BEES - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Use a 40x30 grid (half field). Adjust size as necessary. 2. The bees (players) attempt to sting the coach and parents. 3. Every player needs a ball. 1. Start by having the bees (players) dribble around free in the grid buzzing like a bee. 2. Coach(es) and parents enter the grid and start to wander. 3. The bees sting them with a pass or kick. 4. Cap drill at 5 to 6 minutes, play 90 second to 2 minute rounds with 30 seconds of rest in between. Players need to keep looking for targets and hit it with a pass.
BREAKIN ICE - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Use a 30x20 grid (quarter field). 2. All players inside the grid with a ball. 1. All the players run around randomly without soccer balls, staying inside the grid. 2. The coach calls out various types of greetings, which each player then has to carry out with others. Players do their best to meet a new player each time: A. Shake hands say your name(s). B. Slap high fives (one hand) say your name(s). C. Slap high fives (both hands) say your name(s). D. Stand shoulder to shoulder say your name(s). E. Stand back to back, etc. say your name(s). 3. Add soccer balls, and perform the same activities as above except say the other players name. Again, players do their best to re-meet each player. 4. Spend no more than 7 minutes on this warmup split into (2) three-minute segments with one minute of rest in between. When dribbling, keep the ball close and don't run into other players. Have fun with the activities and make is exciting. Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com Drill was made at SOCCER SPECIFIC for more information visit www.soccerspecific.com
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Use a full U4/5 Field. 2. Line up all players at one end of the field with a ball. 3. Position extra ball on either side of goal on opposite end. 1. On coach s command they all dribble to the opposite end, shoot the ball into the goal, grab one of the extra balls, dribble back to the opposite end and finish with a shot. 2. First to the finish is the winner. 3. Repeat the game for up to 5 minutes resting 30 seconds between races. Keep the ball under control when dribbling. Keep the head up to not run into another player, plus keep the goal in focus. Shoot as soon as possible to get another ball quicker.
CLEAN YOUR ROOM- U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Use a 40x30 grid (half field). Adjust size as necessary. 2. Assign one player to "clean the room" and give them a pinnie. This player will act as the defender to knock everyone's ball out of the grid. 3. Every player other than the room cleaner needs a ball. 1. Start by having the players dribble around free in the grid. 2. The coach should release the room cleaner into the grid. 3. The room cleaner's job is to steal the ball from the dribbling players and kick the ball out of the grid. 4. The dribblers must retrieve their balls and attempt to get back into the grid as quickly as possible. 5. The room is "clean" once all of the balls are out of the grid at one time. 6. The room cleaner should kick the ball out of the grid as far as they can to give them a chance to get all of the players. 7. If a player is struggling to clean their room, a 2nd room cleaner can be sent to assist. Rotate cleaners every two minutes even if the room is still dirty. 8. Cap drill at 7 minutes and rest 30 in between room cleanings. Instruct the room cleaner (defender) to pressure players with the ball quickly and kick the ball out of the grid as far as possible. Dribblers must be aware of the defender (pressure) and remain calm and protect the ball. Keep head up and work on shielding the ball. Variations: Start with two room cleaners (defenders). Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com
COACHES REVENGE - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Use a 40x30 grid (half field). Adjust size as necessary. 2. Have all of the teammates spread out on one of the end lines without a ball 3. The coach or coaches should be in the middle of the grid with every ball. 1. On the coach s command, every player must sprint from one side of the grid to the other while avoiding balls being knocked at them by the coaches in the middle. The Coach attempts to hit the players as they pass from the knee down. 2. If a player is struck by the coach s pass, those players collect the balls and join the coach s in the middle of the grid attempting to hit the remaining players. 3. The last player standing wins! 4. Play additional games up to 7 minutes while resting 30 seconds between. Players must sprint from one side of the grid to the other. Assistant coaches (players the coach hit) should focus on striking the ball with the proper part of the foot. Encourage players to have fun! Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com
COACHES REVENGE - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Use a half field, adjust size as necessary. 2. Have all of the teammates spread out on one of the end lines without a ball 3. The coaches and/or parents (two maximum) should be in the middle of the field lots of balls. 1. On the coach s command, every player must sprint from one side of the field to the other while avoiding balls being knocked at them by the coaches in the middle. The coaches attempt to hit the players as they pass from the knee down. 2. If a player is struck by the coach s pass, those players collect the balls and join the coach s in the middle of the grid attempting to hit the remaining players. 3. The last player standing wins! 4. Play additional games up to 7 minutes while resting 30 seconds between. Players must sprint from one side of the grid to the other. Assistant coaches (players the coach hit) should focus on striking the ball with the proper part of the foot. Encourage players to have fun! Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com Drill was made at SOCCER SPECIFIC for more information visit www.soccerspecific.com
DRIBBLE WARMUP - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Create an 30x20 (quarter field) area. 2. Each player in the area with a ball. 1. Have players dribble anyway they want inside the circle as long as they are using both feet for 2 minutes. 2. Rest for one minute. 3. Have players dribble with inside and outside of each foot with the following pattern: right foot - inside, outside, inside, outside then switch to left foot inside, outside, inside, outside and continue to switch feet. Do this for 2 minutes. Make sure the player is constantly lifting their head and checking their surroundings. This will help players find space and avoid other players. Make sure players keep the ball close to them while in congested areas. This will help them move the ball more quickly to avoid other players and obstructions. Encourage players to use all parts of their feet while dribbling (inside, outside, top, bottom) Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com
EGG HUNT - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Use a 40x30 grid (half field). 2. Have twice as many balls as players and scatter around the field as eggs 3. Set up 5 tall cones as the basket along one side of the grid. 4. On the opposite side line players across the end line. 1. On the coaches command, turn them loose. 2. The object is to dribble all the eggs in the basket as quickly as possible. 3. They are all on the same team and not allowed to take a ball away from another player. 4. Time them to see how fast they can accomplish the task. 5. Repeat the games for up to 5 minutes, resting 30 seconds between hunts. Keep the ball close and in control. Pick head up while dribbling so they do not run into other players. Quick to the ball.
FETCH - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Set up a 40x30 (half field) area 2. Coach has a few more balls the players. 3. The coach can ask for a parent volunteer if there are more than 5 players-you do not want kids waiting to pass the ball. 1. The players dribble to the coach, and yell hey coach and make a short pass to the coach. 2. The coach tosses or passes the ball and the players repeat the process. 3. The coach can give a different dribbling challenge to the players when they toss/pass the ball out. 4. Play a two minute segment, rest one minute, followed by a second two minute segment. Keep the head up to not run into another player, plus keep an eye on the coach. Work on controlled passes to the coach s feet. Communication is important must get the coaches attention.
GOOFY RED LIGHT/GREEN LIGHT - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Create a 20x30 grid (quarter field) with cones. 2. Position the anywhere in the grid. 3. Each player has a ball. 1. Game starts when the coach says GREEN LIGHT and the players start to dribble. When the coach yells RED LIGHT, players must stop their ball and freeze in some GOOFY fun position until the coach says, GREEN LIGHT. 2. Play continues for 5 minutes. Make sure the players keep the ball close so they can stop quickly. Keep head up so they do not run into other players or leave the grid. Have players use both feet and both sides of feet. Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com
HITTERS AND DODGERS - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Build a 40x30 grid (half field). The field size can be adjusted based on the skill level and number of players participating. 2. You will need to have a ball for each player; however, only 3 players start off with balls. The remaining balls should be placed outside the grid. 3. The three players with balls are called the "hitters". The remaining players should start off scattered throughout the grid they are the "dodgers". Separate the hitters and dodgers with pinnies. 1. Instruct the "hitters" to dribble inside the grid and attempt to pass the ball to any of the "dodgers" and hit them with the ball. The "dodgers" are attempting to avoid being hit by the "hitters". 2. If a "dodger" is hit, he must collect a ball from the extra balls outside the grid and join the hitters. The last players standing win. 3. Play additional games for up to 7 minutes, while resting 30 seconds between matches. Coaches should talk to the hitters about keeping their ball close to the while getting their heads up to find the dodgers. Coaches should focus on good passing form: using the inside of the foot with good pace on the ball. Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com
ICE MONSTER - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Use a 40x30 grid (half field). 2. Select on player to be the MONSTER and will need a pinnie. 3. All remaining players need a ball. 1. Have the kids dribble around the grid. 2. The ICE MONSTER attempts to touch the players ball, at that point that the player freezes with their foot on the ball. If a player goes out-of-bounds they also freeze. 3. The last remaining unfrozen player gets to be the new ICE MONSTER for the next round. 4. Continue play for up to 7 minutes, switching the ICE MONSTER every 90 seconds. Keep the ball close and in control. Pick head up while dribbling so they can see where the other players are and the ICE MONSTER. Have players dribble with both feet and different parts of foot. Drill was made at SOCCER SPECIFIC for more information visit www.soccerspecific.com
MOVING GOAL - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Set up a 30x20 (quarter field) area 2. You ll need swimming noodle that the coach and a volunteer parent (or assistant coach if available) will use for the MOVING goal. Additional moving goals would be ideal if parents are willing to volunteer. 3. All players have a ball. 1. Coach and the assistant, or additional parents walk around holding a swimming noodle Goal between them. 2. The players dribble and try to score a goal through the moving goal. 3. Have the players (attempt to) keep track of the amount of goals they score. 4. Play two rounds of two minutes each with one minute of rest in between. Do not be concerned with the scoring technique, just encourage them to score goals. Keep the head up to not run into another player, plus keep the goal in focus.
OUCH - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Build a grid 30x20 (quarter field) and adjust if too large or small. 2. Every player begins in the grid with a ball. 3. The coach and/or assistant coach start in the grid without a ball. 1. The players dribble around in the grid and players try to kick their balls and hit the coaches. 2. The players get a point each time they hit the coach. 3. The coach should yell OUCH (or something similar) each time they are hit to make the game FUN. 4. For younger players, the coach can walk instead of jogging. 5. Continue play for up to 5 minutes. Encourage players to get their head up and look for the coaches while dribbling. Make sure the players are striking the ball with the proper part of the foot. Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com
PIRATE TREASURE - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Use a half field. 2. Set up 10 tall cones (the treasure) along one side of the grid. 3. On the opposite side have each player (the pirates) start with a ball. 4. 2-3 players start in the grid with pinnies on. They are defending the treasure (tall cones) along the side of the grid. 1. On the coaches command, the pirates attempt to dribble past the defenders to take the treasure. 2. To take the treasure the players must knock down the cone with the ball. 3. Once they have knocked down the cone they must pick up the cone and take it back to their starting point while dribbling the ball. 4. If the pirates lose the ball by the defenders, they must start back over at the original starting point. 5. Play two rounds of three minutes with one minutes of rest between rounds. Keep the ball close and in control. Pick head up while dribbling so they can see where the defenders are. Dribblers should explode past the defenders and dribble with speed. Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com Drill was made at SOCCER SPECIFIC for more information visit www.soccerspecific.com
RED LIGHT/GREEN LIGHT - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Create a 40x30 grid (half field) with cones. 2. Position the players at an end of the 30-foot grid. 3. Each player has a ball. 1. Game starts when the coach says GREEN LIGHT and the players start to dribble to the coach. When the coach yells RED LIGHT, players must stop their ball and freeze until the coach says, GREEN LIGHT. 2. Play continues until the first player crosses the opposite end line. 3. Play additional games for up to 7 minutes, rest 30 between games. Make sure the players keep the ball close so they can stop quickly. Keep head up so they do not run into other players or leave the grid. Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com Drill was made at SOCCER SPECIFIC for more information visit www.soccerspecific.com
SHADOW DRIBBLING - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Use a half field. 2. All players and coach have a ball. 1. The coach dribbles a ball and players follow while dribbling their ball. 2. The coach does both dribbling moves (keep it simple) and goofy things for the kids to mimic. 3. Play two minutes, rest for one minute, and play for two more. Keep the head up to not run into another player, plus keep an eye on the coach. Dribble with both feet and both sides of the feet. Drill was made at SOCCER SPECIFIC for more information visit www.soccerspecific.com
SHARKS AND MINNOWS - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Build a grid approximately 40x30 (half field). The field size can be adjusted based on the skill level and number of players participating. 2. Two players, with pinnies, are designated as the SHARKS start in the middle of the grid without a ball. 3. The remaining players starts with a ball on one of the end lines. 1. The minnows, the players with the ball, start on the 30-foot end and attempt to swim (dribble) from one end line to the other while keeping their ball away from the sharks. 2. The sharks attempt to gain possession or knock the minnows ball out of the grid. Once this happens, the minnow becomes a shark. 3. Play continues until the last minnow standing wins the competition. 4. Play additional games for up to 7 minutes, rest 30 seconds between games. Keep the dribblers under control, head up, and not panicked once the sharks get near them. Inform players to keep the ball close within playing distance. Minnows should work on shielding the ball from the sharks. Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com
SHOOTING GALLERY - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Choose a spot anywhere on half a U4 field. 2. Stack a pyramid of 3 cones or a line spaced 2 feet apart. 3. Have players stand 15 feet away (vary depended on whether to hard or to easy. 1. One at a time, allow players three attempts to knock over the stack of cones or as many as possible in the line of cones. 2. Repeat the game for up to 7 minutes. Keep players body positioned toward the cones. Focus on where to strike the ball with the foot.
SIMON SAYS - U4 AND U5 DIVISIONS 1. Create a 30x20 grid (quarter field) with cones. 2. Position the players inside the grid. 3. Each player has a ball. 1. Play Simon Says with the team as the players dribble in the grid. 2. If a player does something they are not supposed to, issue them a GOTCHA. 3. See who gets the least number of gotcha s. 4. Examples of commands could be: Change direction, stop the ball, stop the ball and put your belly on the ball, etc. 5. Also, try to throw in a trick or two like kick the ball as far away as you can. 6. Continue play for a maximum of 7 minutes. Have players do actions like clapping in between their legs and skipping to increase body awareness. Focus on dribbling skills and keeping the ball close and under control. Focus on players listening skills. Drill provided by SOCCER XPERT for more information visit www.soccerxpert.com Drill was made at SOCCER SPECIFIC for more information visit www.soccerspecific.com