Mission StatementDevelopment of game intelligence training in 3v1, 3v2 , 3v3 and 4-goal formats....
Transcript of Mission StatementDevelopment of game intelligence training in 3v1, 3v2 , 3v3 and 4-goal formats....
U8 Coaching Guide
Mission StatementTRSA supports and develops an inclusive soccer program that enhances community and promotes
an active lifestyle.
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Welcome
Thank you for volunteering your time to be a TRSA U8 soccer
coach. What a rewarding and exciting job you have taken on!
We know you are up to the challenge. This guide has been
written with you in mind. Regardless of your experience with
soccer, it will make your job EASY and FUN!
What’s Inside
Session Planner:
Tips, objectives, understanding your players…………………………...
A recipe for success-How to break down your sessions………………..
Game time information…………………………………………………
All about Ball Manipulation…………………………………………….
All about ABC’s………………………………………………………...
Sample session plan…………………………………………………….
Session plan template…………………………………………………...
Fun games……………………………………………………………………... Frequently Asked Questions:…………………………………………………
Additional Resources: Injury Information………………………………………………………
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P.8-23
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P.25-26
Need Information?
1. Check the FAQ section of this guide
2. Check out our website www.trsa.ca
Still can’t find what your looking for?
3. Contact TRSA Program Manager Charlane Gorsak at [email protected]
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Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
So, you’re a coach! Here’s what we need from you Teach these kids to love the game!
Engage, encourage and enjoy!
Be prepared, positive, professional and passionate!
If you are having fun, they will too!
Yes, it’s that simple!
Tips to make your coaching career a success
Never be on time! Always be early.
Be organized and share responsibilities with another coach,
delegate duties; your assistants are key!
Have your session planned ahead of time! Use the session
format in this guide to ensure a consistent, purposeful practice
each and every time.
Quickly get the players active!
LOOK THE PART. BE A GREAT ROLE MODEL.
Objectives as a U8 coach
Develop a love for the game of soccer!
Development of soccer related ABC’s as well as fundamental movement skills.
Further develop running with the ball as well as dribbling, kicking the ball forward and basic shooting.
Introduction of cooperation with teammates.
Development of game intelligence training in 3v1, 3v2 , 3v3 and 4-goal formats.
Create a positive environment where success can be achieved.
Understanding Your Players
Co-ordination difficulties
Short attention spans
Capable of cooperative play in small groups
Enjoys doing well and being praised for it
Enjoys challenges
Sensitivity to criticism
Fear of embarrassment
Shows a need for peer and adult approval
Can become discouraged quickly when things
don’t work out
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A recipe for success!~How to break down your 60 minute sessions
The second portion of your session should be spent
working to develop agility, balance and coordination as
well as the fundamental movement skills needed to excel
in the game of soccer. This includes activities focused on
running, jumping, twisting, turning, dodging, hopping etc.
It will be done forwards, backwards, sideways and back
again! Additional information as well as activities to try,
see page 5.
A great way to activate the players at the start of a
session. Provides the opportunity for each player to work
one on one with a ball, developing their comfort,
confidence and technique. Arrange all players in a
20*20 yard grid, each with their own ball. Activities will
include using all the different surfaces of the feet on the
ball, kicking and catching the ball, dropping and kicking
the ball, bouncing and kicking the ball etc. More on page
4.
1. Minutes 0-10 Ball Manipulation ~ Developing comfort with a ball
2. Minutes 10-20ABC’s~ Developing fundamental movement skills
3. Minutes 20-30 FUN GAME ~ Creating a positive environment where success can be
achieved!
The fun games in this guide will provide the
players an opportunity to develop comfort with the
ball and their fundemental movement skills, in a
fun, positive enviroment! Gives you the
opportunity run along side and have fun with your
team! Learning comes with play. Let the game be
the teacher! See pages 6-21.
Remember! The games outlined in this guide are suggestions. You know your players. If they need
a little more time developing a particular skill, don’t be afriad to come back and try a fun game again,
at a different session! Most important is you and your team are having FUN!
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4. MINUTES 30-60 GAME TIME ~ Developing a love for the game
Games will be 5v5, with a goal keeper for each team. Organize the playing field as shown below and divide the
team into 2 groups. Each group will play the opposing team simultaneously; one group with the coach and one
with the assistant coach.
Throw-ins: Balls played out of
bounds will be awarded to the
opposite team for a throw in. Both feet behind the sideline. Part of
each foot must be touching the
ground as the ball is thrown. Players
must make a distinctive throwing
motion, delivering the ball from
behind their head. Do not be overly concerned with players following
proper technique. Goal kick: Balls played out past
the end line, by the attacking team,
go to the goal keeper for a goal
kick.
A Goal keeper may kick the ball
from anywhere in the goal area.
Players should all retreat to center
line. Corner Kick: Balls played out
past the end line, by the defending
team, will be awarded to the
opposite team for a corner kick.
Encourage active participation Praise positive effort
Create supportive environment Results do not matter
Let the game be the teacher Be the ‘coaxer’
Keep it simple Keep it fun
Your role during game time
Tips to make game time a success
Ask parents for help!
Setting up and organizing the playing area
Keeping the players awaiting their turn on the field busy with a ball
Assemble the subs and alert you every 2-3 minutes
Save snacks for AFTER the game!
Be positive! Look and act like a coach!
Shake hands with the opposing team after the game.
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Commence each session by having all players
dribbling throughout a 20*20 yard grid; each with
their own ball. After 1-2 minutes have the players
come in close for instructions. The variations are
almost endless; adjust them to suit your players.
Start simple and progress as the season continues.
Demonstrate a move and have the players repeat.
This is a great opportunity to discuss the 10
different surfaces of the feet: inside, outside,
laces, heels and soles on both feet.
ENSURE THE PLAYERS ARE TOUCHING
THE BALL Challenge yourself to see how many
touches you can get in.
You can add in all different movement patterns,
sequences, turns and tricks to keep the activity
new and exciting for the players. Encourage the
players to come up with their favorite move
and demonstrate!
Tapping the ball with the soles of the feet
Jumping over the ball
Running with the ball
Dribble with the laces: slow down and push the
ball lightly-left, right and alternate
Kick, bounce, kick
Sole drag backs: hopping between feet, move
backwards, dragging the ball back, alternating
between the sole of the shoes
Bouncing the ball
Throwing the ball and catching it
Dropping the ball to your feet
Dropping the ball to your thighs
Push the ball from side to side, right to left and
back again
Toe taps: hopping from one foot to the other,
tapping the ball with the opposite foot each time
Sole push: pushing the ball forward with the sole
of the shoes
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Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
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Running forward in a
figure 8
Hop through on both
feet
Side step in figure 8
Crab crawl
Monkey walk
Running backward in
a figure 8
Hop through on right
foot only/left foot
only
Jump side to side
Jump directly over
LEAP FROG Skip the cones and use the players! Have the players jump over each other to get to the other
side of the playing area.
FOLLOW THE LEADER You can incorporate any movement skills you wish, from quick, tiny,
fairy-feet to huge, angry, giant-feet! Have the kids take a turn leading the line and come up with their favorite move.
OVER UNDER In pairs of 2, have the players stand back to back; each pair with a ball. The first player will
pass the ball up and over their head to the player behind, who will then pass back through the legs to the first player.
Add a challenge and see how many passes each pair can do in a minute.
A FEW MORE IDEAS!
OBSTACLE COURSE This can be used as an obstacle course as shown.
Alternatively break it up and use any one of the set
ups individually.
Encourage all the different movement skills noted
above or come up with your own! Make it fun and
exciting as you bounce, crawl, hop, skip and run
around the course!
RELAY TIME Arranging the players in 4 lines of 3. Have them all stand behind a row of cones. Each will take a turn through
the cones, return and the next player will follow. Each session can focus on different movement skills and
performing them in different directions. While this activity is played in relay style, it is important to ensure
that the players are not trying to ‘win’ but rather are completing the exercises properly. Pick different
combinations of the following or make up your own to work on each session.
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Sample Session Plan
THEME: Dribbling
Ball Manipulation: Min 0-15
Dribbling with the laces
Running with the ball
Push the ball from side to side
Sole drag backs
Jump forwards and backwards over
the ball
ABC’s: Min 15- 25
Relay races figure 8 around the
cones
o First round without the ball
o Add the ball in- forward
dribble and shuffle side to
side
Fun Game: Min 25-45
Six goal game PG. 22
Set up six, 2 foot gates
Coach players to keep head up
Coach players to change
direction
Game Time 6:45-7:00
Encourage: running with the ball
Using the laces
Reflection:
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Session Plan
THEME:
Ball Manipulation 6:00-6:10
ABC’s 6:10-6:20
Fun Game 6: 20-6:30
Game Time 6:30-7:00
(Coach the theme of your practice)
Reflection:
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and players reach their full potential.
How many passes can a pair get in one minute?
Try asking the players to receive the ball with different parts of
their foot.
Gate Passing
Purpose This game teaches the players to
work together in teams and on passing and
moving with the ball.
Organization 25*20 yard grid with a cone in
each corner. Make 12 ‘gates’ by placing cones
of varying sizes throughout the grid. Split the
team into pairs, each pair with their own ball.
Directions Have the pair’s first pass through
a single gate to work on their passing technique.
Then instruct them to pass through as many
gates as they can, in one minute. Ensure you
play several rounds to allow the pairs to develop
different strategies to improve their score.
Objectives & Tips
Players should improve passing with accuracy,
vision and be thinking of their next move, when
receiving the ball.
You want to see players striking through the
middle of the ball. Try having them envision the
ball as an Oreo cookie; aiming for the cream in
the middle!
Switch it up! Have 1 pair act as bandits,
attempting to steal the ball from another pair. Teams pass through one gate and move to the next.
Plan the next move, thinking about the pace of the ball & Partner.
Try making passes longer, make it through more than one gate with a single pass.
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Ice Monsters
Purpose A great game used to introduce the
idea of patience when defending. Teaching
players to not dive in, to win the ball.
Organization Create a 20*20 yard grid.
Players are divided into one group of 8 players;
each with a ball and one group of 4 ‘Ice
Monsters’; each holding a coloured pinnie.
Arrange eight gates, of various sizes,
throughout the grid.
Directions Explain to the players, they are on
a frozen island. Have them dribble around for 1-
2 minutes, through the gates, which are the
‘Heaters’. The 4 Ice Monsters are attempting to
‘freeze’ the players by tapping the ball with
their feet. If a players’ ball is tapped, they must
freeze and remain frozen, until another player
comes up and does 4 toe taps on their ball. This
will heat them back up. Switch Ice Monsters
every1-2 minutes.
Objectives & Tips
Ensure the Ice Monsters (defenders) maintain
control of their body and do not just kick the
player’s ball away.
Try adjusting the gate sizes to challenge the
players.
Switch it up! Have Ice Monsters hold their
pinnie and now try to win the ball. If they are
successful they can drop their pinnie and the
player who lost the ball, becomes the Ice
Monster.
Ice Monsters stay low! Keep your feet moving so you can tap the
ball away!
Ice Monsters work together and corner a player!
Can the Ice Monster win the ball?? Try switching roles!
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
1v1 Box Competition
Purpose This activity improves confidence in
executing moves, to beat a defender and set up
a shot on goal.
Organization Set 2 fields up side by side.
Place a goal in one end of each field. Make each
field 30*15 yards, with an 8*8 yard box, about
15 yards from the goal. Split the players into
teams and have each team line up behind a cone,
5 yards behind the grid.
Directions The first player in each line will
dribble up to the grid and attempt a move, to
beat a defender. The player will then look to
dribble the ball closer to the net and score. Tell
the teams they have two minutes to score as
many goals as they can. In the next round, add
a defender in each field.
Objectives & Tips
You are attempting to build confidence
attacking 1v1 and shooting on goal.
Remind the players of timing their moves;
versus the defender and to prep their body to
face the goal when shooting.
Switch it up! You can adjust the distance of the
grid from the goal, in order to make shooting
easier or more challenging.
Ensure players keep the ball close when preforming moves and
preparing to shoot .
The players now must attempt to beat the defender in the box.
Focus on timing the moves to be successful beating the defender.
If the defender wins the ball they can dribble out of the grid for a point.
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Capture the Ball
Purpose Players will work on their passing
skills with small groups and opposition.
Organization 20*25 yard grid with cones
placed in the corners. Place 6 cones, with balls
on top of each, 5 yards off each end line. Divide
players into teams of 4 and have each team wear
a different coloured pinnie. Stand in the middle
of the touchline with extra balls.
Directions Two teams will play 3 minute
games. Play balls in to restart the activity. Each
team must try to pass a ball and knock one of
the balls off the cones. If they are successful,
they can move the ball and cone to their side of
the field, to set it up there. The winner at the end
of 3 minutes is the team with the most balls on
their side!
Objectives & Tips
Ensure the players are working together and
passing with accuracy.
Look for players who are not actively engaged
and play balls directly to them, to encourage
participation.
Switch it up! Play multiple balls at a time to
keep players busy!
First touch should take them away from pressure.
Players’ body position should allow them to see the field.
Keep players communicating. How can they work together?
Allow players to move behind the balls to support the pass.
Encourage long and short passes.
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Triangle Goal Game
Purpose This game provides continuous
opportunities for shooting and encourages
communication between teammates, to create
different shooting angles.
Organization 35*35 yard grid with cones in
each corner. A triangle goal is created in the
middle, with flags or cones placed 8 feet apart.
Divide players into two teams of 5 and have 2
players as goal keepers, for the 3 goals created by
the triangle. Encourage parents to participate if
additional goal keepers are needed. Position
yourself in one corner with all of the soccer balls.
Directions Play a ball into one of the teams.
They can shoot through any side of the triangle
goal for a point. Each goal is worth 1 point. Once
a ball is played, it remains in play for whichever
team wins it. If the keeper saves the ball, they will
pass back to you. Keep track of the goals scored
and saves made, to create a competition between
the teams and the keepers.
Objectives & Tips
First touch to set up a shot, movement from
players to create scoring chances.
Create and area 5 yards out from the goal, to
prevent players from shooting too close to the
keepers.
Switch it up! Adding 1-2 neutral players will
create more scoring chances.
To avoid the same players facing off each round,
make your lines uneven.
Build on this by making it 2v1 or 2v2.
Players need to pass the ball to find and open shooting angle.
Toes down, ankle locked, knee over the ball when striking with
laces
Players receiving the ball from a shot should cushion the ball.
Players should be moving to support teammate with the ball.
The keeper will pass the ball back to you after a save.
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Ice Cream Scoop Challenge
Purpose This game allows the players to work
on their defensive approach and stance, in a 1v1
format. Additionally the attacking players are
given opportunity to improve moves used to
beat the defenders.
Organization Divide grid into two 10x15
yard areas. Two yards off each end line, place a
cone with a ball (ice cream) on top. Stand
between the 2 grids in the ‘coaching channel’.
Divide the players into 4 groups and arrange
groups on opposite end lines.
Directions One side of the area will start the
attacking; you will play the ball to them first.
These players will attempt to beat the defender
and try to pass the ball to the cone, knocking the
‘ice cream’ off. Should the defender win the
ball, they will attempt to knock the ‘ice cream’
off the other cone, for a point.
Objectives & Tips
Are the defending players able to recognize
when to slow down and keep their body under
control; in order to keep the attacking player in
front of them?
To avoid the same players facing off each
round, make your lines uneven.
Build on this by making it 2v1 or 2v2.
Defender sprints to the attacking player and applies pressure, slowing
down and taking smaller steps upon approach.
Keep those feet moving!
Remember to angle your body and keep the attacker in front!
If the defender wins the ball, quickly transition to attack.
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Players should be positioned to receive the ball facing the goal; first
touch should be out from under them, allows for step and shoot.
Popcorn
Purpose Teaches players to transition from
dribbling to shooting, using their instep.
Organization 30*20 yard grid, with 2 goals.
In the middle arrange a zone the width of the
space and 8-10 yards long. Divide players into
2 teams, each wearing different coloured
pinnies. Start each player with a ball and assign
them a number between 1-6. A goal keeper is in
each net.
Directions Explain to the players they are
each an individual piece of popcorn and the
middle area is the popcorn-pot. Teams are told
which goal they are to shoot on. Players dribble
around in the pot, avoiding each other; while
heating up! Call out a number and the player
assigned to that number, on both teams, will
“pop” and dribble out of the pot, taking a shot
on goal. See who can score the most goals in 2
minutes.
Objectives & Tips
Pay attention to shooting technique: toe down,
ankle locked, knee over the ball and striking
with the laces.
Have parents on the sides, collecting the balls!
Switch it up! Call out a colour and a number.
The player whose color is called is attacking
their goal and the player with the same number
on the other team must try to defend.
Players dribble around in the middle avoiding others until their
number is called.
When their number is called the player should make a clean move
and turn towards the goal for a shot.
Are players striking the ball with their laces and heads down?
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Minute to Win It
Purpose This activity works on speed and
angle of approach, when defending.
Organization 20*20 grid. Divide players
into four groups of 3. Create a 2 yard goal with
cones in each corner of the field.
Directions The first player in line passes a
ball diagonally across the grid to line 3 and then
runs to defend. If the player from line 3 can
dribble through the gate/goal, they earn a point.
If the defender can win possession of the ball,
they can either pass back to their team for a
point OR dribble it through the gate of line
three, for 2 points. Once the game has finished,
line 2 will play to line 4 and when complete,
have the lines switch roles for another round.
Objectives & Tips
Encourage the defenders to angle their approach
to force the attacker away from the goal.
Create teaching moments and talk to the players
as they are waiting in line, to allow for more
repetition.
Switch it up! Have more than one group playing
at a time.
Have a trigger word if players are static and not
attacking the ball.
Defender sprints to the attacking player and applies pressure, slowing
down and taking smaller steps upon approach.
Keep those feet moving!
Remember to angle your body and keep the attacker in front!
If the defender wins the ball quickly transition to attack.
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Categories
Purpose Teaching players how to angle their
run and receive the ball.
Organization Create an 8*8 square in the
center of a large circle, with cones. Divide the
players into 2 teams. Half of the players are in
the center while the other half are around the
circle, with the balls.
Directions Call out a category at the start of
each round. Players who start in the center, must
check to an outside player and call out a name
from the category you have chosen. Example:
You call out “vegetables”, then the inside player
will approach an outside player and say “carrot”
in order to receive the ball. The center players
will receive the ball and play it back to the
outside player, run back to the square and move
on to receive a pass from another outside player.
Objectives & Tips
Players are checking at an angle that leaves their
body open to seeing the field.
Players need to cushion the ball upon receiving.
Switch it up! Have players split into thirds with
two thirds on the outside and one third on the
inside.
Outsiders pass the balls with their hands to the checking player.
Receiver should look over their shoulder before receiving the ball.
Center players are checking at an angle to receive the ball.
Change the surface the receivers use to pass.
Players dribble through the center of the square.
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Coconuts in the Sky
Purpose A fun game that teaches players
about passing accuracy and receiving.
Organization 25*20 yard grid with a cone
in each corner. Five yard end zones are on
each end line. Balls set atop of 6 cones, down
the middle of the grid. These are the
‘coconuts’.
Directions Divide the players into two
groups. Each group is to stay in their end
zone. The goal is to pass the ball, knocking
the coconuts off the cone. Players in one end
zone will receive balls that roll past the
coconuts. The team that knocks off the most
coconuts, wins the game.
Objectives & Tips
Encourage players to focus on accuracy of
the pass and receiving the ball, to set up a
pass.
Modify the size of the grid, depending on the
ability of your group to pass over distances.
Switch it up! Instead of keeping score, the
team who knocks the last coconut off the
cone, can win.
Players should take a setup touch before passing the ball.
Players may use different surfaces to receive the ball.
Receive with the knee over the ball and a cushioned touch
Players can pass to each other for a better shot.
Remember to angle your body and keep the attacker in front!
Ask the players to receive the ball and perform a move, before
passing.
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Star Wars 3v1
Purpose Encourages players to
communicate and work together to create
scoring chances in the box.
Organization 20*20 yard playing area.
Divide players into 2 teams. The attacking
team is five yards from the top of the box, in
teams of 3. The defending team forms a line
on the end line. Add a goalkeeper. Position
yourself with the balls near the attackers.
Directions Play a ball to one of the players
at the tip of the box. As you play the ball, the
first player in the defending line should run
to defend 3v1. The attacking team should
work together and attempt to score on the
goal.
Objectives & Tips
Ensure the players have the correct body
position when receiving the ball. 1st touch is
out from under them to set up a quick shot.
Vary the line the ball is played into which
will allow more players to be involved.
Switch it up! You can make this game more
challenging by allowing another defender to
enter, once the attacker makes the first pass.
First player to receive the ball should look to see if they can shoot.
If the defender closes the shot, the player should look to pass.
Remind players to have their heads over the ball when
shooting, don’t lean back!
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
How to Feed Your Dragon
Purpose This easy game incorporates agility
with goal scoring. Encourage players to shoot
with the inside of their foot.
Organization In a 25*25 yard area, arrange
three goals in the middle of 3 of the 4 sidelines.
In the middle of the 4th, pile enough balls for
each player to have one. Create a semi-circle
with cones off the 4th sideline. Build a minimum
of 10 gates (with cones) of various sizes and
distances apart, throughout the grid.
Directions Divide the players into 3 teams.
Each will line up next to a goal, their ‘pet
dragon’. The balls are food for their dragon and
it needs to be fed! When you yell “GO” the first
person from each line will move through three
gates to “power up” before getting food, (a ball)
from the pile. Only one piece of food at a time
and the player must dribble it back near their
goal, before passing into their dragon’s mouth.
Once the first player has gone, the next in line
will repeat. Which team has fed their dragon the
most?
Objectives & Tips
Warm up the players with various movements.
Ensure accuracy by encouraging use of the
inside foot, when finishing.
To have the players shooting from further back,
set up a shooting zone in front of the goal.
Switch it up! Have players dribble back through
three gates, before shooting.
What movements can the players try for each round (jogging,
skipping or hopping)?
Once players have the “food” dribble back to the goal and shoot!
Plant that foot and point towards the goal when finishing!
Assign 2 players as “bandits” who act as passive defenders.
Players keep their heads down and strike the middle of the ball!
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
3v3 Change Game
Purpose Encourages communication between
small groups of players working together and
putting pressure on the ball.
Organization 20*25 yard grid divided into 3
zones. Middle zone is 15 yards long and end
zones are 5 yards. A large goal is created with
flags or cones on each end line. Divide players
into four teams of 3 players, wearing different
coloured pinnies.
Directions Two teams will play 3v3, in the
middle area while the remaining teams act as
the goal keepers; working as one, holding hands
as they move around the goal. When you say
“Alakazam”, the 3 players in the middle switch
with the players in goal.
Objectives & Tips
Team communication and putting pressure on
the ball are the main objectives in this game.
Ensure the goals are big enough, so the keepers
must move to defend them and work together.
Switch it up! Instead of “Alakazam” call out the
colour of the teams that will face off next. This
will allow teams to play different opponents,
each round.
Teammates must be communicating to determine who will put
pressure on the ball.
When the attack passes the ball the defenders need to adjust their
body and speed to ensure they keep the players in front of them.
Yell “Alakazam“ and have the players switch roles.
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Line Dribble
Purpose Provides players with repetition,
using different moves to beat a defender.
Organization 20*25 yard grid marked with
cones, in each corner. Arrange cones to create
end zones, five yards off each end line. Place
flags 10 yards from the center of the sideline,
where you will stand with all the balls. Divide
the players into two teams of 6, each team
wearing a different coloured pinnie.
Directions When you yell “GO”, the first
player in line must run around their flag, before
entering the field. Play the ball towards the first
player to create an attacking advantage. The
player must dribble the ball to the opposite end
zone and stop the ball for a point. If the
defending player can win the ball, they can
score at the opposite end line.
Objectives & Tips
Encourage players to make a good first touch
and attack the defender at speed.
Are the groups taking too long? Try playing
additional balls and have the next group play
simultaneously.
Switch it up! Add numbers to the activity to
create 2v1, 2v2 and 2v3 games.
Yell “GO” and the first player in each line runs around their flag.
The last player to touch the ball brings it back to you!
Call out more than one player from a team!
Try adding a small goal at either end.
Engage the players waiting, what would they do if it was them on
the field?
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Six Goal Game
Purpose Using multiple goals, encourages
players to keep their heads up and be searching
for scoring opportunities. Players can dribble to
get to goal or identify when to change their
direction.
Organization In a 25*35 yard grid, mark
corners with cones. Create three goals, each
measuring 2 yards wide, with cones on each end
line. Divide players into three teams, each with
a different coloured pinnie. Soccer balls are on
the side, with you.
Directions Teams will play 4v4 while one
team is on the end lines acting as bumpers.
Teams each play for 2 minutes before one team
will switch with the bumpers. You are the ‘boss
of the ball’ and will play in each ball.
Objectives & Tips
The players need to decide when they can
dribble to penetrate to the goal or change
directions to find another scoring option.
More than one ball can be played at a time. This
will encourage more players to participate.
Switch it up! Have the bumpers act as gate
keepers, stepping in and closing different gates
at different times.
Play a ball any time a goal is scored or a ball goes out of bounds.
Teams can look to the bumpers for support.
Play in additional balls to any inactive players.
Remind the bumpers to move so they can support different plays.
Closing off gate with the bumpers will make this activity more
challenging!
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] Fun Games
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
2v2 Transition to Goal
Keeper
Purpose This is a fun transition game that
encourages players to communicate with their
partner while working on their individual
defending.
Organization Creating several small 10*20
grids, with goals on either end, will allow
several groups to play simultaneously. Divide
players into groups of two.
Directions The pair starting without the ball
will have one player on the field as a defender
while the other acts as a goal keeper; who must
remain at the goal. Should the defending player
win possession of the ball, they must pass back
to the keeper to switch roles and start the attack.
The pair that lost possession will then transition
to defence, with one player in goal and the other
defending.
Objectives & Tips
Players should be encouraged to think about
their body position when defending and how to
approach the ball.
Switch groups every few minutes, to encourage
groups to face off with different players.
Switch it up! To allow for a faster transition,
players do not have to play the ball back to the
keeper before switching from defence to attack.
Defender makes an angled run attempting to cut off the pass to the
other attacker.
Encourage the defender to stay low and keep their feet moving to
force the attacker to the sideline.
Defender should look for opportunity to gain possession of the ball
and pass to keeper to switch roles!
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[DOCUMENT TITLE] FAQ
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
First steps
Contact your assistant coach immediately.
If assigned a team manager contact immediately as well.
Contact parents via email as soon as you have your team lists. They will be anxious to hear about their child’s
season. Ask for a reply- Any that do not respond should be contacted by phone to ensure the email is correct in the
TRSA database.
Be sure to BCC all parents until you have agreed consent on sharing.
Initial Team Meeting
Prior to the start of the season, even just before the first game.
Deliver team jerseys.
Discuss your goals and expectations for the season.
Discuss/delegate important roles parents can take on during the season.
o Someone to help set up equipment.
o Time keepers for games.
o Parents can each sign up for a snack day/you or your team manager can assign each family a designated day.
Introduce teammates! Choose your team name! Run a few fun games.
Practices
It is recommended you have 1 practice each week along with your 2 scheduled game days.
You schedule your own practices. Pick a day that works best for your team.
You may use any field not in use by another team.
It is not necessary to book fields for practices.
Rainout/Field closures
Games are ON unless fields are closed by the City of Edmonton.
Field closure information is found:
o Online http://coewebapps.edmonton.ca/facilitynotifications/default.aspx?args=2
o By phoning 780-496-4999
Information updated @ 4pm.
Please use your judgment, if you arrive there is lighting or fields are unsafe games should be canceled.
Player equipment
TRSA provides all players with a soccer jersey, which they may keep. Players provide their own:
Shorts- pants are acceptable.
Socks- you can decide if you would like a specific colour.
Shoes-cleats are recommended, running shoes are acceptable.
Shin pads- mandatory.
Soccer ball (size 3).
Water bottle.
Team Photos
TRSA is not providing team photos, but players/teams may make their own arrangements for team photos. A parent
can take this on as their volunteer commitment or teams can hire a photographer at their own cost.
Tournament
There are many tournament opportunities for U8 Players please visit https://emsamain.com/play/tournaments/ For
registration information.
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[DOCUMENT TITLE]
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
Inju
ry In
form
atio
n
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[DOCUMENT TITLE]
Providing the progressive developmental framework that will help coaches
and players reach their full potential.
VALUES
T – Teamwork • Inclusion • Community
• Unity • Commitment to something bigger than you
R – Relationships • Engagement
• Parents with kids and coaches engage • Understanding communication
• Kids relationships • Partnerships/support
S – Sportsmanship • A safe place to participate
• Respect team, officials, game • Commitment to team
• Civility – behaviour, language, age appropriate (as a coach) • Diplomacy • Fair play
• Polite competition • Respect for the game/opponents
A – Active • Participation/healthy movement
• Active volunteers
www.trsa.ca