Arrival game · 0 to 15 min
Traffic Lights
Tons of touches. Keep the ball close so you can stop it.
Set up
- Cone a square, 20 x 20 big steps.
- Kids grab a ball and join in the second they arrive.
Play
- GREEN: dribble anywhere. YELLOW: tiny slow touches.
- RED: freeze with your foot on top of the ball.
- Silly calls: PURPLE = sit on your ball. RAINBOW = run around it.
Say this
“Can you keep it so close it's stuck to your shoe?”
“Who can stop it the fastest on RED?”
“Show me your quietest touches.”
Watch for
- Little touches, ball near the feet
- Heads up so nobody crashes
- Praise it: "I love how close you kept it!"
Make it easierCall RED less often. Stop it with any part of the foot.
Make it harderWeak foot only. Add more silly calls.
Main game · 15 to 35 min
Shark Attack
Keep the ball close and steer it away from trouble.
Set up
- Square, 20 x 20 big steps. Everyone has a ball.
- Pick 2 sharks. Sharks wear a pinnie and have no ball.
Play
- Sharks try to kick balls out of the square.
- Ball kicked out? Get it, do 5 toe taps, jump back in.
- Nobody is ever out. New sharks every 2 minutes.
Say this
“The sharks are hungry! Where can you go to stay safe?”
“What helps you keep your ball away from a shark?”
“Who found a good hiding spot?”
Watch for
- Ball stays close when a shark is near
- Body between the shark and the ball
- Praise bravery, not just escaping
Make it easier1 shark. Sharks walk. Bigger square.
Make it harder3 sharks. Smaller square.
Big game + huddle · 35 to 60 min
Big Game
Real soccer. Everyone plays. Nobody sits.
Set up
- 7 or 8 kids: one field, 4v4. 9 to 12 kids: two fields, 3v3.
- Field = 25 x 15 big steps. pop-up goal each end. No goalies.
Play
- Ball goes out? Roll a new one in fast. No kick-ins, dribble it in.
- Bonus: dribble past someone, then score = 2 goals.
- Water break first. Swap teams halfway.
Say this
“Did anyone use a Shark Attack trick in the game?”
“Where's the space?”
“Great try! What else could you do?”
Watch for
- A beehive around the ball is normal at this age
- Kids trying moves, not just booting it
- Praise effort and bravery, loudly
Last 5 minutes: huddleWhat was your favorite game today? Then high fives and a team cheer.