This drill incorporates many of the fundamentals of soccer: Ball control, heads up play, moving changing directions, changing pace

Mark out an area on the field. All players must stay in the area and dribble the ball.

The coach then gives instructions that the players must follow: Stop, turn, change directions, left foot only, right foot only etc.

The coach should move around and use hand signals to force the players to look up as they dribble.

For 5 - 8 year olds one coach or assistant should use a whistle the first couple of weeks. Have the players dribble inside the area and when they hear the whistle blow they stop, put their foot on the ball and look at the referee (the person with the whistle) to find out what they do next.

• If the coach holds up one finger, everyone must sit on the ball
• If the coach holds up two fingers, everyone must stop and do bells
• If the coach holds up three fingers, everyone must fall down and get back up quickly
• The coach should be constantly moving so the players have to keep looking up to see the coach

Watch the videos:  Warm Up Dribbling Drill

Players line up on the sideline with a ball
Players run with the ball to the other side, turn and come back.
There is only one rule,  the player cannot allow the ball to go over the opposite sideline.

Coaching points:

• Show the players how to turn with the ball & have them practice a few times
• Remind players that this is not a race & to keep control of the ball
• Start by having the players walk with the ball several steps, turn and walk back
• Next have the players run slowly with the ball, turn and run back
• Then have players run faster

Players line up on the sideline with a ball.
Both feet must be on or behind the line.
Stand with your toes pointing to where you want to throw the ball.
Throw the ball with both hands, from behind your head in one motion.
Part of both feet must remain on the ground at all times.
Have the players throw the ball one at a time. If they do a foul throw, have them do it again.
First have the players throw the ball towards the goal (aim for the crossbar) then have the players throw the ball

Coaching points:

• Keep it simple: don't turn the ball over to the other team because of a foul throw
• Remember to get back on the field and involved in the play
• Remind players that as in most aspects of the game, they have more than one option and the player should decide for themselves which option is best at that time

Watch the video:  Throw Ins

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Players pass the ball back and forth to each other.

Two-touch passing - first touch controls the ball, second touch passes the ball back
After a few minutes, increase the distance between the lines for longer, harder passes.

Coaching points:

• be on your toes ready to move to the ball & use both feet
• keep your eyes on the ball
• use the inside of your foot (for accuracy and control)
• kick the ball in the middle to keep it on the ground
• help your partner by giving a good firm pass (not too hard, not too soft)
• pass the ball to the left or right so that you partner must move to the ball (don't reach)

Players make 2 lines facing each other about 5 yards apart

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Players pass the ball back and forth to each other using their lacesTwo-touch passing: first touch controls the ball, the second touch passes the ball.
After a few minutes the players can spread out anywhere on the field & increase their distance. They may now kick the ball as it is still rolling one touch

Coaching points:

• move to the ball
• keep your eye on the ball when kicking
• kick the ball in the middle to keep it on the ground, or below the bottom to lift it
• follow through

Coaching points:

Coaching points:

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Player with the ball throws it to their partner.
They kick the ball back to their partner before the ball hits the ground.
After a few minutes, switch roles

Player with the ball tries to go around the defender.

The defender d1 closes down the space and jockeys, trying to force the player with the ball to the outside. Add a second defender d2. Their job is to go for the ball if the first defender gets beaten.

Rotate players so that everyone has a turn defending.