Fast footwork

1vs1

Training session

Finishing on goal

Soccer drill for strikers

Reaction speed drills

Training session

Warm-up

The hawk game

The players stand on a line, each with a ball. Another player, without a ball, faces them. He/she is the “hawk”. Upon the signal, the players try to get to the other side of the pitch, controlling the ball with their feet. The hawk tries to catch as many players as possible by tapping them on the shoulder. Points are counted. Each player takes it in turn to be the hawk.

Match 1

2 v 2 / 3 v 3: crossing the line

The players are divided into teams of two or three (depending on the number of children). A point is scored by crossing the goal line with the ball at the feet. 

Duration: 1-2 minutes. Rotation of teams to change opponents.

Excercise

Running with the ball and passing

Groups of at least three players are formed. Player "A" runs with the ball using the inside of the left foot, goes around the cone and passes to player "B", still using the inside of the left foot. Player "A" then runs to take the place of player "B". Player "B" runs with the ball using the right foot, goes around the cone and passes to player "C" with the inside of the right foot and then runs to take player "C"’s place, and so on.

Match 2

4 v 4 (with goalkeeper)

Two teams of four face each other on a reasonably sized pitch (with goalkeeper and substitutes). If there are enough children, a three-team tournament is also possible. Free play; coach-educator keeps a low profile; dribbling encouraged.

Passing and coordination

Some typical characteristics of the Under 8 player

• Enjoy playing in pairs
• Are now able to take another’s perspective.
• Still unable to think abstractly – be patient.
• Cooling system still less efficient than adults – still make sure to give frequent water breaks.
• Still prefer playing to watching – keep everyone active during practice.
• Limited attention span
• Have an understanding of time and sequence – “if I do this, then that happens”.
• Some now have a third or fourth speed in addition to stopped and as fast as possible.
• Very aware of adult reactions – be very aware of your reactions.
• Seek out adult approval and need reassurance – be supportive.
• Begin to become aware of peer perception – a social order is beginning to develop.
• Wide range of abilities between children at this age
• Beginning to develop motor memories
• Some become more competitive
• Less active imaginations than U6 players

http://www.mayouthsoccer.org/coaches/u8/

1v1 50/50 to Goal Team Competition

Instructions

On the coach’s command, the first player from each team should sprint around the cone in front of their line. As the players approach the cone the coach should play a 50/50 ball in the middle of each cone. The two players should battle for possession and quickly attack the goal. 

The players should battle each other for the ball and either player can score a goal once possession is won. As a goal is scored the team scoring the goal is awarded a point. 

Combination Shooting & Finishing Drill

Drill Instructions:

1. Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 and follows his pass.
2. Player 2 then passes to player 3 between the cones as player 3 is checking through the cones.
3. Player 2 follows his pass and checks into the cones in the middle.
4. Player 3 should have a touch with their back to the goal towards their far side and finish with a right footed shot on goal.
5. As Player 2 is making the pass to player 3, the new player 1 makes a pass to player 4 and follows his pass.
6. Player 4 passes into the new player 3 who is checking-in between the cones.
7. Player 3 has a tight touch and turn with their back to the goal towards the back side and finishes with a left footed shot.
8. Player 1 will then pass to player 2 and the same pattern is followed.

Basic ball control drills

Ball control and wall pass

Finishing exercise

Soccer Goalie Drills

Soccer ball possession drills

Killer whale drill

Create a large circle with cones. Have 4-14 players inside the circle dribbling with a soccer ball. Two defensive players wearing pinnies are the "Killer Whales"

The object of the game is for one or two "killer whales" to kick as many soccer balls outside of the circle as he can. Each ball that goes out is worth a point.

The others (O's) with a soccer ball try to shield the ball from the killer whale (X's). If his or her ball gets kicked out, they retrieve the ball and and continue dribbling in circle.

The "killer whales" can usually can go for 30 to 60 seconds and keep track of their score. Make sure everyone has a chance to be killer whale. The player who kicks out the most balls wins.

http://www.coachingsoccer101.com/killerwhale.htm

Soccer Drill for Kids