NOGA SOCCER - LeagueAthletics.comfiles.leagueathletics.com/Text/Documents/1313/30053.docx · Web viewWhen the head coach calls out the word “STRIKE” each player attempts ...

DarienSOCCER CLUB

FIRST GRADE CURRICULUM

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First Grade Weekly Training Program

Game Time and StructureAll the games within the First Grade program will be 4v4 with goalkeepers and will be 35 minutes in duration (2 periods of 17minutes 30 secs). The following adjustments to the rules will be made.

1. Pass in instead of throw in.2. On any goal kicks, the defending team (the one without the ball) should fall back

to the halfway line.3. All free kicks are indirect.4. The game is played with a size three ball.5. Substitutes are on the fly – no stopping the game.6. No offside calls will be made.7. Field size will be set at width 25yards and length 35 yards.

All parents and coaches within the program should be aware that only the game format described above should be played within the First Grade program.

COACHING GUIDELINES FOR FIRST GRADE

1. Give the players as much active time with the ball as possible.

2. Do not use practices that involve the players standing in a line.

3. Try to finish the practice when the children are having fun and you have accomplished your "goals" for the day.

4. Juggling and dribbling type moves should be part of every session you do. If not prescribed these activities should be incorporated at the end of drink breaks and start of the practice.

5. Although they are young, they need and respect discipline. Carefully select your teaching style and your guidelines for behavior and then be firm with what you will and will not accept.

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6. Carefully select the language that you use when communicating with the young players. For example by saying, “The one who works the hardest will be my next catcher” you effectively invite all players (regardless of ability) to participate in the game. Alternatively the phrase “The first one to do...” invites only the gifted few. At all times try to use language that invites all, excites all and alienates no one.

7. Use your body language to help express the enthusiasm that you have for the practice you are running. Avoid towering above them, get down on your knees and become part of their world. They will relate better to you if you are an animated character.

NOGA SCHEME OF WORK - FIRST GRADE

NUMBER OF WEEKS: Eight

DURATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL WORK: 35 Minutes

ADDITIONAL GAME TIME: 35 minutes

Week 1 - Dribbling, 1v1s and an introduction to Goalkeeping.

Week 2 - Goalkeeping part 2 and introduction to “finishing”

Week 3 - Dribbling, moves and 1v1 defending.

Week 4 - 1v1s and an introduction to possession.

Week 5 - Passing

Week 6 - 1v1s to goal and 2v1s to goal

Week 7 - Possession

Week 8 -

A note from NOGA:

If there are any questions concerning the content of the training sessions included in this guide please do not hesitate to contact the NOGA soccer

education department via email at [email protected]

This information and additional homework and “foot-notes” for players will be posted on the Lewisboro Soccer Club web site each week

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mailto:[email protected]

FIRST GRADE -- WEEK 1

Game 1 - The Numbers GameThe players all dribble around in a square with a ball. All players are encouraged to complete a move every three or four touches of the ball. When the coach calls out a number the players get into groups of that number. Any player who cannot get into a group joins the coach as part of his/her group. The coach finishes the game with the number 2.

Coaching Points: 1. Encourage the young players to communicate amongst themselves and organize each other.2. The coach should always add onto his game description the phrase “ If you cannot find a friend come to me and be my friend”. This simple use of language keeps the game fun for all the players and means that none of the players end up feeling left out.

Game 2 – 1v1 to a ball The players play with one target ball and one game ball anywhere within a defined area. Player 1 starts in front of the target ball and passes the ball through player 2’s legs to begin the game. Both players then compete for the ball and 10 points are scored if you

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can hit the target ball. There are no outs and after a score the game begins with another pass through the legs.

Introduction to Goalkeeping To place a young player in goal without having attempted to teach the players the basic skills of the position is either negligent or cruel. It is no great fun to have a team of players mercilessly striking the ball at you when you have not been taught strategies and techniques to deal with the oncoming blasts. The following work is designed to give the young players a FUN based introduction to the position of goalkeeper. Many of the basic techniques of the position will be examined. The aim is a simple one any young players asked to go in goal, through the experience given in training , will at least look forward to the experience rather than dread every minute of it.

Adventure Soccer Theme– Saving the Golden Soccer Balls“A team of soccer explorers was sailing to the island of Soccertania to explore the great mountain of Goal. Their aim is to try to collect the hundreds of golden balls that had remained hidden in a cave right at the very top of the mountain for thousands of years.

The problem was that because the mountain was so steep and bumpy the only way to collect the golden soccer balls was to roll them down the bumpy mountain to their shipmates below. These shipmates needed very ‘safe hands’ or the golden soccer balls would bounce right past them and be lost forever in the sea. Therefore, during the voyage they worked hard on their skills for stopping and saving the golden soccer ball no matter what height they came at them.”

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Game 3 Captain CommandOn the deck of the ship, the explorers practiced sharpening up their goalkeeping skills to the command of the Captain. Each player has a ball and on following commands they practice the following moves goalkeeping moves:

1. Scoop – Roll the ball in front the scoop it up with both hands bringing it into the chest.

2. Clean the Ship – All players move around the ship bouncing their ball to chest height catching the ball with fingers spread and moving their feet in a shuffle motion like a goalkeeper.

3. Around the back – move the ball from one hand to the other moving the ball around the back of the body and back to the front.

4. Bounce – bounce the ball away and then scoop it up.5. Through the legs – Make a figure of 8 motion from hand to hand around and

through the legs.6. Sky ball – The ball is thrown straight up and caught as near to the sky as

possible.7. Crab Catch – ball is rolled to the side player moves sideways to scoop it up.

Coaching Points1. The coach should always ensure that the area of the field used for goalkeeping training is SAFE!2. It is essential that the coach be enormously enthusiastic in coaching this session. The aim is to leave all players excited about the prospect of playing in goal.

Coaching Notes:Most coaches get carried away with the handling skills when they begin to coach goalkeeping. As vital as good handling is, it is the foot work, that sets the foundation for solid goalkeeping.

In this practice pay close attention to the way that the players use their feet. They should constantly be on the sole of the foot in a balanced

position. When they move the hands should be up, fingers spread not down at their sides.

When a goalkeeper moves from side to side, they should shuffle basketball style never crossing their feet over.

The players should ‘power’ into the ball with the last step. This will become more important in later coaching when you introduce diving.

Game 5 – Partner WorkOrganize the players into groups of two. Players work with a partner using a series of movements to extend the coordination of their handling of the ball and try to aid their flexibility. Each pair follows the following commands when given by the coach.

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Over and under – Partners stand back to back and feed through the legs then over the head.Round and back – Partners feed behind them in a figure 8 movement.High and Low – With two balls one partner feeds high then one low then swap.

Game 6 – The Shipmate ChallengeJust before the ship reached Soccertania – the land of the Golden Soccer balls, the Captain decides to have ‘shipmate challenge’. The crew is divided into pairs and competes against each other. They each stand by the edge of the ship and take it in turns to try to get the ball past their partner into the sea. As they practice the captain walks around and looks for the best shipmates to take onto the island.

Technique – Catching Ground ShotsTo catch a ground ball safely the best technique for the 6 year old is kneeling technique.

1. Turn both feet sideways to the ball and bend so that the knee of one leg touches the heel of the other.

2. Place both hands behind the ball fingers spread out and pointing down and the little fingers almost touching.

3. Scoop the ball up and cradle it into your stomach and chest

Technique – catching body shots – at waist height1. Get your body quickly behind the ball.2. As the ball arrives bend slightly forwards to bring the chest over the ball.3. Fingers spread little fingers almost together.4. Scoop the ball into your stomach and chest.5. Cushion the ball by jumping slightly backwards as the ball arrives.6. Cup your hands around the ball to protect it.

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Additional Coaching PointsThe secret of the “W” and “M”To be a top class explorer and be selected for the trip all of the explorer’s had to know the special secret of the “W”. The captain let them in on the secret one morning. The “W” shape is the shape that

hands make if they are going to produce a great save on a ball that arrives at chest height or above. The fingers are spread out and the thumbs touch in the middle to make a “W” between the hands. The “M” shape is the shape that is made for balls that arrive below the waist.

Game 7 - Two and InThe players are organized into groups of three. Using cones or discs each group make a small goal as shown in the diagram below. The two outfield players compete against each other to try and score goals past their freshly trained goalkeeper. The first player to score tow goals gets to choose whether to the next goalkeeper or continue to play out.

Coaching Points1. Keep the games as active as possible.2. Coach from behind the goal and offer advice and encouragement for the

goalkeeper

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Game 1 - Hit the coach.All players dribble around inside the area. When the head coach calls out the word “STRIKE” each player attempts to hit the ball with their laces against a coach’s ankle. Once a coach is hit with ball he is frozen, stands still until another coach tags them free. If the players can get all coaches frozen at the same time they win the game.

Coaching Points1. Instruct the players that their shot only counts if the contact with the ball is made

with their laces.2. Analyze the different levels of technique displayed so that appropriate feedback

can be given.

Additional Coaching Points for Instep Striking1. The contact with the ball should be made primarily where the laces on their cleat

meet the leather towards their toes.2. At the moment of the contact they should watch their laces make contact with the

ball and the head should be steady.3. They should attempt to approach the ball from the side on a curved approach.

Game 2 - Shoot the coach – part twoHaving made the above Coaching Points have the players play the game again.

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All players dribble around inside the area. When the head coach calls out the word “STRIKE” each player attempts to hit the ball with their laces against a coach’s ankle. Once a coach is hit with ball he is frozen, stands still until another coach tags them free. If the players can get all coaches frozen at the same time they win the game.

Game 3 - Adventure – Saving the Golden Soccer BallsThe soccer explorers were sailing in the island of “Soccertania” to explore the great mountain of Goal. Their aim is to try to collect the hundreds of golden balls that had remained hidden in a cave right at the very top of the mountain for thousands of years.

The problem was that because the mountain was so steep and bumpy the only way to collect the golden soccer balls was to roll them down the bumpy mountain to their shipmates below. These shipmates needed very ‘safe hands’ or the golden soccer balls would bounce right past them and be lost forever in the sea. Therefore, during the voyage they worked hard on their skills for stopping and saving the golden soccer ball no matter what height they came at them.

Game 4 -- Captain CommandOn the deck of the ship, the explorers practiced sharpening up their goalkeeping skills to the command of the captain. Each has a ball and on following commands from the captain they practice the following moves:

1. Scoop – Roll the ball in front the scoop it up.2. Clean the Ship – All players simply move around the ship bouncing their ball and

moving their feet like a goalkeeper.3. Around the back – from one hand to the other moving the ball around the body.4. Bounce – scoop up a ball that is bouncing away.5. Through the legs – A figure of 8 from hand to hand around the legs.6. Sky ball – The ball is thrown straight up and caught as near to the sky as

possible.7. Crab Catch – ball is rolled to the side player moves sideways to scoop it up.

Coaching Points1. The coach should always ensure that the area of the field used for goalkeeping training is SAFE!2. It is essential that the coach be enormously enthusiastic in coaching this session. The aim is to leave all players excited about the prospect of playing in goal.

Game 5 – Partner WorkOrganize the players into groups of two. Players work with a partner using a series of movements to extend the coordination of their handling of the ball and try to aid their flexibility. Each pair follows the following commands when given by the coach.

Over and under – Partners stand back to back and feed through the legs then over the head.

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Round and back – Partners feed behind them in a figure 8 movement.High and Low – With two balls one partner feeds high then one low then swap.

Game 6 – The Shipmate ChallengeJust before the ship reached Soccertania – the land of the Golden Soccer balls, the Captain decides to have ‘shipmate challenge’. The crew is divided into pairs and competes against each other. They each stand by the edge of the ship and take it in turns to try to get the ball past their partner into the sea. As they practice the captain walks around and looks for the best shipmates to take onto the island.

Game 7 – Shipmate Challenge part twoThe captain simply cannot decide on which of its members should go onto the island to save the golden soccer balls. The captain divides the crew into three teams. The middle team makes saves between the two other groups who are trying to feed the ball past them, the coach calls out the type of feed.

Game 8 – Collecting Golden BallsEventually the chosen crew is selected. They are sent onto the island and for two minutes, they have to stop as many of the golden balls as possible from slipping into the sea. The coach should have the player’s field three different types of feed.

1. On the ground.2. Towards the middle of the body.3. In the air.

Additional Coaching Points

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1. In playing the above games for the first 5 minutes of each game have players throw the ball suing the methods below at the players in the “goalkeeper positions”.

Notes: Goalkeeper Distribution The format of the shipmate challenge practice provides an ideal opportunity for the coach to emphasize the correct methods of distribution for a goalkeeper. At the younger ages the goalkeeper should be encouraged to roll or throw the ball.

Technique – Rolling the ballHold ball in palm of hand with fingers spread out around the ball.Bring ball to the side of body and take large step forward.Whilst stepping forward bring the hand with ball in close to ground and bowl the ball with hand moving forwards.

Technique – Baseball throwBall is held in palm of hand with fingers spread.Ball is brought to a position level with shoulder.Hand and arm are brought quickly forward and across body while the hand moves under the ball.

Game 9 - 2 and InThe players are organized into groups of three. Using cones or discs each group make a small goal as shown in the diagram below. The two outfield players compete against each other to try and score goals past their freshly trained goalkeeper. The first player to score two goals gets to choose whether to the next goalkeeper or continue to play out.

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goalkeeper.FIRST GRADE -- WEEK 3

Game 1 – Nine Lives and Knock out Using cones and discs the coach makes two adjacent rectangles. Each rectangle should be approx 20 yds by 15yds. All players are instructed to dribble within one of the rectangles. The players all begin the game with “nine lives”. The coach awards extra lives for great effort and performing moves. Players lose lives by dribbling slowly, dribbling out of the area or dribbling into another player.

The coach uses the following commands to make the game more difficult,

Switch – they do ten toe taps, leave their ball and take another ball.Inside-Outside – they do inside-outside move for ten second burst.U-shape - they do the u_shape move for ten second burst.Squeezy Push – they do the “squeezy-push” move for a ten second burst.Knock Out – while trying to keep their own ball under control they try and knock other balls out of the area. As soon as a player’s ball gets knocked out they begin to dribble in the adjacent square using only their weak foot.

Coaching Points1. Try and insist that each player is performing at an athletic pace.2. Award lives for the players who can do the foundation moves with the quickest

feet.3. Teach the foundation moves.

Game 2 – The Numbers GameThe children all dribble around in a square with a ball. All players are encouraged to do a move every three or four touches of the ball. When the coach calls out a number the players get into groups of that number. Any players who cannot get into a group join the coach as part of his group. The coach finishes the game with the number 2.

Coaching Points1. Encourage the young players to communicate amongst themselves and organize

each other.2. The coach should always add onto his game description the phrase “If you

cannot find a friend come to me and be my friend”. This simple use of language keeps the game fun for all the players and means that none of the players end up feeling left out.

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Game 3 – 1v1 to a ball The players play with one target ball and one game ball anywhere within a defined area. Player 1 starts in front of the target ball and passes the ball through player 2’s legs to begin the game. Both players then compete for the ball and 10 points are scored if you can hit the target ball. There are no outs and after a score the game begins with another pass through the legs.

Game 4 - 1v1 to small goals.Using cones mark out area as shown below. One player starts the game with a ball. They play it to their opponent and then become the defender. Players score by playing ball through their opponent's goal. There is no out of bounds. The player who is the first one to three is the winner of the game.

Coaching Points1. Encourage the young players to use the moves they mastered in the warm up

games...2. They should use skill and speed rather than strength to beat their opponent. 3. They can only score after they have done 2 moves.

Game 5 - 2 and inThe players are organized into groups of three. Using cones or discs each group make a small goal as shown in the diagram. Two outfield players compete against each other to try and score goals past their freshly trained goalkeeper. The first player to score two goals gets to choose whether to be the next goalkeeper or continue to play.

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goalkeeper.


Game 1 – Pass and MovePlayers are put into pairs with one ball for each pair and are instructed to pass and move. The coach explains that the players who try and cover the most ground after they pass will be rewarded with a pinnie.

Coaching Points1. Each time they receive the ball they should play a pass to themselves before

passing to their partner.2. Try and encourage players to pass into the space in front of their partner and

always be moving.

Game 2 – Pass and Move into 1v1 With the players passing and moving with their partner as described above the coach should ensure that one of each pair has a pinnie. When the coach calls “compete” the two players compete against each other to possess the ball. Whichever player has possession of the ball when the coach calls “freeze” wins one point. The first player to three points is the winner. The winner of the 1v1 is the payer who gets the pinnie.


passing to their partner.2. Try and encourage them to pass into the space in front of their partner and

always be moving.

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3. When they are playing 1v1 encourage them to use moves and skill as well as speed to keep the ball away from their partner.

4. After each game have them play against a different partner.

Game 3 – Weak Foot only -- Pass and Move into 1v1 Exactly the same game as above but this time the players are only allowed to use their weak foot. Both for dribbling and passing. With the players passing and moving with their partner as described above the coach should ensure that one of each pair has a pinnie. When the coach calls “compete” the two players compete against each other to possess the ball. Whichever player has possession of the ball when the coach calls freeze wins one point. The first player to three points is the winner. The winner of the 1v1 is the payer who gets the pinnie.


passing to their partner.2. Try and encourage them to pass into the space in front of their partner and

always be moving.3. When they are playing 1v1 encourage them to use moves and skill as well as

speed to keep the ball away from their partner.4. After each game have them play against a different partner.

Game 4 Superman - An introduction to possession.Using cones or discs the coach makes an area that is approximately 30 yds by 20 yds. Each player begins the game with ball. One player is chosen to be Superman. This player starts the game as a defender outside the area. When the coach calls, “go”, the defender runs into the area and starts to take balls off the players dribbling. When a player’s ball is knocked out of the area he attempts to combine with other players to help them possess the ball. At the end of the game there will be one ball with 10 or so players trying to possess it playing against one defender.

If the group trying to possess the ball can play ten passes in a row they are considered to have “Kryptonited” the defender and his time does not count. Each player gets to defend. The player who gets all the balls out in the quickest time is, “superman”.

Coaching Points1. At the start of the game encourage each player to keep their ball close and use

their skill to avoid the defender.2. As soon as their ball is knocked out of the area encourage them to try and help

other players keep their balls by moving into positions where they could receive a pass.

3. Do no expect great results straight away. This game has a long term aim of introducing some of the concepts of possession to the young players.


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Game 1 -- Superman - An introduction to possessionUsing cones or discs the coach makes an area that is approximately 30 yds by 20 yds. Each player begins the game with ball. One player is chosen to be Superman. This player starts the game as a defender outside the area. When the coach calls, “go”, the defender runs into the area and starts to take balls off the players dribbling. When a player’s ball is knocked out of the area he attempts to combine with other players to help them possess the ball. At the end of the game there will be one ball with 10 or so players trying to possess it playing against one defender.



their skill to avoid the defender.2. As soon as their ball is knocked out of the area encourage them to try and help

other players keep their balls by moving into positions where they could receive a pass.


Game 2 - BingoAll players dribble around inside the area with a ball. The coach calls out numbers between 2 and 4. As soon as the coach calls a number the players attempt to arrange themselves in groups of that number. The first group together shouts “Bingo”

Coaching Points1. At the start of the game encourage each player to keep their ball close and

attempt to perform moves every three touches.2. Allow the players to arrange themselves into groups – avoid the temptation to do

it for them.

Game 3 - Short Passing GamesBased upon the different abilities within the group have them play one of the following short passing games.

a) GhostbustersThe children stand approximately six yards apart, as shown below. The coach introduces the game as “Ghostbusters”, every time the children can pass the ball through their partner’s legs they score a “slimer”. First pair to five “slimers” are the winners.

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b) Soccer MarblesArrange the players as shown in the diagram above but this time both players have a ball. One player plays a pass towards their partner; the player with ball then tries to hit the rolling ball by passing his ball against it. Each time the balls collide a point is scored.

Game 4 – Pass and Move into 1v1 With the players passing and moving with their partner as described above the coach should ensure that one of each pair has a pinnie. When the coach calls “compete” the two players compete against each other to possess the ball. Whichever player has possession of the ball when the coach calls freeze wins one point. The first player to three points is the winner. The winner of the 1v1 is the payer who gets the pinnie.


passing to their partner.2. Try and encourage the players to pass into the space in front of their partner and

always be moving.3. When they are playing 1v1 encourage the players to use moves and skill as well

as speed to keep the ball away from their partner.4. After each game have the players play against a different partner.

Game 5 – 3v3 Mini TournamentPlace the players into teams of three and have the players play a mini tournament. Each game is 5 minutes in length –teams play with rush goalkeepers and all players must touch the ball before their team can score.

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Game 1 -- Superman 2 - Possession – from passing and movingUsing cones or discs the coach makes an area that is approximately 30 yds by 20 yds. Divide the players into pairs with one ball for each pair. One player is chosen to be Superman. This player starts the game as a defender outside the area. When the coach calls, “go”, the defender runs into the area and starts to take balls off the players who are passing and moving. When a pair’s ball is knocked out of the area they attempt to combine with other players to help the players possess the ball. At the end of the game there will be one ball with 10 or so players trying to possess it playing against one defender.


Coaching Points1. At the start of the game encourage each pair of players to pass and MOVE.2. As soon as their ball is knocked out of the area encourage the players to try and

help other players keep their balls by moving into positions where they could receive a pass.


Game 2 - BingoAll players dribble around inside the area with a ball. The coach calls out numbers between 2 and 4. As soon as the coach calls a number the players attempt to arrange themselves in groups of that number. The first group together shouts “Bingo”

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Coaching Points1. At the start of the game encourage each player to keep their ball close and

attempt to perform moves every three touches.2. Allow the players to arrange themselves into groups – avoid the temptation to do

it for the players.

Game 3 – Pass and Move into 1v1 With the players passing and moving with their partner as described above the coach should ensure that one of each pair has a pinnie. When the coach calls “compete” the two players compete against each other to possess the ball. Whichever player has possession of the ball when the coach calls freeze wins one point. The first player to three points is the winner. The winner of the 1v1 is the payer who gets the pinnie.


passing to their partner.2. Try and encourage the players to pass into the space in front of their partner and

always be moving.3. When they are playing 1v1 encourage the players to use moves and skill as well

as speed to keep the ball away from their partner.4. After each game have the players play against a different partner.

Game 4 - 1v1 to small goals.Using cones mark out area as shown below. One player starts the game with a ball. They play it to their opponent and then become the defender. Players score by playing ball through their opponent's goal. There is no out of bounds. The player who is the first one to three is the winner of the game.

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Coaching Points1. Encourage the young players to use the moves they mastered in the warm up

games...2. They should use skill and speed rather than strength to beat their opponent. 3. They can only score after they have done 2 moves.

Game 5 – 2v1 to GoalPlace the players into teams of two or one and have them play 2v1 to goal. Each game is 5 minutes in length –after each game change the teams so no player has to play in a team of one in consecutive games.


Game 1- The Sorting HatThe children all dribble around in a square with a ball. All players are encouraged to do a move every three or four touches of the ball. The coach explains that depending upon the effort the display they will be placed into one of two grids (make two grids which are approx 20 ft by 20 ft). Those players who put in the most effort are placed in the “Metro stars” grid and the other players go in the “LA Galaxy” grid. Explain to the players that they will start on one grid but can be moved into another if they work harder.

Coaching Points1. At the start of the game encourage each player to dribble with speed and touch

the ball as many times as possible.2. Frequently call out the foundation moves – Inside-Outside, U-shape and

Squeezy push.

Game 2 - Number Time

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All players dribble around inside their area with a ball the coach should provide each player with a number 1 through whatever . . .

Coaching Points1. As they dribble around in the area call out the numbers and certain actions – for

example numbers 1s dribble with your arms in the air, number 2 dribble with your hands on your hips etc.

2. Use the above process to ensure that each player knows their number.

Game 3 – Team Possession OneWith all players dribbling around inside their grid the coach calls out a number. When that number is announced the corresponding player leaves their grid and goes to defend against the other team. The first defender to knock all the balls out of the grid is the winner.

Explain to the players trying to stop the defenders from winning, that when their ball is knocked out they can become passing options for their teammates. At the end of the game there will be one defender trying to get one soccer ball off five or six players. The five / six players should be trying to possess that ball from him / her. Each time a team’s defender wins that team is awarded 1 point. The first team to 5 points is the winner.


their skill to avoid the defender.2. As soon as their ball is knocked out of the area encourage the players to try and



Game 4 - Team Possession 2 – one ballKeep the players in the same grids as above but this time the whole group just has one ball that they must pass and move with. Tell the players that the rule is that the ball must always be rolling and that they must always be moving. Encourage the players to take one touch to prepare the ball and one touch to pass the ball.

When all players are moving call out the number for a defender. The first defender to win the ball scores a point for their team. First team to 5 points wins the game.

Coaching Points1. Encourage the players to take a controlling a touch whenever they receive the

ball.2. Be patient as they begin to understand the concepts of space and movement.

Game 5 – 3v3 Mini Tournament for Possession

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Place the players into teams of three and have them play a mini tournament. Each game is 5 minutes in length and teams should play with rush goalkeepers. Restrictions/conditions to ensure possession is made can be; all players must touch the ball before their team can score, four passes in a row is a goal, and/or a goal cannot be scored until four passes are made consecutively.


Game 1- The Sorting HatThe children all dribble around in a square with a ball. All players are encouraged to do a move every three or four touches of the ball. The coach explains that depending upon the effort the display they will be placed into one of two teams. Those players who put in the most effort are placed in the “marsh monsters” team and the other players go in the dribbling team.

Coaching Points1. At the start of the game encourage each player to dribble with speed and touch

the ball as many times as possible.2. Frequently call out the foundation moves – Inside-Outside, U-shape and

Squeezy push.

Game 2 - Stuck In The Mud The children play in a square approximately 30 x 20 yards. Two marsh monsters attempt to freeze out the players. To do this they simply have to touch the player’s ball with their foot. Once the player is frozen he/she picks up the ball and stands with their legs open, ball held on head. Players can set each other free by passing the ball through frozen players’ legs.

Coaching Points1. Encourage players to use the correct technique when setting the players free i.e.

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a. Non-kicking foot by the side of the ball.b. Lock ankle and follow through in the direction you want the ball to go.c. Watch the foot make contact with the middle of the ball.d. Encourage the correct weight of the pass. 2. For this to be an effective practice the coach has to see the children passing the

ball as many times as possible. If the catcher is having little success the coach is not seeing many of the children pass the ball. He/she therefore needs to use more catchers to increase the chances of the children being caught, which intern will increase the number of children who are making passes.

3. The coach should be aware that youngsters (in general) will not help their teammates preferring instead to concentrate on looking after themselves. This is a great opportunity for the coach to provide a moment of social education, explaining to the children that they all play on the same team and that they should all try to help each other. This should also encourage them to pass more!

Game 3 - Superman 2 - Possession – from passing and movingUsing cones or discs the coach makes an area that is approximately 30 yds by 20 yds. Divide the players into pairs with one ball for each pair. One player is chosen to be Superman. This player starts the game as a defender outside the area. When the coach calls, “go”, the defender runs into the area and starts to take balls off the players who are passing and moving. When a pair’s ball is knocked out of the area they attempt to combine with other players to help the players possess the ball. At the end of the game there will be one ball with 10 or so players trying to possess it playing against one defender.


Coaching Points

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1. At the start of the game encourage each pair of players to pass and MOVE.2. As soon as their ball is knocked out of the area encourage the players to try and


3. Do not expect great results straight away. This game has a long term aim of introducing some of the concepts of possession to the young players.

Game 4 - Team Possession 2 – one ballPlace the players in two grids of five players. This time the whole group just has one ball that they must pass and move with. Tell the players that the rule is that the ball must always be rolling and that they must always be moving. Encourage the players to take one touch to prepare the ball and one touch to pass the ball.

When all players are moving call out the number for a defender. The first defender to win the ball scores a point for their team. First team to 5 points wins the game.

Coaching Points1. Encourage the players to take a controlling a touch whenever they receive the

ball.2. Be patient as they begin to understand the concepts of space and movement.

Game 5 – 3v3 Mini Tournament for PossessionPlace the players into teams of three and have them play a mini tournament. Each game is 5 minutes in length and teams should play with rush goalkeepers. Restrictions/conditions to ensure possession is made can be; all players must touch the ball before their team can score, four passes in a row is a goal, and/or a goal cannot be scored until four passes are made consecutively.

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