Arrival game · 0 to 15 min
Shark Attack
Keep the ball close and steer it away from trouble.
Kids know this one. The kids know this one. Let them pick the first 2 sharks!
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
Four Corners
Turning fast and changing direction with the ball.
Set up
- Square, 20 x 20 big steps. A different color cone in each corner.
- Everyone starts in the middle with a ball.
Play
- Shout a color. Everyone dribbles to that corner.
- Shout CHANGE! Turn and go to a different corner.
- After a few rounds, let a kid be the caller.
Say this
“BLUE!... wait for it... CHANGE!”
“What's the fastest way to turn around with the ball?”
“Who can show everyone their turn?”
Watch for
- Turning WITH the ball, not running around it
- Little touches as they get close
- Praise any turn. Every turn counts.
Make it easierCall colors slowly. No CHANGE yet.
Make it harderCall 2 colors ("Red, then green!"). Weak foot turns.
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 after a turn or pull-back = 2 goals.
- Water break first. Swap teams halfway.
Say this
“Someone's coming at you. What can you do?”
“Where's the space? Point to it!”
“Show me that turn again!”
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's the best way to turn? Show me! Then high fives and a team cheer.