Twinsburg Youth Soccer: Practice Plans U7/U8/U10 (6v6)

Twinsburg Youth Soccer: Practice Plans U7/U8/U10 (6v6) Warmup-Footskills Pass & Go Gladiator Activities & Games Relay Footskills 1 1 v 1 Tag Short-Sided Games Goalie Training Game 7-cone pass 7-cone hooks 1st/2nd Defender Relay Footskill 2 7-cone pass & receive Week 1 x x x Week 2 x x x Week 3 x x x Week 4 x x x x Week 5 x x x Week 6 x x Week 7 x x x x Week 8 x x x Week 9 x x x x Week 10 x x 7-cone 1 v 1 "Diamond" 2v2 Game Gates Active Pass & Go Relays- Fun

Week 1 Practice Plan Duration Activity #1: Introduction/warmup Organization: Coaching Points: - Form a circle with all players at the center of the field. - let the players get comfortable "Footskills by Number" - All players should have a ball at their feet - repeat what the players say - Let each player introduce themselves by first name, and ask - demonstrate the footskills, then them a favorite color, food, cartoon, or other. provide a positive comment for each Min - Begin warm-up with footskills & demonstrate: player - Toe taps, Show them when the ball is stopped: foot on - discuss "no hands" - feet only ball - discuss: inside/outside/laces - Demonstrate the following footskills and associate by # FOOTSKILLS: After players perform, call out numbers for rapid recall Duration Activity 2: Pass & Go Organization: Coaching Points: -Grid size: 10x10yds. (smaller if appropriate) - Introduce "Shapes" Concept: Triangle, -Players Start At cones, 2-3 per each cone ("x") Squares. Have them recognize the shapes X X X X - Discuss Shapes & Demonstrate receiving/trapping, kicking and call it out before they start NOTE: solid line is player moving, dotted is pass -Move once player has vacated cone!!! (1) Variation: (no sequence-coach calls) -Demonstrate Min (3) (1) Pass & go with player in front -Good form: Receiving and Trapping X X C (2) X X (2) Pass & go shuffle right/left Inside/Outside /laces (3) Pass & go opposite cone, touch middle cone -Ball Control - TWO TOUCHES -NO TOE KICKS Duration Activity #3: Gladiator (2 v2) Organization: Coaching Points: 25 yds -Two sets of cones as goals 25 yds apart - demonstrate activity, and include -Divide players in half (x and o), and form line at each goal discussion on defense (player must - Coach will yell "go", and throw the ball to the middle move: demonstrate defender - Player from each side will run to the ball and attempt moving in front of attacking player Min to get it, and score at the appropriate goal. - Variation: For u8 move to 3 v3. (1) 1-2 pasess before scoring (2) Perform a footskill C

Week 2 Practice Plan Duration Activity #1: Introduction/warmup Organization: Coaching Points: - Form a 15 x 15yd grid with all players in the middle - let the players get comfortable "Footskills by Number" - All players should have a ball at their feet - repeat what the players say - Let each player introduce themselves and ask the team - demonstrate the footskills, then the asnwer to there favorite (e.g. color, food) from week 1 provide a positive comment for each Min - Begin warm-up with footskills & demonstrate: player - Toe taps, Show them when the ball is stopped: foot on - discuss "no hands" - feet only ball - discuss: inside/outside/laces - Demonstrate the following footskills and associate by # - Repeat last weeks numbers, and introduce #5, #6, #7 FOOTSKILLS: After players perform, call out numbers for rapid recall (6) Stop Turn - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pass forward, stop the ball under the sole of the foot and turn quickly in the opposite direction (7) Step Over -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, swing your leg around and past the ball, then turn in opposite way and direction **NOTE: for U7, you may only introduce 5 & 6, with 2 new footskills a week. Duration Activity 2: 1v1 (delay/deny) Organization: Coaching Points: 3yds - Create one 15x12yd grid w/ two, 3yd goals (see pic) -6 players per, 3 offense, 3 defense (3-4 grids) - Introduce delay (close space)/deny -SET #1: "Tag" - Assign Offense Line "o". On "Go", players in ("push" players to sideline) each line will run around/between the goals. "o" will - defense must close space 15 yds attempt to run through the goal to score. If "x" tags "o" - offense must keep ball control Min that player is out. If not tagged, score 1. Defense tags, score 1. -SET #2: Introduce Soccer ball (coach stands in a corner and throws to player in either line) 12 yds Duration Activity #3: 4v4 Game Play (or shortsided) Organization: Coaching Points: **See note for U7 below(prep for this activity) - Engage the disengaged, and - Create grid 40x25 yds and set cones for goals encourage - Position players on Field (Fwd, Right Mid, Left Mid, Backs) -encourage defensive positioning (that - Allow free play is getting in front of the attacking players FOR PLAY OUT OF BOUNDS: - Don't spend a lot of time in demo, let Min Demonstrate Throw-ins the players play. Demonstrate Goal Kicks -Freeze play to discuss shapes: Demonstrate Kickoffs Triangles, Squares, diamonds, (space) Discuss Corners (wait until scrimmage to show) - Discuss Position responsibility **For U7, ask players to pair up, and line across from each other and practice throw-ins, and receiving)

Week 3 Practice Plan Duration Activity #1: Introduction/warmup Organization: Coaching Points: - Form a 15 x 15yd grid with all players in the middle - let the players get comfortable "Footskills by Number" - All players should have a ball at their feet - repeat what the players say - Demonstrate the following footskills and associate by # - demonstrate the footskills, then - Repeat last weeks numbers, and introduce #1-#x, and provide a positive comment for each Min introduce #8, #9, #10 player NOTE: Describe difference between #6 & #8 - discuss "no hands" - feet only - discuss: inside/outside/laces FOOTSKILLS: After players perform, call out numbers for rapid recall (6) Stop Turn - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pass forward, stop the ball under the sole of the foot and turn quickly in the opposite direction (7) Step Over -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, swing your leg around and past the ball, then turn in opposite way and direction (8) Pull Back -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, push ball 180, 90, or 45 (9) Cryuff Turn-Tap ball quickly between left & right foot,then quickly hook it behind non-kicking foot and change direction (10)Feint - Dribble forward, step left (side of ball) with left foot, then kick out with right foot using the outside of the foot and continue dribbling down the field. **NOTE: for U7, you may only introduce 2 new footskills a week. Duration Activity 2: Footskill Relays Organization: Coaching Points: - Large cones down center: 4 lines15 yds from cone -Good form: Receiving and Trapping X X X - 2-3 players per line Inside/Outside /laces 10-15yds 10-15yds Relay races: -Promote good form on footskills 10 X X X (1) Dribble to, pull back, dribble back and pass to next in line -Ball Control - Keep ball close Min X X X (2) Dribble to, then around cone using footskills: Stepover first cone, fakee second cone, dribble back to X X X middle cone, Stepover again, then pass to next player in line (3) Roll right down, left back stop on line for next player Variation: Challenge the players with footskills at each cone and mix as appropriate for your age group. Refer to Goalie Basics Sheet- Review prior to next activity (10-15 min) Duration Activity #3: Shooting/Goalie Game Organization: Coaching Points: - Form Grid 15 x 15 (Larger for older players) -Good Crisp passes out in front of 1 - A large cone at the top of the grid outside of it ("1") shooter. - Up to 8 players (add more less as needed) - Goalie: approach player as they get closer 3 6 - Players rotate clockwise once cycle complete - Goalie: "Hands Big" and "on toes" Min - Player 1 will receive passes to shoot. After shot, must circle - Make sure shooter is going around the back around top cone to receive a pass from others. cone 4 7 -Player 2 is the goalie. Players 3,4,5,6,7,8 are passing to - Introduce "Square" pass term (known as Player 1 when the coach calls there name. a sideways pass) - Once all passes are complete, rotate. 5 2 VARIATION: Throw-ins 8 Lob Kicks (U10)

Week 4 Practice Plan Duration Activity 1: Warm up "Fast Feet" Organization: Call out Number, and describe following moves. Cycle through first 4, then test with quick callouts & vary #'s. Repeat for 5-8, 9-10. Test Cycle for 5-8, 1-8, 1-10. Grid x 15 (6) Stop Turn - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pass forward, stop the ball under the sole of the Min foot and turn quickly in the opposite direction (7) Step Over -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, swing your leg around and past the ball, then turn in opposite way and direction (8) Pull Back -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, push ball 180, 90, or 45 (9) Cryuff Turn-Tap ball quickly between left & right foot,then quickly hook it behind non-kicking foot and change direction (10)Feint - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pull the ball back w/ the front part of your foot and flick it behind and forward the standing leg Duration Activity 2: 7 cone:footskill -Pass Organization: Coaching Points: -2-3 players on each corner of the square (outside 2 cones) -set expectation on passes/traps/ "B" -center cone represents defender (pressure) settling ball - "A" ball at each corner, player dribbles to center cone, - stress ball control, complement 10 front move, then spin move (hook)/pullback (coach calls) proper moves Min then passes to player at corner cone- 4 to5 minutes "A" -Repeat "A", player receiving ball must perform move in opposite direction behind cone, then dribble back to perform "A", then pass back to corner, Repeat 4-5 min Duration Activity 3: Footskill- hook Organization: Coaching Points: - Same grid as above. Demonstrate Hooks -divide players in half to the outside middle cones -set expectation on passes/traps/ H H -players (1) begin nearest goal with balls, zig zag to each settling ball H 5-7 cone and perform hooks. Pass at 3rd cone - stress ball control, complement Min -Player receiving passes ball around cone to self and proper moves H 2 zig-zags to last cone and passes to next player in line -Hooks should be away from defender 1 H H "H" in diagram represents hooks, cryuff turns, pull-back 90, stand at first cone to "act" as defender, Step-over Coaches call out moves and correct player turns/moves as Variation: go in opposite direction. necessary Duration Activity #5: 4v4 Game Play (or shortsided) Organization: Coaching Points: - Create grid 40x30 yds and set cones for goals - Encourage use of footskills in play - Position players on Field (Fwd, Right Mid, Left Mid, Backs) (e.g. 1 point for footskill) - Allow free play - Defense: demonstrate moving in front 5-10 Minutes: of attacking player 25 - DEMONSTRATE CORNER KICKS and position players Min at top of box (near post, far post,middle). Defender takes the kick.

Week 5 Practice Plan Duration Activity 1: Relay-Dribbling and Footskills Organization: Coaching Points: -Create grid as shown (2-4 players per grid) - stress ball control, complement - Players start at A: Dribble through cones leave ball in -close, controlled dribbling. A B C D grid B (2x2 yds) - slow to speed 15 - Run to grid C (2x2yds) take ball dribble in/out of cones at D Min Footskill at end (coach calls footskill) Variation: Hook, pull back, (back moves) ***Use pinnies, or other objects if you are lacking cones 10 yds Duration Activity 2: 1st/2nd Defender (1v2) Organization: Coaching Points: A - Create a "Half-Field" as shown w/ 3 Cones at position A, B, C - player between ball/goal - Two players "X" represent the defenders positioned at the -Ask the players to yell out "first defender" Coach at the two cones to start and"2nd defender" - Coach stands near go, and calls out player A, B, or C - Discuss with the players regarding an attacker Min B to begin dribbling to score on defender at cone B They must communicate - defender nearest attacker is 1st defender, and moves up to delay/deny the attacker. - defender away from attacker is 2nd defender, and moves in C a straight line (see dotted line) between attacker and goal. - Once attacker shoots or is denied, reset defenders and call out a different player to attack. - Rotate every few minutes. Duration Activity #3: Gladiator (x v x) Organization: Coaching Points: 25 yds -Two sets of cones as goals 40 yds apart - Incorporate the second defender -Divide players into teams of 2 or 3, and form line at each goal into this activity - Coach will yell "go", and throw the ball to the middle 15 - Player from each side will run to the ball and attempt Min to get it, and score at the appropriate goal. - Variation: Add variation (1 pass and or 1 footskill before scoring) C

Week 6 Practice Plan Duration Activity 1: Warm up "Fast Feet" Organization: Footskills & Mental Preparedness** Call out Number, and describe following moves. Cycle through first 4, then test with quick callouts & ADD: HOOKS vary #'s. Repeat for 5-8, 9-10. Test Cycle for 5-8, 1-8, 1-10. Grid x (6) Stop Turn - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pass forward, stop the ball under the sole of the Min foot and turn quickly in the opposite direction (7) Step Over -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, swing your leg around and past the ball, then turn in opposite way and direction (8) Pull Back -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, push ball 180, 90, or 45 (9) Cryuff Turn-Tap ball quickly between left & right foot,then quickly hook it behind non-kicking foot and change direction (10)Feint - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pull the ball back w/ the front part of your foot and flick it behind and forward the standing leg Duration Activity #2: 4v4 Game Play (or shortsided) Organization: Coaching Points: - Extend grid above to 30 x and set cones for goals - Engage the disengaged, and - Simulate game play coach throws in ball encourage - FREEZE PLAY during first minutes for instructional -raise the ball when throwing in and This includes putting player in position, and asking ask the player to point to it / "what-ifs?" -encourage defensive positioning (that Min e.g. Goal kicks, throw-ins, corners is getting in front of the attacking players and 1st/ 2nd defender - Shapes! Identify Shapes!

Week 7 Practice Plan Duration Activity 1: Warm up "Fast Feet" Organization: COMBINATIONS Call out Number, and describe following moves. Cycle through first 4, then test with quick callouts & Two footskills in combination: vary #'s. Repeat for 5-8, 9-10. Test Cycle for 5-8, 1-8, 1-10. Roll/feint, pull-back, hooks, other Grid x 10 (6) Stop Turn - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pass forward, stop the ball under the sole of the Min foot and turn quickly in the opposite direction (7) Step Over -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, swing your leg around and past the ball, then turn in opposite way and direction (8) Pull Back -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, push ball 180, 90, or 45 (9) Cryuff Turn-Tap ball quickly between left & right foot,then quickly hook it behind non-kicking foot and change direction (10)Feint - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pull the ball back w/ the front part of your foot and flick it behind and forward the standing leg Duration Activity 2: Passing & Receiving Organization: Coaching Points: - Demonstrate (1) Drill and (2) Receiving ball on turn (2 min) -"A" & "B" Crisp Passing. C - Player A passes to player B, who receives ball on turn. -"B" Receive ball on turn with back foot. - Player B passes to player C. - stress ball control, complement B A 15 - Player C receives the ball and attacks the space in front -close, controlled dribbling. Min Player C Moves: Feint, Cryuff Turn - sell move at end! of line A Rotation: A to B, B to C, C to A Duration Activity 3: Diamonds 1v1 Organization: Coaching Points: -2-3 players on each corner of the square (outside 2 cones) -set expectation on passes/traps/ -Two Diamonds (2 minute demo) settling ball "A" - "A" Passes across and becomes passive defender - stress ball control, complement 15 - player receiving the ball has a choice, to go left or right proper moves Min - Step 1: player w/ ball chooses, dribbles to cone and stops - defenders need to react and move to ball on Cone. Defender is passive. Once complete, pass anticipated location to next player in line. Repeat. 4 minutes - Step 2: Perform hook or cryuff. Defender stays at cone, player dribbles ball to next person in line. Repeat.4 min Duration Activity #3: Shooting/Goalie Game Organization: Coaching Points: - Form Grid 15 x 15 (Larger for older players) -Good Crisp passes out in front of 1 - A large cone at the top of the grid outside of it ("1") shooter. - Up to 8 players (add more less as needed) - Goalie: approach player as they get closer 3 6 - Players rotate clockwise once cycle complete - Goalie: "Hands Big" and "on toes" Min - Player 1 will receive passes to shoot. After shot, must circle - Make sure shooter is going around the back around top cone to receive a pass from others. cone 4 7 -Player 2 is the goalie. Players 3,4,5,6,7,8 are passing to - Introduce "Square" pass term (known as Player 1 when the coach calls there name. a sideways pass) - Once all passes are complete, rotate. 5 2 VARIATION: Throw-ins 8 Lob Kicks (U10)

Week 8 Practice Plan Duration Activity 1: Warm up "Fast Feet" Organization: COMBINATIONS Call out Number, and describe following moves. Cycle through first 4, then test with quick callouts & Two footskills in combination: vary #'s. Repeat for 5-8, 9-10. Test Cycle for 5-8, 1-8, 1-10. Roll/feint, pull-back, hooks, other Grid x 15 (6) Stop Turn - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pass forward, stop the ball under the sole of the Min foot and turn quickly in the opposite direction (7) Step Over -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, swing your leg around and past the ball, then turn in opposite way and direction (8) Pull Back -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, push ball 180, 90, or 45 (9) Cryuff Turn-Tap ball quickly between left & right foot,then quickly hook it behind non-kicking foot and change direction (10)Feint - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pull the ball back w/ the front part of your foot and flick it behind and forward the standing leg Duration Activity 2: Game 2v2 Organization: Coaching Points: - 1 small cones, 6 large cones - encourage communication: 1st/2nd defender Goal Goal - x grids (2 grids) (12 max - Demonstrate Delay/Pressure -Defenders (x) pass to players across or forward - Offense: 2 touches, space 15 yards -Defenders move to defend the attacker, and can score at Min opposite 2 goals Goal Duration Activity #2: 4v4 Game Play (or shortsided) Organization: Coaching Points: - Extend grid above to 30 x and set cones for goals - Engage the disengaged, and - Simulate game play coach throws in ball encourage -raise the ball when throwing in and ask the player to point to it 25 -encourage defensive positioning (that Min is getting in front of the attacking players and 1st/ 2nd defender - Shapes! Identify Shapes!

Week 9 Practice Plan Duration Activity #1: GATES Organization: Coaching Points: - Randomly place cones 2 yards apart (Gates) - demonstrate a varaiation each time - Place same number of gates as # of players - make sure the players are keeping the - Players stand w/ ball inside each gate. ball close 15 - On "Go", players dribble to an open gate and continue -For U6 Players, encourage "heads up" Min to an open gate and count the # of gates passed in 1 min. dribbling - Variation: footskills at the gate (pull-backs, rolls, feints) Inside/Outside Hooks, other Duration Station1: Active Passing: Give/Go Organization: Coaching Points: - 4 cones (diamond shape) (4 players per grid) - Moving to space D - (1) A passes to B, (2) B passes back to A, (3) A passes back to -Always on your toes/ready to receive B while running to the next cone. - C moves to where B was and prepares for pass 4 A - (4) B passes to player D, starting the sequence on the 3 25 C opposite side Min 1 Play is continuous 2 Only B & C switch, and only A& D Switch B Duration Activity #3: Gladiator (x v x) Organization: Coaching Points: 25 yds -Two sets of cones as goals 40 yds apart - Incorporate the second defender -Divide players into teams of 2 or 3, and form line at each goal into this activity - Coach will yell "go", and throw the ball to the middle - Player from each side will run to the ball and attempt Min to get it, and score at the appropriate goal. - Variation: Add variation (1 pass and or 1 footskill before scoring) C

Week 10 Practice Plan Duration Activity 1: Warm up "Fast Feet" Organization: Call out Number, and describe following moves. Cycle through first 4, then test with quick callouts & (1) Review all 10 footskills in a circle vary #'s. Repeat for 5-8, 9-10. Test Cycle for 5-8, 1-8, 1-10. of players and allow them to come to the center to demonstrate 15 (6) Stop Turn - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pass forward, stop the ball under the sole of the Min foot and turn quickly in the opposite direction (2) Allow players to demonstrate (7) Step Over -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, swing your leg around and past the ball, then turn combinations in opposite way and direction (8) Pull Back -Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, push ball 180, 90, or 45 (3) Challenge players to practice (9) Cryuff Turn-Tap ball quickly between left & right foot,then quickly hook it behind non-kicking foot and juggling in the offseason. change direction Demonstrate feet and thighs (10)Feint - Tap ball quickly between left & right foot, pull the ball back w/ the front part of your foot and flick it behind and forward the standing leg Duration Activity #2: Relays (FunActivity: Last Practice) Organization: Coaching Points: - Set up grid - encourage inside/ouside laces - Start at one end of the grid with balls - keep ball close for controlled dribble, 30 yds - group of 2 or 3 players per team further for speed dribble (U6 Concept) - Coach yells "Go", players dribble to one end and back, then passes ball to next player to go. 5 * ** - Relay options Min at "*", player must perfom footskill (feint, rolls squirts) at "**", player must perfom footskill (pull back, toe taps, squirts, inside/outside hooks) Repeat 3-4 times with new variation (*, **, or * plus **) Duration Activity #3: Longest Kick contest Organization: Coaching Points: - Set up line woth cones - Players start with balls behind line and kick in direction of coach Variation: Kick on ground, punt 15 Min Coach Duration Activity #4: Game Play Organization: Coaching Points: - allow players to set up the field (goals and boundaries) - watch and enjoy! Do not intervene. - help balance the teams, then let them decide positions. - Only start the play, then allow them to play. 15 Min Note: Minimal Daylight

Goalie Basics Activity 1: Arc Organization: Coaching Points: - Make an arc of small cones running - Focus on heads up, not crossing feet outside of goal from left to right pole - Face Forward, do not stand on goal line (top is 5-7 ft away from goal line) - Hands up! Return to original position - Goalies line up (x) outside of goal, and and repeat at go, shuffle inarc pattern working perimeter of goal (one at a time). NOTE: Obtain 5-7 balls Activity 2: Ball Roll Organization: Coaching Points: -Continue with arc formation drill -Focus on proper fielding of the ball: - a) coach holds up number, get behind the ball (shuffle over) forcing them to call out NO GRANDMA style pickup!! - b) coach sends ball in (Build up: Roll, KNEE & FOOT behind the ball, bring bounce, punt) while goalie works the ball into body, awareness of position in arc goal Activity 3: Diving Organization: Coaching Points: -Coach decides left/right (no ball) -Top leg: knee up (when on ground) -protect coach demonstrates -bring ball back in(tuck head) -Repeat left/right Activity 4: Distribution (Punt, Roll) Organization: Coaching Points: -Distribution: From A and B - have the players identify with the box Punt: Use Straps. Hold in opposite hand, - discuss distribution (outside vs. waist high @45. Two steps, drop, NOT middle) B A toss. Extend leg. Roll: Line Bowling. Smooth/ hard to Teammate Activity 5: Judgement Organization: Coaching Points: -Two cones represent defensive players - Review hy important to come out once -Coach dribbles out towards goalie past defenders -Once past defenders, goalie should - Break down angle come out quickly - They control or force player vs. letting - Get "BIG", hands up, ready to adjust them shoot - Review - Note of caution: picking up ball vs. defending (kicking)

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