Arrival game · 0 to 15 min
Clean Your Room
Tons of kicking practice and pure, happy chaos.
Kids know this one. Start with whoever is here vs a coach. Add kids as they arrive.
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.
Main game · 15 to 35 min
1v1 Battles
Be brave and take on a defender.
Set up
- Little boxes, 15 x 10 big steps. One box per pair.
- Pair kids up by size and skill.
Play
- Defender rolls the ball to the attacker.
- Attacker scores by stopping the ball on the far line. Then swap.
- Every 2 minutes: winners move up a box, others move down.
Say this
“What happens when you run AT a defender?”
“What fake can make them move the wrong way?”
“Defender: can you win it back?”
Watch for
- Attacking with speed, not stopping
- Fakes, cuts, any move counts
- Praise brave tries, even if they lose it
Make it easierDefender walks, or starts further away.
Make it harderAttacker has 5 seconds to score.
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: beat a player, then score = 2 goals.
- Water break first. Swap teams halfway.
Say this
“You've got the ball and one defender. Go at them!”
“Lost it? Can you win it right back?”
“What move did you use?”
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: huddleWho tried a new move today? Show us! Then high fives and a team cheer.