

Directions:

- On coach's call, players dribble across the area without running into crossing traffic of players

- Every kid is given 5 "lives" to start. When a player runs into another player, they lose a life.

- First player to the otherside wins the race for their group and gains a life back

Coaching Points:

- Control on the ball based on amount of space available. More space = bigger touches

- Head up after each touch to make sure not to run into players.

- Adjust size of touch depending on traffic

- Accelerate into space and decelerate as you approach end of dribble to keep control

Progression/Regression:

- R - Have the two groups go at different times so as not to have any cross traffic

- R - Number every player in each group and call out numbers rather than having every player dribble at same time

- P - Players must dribble from one side to the other, turn, then dribble back.

- P - Players are split into four groups instead of 2 and now players are dribbling in 4 directions at the same time

- P - Add a "shark" in the middle who tries to steal the ball from any player dribbling across.

Chaos (20 mins)

Chaos 1 v 1 - 1 v 2 - 2 v 2

1 ball between 2 players partnered up, standing across from each other at opposite corners as shown

Directions:

- Every partnership is standing in opposite goals with one ball between the two

- Upon the coach's signal, the groups all play 1 v 1 to goals.

- If the ball goes out, one player brings it back onto the field and dribbles into the field

- When a player scores, the player who scored retreats to the middle as the other player retrieves the ball.

- After a few minutes, call time and bring players in for Q & A

- Restart games with new rules or partnerships.

Coaching Points:

- Try to beat players using skill and tricks rather than brute force all the time.

- For Q and A, ask the kids some of the following questions to see how they answer. Don't give them answers to allow for free thought

-- Why is it called chaos?

-- Did you run into anyone during the game? Why?

-- Where is the space largest once the game started? Where is the space the tightest?

-- How do you avoid having your shot blocked by players that are in the way of the goal?

Progressions/Regressions:

- R: If a player is struggling, give them a different partner closer to their ability or give them a teammate

- P: If a player is dominating their game, give them individual tasks (Ex. during the game, you must beat the player with scissor, fake and take, and one other move of your choice to win)

- P: Give players that need a challenge an extra player to play against, as in 1 v 2 instead of 1 v 1

- P: Move the game to 2 v 2 or 3 v 3 but still in the chaos environment.

- P: Add bonus points for various challenges (Ex. scissor worth 2 points if you beat the player and score, extra points for successful megs, if with a teammate have combinations worth extra points if they score, etc.)