Arrival game · 0 to 15 min
Four Corners
Turning fast and changing direction with the ball.
Kids know this one. They played this last practice. Let a kid be the caller first.
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.
Main game · 15 to 35 min
Goal Grab
Look up, pick a goal, and shoot.
Set up
- Big square, 25 x 25 big steps. 4 pop-up goals facing different ways.
- Everyone has a ball.
Play
- Score in any goal and count your goals.
- No scoring in the same goal twice in a row.
- Round 2: add 2 thieves (no ball) who try to steal.
Say this
“Which goal is the easiest one to score in right now? Why?”
“What part of your foot makes the ball go where you want?”
“How many did you get?”
Watch for
- Head up to find an open goal
- Inside of foot to aim, laces for power
- Celebrate every goal like a World Cup final
Make it easierShoot from closer. No thieves.
Make it harderWeak foot goals count double. Add thieves.
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 part of your foot did you use for that goal?”
“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: huddleWho scored with their weaker foot today? Then high fives and a team cheer.