Arrival game · 0 to 15 min
Shark Attack (or Traffic Lights)
Keep the ball close and steer it away from trouble.
Kids know this one. Last practice! Let the kids vote for their favorite warm-up.
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.
Main game · 15 to 35 min
Kids vs Grown-ups
Finale! Every kid gets to beat a grown-up.
Set up
- One field, 2 pop-up goals. Any parent can play.
- Kids in one color, grown-ups in pinnies.
Play
- Grown-ups WALK only, and use their weak foot only.
- Kid goal = 1. Nutmeg a grown-up = 3!
- Grown-ups: be silly. Fall over a lot.
Say this
“Can you beat a grown-up?”
“Grown-ups are slow. Where's the space?”
“Who's going to nutmeg a dad?”
Watch for
- Every kid touching the ball
- Big, dramatic grown-up falls
- Praise everyone, loudly
Make it easierGrown-ups hop on one foot.
Make it harderGrown-ups can jog. Kids must pass before scoring.
Big game + huddle · 35 to 60 min
Big Game + Tunnel
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.
- Kids only now. Normal game, big cheers for every goal.
- Water break first. Swap teams halfway.
Say this
“What did you learn this season?”
“Where's the space?”
“Show us your best move!”
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: huddleHigh-five tunnel! Parents make a tunnel, every kid runs through. Then high fives and a team cheer.