Arrival game · 0 to 15 min
Cross the River
Change direction to get away from trouble.
Kids know this one. The kids know this one. Ask them to explain the pull-back rule.
Set up
- Long box, 30 x 20 big steps, safe zone at each end.
- 2 sharks in the middle. Everyone else on one bank, with a ball.
Play
- Shout "Cross the river!" Everyone dribbles to the other bank.
- Lose it? Get it, do 3 pull-backs on the side, go again.
- Pull-back = roll the ball back with the bottom of your foot.
Say this
“Where is the gap between the sharks?”
“If a shark comes at you, what can you do?”
“Show me how you turned away!”
Watch for
- Pull-backs and quick turns away from sharks
- Eyes up BEFORE they go
- Praise any turn, even if they lose it
Make it easier1 shark. Sharks walk or hop.
Make it harder3 sharks. Make the river narrower.
Main game · 15 to 35 min
Clean Your Room
Tons of kicking practice and pure, happy chaos.
Set up
- Split a field in half with a line of cones. One team per half.
- Spread ALL the balls on both sides.
Play
- GO! Kick balls into the other team's room.
- Stay in your own half. No hands.
- STOP! Count the balls. Fewest balls wins.
Say this
“Your room is messy! Clean it up!”
“What kick makes the ball go far?”
“What kick keeps the ball on the ground?”
Watch for
- Laces for big kicks, inside of foot to aim
- Kids kicking with both feet
- Praise kids who try their weak foot
Make it easierMake the halves smaller so kids are closer.
Make it harderWeak foot only round. Ball must stay on the ground.
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: score with your weaker foot = 2 goals.
- Water break first. Swap teams halfway.
Say this
“You've got space. What should you do?”
“Which kick did you use in Clean Your Room?”
“Shoot! It's OK to miss!”
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 best kick today? Then high fives and a team cheer.