U8 - U10
Quick Footwork
Download the practice card
Area – 10 x 20. This exercise shows 9 players. Two players have a soccer ball.
The exercise starts with the two players with a ball dribbling around the area and trying to hit the other players below the knee.
1. This has to be done with a side foot pass.
2. If a player is hit below the knee they go and collect a ball from the coach and help to hit the other players.
3. Play until all players have been hit.
4. Change starting hitters.
Coaching points:
The players with the ball must show energy, movement off the ball and quick turning reactions while chasing players. Do not allow this to get out of hand. Emphasize the importance of the pass. Pass with the side of your foot. The contact made on the ball is in the middle, not on the bottom. Aim for the legs. If players kick their ball out, they have to retrieve it.
Exercise shows 10 players in a 10 x 20 area. The dark players all have a ball and the red players are in pairs and have one ball. Players do not have to have designated colors. This just helps with the explanation.
1.The dark players run / dribble their ball from east to west, back and forth.
2. The red players that are in pairs go from north to south. The first player with the ball runs / dribbles the ball north, comes back and passes to their team mate, who then performs the same task.
3. Switch the roles of the players.
Coaching points:
Fun, energetic, competitive.
Try and not hit other balls.
Close ball control. Lift your head. To see what is going on.
Variation:
The red players now stand facing each other and pass the ball to each other through the crowd.
Area – 25 x 30. Two teams. The coach has all the soccer balls. Each team is standing in their goal, linking arms.
1. Each player is numbered 1 - 5. (or more)
2. The coach calls out a number (or two numbers) and serves in the ball.
3. The player with that number from each team enters the field, plays a 1 v 1, 2 v 2 etc and attempts to score on the opposition’s goal.
4. The remaining players stay linked together and act as a large goal-keeper. If they break the chain, then a goal is awarded to the other team.
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Decision making
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Team work
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Players have to concentrate on the task
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Team mates will verbally help a team mate
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Playing numbers down
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Fun
Psychological / Social
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Competitive
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Go, go , go
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You need the coach to be enthusiastic
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Short bursts of energy
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1 v 1 battles
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60 - 90 minute session
Physical
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Close ball control
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Dribbling
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Turns
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Using inside, outside and sole of the foot
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Passing
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Shielding
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Shootin
Technical
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Field awareness
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Decision making
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Pass to team mate or dribble
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Find space
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Defend - Pressure and cover
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Movement