Year round football curriculum for 3-10yr olds
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Transcript of Year round football curriculum for 3-10yr olds
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
1
Coaches
Handbook
Module 1 – Fundamentals
Module 2 – Mastering the Technique
Module 3 – Perfecting the skill
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Contents
Page
4. Philosophy of the Mini Kickers Program
5. The Four Corners
6. The Coaches Continuum
7. Player considerations
8. Player Considerations
9. Responsibilities of the coach
10. Session Outline
11. Discipline
12. Discipline
13. Module 1 overview and technique tips
14. Module 1 overview and technique tips
15. 3-4 year old Curriculum Outline
16. Week 1 – Dribbling session 1
17. Week 2 – Dribbling session 2
18. Week 2 – Dribbling session 2
19. Week 3 – Shooting session 1
20. Week 4 – Shooting session 2
21. Week 5 – Passing session 1
22. Week 6 – Passing session 2
23. week 7 – Multi-Skills/SAQ
24. Week 8 – Dribbling
25. Week 8 – Dribbling
26. Week 9 – Passing
27. Week 10 - Shooting
28. Week 11 – Games
29. 5-6 year Curriculum
30. Week 1 – Introductions and fun games
31. Week 2 - shooting
32. Week 3 – Passing session 1
33. Week 4 – Passing session 2
34. Week 5 – Match day
35. Week 6 – Turning
36. Week 7 – Turning part 2
37. Week 8 – Dribbling part 1
38. Week 9 –Dribbling part 2
39. Week 10 - Shooting
40. Week 11 – Match day
41. MODULE 2
42. Module 2 overview and technique tips
43. Module 2 overview and technique tips
44. 3-4 year curriculum topics
45. Week 1 – sign ups and intros
46. Week 2 – passing
47. Week 3 – Passing and receiving 1
48. Week 3 – Passing and receiving 1
49. Week 4 – Passing and receiving 2
50. Week 4 – Passing and receiving 2
51. Week 5 – Passing and receiving 3
52. week 6 – Multi-Skills/SAQ
53. Week 7 – Dribbling 1
54. Week 8 – Dribbling 2
55. Week 9 – Dribbling 3
56. Week 10 – Dribbling 4
57. Week 10 – Dribbling 4
58. Week 11 – Games
59. 5-6 year Curriculum overview
60. Week 1 – Match day and intros
61. Week 2 – Turning part 1
62. Week 3 – Turning part 2
63. Week 4 – Dribbling 1
64. Week 5 – Dribbling part 2
65. Week 5 – Dribbling part 2
66. Week 6 – SAQ/Multi Skills
67. Week 7 – Dribbling part 3
68. Week 7 – Dribbling part 3
69. Week 8 – Passing 1
70. Week 9 – Passing 2
71. Week 10 – Passing 3
72. Week 11 – Match Day 4 x 4
73. MODULE 3
74. Module 3 overview and technique tips
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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75. Module 2 overview and technique tips
76. 3-4 year curriculum topics
77. Week 1 – sign ups and intros
78. Week 2 – passing part 1
79. Week 3 – Passing part 2
80. Week 4 – Dribbling part 1
81. Week 5 – Dribbling part 2
82. Week 6 – SAQ/Multi Skills
83. Week 7 – Shooting part 1
84. week 8 – Shooting part 2 (with turning)
85. Week 9 – Shooting part 3
86. Week 10 – 1v1, 2v2 etc
87. Week 11 – Games and presentation
88. 5-6 year Curriculum overview
89. Week 1 – Match day and intros
90. Week 2 – Shooting part 1
91. Week 2 – shooting part 1
92. Week 3 – shooting part 2
93. Week 4 – Shooting part 3
94. Week 5 – Shooting part 4
95. Week 6 – SAQ/Multi Skills
96. Week 7 - Match day
97. Week 8 – Turning to shoot
98. Week 9 – Passing to shoot
99. Week 10 – Dribbling to shoot
100. Week 11 – Match day
101. SKILLS TESTS
102. Module 1 skills test page 1
103. Module 1 skills test page 2
104. Module 2 skills test page 1
105. Module 2 skills test page 2
106. Module 3 skills test page 1
107. Module 3 skills test page 2
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Philosophy of the Mini Kickers program
The Mini Kickers program will have an emphasis on player and athlete development in a fun,
safe and secure environment led by the coach. The abilities and needs of the players on this
course varies greatly, so it is important that the coach differentiates his sessions and manner
to suit each player.
Agility, Balance, Coordination and speed (the ABCs of movement) are becoming increasingly
important when coaching children. Confidence and mastery of these movements will allow
the player to develop not only as a footballer, but as an all round athlete. There is a timeline
to connect the wires of the brain to allow the player to be a ‘natural’ at sports related
movements. By the age of 6, the child’s brain is 90% of its adult size, so fortunately, or
unfortunately, there is a lot of responsibility on the coach to do all they can during their
sessions to develop the player in this ‘window of opportunity’ for optimum brain
development.
The easiest and simple way to develop the ABCs is using something they love as the vehicle,
in this case football. Through fun and engaging sessions, you are able to develop the
footballer and the athlete at the same time. By making sure each player has a ball at their
feet whenever possible, the football skills of each player can be developed at the same time.
The curriculum is split into three progressive modules. Each module will aim to develop
different football skills and techniques to make the player a rounded athlete.
The Motto of the Mini Kickers Program is ‘Practice Makes Permanent’ because the more the
players practice, the more it becomes ingrained. Therefore, the curriculum is designed
accordingly.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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The Four Corners
The Four Corners Model was introduced by the English FA to guide coaches with their
planning and delivery of sessions. Moving away from the traditional ideas of a coach simply
looking at the football side of the player and more towards the player as whole, the Four
Corners Model gets the coach thinking about different aspects of the player and how to best
develop these.
Technical: Can your players pass, receive, dribble, shoot, turn correctly?
Physical: Can your players move sideways, jump, run and balance comfortably?
Mental: Can your players win or lose in the correct spirit? Can they recover from mistakes to
try again? Can they lead a team?
Tactical: Can your players spread out and look for space? Can they adopt good positions on
the pitch?
At the age we’re working with, it is not possible to focus on all these points, but it is worth
bearing in mind when coaching and assessing your players.
As a youth coach, you are not just teaching football but are playing an integral part in the
child’s tactical, technical, physical and mental development.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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The Coaches Continuum – worth considering prior to each session
If children are to have lifelong enjoyment of football, they need to:
Take an active part in the game
Form relationships and work together
Develop their football skills and get better
Be able to take part whatever their ability
Develop personal skills in all ‘four corners’
Appreciate and demonstrate good sportsmanship
Understand the laws
Be listened to
Feel success
Do your players achieve this every session?
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Player considerations
As a coach, it is important to have some knowledge about the type of player you are
coaching and their typical traits.
Every player should be able to participate in an enjoyable, safe and secure environment, led
by enthusiastic and confident coaches. The following table is to give the coach an idea of
things to consider and tips to help foster a trusting and mutual relationship between the
coach and the player.
Personality Coach consideration
Will be starting to learn about football TEACH THE CORRECT TECHNIQUES
Will be ‘ball possessive’ Ensure they have a ball each and if necessary, give them a spot to put their ball when not playing
Will have no spatial awareness
Make playing area visible and encourage them to ‘touch every part of the grass’
When setting up, spread cones to encourage spacing out
‘spread like butter, don’t spread like cheese
Will have low span of concentration Sit them in a ‘changing room’ of a rectangular coned area with them facing a wall to stop them being distracted easily.
Give concise instructions. Less waffle
Use exaggerated voice and actions when instructing
Demonstrate as much as possible
Have a range of games to play every 5minutes
Will enjoy the activity more if it has a silly name
Consider how you introduce your games
If possible, have a ‘story’ behind every game while demonstrating
Have difficulty seeing imaginary lines Lay a lot of cones down with smaller gaps (no more than 5yards) in between.
Will use their hands a lot This is ok at this age, but try to discourage if possible
Will use their toes all the time Discourage that as much as you can early on without focussing too much on it. It may not have much effect now, but it will be a base for when they get older
Love to run around, sometimes meaninglessly
Try to encourage them to stay within the confines of the area.
Make your playing pitches short and wide eg. 20x40yds
Will kick balls at every opportunity When instructing, ensure they focus of you. Use changing rooms.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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If it’s a quick pause, ask them to put all balls together then move them to an area away from the balls
Will need regular breaks Don’t be scared to break every 5mins for a minute or two
Will need an ENERGETC and ENTHUSASTIC coach
The sillier, the better
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Responsibilities of the coach
Appearance
Coaches are expected to wear the Mini Kickers kit for every session. As well as
differentiating coaches from everyone else in the facility, it also promotes uniformity and
unity amongst the staff.
Arrivals and departures
Coaches are expected to arrive no later that 15minutes prior to their session start time to
set up and prepare for the session ahead.
Coaches can depart straight after their session as long as all equipment is packed, accounted
for and put in the designated place.
Coaches must register the players in and out for each session. This is to ensure all players
are accounted for and is especially important in the interests of child protection. It is the
coach’s responsibility to do this.
Conduct
Coaches are expected to adopt a professional approach at all times. This means watching
what they say and how they say it, being courteous to all patrons of the Mini Kickers
program and always conducting themselves in the highest possible order.
Health and Safety
Prior to each session, the coach must ensure all equipment (especially goals) is safe to use. If
not, please report to the head coach or facilities manager. All unused goals must be moved
from the playing area to reduce the risk of collisions. The pitch must be ‘swept’ of all
dangerous objects. Under no circumstances is a coach to get involved in matches/games
with the players. Any injuries or accidents resulting from this will be the responsibility of the
coach.
Coaching
As a coach, the enjoyment and future love of sport and football rests with you. Therefore, it
is imperative that each session attempts to develop each player in a fun and engaging
manner. The sessions below should help, but feel free to add your own ideas as and when
you see fit. Your attitude and personality can also make a huge difference as to whether the
players leave with a smile on their faces excited about the following week or not.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Session Outline
Session delivery
Coaches have autonomy on the contents of each session. The following session ideas are for
guidance and can be amended where necessary. However, for uniformity purposes, the
session topics cannot be changed. This ensures each player works on the same topic each
week. It is strongly recommended that your warm up/ first drill is as fun and energetic as
possible because that sets the tone for the whole session.
Session timings
Below are the timings for each week. They are to help make the sessions smoother, but the
coach has autonomy to alter these timings as long as they include each strand.
5 minutes 10 minutes 10 minutes 10 minutes
3 - 4year olds
Warm up - ABCs
Fun Game
Fun Game Small Sided Game if appropriate.
10 minutes 15minutes 10minutes 15 minutes
5 - 6year olds
Warm up – Touch/ball familiarity/ABCs
Technique (passing, turning, dribbling etc)
Skill (1v1, 2v2 to develop technique)
Small sided game
Session breakdown
Below is a breakdown of a session for the coach’s consideration.
8.30am Arrive and set up in ample time
8.50 Meet and Greet for the early arrivals
9.00 Welcome meeting and introduce ‘Players of the Week’
9.05 Split to working groups - ‘Changing rooms’
9.10 Introduction to session. Consider: Body language Seating position (can the players be distracted?) Language used, questions (open ended or closed) Learning aids (whiteboards, cones, players) Session activities
9.40 (for 3-4 year olds)
Session review ‘Player of the Week’ presentation
9.45 Farewells for 3/4yr olds. PLEASE note your Player of The Week! Matches for 5/6year olds
10.00 Farewells for 5/6 year olds. PLEASE note your Player of The Week!
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Discipline
Parents
Any enquiries by parents can be dealt with by the coach individually, but if unsure, refer
them to the head coach.
Under no circumstance is a parent to join in a session uninvited or interrupt a session. If this
is the case, please go through these steps:
1. Wait for a break in play of your session or send the players on a water break.
2. Calmly approach the parent and explain you need your full concentration on the
players in front of you and that they are please to wait on the side until the end of
the session where you will be able to give them the time they need to answer/deal
with any issues.
3. If a parent refuses your kind and polite request, please refer them to the head coach
who will tell them the same!
Players
It is imperative that the coach firmly sets the code of conduct within the first minute of the
first session so all the players understand what is expected. Each coach will vary in their
requirements, but there are three pieces of good conduct that all players should adhere to:
PLAY WITH A SMILE
LISTEN WHEN THE COACH IS SPEAKING – SHOW RESPECT
TRY YOUR HARDEST
Each session will end with the award of a ‘PASS Master’ award to the player that has best
demonstrated one or all of the three points above.
As with all groups on a long course, there will always be one or two players that will try to
overstep the mark, discipline wise. It is very important to note that positive reinforcement is
the best way to control all children and that should always be the first step with dealing with
any negative behaviour.
For example: If little Brian is being silly in the ‘Dressing Room’ while the coach is speaking,
instead of admonishing him to the detriment of all the other well behaved children, simply
commend those individual players that are behaving. By doing this, little Brian will
understand that to be praised, he must also do as the others.
Below are the prescribed steps to take in the event where positive reinforcement wasn’t a
successful behavioural tool:
1. Explain to the player(s) that they are on a warning and the next time they don't
listen, they will be sent for a time out in the changing room. If need be, beckon the
parents to you so they hear the warning too.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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2. If the player(s) still persists, send them to their parents for a while, explaining that
they're being naughty and they've already been warned. Ask the parent to speak to
them and only send them back if they promise to calm down.
3. If they come back and are still naughty, then send them to their parents for them to
stay until the end of the session.
It is important all coaches follow these same steps so as to be consistent with each group,
especially since there may be siblings in different groups.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Module 1 - FUNdamentals
Overview
On this module, we will introduce the basic football techniques of passing, dribbling, turning
and shooting. There should be a big emphasis on the ABCs here too, to really begin to
develop the athletic abilities of the players. Players should have ample opportunities to work
on learning the techniques. As a coach, this module is where you should be teaching and
reinforcing good and ever - lasting habits.
Practice makes permanent
Below is a table of the techniques to be practiced in this module and the key factors
(explained as ‘Technique Tips’ to the players) that must be relayed to the players. By the
end of the module, the players should not only know the ‘Technique Tips’ when asked, they
must also demonstrate it.
The table is set out where all, most and few players should be taught a technique tip
depending on their abilities to ensure some form of success.
Technique Technique Tips
Passing ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Put standing (weaker) foot next to the ball with big toe facing the target
Look at their target, not the ball
Slightly bend their knees for balance MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Use either/all of the inside, outside or laces of strong foot to pass.
Follow through after the pass FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Kick the middle of the ball to keep the ball on the ground
Kick under the ball to make it a lofted pass
Use either foot to pass
Receiving ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Get alert before receiving the ball by jogging on the spot ‘be on your toes’
Keep an eye on the ball as it comes to them MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Move in line with the ball as it arrives so that his whole body is behind the ball
FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Decide on the appropriate surface to receive the ball; the inside of the strong foot (a few inches above the ground) is recommended as it has a bigger surface area
Dribbling ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Look up when the ball is at their feet to find space MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Use their laces or outside of the foot to dribble. Keeping their big toe pointing to the ground will help
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Take little touches to keep the ball close to their feet
Accelerate into space The 3Ls of dribbling: Little touches with your laces and look up.
Shooting ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Kick the ball towards goal MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Use their inside or laces to shoot towards goal
Use the standing foot to help guide their shot FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Decide when to use laces (power) and when to use the instep (accuracy)
Look up at the goal and deliberately place the ball into space
Turning ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Change direction with the ball MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO
Slow down before they turn
Turn 180degrees with the ball FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO
Have the ball a yard in front of them when they turn
Accelerate with the ball under control
Please ensure the majority of your players are comfortable with the technique before
moving on or differentiate your session accordingly
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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3-4year Curriculum
Players aged 3-4 learn best through the use of fun games. The most effective coach for this age group will have to be enthusiastic, loud and fun.
Although they will be learning football skills and techniques, these will all have to be delivered through the medium of fun games and elaborate stories.
Coach must ensure he ticks all 3 learning styles with each exercise (audio, visual - whiteboard, and kinesthetic – live demonstrations). Listen, Look, Do.
Week 1 – dribbling
Week 2 – dribbling
Week 3 – shooting
Week 4 – shooting
Week 5 - passing
Week 6 – passing
Week 7 – Multi skills/ SAQ
Week 8 – dribbling
Week 9 – passing
Week 10 – shooting
Week 11 – games / kids v parents (short session)
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 1 – dribbling
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
‘cars’ (Agility, Coordination, Speed) In 20yds x 20yds area, explain to students that they are all ‘cars’. On coach’s instructions, they are to ‘turn on their engines’ (make engine noises). Explain a car has 5 gears. The higher the gear, the faster they go. 1st gear: slow motion, almost astronaut walking 2nd gear: walking pace 3rd gear: speed walking 4th gear: jog 5th gear: sprinting Brake: foot on ball Reverse: backwards toe taps Use analogies like ‘on the motorway so 5th gear, hitting traffic so slow down to 4th gear, at traffic lights so down to 1st gear and brake etc.’ Do it without a ball, then ask players to go and fetch a ‘passenger’(ball) and do the same. How can we make sure we don’t crash our ‘cars’? (look up) How can we keep our passengers in our car? (keep ball close to us)
Follow the leader (Coordination, Speed)
In pairs with a ball each. Both players with bibs tucked in the back of their shorts.
Assign one player as the leader.
Follower to stand a yard behind the leader.
On coach’s command, leader to try to evade the follower, who is trying to get close enough to pull his bib out. Play for 30 secs.
Coach needs to demonstrate the movements required- (change of direction, changing speed depending on how close the follower is).
Switch roles after 30 seconds
Leaders, how can you make sure you stay in the area? (look up)
Followers, how can you get close to the leaders? (keep ball close to our feet).
Set up an area with a series of slaloms and zig zag cones.
Free play. Players to have a ball each and to move freely about the area, dribbling through the slaloms.
Suggest different ways to go through the slaloms (ABCs):
With laces
With bottom of feet
In a bear crawl position
With their hands
With their head
Hopping with ball between feet
Can anyone show me a new way of dribbling through the cones?
Stuck in the mud
Players to stand freely in the area with a ball.
Coach is the tagger.
They are to move about and escape from the coach’s clutches.
If tagged, they are to be ‘stuck in the mud’ with their legs wide opened and their ball over their heads.
A partner can free them by either passing ball through their legs or crawling through.
Objective of tagger is to tag everyone so they all stay still.
Once players understand, repeat with one or two taggers in a different coloured bib.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 2 – Dribbling
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
‘cars’ (Agility, Coordination, Speed) In 20yds x 20yds area, explain to students that they are all ‘cars’. On coach’s instructions, they are to ‘turn on their engines’ (make engine noises). Explain a car has 5 gears. The higher the gear, the faster they go. 1st gear: slow motion, almost astronaut walking 2nd gear: walking pace 3rd gear: speed walking 4th gear: jog 5th gear: sprinting Brake: foot on ball Reverse: backwards toe taps Use analogies like ‘on the motorway so 5th gear, hitting traffic so slow down to 4th gear, at traffic lights so down to 1st gear and brake etc.’ Do it without a ball, then ask players to go and fetch a ‘passenger’ (ball) and do the same. How can we make sure we don’t crash our ‘cars’? (look up) How can we keep our passengers in our car? (keep ball close to us)
Treasure Takers
Have balls (enough for one per player) at one end of the grid. These are ‘treasures’
Players to be on the opposite line with a bib on.
Explain the mean giant (coach) has taken all their treasure and they must go and collect it, BUT they can only do so when the giant’s back is turned.
When ‘giant’ turns his back, players crawl towards ‘treasures’ following giant.
As soon as giant turns to look at players, they turn round in the insect position (on backs with legs and hands up). This helps improve their core and is also muscle strengthening.
Any players still crawling when giant turns to look at them must take 5 paces back.
Play until all players get a ‘treasure’ and sprint back towards their home line.
Weave and Shoot
Players in groups of 3 with as many balls as possible per group.
Players lined up in a single
file. Use no more than 3 players to avoid players standing around for too long.
One at a time, each player in a group to collect a ball, weave through cones and score in the goal.
As soon as he does so, he runs back, high 5s a partner and partner does the same.
Keep going until they complete all their balls.
Players to try to go through cones with ball at their feet.
Strugglers may hold ball if they wish.
Which team will score all their goals first?
Crabs and Fishes
Players lined up on one side of the area (fishes)
Coach sitting in middle of area in a crab position (hands to his side)
Objective is for fishes to get to the other side of the lake without being caught by the hungry crab.
If the fishes get caught, they become a crab too.
On call of ‘Fishes, are you ready?’ Fishes to put hands together, move side to side and say: ‘I’m a little fishy and I swim like this!’ CLAP
Crabs to call out in a gruff voice: ‘I’m a big crab and I catch fishes like this!’ CLAP AND CLICK HEELS TOGETHER
On coach’s command, fishes to try to make it to the other side. Crab
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Now take each player’s bib off them and place them on the line where their balls originally were. These are their ‘magic vests’ which make them play football so well, but the giant has stolen them now!
Now they have their balls, they are to get their ‘magic vests’ back too (bibs), which the mean giant also stole because he wanted to steal their football skills.
This time, they use the ball too dribble to end line. But only when giant has his back turned.
Anyone still moving when giant turns round must move their ball 5 paces back.
What must we do to make sure we don’t get moved back? (keep ball close to our feet).
Hw do we keep the ball close to our feet? (by using our laces and taking little touches)
How can we move towards our own ‘magic vest’ (bib)? Look up.
How can we make sure we go through each cone? (Go slowly)
What part of our feet should we not use? (toes)
What do we do with our eyes? (look up)
to move sideways or forwards, but always on the floor to try to catch fishes.
How can we avoid the crab? (keep ball away from him)
How do we keep the ball away from the crab (dribble into space)
How can we find space? (look up)
When we find the space, what should we do? (accelerate into it, but still keeping the ball under control).
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 3 –shooting
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
‘cars’ (Agility, Coordination, Speed) In 20yds x 20yds area, explain to students that they are all ‘cars’. On coach’s instructions, they are to ‘turn on their engines’ (make engine noises). Explain a car has 5 gears. The higher the gear, the faster they go. 1st gear: slow motion, almost astronaut walking 2nd gear: walking pace 3rd gear: speed walking 4th gear: jog 5th gear: sprinting Brake: foot on ball Reverse: backwards toe taps Use analogies like ‘on the motorway so 5th gear, hitting traffic so slow down to 4th gear, at traffic lights so down to 1st gear and brake etc.’ Do it without a ball, then ask players to go and fetch a ‘passenger’(ball) and do the same. How can we make sure we don’t crash our ‘cars’? (look up) How can we keep our passengers in our car? (keep ball close to us)
Egg Hunt
Have more ‘eggs’ (balls) than players randomly placed all around a massive area. Use whole pitch if possible
Show players 1 or 2 ‘baskets’ (goals) that they must put their ‘eggs’ in.
On coach’s command, players to run around collecting ‘eggs’ with their feet and putting them in the basket (shooting in the goal)
How many eggs can we put into the basket in 2 minutes?
Play again, this time have 1 or 2 blockers (keepers) to stop eggs reaching the basket.
How can we make sure we get the eggs past the blockers? (look up and put the ball into the space they’re not covering)
What part of the foot can we not use? (Toes!)
Have 4 goals positioned
around area as shown.
2 players to be GK, with 2 goals free
Players in the middle of the area. Have more balls than players.
On coach’s command, players to take a ball and try to score, then return to take another ball
Which goal is easier to score in? (the one with no goalkeeper)
Do we hit the ball differently if there is a GK or not? (accuracy for empty goal, power for occupied goal)
Two teams on either side of goals.
Coach calls out individual players (based on ability) to play against each other
Coach puts ball in middle and players to play to score
Try to put 2 or 3 balls in per game to ensure both players get a chance to score
Increase to 2v2 and 3v3 depending on ability of players
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 4 – shooting
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
‘cars’ (Agility, Coordination, Speed) In 20yds x 20yds area, explain to students that they are all ‘cars’. On coach’s instructions, they are to ‘turn on their engines’ (make engine noises). Explain a car has 5 gears. The higher the gear, the faster they go. 1st gear: slow motion, almost astronaut walking 2nd gear: walking pace 3rd gear: speed walking 4th gear: jog 5th gear: sprinting Brake: foot on ball Reverse: backwards toe taps Use analogies like ‘on the motorway so 5th gear, hitting traffic so slow down to 4th gear, at traffic lights so down to 1st gear and brake etc.’ Do it without a ball, then ask players to go and fetch a ‘passenger’(ball) and do the same. How can we make sure we don’t crash our ‘cars’? (look up) How can we keep our passengers in our car? (keep ball close to us)
Egg Hunt with defenders
Have more ‘eggs’ (balls) than players randomly placed all around a massive area. Use whole pitch if possible
Show players 1 or 2 ‘baskets’ (goals) that they must put their ‘eggs’ in.
On coach’s command, players to run around collecting ‘eggs’ with their feet and putting them in the basket (shooting in the goal)
How many eggs can we put into the basket in 2 minutes?
Play again, this time have 2 ‘blockers’ (GK) and coach is also a defender in middle trying to stop players from scoring.
If tapped on shoulder by coach, player does 5 toe taps before carrying on
We now have a defender so what should we do when going for goal? (look up to escape the defender)
Have 4 goals positioned
around area as shown.
2 players to be GK, with 2 goals free
Players in the middle of the area. Have more balls than players.
On coach’s command, players to take a ball and try to score, then return to take another ball
Which goal is easier to score in? (the one with no goalkeeper)
Do we hit the ball differently if there is a GK or not? (accuracy for empty goal, power for occupied goal)
Two teams on either side of goals with a running path determined by coach.
Coach calls out individual players (based on ability) to play against each other
Coach puts ball in middle and players to run round the path to meet the ball and try to score.
Increase to 2v2 and 3v3 depending on ability of players.
When we have other players in our team, can we play and pass to them?
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 5 – Passing 1
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Cups and saucers (Agility, Coordination, Speed)
In a 20 x 20yd area, have 2 different coloured cones (about 20 each) randomly spread around.
One colour will be upside down, (cups) and the other colour the other way (saucers)
Split group into 2 and designate one group ‘cups’ and the other ‘saucers’.
On coach’s command, team in charge of cups are to turn saucers into cups and vice versa.
Play for a minute then count to see which team has turned the most cones.
OBSERVATION: which players uses 2 hands to turn 2 cones where appropriate? Which players turn the most cones? Which players find it easy to bend over to turn the cones? Which players move quickly?
Play a again changing teams
Knockout
Place 12inch cones randomly in 20 x 20yd area. At least enough for one per player.
Players spread about with a ball each.
Explain that they are sharp shooters and their task is to knock down these stationary enemies (cones) by passing their ball to hit them
Players to dribble around area to try and shoot down as many enemies as possible.
Coach to go round putting back any knocked down cones. Play for a minute
What part of the foot do we NOT use to ‘shoot’? (our toes)
What do we do with our eyes before we shoot? (look at target)
What do we do with our standing foot? (make toes face the target)
In pairs with 1 ball, players face each other about 2yards away from each other.
Explain that to pass the ball to each other, they must go through 3 steps:
Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp on the imaginary insect next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass to partner.
What part of the foot do we
NOT use to pass? (our toes)
Why do we use the instep?
(for better accuracy)
What do we do with our eyes before we pass? (look at target)
Coach to observe striving pairs and increase distance.
Hunt the coach
In a 20 v 20yd area, each player to have a ball and randomly spread around area
Coach on hands and knees in the area
Objective is for players to hunt the coach and try to shoot him down by passing their ball to hit him!
Who can hit the coach the most times in one minute?
What part of the foot do
we NOT use to ‘shoot’?
(our toes)
What do we do with our eyes before we ‘shoot’? (look at target)
Play again, making sure players us e their instep. This time, coach moves faster around area to make it more difficult
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 6 – passing 2
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Cups and saucers (Agility, Coordination, Speed)
In a 20 x 20yd area, have 2 different coloured cones (about 20 each) randomly spread around.
One colour will be upside down, (cups) and the other colour the other way (saucers)
Split group into 2 and designate one group ‘cups’ and the other ‘saucers’.
On coach’s command, team in charge of cups are to turn saucers into cups and vice versa.
Play for a minute then count to see which team has turned the most cones.
OBSERVATION: which players uses 2 hands to turn 2 cones where appropriate? Which players turn the most cones? Which players find it easy to bend over to turn the cones? Which players move quickly?
Play a again, changing teams
Knockout
Remind players of the 3 steps in previous session (jog, stamp, pass)
Play same game as previous week.
What part of the foot do we NOT use to ‘shoot’? (our toes)
What do we do with our eyes before we shoot? (look at target)
What do we do with our standing foot? (make toes face the target)
How do we get more power to make sure we shoot down the cone? (move kicking foot further back and follow through after kicking)
**This is a good opportunity to correct those players that still use their toes to kick or don’t use the toes of their standing foot to guide their pass**
Knockout 2
In pairs with a ball each, players face each other about 2yards away from each other.
Each player has a 12inch cone in front of them
They are to try to knock down their partner’s cones by passing their ball.
Repeat 3 steps: Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp on the imaginary insect next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass to strike cone down
For strivers, increase distance. For strugglers, have 2cones to make target bigger.
Repeat same questions.
Hunt the parents
Remind players of this game from previous session.
Make area bigger into 25 x 25yds
This time, invite parents to join in as targets.
How many different parents can you hit?
What part of the foot do
we NOT use to ‘shoot’?
(our toes)
What do we do with our eyes before we ‘shoot’? (look at target)
Should the ball go in the air or stay on the grass? (on the grass, because that’s where the target is)
Play again, making sure players us e their instep to pass.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 7 – Multi -Skill Festival
Whole pitch will be split into 4 areas: Dribbling, Passing, SAQ and ABC. Players will spend 12 minutes in each group and on the whistle will move to the next
group to a new set of coaches.
Dribbling King of the Ring
All players in 20yd x 20yd area with a ball each.
Explain to each player that they start with 5 points.
They are to dribble around area with ball close to their feet because coach will be coming to steal any loose balls.
If their ball is stolen, or they dribble out of the area, they lose a point.
After 30secs, any player whose ball hasn’t been stolen gains a point.
Play again, this time pick one or two players to steal balls
ABC Cops and Robbers Players on a line with bibs tucked in their backs (robbers). 2 players in the middle of the area without bibs (cops).
Cops to chase the robbers and pull their bibs out. They must leave bibs on the floor next to robbers. Once tagged, the robbers must balance on one leg until freed by a fellow robber (with a light touch on the shoulder). Robber can then pick up his bib and try to evade the police again.
Play again, this time switching cops
Next, same again, but each robber to 'steal' a football and move with it.
Once caught, player can balance with a foot on his ball if they choose to.
1v1 dribbling and shooting
In two teams with each team on the side of the pitch in 'dressing rooms'
Coach calls one player from each team (similar ability) to stand in opposite goals
Place footballs per the amount of players in the middle
On coach's orders, players to leave their goal and try to score in opposite goal.
Try 1v1/2v2 with one or two balls between them, depending on the group's ability.
Which team will score the most goals?
SAQ
Put players in groups of no more than 4 and a selection of balls,
bean bags in the middle of ladders as shown.
One at a time, each player to go through the ladder using the correct techniques (Run on balls of the feet, Move thumbs in alternate 'hips to lips' movement, Keep head up and Raise knees with each step), pick up an object and return to their group.
Continue until all the objects are picked up.
Try lateral (sideways) and hopping on one/two feet
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 8 – Dribbling
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Follow the leader
In pairs without a ball to start with. Both players with bibs tucked in the back of their shorts.
Assign one player as the leader. Follower to stand a yard behind the leader.
On coach’s command, leader to try to evade the follower, who is trying to get close enough to pull his bib out. Play for 30secs.
Coach needs to demonstrate the movements required- (change of direction, changing speed depending on how close the follower is).
Switch roles after 30 seconds
Leaders, how can you make sure you stay in the area? (look up)
Followers, how can you get close to the leaders? (Stay alert, look up, keep ball close to our feet).
Play again, but this time give each player a ball.
Crabs and Fishes
Players lined up on one side of the area (fishes)
Coach sitting in middle of area in a crab position (hands to his side)
Objective is for fishes to get to the other side of the lake without being caught by the hungry crab.
If the fishes get caught, they become a crab too.
On call of ‘Fishes, are you ready?’ Fishes to put hands together, move side to side and say: ‘I’m a little fishy and I swim like this!’ CLAP
Crabs to call out in a gruff voice: ‘I’m a big crab and I catch fishes like this!’ CLAP AND CLICK HEELS TOGETHER
On coach’s command, fishes to try to make it to the other side. Crab to move sideways or forwards, but always on the floor to try to catch fishes.
How can we avoid the crab?
Set up an area with a series of slaloms and zig zag cones.
Free play. Players to have a ball each and to move freely about the area, dribbling through the slaloms.
Suggest different ways to go through the slaloms (ABCs):
With laces
With bottom of feet
In a bear crawl position
With their hands
With their head
Hopping with ball between feet
Observe: players still dribbling with toes and correct.
How do we keep ball out of the area/ (by looking up
King of the Ring
All players in 20yd x 20yd area with a ball each.
Explain to each player that they start with 5 points.
They are to dribble around area with ball close to their feet because coach will be coming to steal any loose balls.
If their ball is stolen, or they dribble out of the area, they lose a point.
After 30secs, any player whose ball hasn’t been stolen gains a point.
Who will get the highest amount of points in this game?
How can we get more points? (keep ball away from coach and inside the area).
How do we keep ball away from coach? (by
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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(keep ball away from him)
How do we keep the ball away from the crab (dribble into space)
How can we find space? (look up)
When we find the space, what should we do? (accelerate into it, but still keeping the ball under control).
and turning/stopping ball if it’s close to the area)
What part of the foot do we NOT use to dribble? (TOES!)
What part of the foot can we use? (Any part, as long as we keep the ball close to our feet).
keeping ball close to our feet).
How do we keep ball out of the area/ (by looking up and turning/stopping ball if it’s close to the area)
What part of the foot do we NOT use to dribble? (TOES!)
What part of the foot can we use? (Any part, as long as we keep the ball close to our feet).
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 9 – Passing
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Cups and saucers (Agility, Coordination, Speed)
In a 20 x 20yd area, have 2 different coloured cones (about 20 each) randomly spread around.
One colour will be upside down, (cups) and the other colour the other way (saucers)
Split group into 2 and designate one group ‘cups’ and the other ‘saucers’.
On coach’s command, team in charge of cups are to turn saucers into cups and vice versa.
Play for a minute then count to see which team has turned the most cones.
OBSERVATION: which players uses 2 hands to turn 2 cones where appropriate? Which players turn the most cones? Which players find it easy to bend over to turn the cones? Which players move quickly?
Play a again, changing teams
Station players in 4 teams as shown below.
On coach’s command, all players are to leave their area and collect one ball at a time, preferably using their foot.
After collecting a ball, they are to score by passing the ball into their goal
Where should we pass from? Far or close? (closer, because we have more chance of scoring then).
What part of the foot should we NOT use to pass? (TOES!)
**Explain to players that you can score goals with a pass**
OBSERVE: players that are trying to shot into goal (power) as opposed to those that are passing (accuracy).
Knockout 2
In pairs with a ball each, players face each other about 2yards away from each other.
Each player has a 12inch cone in front of them
They are to try to knock down their partner’s cones by passing their ball.
Repeat 3 steps: Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp on the imaginary insect next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass to strike cone down
For strivers, increase distance. For strugglers, have 2cones to make target bigger.
Repeat same questions.
Hunt the parents
Remind players of this game from previous session.
Make area bigger into 25 x 25yds
This time, invite parents to join in as targets.
How many different parents can you hit?
What part of the foot do
we NOT use to ‘shoot’?
(our toes)
What do we do with our eyes before we ‘shoot’? (look at target)
Should the ball go in the air or stay on the grass? (on the grass, because that’s where the target is)
Play again, making sure players us e their instep to pass.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 10 – Shooting
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Cups and saucers (Agility, Coordination, Speed)
In a 20 x 20yd area, have 2 different coloured cones (about 20 each) randomly spread around.
One colour will be upside down, (cups) and the other colour the other way (saucers)
Split group into 2 and designate one group ‘cups’ and the other ‘saucers’.
On coach’s command, team in charge of cups are to turn saucers into cups and vice versa.
Play for a minute then count to see which team has turned the most cones.
OBSERVATION: which players uses 2 hands to turn 2 cones where appropriate? Which players turn the most cones? Which players find it easy to bend over to turn the cones? Which players move quickly?
Play a again, changing teams
Players stand about 5yards in front of a big goal with a ball each. No goalkeeper. Coach places a cone about 5 yards behind each player. On coach’s command, each player turns and runs around their designated cone before shooting to score.
Two goals with players lined up in front of the goal.(NB: Try not to have more than 4 players per line. If need be, use large cones to make extra goals.)
On coach’s orders, players direct their ball towards the farthest goal. They then go to the back of the other line to go again.
What part of the foot do we NOT use to shoot? (The TOES!)
Encourage players to use their weaker foot as a guide with big toe facing their goal. Players must also look up at their target.
Link to passing.
2 teams stationed in their own ‘stadiums’ as above. Coach either calls out their names (preferably) or gives them a number each to call out.
When each player is called, they stand in middle of goal for coach to place ball between them.
When coach calls each player out, they leave their goals to fight for the ball to score in opposite goal.
NB: Ensure you have a ball per player to allow players an opportunity to score.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 11 – Short session and presentation
Warm up Fun game Fun game
Coach to perform a favourite warm up from previous weeks
Coach to organise a favourite game from previous weeks
Coach to organise a favourite game from previous weeks Suggestion: Include parents in this game eg. Penalty shootout
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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5-6 year old curriculum
The 5-6 year old curriculum is split into the following:
Week 1 – sign ups and introductions
Week 2 – shooting
Week 3 – passing
Week 4 – passing
Week 5 – World Cup/Champions League 4 v 4
Week 6 – turning
Week 7 – dribbling
Week 8 – dribbling
Week 9 – shooting
Week 10 – skills test
Week 11 – match day / multi skills day
To encourage as many touches on the ball as possible
during matches, play no more than 4 v 4.
4 v 4 has been advocated by all the professional clubs
including Manchester United, and is the way of
developing children during matches in countries such as
Holland. It promotes a lot of touches on the ball, which
obviously develops the player with every touch.
3 v 3 with another team rotating after 2 minutes is
better than 5 v 4.
The use of questioning is also important to illicit
understanding. Rather than telling, ask the players what
they think should be done, guiding them to the correct
answer.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 1 – Sign ups and introductions
Warm Up and ABCs Matches
15yds x 15yds grid. Play fun introductory games such as:
Tag
Tag with a ball
Cowboys and Indians
Any other high tempo/energetic game to encourage players to get to know each other and work up a sweat
Split players into teams of no more than 4v4
World Cup/ Champions league
Take this opportunity to notice any players showing some promise
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 2 – Shooting
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
15yds x 15yds grid goals on each line. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Toe taps
Semi circle boxes
Forwards and backwards toe taps
Throw and catch (coordination)
Throw and catch with one hand
Throw and catch on one leg (balance)
Throw and jump and catch
With ball in hand, players to run around area trying to avoid each other (agility)
Ball on grass. Can we still avoid each other?
On coach’s order, players to change direction and shoot in a goal to score (coordination, speed, agility).
Set up as above in front of a goal
Players to have a ball each
Coach demonstrates shooting in the goal depending on where you’re standing (across the goal)
How do we know where to shoot? (we look up before shooting. Use non kicking toe as a guide)
Why do we shoot across the goal? (more difficult for keeper, allows for a rebound)
What part of the foot do we use? (laces for power, side for accuracy)
On coach’s order, one player at a time shoots into empty goal. All players wait until all balls have been shot before collecting ball.
Everyone move round to the next cone on the right
In 3s with 2 balls per group, players to set up as above. Players on either end to have a ball
Players to take a shot against the goalkeeper using the techniques from earlier
Can we shoot from different angles?
Can we keep the ball down? 1. Head over the ball 2. Kick middle of the ball 3. Follow through after shot
Switch goalkeepers after a minute
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 3 – Passing part 1
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
15yds x 15yds grid with different coloured cones each line. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Side to side with bottom of foot
Forwards and backwards toe taps
Throw and catch (coordination)
Throw and catch with one hand
Throw and catch on one leg (balance)
Throw and jump and catch
With ball in hand, players to run around area. When they see another player, they are to swap balls by throwing to each other. Can we catch the ball without it falling?
Half players with a ball (in hand), and half without. They are to move freely around area and passing to open players by throwing the ball.
What must we do before passing? (look up to make sure partner is in space)
Same again but ball on the floor this time
All players start in 2 lines opposite their partner
In pairs with a ball each, players start by standing a yard away from each other. One player to put his ball on a cone whilst the other tries to knock off the ball with his own ball.
For success: 1. passer to put non standing toe next to the
ball (stamp on the fly!) 2. Use the big toe as a guide, facing his
target. 3. Use side of the other foot to pass
Why do we use the side of the foot? (it allows us to be more accurate)
4. Look up before passing and follow through after passing.
2 points for every time a cone is knocked off.
After each player has a shot, the player that knocked off the ball to move his cone back a yard.
Who will go back the furthest?
Cops and Robbers
Players line up on a line with a ball each (robbers in red).
They are to dribble ball to stop on opposite line (home).
Coach introduces ‘Cops’ (in black) who are to attempt to shoot down the ‘robbers’ balls by passing their ball.
Objective is to hit the ‘robbers’ balls with their own.
Once the ‘robbers’ have their ball hit, they join the ‘cops’ on either side of the area to try to shoot down the other ‘robbers’.
Play until there is only one or two ‘robbers’ left. They then get a choice to be ‘cops’ or ‘robbers’ in the next game.
‘Robbers’ are only out if their ball gets hit.
How can we make sure we hit the ‘robbers’ balls? (keep ball low – use instep, use standing foot as a guide, look up).
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 4 – Passing part 2
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
15yds x 15yds grid. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Side, side, forwards backwards
Outside inside, outside inside
Throw and catch (coordination)
Throw and catch with one hand
Throw and catch on one leg (balance)
Throw and jump and catch
Ball on the floor. Half players with a ball, half without.
Players to move about in the area passing the ball to players that call for it.
Can we remember the previous week’s session? (look up before passing, make sure friend is in space before passing)
After we pass, can we find space to be able to receive from a friend?
In pairs, players are to stand on either side of 2 cones and pass the ball to each other through the cones.
What part of the foot do we NOT use to pass? (Toes!!)
How can we help the ball to go to our partner? Use the standing toe to guide, just like we did in the shooting exercise
Players in pairs with a ball per pair. They are to move freely in the area and pass the ball to each other whenever they can.
Can we: look up before a pass? Pass it accurately? Be in space before they pass it?
How did you make sure your pass went to your team mate? What did you and your team mate have to do?
For the striving players, can they use their other foot or pass from a greater distance?
Pairs of cones randomly put in the area as ‘goals’. Ensure there are more goals than pairs.
Pairs to move around area making passes to their team mates through different goals. How many passes can we make in a minute?
What can you do to help us score lots of goals? (Communicate with each other, look for an empty goal to go through, pass accurately).
Try again. Can you beat your last score?
Introduce 2 defenders. They are to cover a goal and stop the pass being made. NO TACKLING
What do we do if a goal is blocked? (move to another one)
Swap defenders after every minute.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 5 – Match day
Warm Up and ABCs Match set up
15yds x 15yds grid. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Toe taps
Semi circle boxes
Side to side with bottom of foot
Forwards and backwards toe taps
Side, side, forwards backwards
Outside inside, outside inside
Tag – With bibs in back of shorts like a tail, players move about freely in the area. Coach calls out orders like jump, skip, roll, hop etc
On coach’s command of ‘attack’, players to run around area to try to capture as many tails as they can in 30seconds.
No one is allowed to hold on to their tail. If tail is pulled, they are to try to get someone else’s.
At end of 30 seconds, who still has their tail? Who has the most tails?
Same again, but this time they must keep their ball at their feet whilst capturing tails
4 goal game 4 v 4s with no goalkeeper. Condition: Can we finish with one touch?
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 6 – Turning part 1
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
15yds x 15yds grid. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Toe taps
Semi circle boxes
Side to side with bottom of foot
Forwards and backwards toe taps
Side side, forwards backwards
Outside inside, outside inside
Players have the ball on the floor moving into space
On coaches command, players to run with the ball to the designated colour/football team /stadium/player), turn and accelerate back to the middle.
Can we turn in a different way each time?
Using same area as previous, players to be spread around. On coach’s command, players to dribble to a coloured line, turn and return to the middle
Coach to explain the technique tips of dribbling: 1. SLOW DOWN before you get to the line 2. TURN 180 degrees 3. ACCELERATE away from defender
Can you do these without going out of the area or bumping into others? Players to practice these technique tips. Coach to work with those players that need help and commend those excelling
Demonstrate how to perform the following three turns:
1. Dragback 2. Inside hook 3. Outside hook
With all turns, encourage players to focus on the three technique tips
NB. You may see that many players will turn with their back on the ball, especially with the dragback. Explain that they should turn WITH the ball so they can always see the ball ie. Pivot 180 degrees with the ball rather than turn the ball then the body
Next, players to stand on the outside lines. Coach to stand in middle of area.
On coach’s command, players to dribble up to the coach
When they’re at a good turning distance (about a yard away), they are to perform a designated turn called by the coach (dragback, inside hook or outside hook) and accelerate back to their lines.
Next, put players in pairs. One player to stand in the middle of the area where the coach was.
His partner to stand on the outside line facing him
Once again, coach to call a turn and player on outside to run towards his partner and perform this turn
As soon as they turn, coach to give them enough time to have distance with their partners then shout ‘GO’.
On this command, partners to run after the turners to see if they can catch up with them and tap them on the shoulder.
Players that get caught will need to accelerate faster
Switch roles and play again
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 7 – turning part 2
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
15yds x 15yds grid. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Toe taps
Semi circle boxes
Side to side with bottom of foot
Forwards and backwards toe taps
Side side, forwards backwards
Outside inside, outside inside
Players have the ball on the floor moving into space
On coaches command, players to run with the ball to the designated colour/football team /stadium/player), turn and accelerate back to the middle.
Can we turn in a different way each time?
Players in same ability pairs with 1 ball in 10ydsx10yds area as above
One player in middle of their area with one outside and with a ball
Player with ball to slowly approach the ‘defender’ in the middle and about a yard away from him, turn away and accelerate back to his line.
Coach to show the players how to use the inside hook, outside hook and drag-back turns. Ensure players turn with ball away from them to allow them to accelerate.
Players to practice in their areas.
After each attempt, ‘defender’ moves back to his line and dribbler moves forward to middle
For those striving players, show them how to perform Cruyff and/or stepover turns
Turning mantra is: SLOW, SKILL, ACCELERATE AWAY!
Why do we go slow? (so we have control of the ball).
Why do we accelerate away? (so defender can’t catch us).
Same set up as previously, except this time both players are on the line
Both players also have a bib in their back like a tail
On coach’s order, player with ball dribbles up to the ‘defender’ on the line and turns to go back to their line.
As soon as they turn (NOT before!), ‘defender’ chases the dribbler to try and pull their tail
What does it mean if the defender pulls your tail? (We didn’t accelerate quickly enough after turning / we turned with the ball too close to our feet which stopped us from accelerating)
Play 3 times each before swapping. Who can manage to get to their line before having their tail pulled?
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 8- Dribbling part 1
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
15yds x 15yds grid. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Toe taps
Semi circle boxes
Side to side with bottom of foot
Forwards and backwards toe taps
Side, side, forwards backwards
Outside inside, outside inside
Players move around in area with ball trying NOT to hit each other
What do we look for when dribbling? (space)
What do we do when we find that space? (accelerate into it)
1. What do we need to do when dribbling?( Keep the ball close to our feet)
2. How do we keep the ball close to our feet? (by taking little touches with the laces)
3. How do we make sure we can dribble into space? (look up) – THE 3Ls of dribbling! LITTLE TOUCHES, LACE, LOOK UP FOR SPACE!
Set up as above with a player next to a cone.
Use big, 12 inch cones if possible. Each player has a ball.
Explain the cones are ‘defenders’ and objective is for players to beat the ‘defenders’
Demonstrate running slowly to the ‘defender’. Remind players: LITTLE TOUCHES, LACE, LOOK UP FOR SPACE!
Move body one way and then take the ball the other way with the outside of the foot.
Why do we move our body one way and the ball the other? (to fool the defender)
Why do we use the outside of the foot? (so the defender can’t easily get the ball without having to kick our foot).
Explain that all dribbling skills eg. Stepover scissors etc all use the same principle of body one way, ball the other way.
Players to practice on their ‘defender’
Once competent, players to dribble around area, beating as many ‘defenders’ as possible.
Remind players to accelerate after beating the ‘defender’.
Invasion
Set up as shown.
Defenders (in red) are to station themselves Around their ‘castle.’
Attackers (in green) are to dribble past the defenders to try to invade their castle.
Once they get in the castle, they stay in there.
Defenders can’t tackle the attackers once they are in their castle. They have to concentrate on keeping them out by kicking their balls away.
Attackers, can you find the space to get into?
What do you do when you find space? (Accelerate into it)
How can you get past a defender? (body one way, ball the other way).
If the attackers get their ball kicked away, they retrieve it and try again.
Play for 30-45secs and switch.
Continue to question players on the best way to invade the castle.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 9 – Dribbling part 2
Warm Up and ABCs Technique and Skill
15yds x 15yds grid. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Toe taps
Semi circle boxes
Side to side with bottom of foot
Forwards and backwards toe taps
Side side, forwards backwards
Outside inside, outside inside 4. Recap on previous week’s dribbling
session 5. LITTLE TOUCHES, LACES, LOOK UP FOR
SPACES! Invasion as per previous week
Ask same questions to reinforce learning
Set up as shown, with 2 same ability players in a 10yds x 10yds grid
One ball per pair.
Player with a ball to pass to his partner.
Remind players of passing technique: 1. Standing toe next to the ball facing the target 2. Look up 3. Use any part of the foot except toes.
When the partner receives the ball, he is to approach his partner to try and dribble past him. He gets 2 points if he manages to stop his ball on or very near (no more than a yard) to his partner’s line.
Remind players of dribbling techniques: 1. LITTLE TOUCHES, LACES, LOOK UP FOR SPACES when approaching defender 2. BODY ONE WAY, BALL THE OTHER WAY when beating the defender 3. ACCELERATE AWAY after beating the defender
If defender tackles, he is to accelerate to the attacker’s line to score 1 point.
If ball goes out of play for a ‘throw’, restart from the touchline
Switch attackers after a minute Dribbling King
Same set up as shown. Give each pair a ‘league’ descending accordingly per area eg. Premiership, Championship, League 1, league 2, league 3
Players play against their partners, counting scores. Same score format. Switch attackers and defenders after every attempt
After a minute, winning players to be ‘promoted’ a league, losing player to ‘relegated’ a league.
If it’s a draw, coach to find a way of deciding eg. Pick a number from 1-10, closest answer to coach’s number wins.
NB: Start the best pair in lower leagues so they can work their way up.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 10 – Shooting
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
15yds x 15yds grid. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Toe taps
Semi circle boxes
Side to side with bottom of foot
Forwards and backwards toe taps
Side side, forwards backwards
Outside inside, outside inside
4 goals set up in a 20yds x 20yds area as
above.
Players to have a ball each. They are to move around the area, scoring as many goals as possible.
No goalkeepers
Introduce defenders (in green) who are to make it difficult for players to score.
Can we dribble past defenders properly?
Can we use the correct techniques to shoot? See week 1.
In 3s by a goal. P1 passes to P2 who takes a touch and shoots in goal, using the correct technique.
P1 then runs to the back of the line behind P3.
P1 now gets in front of goal ready to shoot. P3 passes to P1 then runs to stand in front of goal. Play for 2-3 minutes Progression 1
Same set up, this time, P1 passes it across the goal to P2. (see red line) Progression 2
This time, one of the 3 is a goalkeeper.
Do we need to do anything different to score? (look up to put the ball in space away from the goalie)
Do we go for power or accuracy? (depends how close (accuracy) or far (power) we are)
NB: Only progress with groups that are comfortable with the techniques
3 v 3 in 10yds x 10yds area. 1 goalkeeper
Gk starts by passing ball to teammate.
Objective is to score goals so can we get in a position to shoot?
Encourage players to be positive, even ‘selfish’ to shoot whenever they get the chance
If we can’t shoot, can we either beat their defender to create a shooting opportunity or pass to a team mate in a better position?
Change goalkeepers regularly.
Watch players to ensure correct technique is used.
NB: Area must be small enough to allow many shooting opportunities.
P1 P3
P2
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 11 – Match day
Warm Up and ABCs Technique and Skill
15yds x 15yds grid. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Toe taps
Semi circle boxes
Side to side with bottom of foot
Forwards and backwards toe taps
Side side, forwards backwards
Outside inside, outside inside 6. Recap on previous week’s dribbling
session 7. LITTLE TOUCHES, LACES, LOOK UP FOR
SPACES!
World Cup/ Champions league
Only 4 v 4 or less
Remind players of techniques learnt in dribbling, passing, turning and shooting
Maybe give extra goals for players displaying good examples of these techniques.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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MODULE 2 Mastering the technique
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Module 2 – Mastering the technique
Overview
This module will be all about focussing on just two elements of football- passing & receiving
and dribbling.
This allows the coach to really help the players forge an understanding of how to execute
these techniques, and develop and challenge them. It is obvious that spending one or two
hours on a session is not enough to really develop players, so each of these techniques will
be taught over a 3 or 4 week period, allowing the players to really feel comfortable with it
and hopefully, use it during matches as it becomes second nature.
Practice makes permanent
Below is a table of the techniques to be practiced in this module and the key factors
(explained as ‘Technique Tips’ to the players) that must be relayed to the players. By the end
of the module, the players should not only know the ‘Technique Tips’ when asked, they
must also demonstrate it.
The table is set out where all, most and few players should be taught a technique tip
depending on their abilities to ensure some form of success.
Technique Technique Tips
Passing ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Put standing (weaker) foot next to the ball with big toe
facing the target
Look at their target, not the ball
Slightly bend their knees for balance
MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Use either/all of the inside, outside or laces of strong foot
to pass.
Follow through after the pass
FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Kick the middle of the ball to keep the ball on the ground
Kick under the ball to make it a lofted pass
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Use either foot to pass
Receiving ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Get alert before receiving the ball by jogging on the spot
‘be on your toes’
Keep an eye on the ball as it comes to them
MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Move in line with the ball as it arrives so that his
whole body is behind the ball
FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Decide on the appropriate surface to receive the ball;
the inside of the strong foot (a few inches above the
ground) is recommended as it has a bigger surface
area
Dribbling ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Look up when the ball is at their feet to find space
MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Use their laces or outside of the foot to dribble.
Keeping their big toe pointing to the ground will help
FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Take little touches to keep the ball close to their feet
Accelerate into space
The 3Ls of dribbling: Little touches with your laces and look up.
Please ensure the majority of your players are comfortable with the technique before
moving on. If need be, spend all 3 weeks on the first week’s drill or differentiate and move
higher ability players on according to their progress.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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3-4year Curriculum
Players aged 3-4 learn best through the use of fun games. The most effective coach for this age group will have to be enthusiastic, loud and fun.
Although they will be learning football skills and techniques, these will all have to be delivered through the medium of fun games and elaborate stories.
Coach must ensure he ticks all 3 learning styles with each exercise (audio, visual - whiteboard, and kinesthetic – live demonstrations). Listen, Look, Do.
Week 1 – sign ups, introduction and fun games
Week 2 – passing
Week 3 – passing & receiving 1
Week 4 – passing & receiving 2
Week 5 - passing & receiving 3
Week 6 – Multi skills/ SAQ
Week 7 – dribbling 1
Week 8 – dribbling 2
Week 9 – dribbling 3
Week 10 – dribbling 4
Week 11 – games / kids v parents (short session)
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 1 – Sign up, intro and fun games
Introduction and fun games
1. Have all players running around the area. When coach calls out a number, they get in groups of that number. Can they introduce themselves to their group? Use low numbers obviously because of the age!
2. Each player to have a bib tucked in the back of their shorts. Coach to chase players to try to pull their bibs out. If their bib gets pulled out, they join the coach. Be tactical in whose bib you pull out – go for the better/more mature players or those who are returning as they will be more comfortable.
3. Get players in the middle of an area with different coloured cones on each of the 4 edges/ a different focal point. Players to move around the middle of the area. When coach calls out colour/focal point, all players to quickly run to that line and return to middle. Who will be the first to the line and back? After a while, use a ball and play again. Now they have to dribble and keep ball under control.
In a 20 x 20yd area, have 2 different coloured cones (about 20 each) randomly spread around.
One colour will be upside down, (cups) and the other colour the other way (saucers)
Split group into 2 and designate one group ‘cups’ and the other ‘saucers’.
On coach’s command, team in charge of cups are to turn saucers into cups and vice versa.
Play for a minute then count to see which team has turned the most cones.
OBSERVATION: which players uses 2 hands to turn 2 cones where appropriate? Which players turn the most cones? Which players find it easy to bend over to turn the cones? Which players move quickly? Play a again changing teams
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 2 – passing
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Body parts game
Spread balls out in an area and players move around the area.
On coach's call, players must move to each ball and touch a body part on the ball.
Coach to call which body part. Could be that balls are passed between hands and on receiving, touch body part to ball
Incorporate skips, hops and jumps when players are moving around the area.
Increase speed of instructions to warm them up
Spiderman Knockout
Who knows Spiderman? What does he like to shoot out? His web!
Place 12inch cones randomly in 20 x 20yd area. At least enough for one per player.
Players spread about with a ball each.
Explain that they are Spiderman and their task is to knock down these stationary enemies (cones) by passing their ball to hit them
Players to dribble around area to try and shoot down as many enemies as possible.
Coach to go round putting back any knocked down cones. Play for a minute
What part of the foot do we NOT use to ‘shoot’? (our toes)
What do we do with our eyes before we shoot? (look at target)
What do we do with our standing foot? (make toes face the target)
Spiderman Duel
In pairs with a ball each
Each player has a 12inch cone in front of them or a cone with a ball on top
They are to try to knock down their cones by passing their ball.
Repeat 3 steps: Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp on the imaginary insect next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass to strike cone down
For strivers, increase distance. For strugglers, have 2cones to make target bigger.
Repeat same questions.
Hunt Spiderman's enemies
Coach to be an enemy of Spiderman – Doc Oc, or any of his other nemesis
In a 20 v 20yd area, each players to have a ball and randomly spread around area
Coach on hands and knees in the area
Objective is for players to hunt Spiderman's enemy and try to shoot him down by passing their ball to hit him!
Who can hit the enemy the most times in one minute?
What part of the foot do we NOT use to ‘pass’? (our toes)
What do we do with our eyes before we ‘shoot’? (look at target)
Play again, making sure players us e their instep. This time, coach moves faster around area to make it more difficult
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 3 – passing and receiving part 1
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Cone Touching
In pairs facing each other, with
a line of 5 cones in between.
Coach calls out a colour and
pair race each other to touch
that cone with foot/hand.
Copy Cat
In pairs facing each other.
Must balance on one leg
making shapes with body
which partner has to copy.
Body parts game as per previous week
Place all balls in middle of area
with goals at each corner (10yards max away)as above
Put players into teams
On coach’s command, players to run in middle, turn with a ball and attempt to pass it into the goal
What part of the foot do we
NOT use to pass? (our toes)
Why do we use the instep?
(for better accuracy)
What do we do with our eyes before we pass? (look at target)
Encourage players to PASS rather than shoot because there is no goalkeeper and
Spiderman!
Who knows Spiderman? What does he like to shoot out? His web!
In pairs with 1 ball, players face each other about 2yards away from each other. Tell them they are Spidermen and they are to pass their web (ball) to their partner.
Explain that to pass the ball to each other, they must go through 3 steps:
Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp on the imaginary insect next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass their web to partner.
What part of the foot do we
NOT use to pass? (our toes)
Hunt Spiderman's enemies
Remind players of this game from previous session.
Make area bigger into 25 x 25yds
This time, invite parents to join in as enemies of Spiderman
How many different enemies can you hit?
What part of the foot do
we NOT use to ‘shoot’?
(our toes)
What do we do with our eyes before we ‘shoot’? (look at target)
Should the ball go in the air or stay on the grass? (on the grass, because that’s where the target is)
Play again, making sure players use their instep to pass.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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therefore accuracy is more important than power.
Why do we use the instep?
(for better accuracy)
What do we do with our eyes before we pass? (look at target)
Coach to observe striving pairs and increase distance
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 4 – passing and receiving part 2
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Cone Touching
In pairs facing each other, with
a line of 5 cones in between.
Coach calls out a colour and
pair race each other to touch
that cone with foot/hand.
Copy Cat
In pairs facing each other.
Must balance on one leg
making shapes with body
which partner has to copy.
Body parts game as per previous week
Place all balls in middle of area
with goals at each corner (10yards max away)as above
Put players into teams
On coach’s command, players to run in middle, turn with a ball and attempt to pass it into the goal
What part of the foot do we
NOT use to pass? (our toes)
Why do we use the instep?
(for better accuracy)
What do we do with our eyes before we pass? (look at target)
Encourage players to PASS rather than shoot because there is no goalkeeper and
Spiderman – from previous week
Recap on rules for passing the 'web'
In pairs with 1 ball, players face each other about 2yards away from each other. Tell them they are Spidermen and they are to pass their web(ball) to their partner.
Explain that to pass the ball to each other, they must go through 3 steps:
Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp on the imaginary insect next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass their web to partner.
What part of the foot do
we NOT use to pass? (our
toes)
Bowling
Set up a bowling area as above with players lined up no more than 5 yards away.
In interests of not having too many players idle, have no more than 4 players per line.
On coach's orders, players to pass their ball to knock down the cones. Once a player passes his ball, he is to run and collect it while his partner passes.
Who will be the first team to knock down all their cones?
Winning team gets to move their starting cone back a yard to challenge them.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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therefore accuracy is more important than power.
Why do we use the
instep? (for better
accuracy)
What do we do with our eyes before we pass? (look at target)
Coach to observe striving pairs and increase distance
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 5 -passing and receiving part 3
Warm up Fun game Technique
Coach is a mad hunter walking through Dino land...he calls out what he see’s and the children must act it out...”I am walking through the jungle...wait a minute, I think I see a ...”
Jog- a- saurus – players jog around in different directions (no ball)
Dribble – a- Saurus – players dribble in any direction (with a ball)
Freeze – a – saurus – players freeze
Jump – a Saurus – players hop around
Slow – a Saurus – move as slowly as possible
Dance – A – Saurus – Dance like crazy
Toe-Tap – A – Saurus- perform toe taps
Bowling
Set up a bowling area as above with players lined up no more than 5 yards away.
In interests of not having too many players idle, have no more than 4 players per line.
On coach's orders, players to pass their ball to knock down the cones. Once a player passes his ball, he is to run and collect it while his partner passes.
Who will be the first team to knock down all their cones?
Winning team gets to move their starting cone back a yard to challenge them.
Spiderman – development
Now we are so good at passing our web to stationary partners, can also do it when we are moving?
On coach's call, players on inside of the area to dribble ball and pass their 'web' to guys on the outside and receive before going to a different player. How many passes can you make in….. seconds/minutes?
Switch players in middle with those on outside.
For strivers – Can they use their laces? Left foot?
For strugglers – can they be stationary and pass to one person? Can they throw it?
Split groups in half with some
on the outside of cones as
shown and the rest inside the
area with a ball each.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 6 – SAQ/ Multi skills
Whole pitch will be split into 4 areas: Dribbling, Passing, SAQ and ABC. Players will spend 12 minutes in each group and on the whistle will move to the next
group to a new set of coaches.
Dribbling King of the Ring
All players in 20yd x 20yd area with a ball each.
Explain to each player that they start with 5 points.
They are to dribble around area with ball close to their feet because coach will be coming to steal any loose balls.
If their ball is stolen, or they dribble out of the area, they lose a point.
After 30secs, any player whose ball hasn’t been stolen gains a point.
Play again, this time pick one or two players to steal balls
ABC Cops and Robbers Players on a line with bibs tucked in their backs (robbers). 2 players in the middle of the area without bibs (cops).
Cops to chase the robbers and pull their bibs out. They must leave bibs on the floor next to robbers. Once tagged, the robbers must balance on one leg until freed by a fellow robber (with a light touch on the shoulder). Robber can then pick up his bib and try to evade the police again.
Play again, this time switching cops
Next, same again, but each robber to 'steal' a football and move with it.
Once caught, player can balance with a foot on his ball if they choose to.
1v1 dribbling and shooting
In two teams with each team on the side of the pitch in 'dressing rooms'
Coach calls one player from each team (similar ability) to stand in opposite goals
Place footballs per the amount of players in the middle
On coach's orders, players to leave their goal and try to score in opposite goal.
Try 1v1/2v2 with one or two balls between them, depending on the group's ability.
Which team will score the most goals?
SAQ
Put players in groups of no more than 4 and a selection of balls,
bean bags in the middle of ladders as shown.
One at a time, each player to go through the ladder using the correct techniques (Run on balls of the feet, Move thumbs in alternate 'hips to lips' movement, Keep head up and Raise knees with each step), pick up an object and return to their group.
Continue until all the objects are picked up.
Try lateral (sideways) and hopping on one/two feet
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 7 – dribbling part 1
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
‘cars’ (Agility, Coordination, Speed) In 20yds x 20yds area, explain to students that they are all ‘cars’. On coach’s instructions, they are to ‘turn on their engines’ (make engine noises). Explain a car has 5 gears. The higher the gear, the faster they go. 1st gear: slow motion, almost astronaut walking 2nd gear: walking pace 3rd gear: speed walking 4th gear: jog 5th gear: sprinting Brake: foot on ball Reverse: backwards toe taps Use analogies like ‘on the motorway so 5th gear, hitting traffic so slow down to 4th gear, at traffic lights so down to 1st gear and brake etc.’ Players to go and fetch a ‘passenger’(ball) and do the same. How can we make sure we don’t crash our ‘cars’? (look up) How can we keep our passengers in our car? (keep ball close to us) REMEMBER 3Ls of dribbling: LITTLE touches with LACES whilst LOOKING up.
Follow the coach – best played with two coaches
Players stand in a 20x20yd area without a ball but with bibs in hand. Coaches have stolen all your treasure (bibs) and tucked them in his shorts (coach takes bibs away for impact).
Can you go and get your treasure back?
Players are to chase the coaches to try and get their treasures back.
Coach to change direction regularly to evade players. (take care to move in a motion that doesn't allow crashes!!)
Leaders, how can you make sure you stay in the area? (look up)
Followers, how can you get close to the leaders? (Stay alert, run on balls of your feet, look up).
Follow the coach 2
Now coach to give each player and themselves a ball
Play again, first by stealing treasures then running away
Players to chase you
After a minute, pause to ask:
How was the coach moving? Like a snake or a train? (hopefully a snake!)
Did the coach always have the ball with him?
Did you always have the ball with you? Did it stay in the area?
How can we make sureour ball stays with us in the area? (Use our laces to take little touches)
Steal the treasure
Players to line up with a ball each on one line
Coach to place enough bibs per player on opposite line
Coach is the mean giant that has stolen all they players' treasures and they are to get them back
'Giant' stands in front of players. If he looks at players, they are to stop moving and pretend they are doing anything other than dribbling ie. innocently look at the sky etc.
When 'giant's' back is turned, players to sneak behind him by dribbling
Keep going until they can retrieve their treasure and run with the ball back home before the 'giant' catches them!
How do we move the ball? Slowly and quietly with our laces
How do we know when the giant looks at us? Look up
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 8 – dribbling part 2
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
‘cars’ (Agility, Coordination, Speed) In 20yds x 20yds area, explain to students that they are all ‘cars’. On coach’s instructions, they are to ‘turn on their engines’ (make engine noises). Explain a car has 5 gears. The higher the gear, the faster they go. 1st gear: slow motion, almost astronaut walking 2nd gear: walking pace 3rd gear: speed walking 4th gear: jog 5th gear: sprinting Brake: foot on ball Reverse: backwards toe taps Use analogies like ‘on the motorway so 5th gear, hitting traffic so slow down to 4th gear, at traffic lights so down to 1st gear and brake etc.’ Do it without a ball, then ask players to go and fetch a ‘passenger’(ball) and do the same. How can we make sure we don’t crash our ‘cars’? (look up) How can we keep our passengers in our car? (keep ball close to us)
Steal the treasure
Players to line up with a ball each on one line
Coach to place enough bibs per player on opposite line
Coach is the mean giant that has stolen all they players' treasures and they are to get them back
'Giant' stands in front of players. If he looks at players, they are to stop moving and pretend they are doing anything other than dribbling ie. innocently look at the sky etc.
When 'giant's' back is turned, players to sneak behind him by dribbling
Keep going until they can retrieve their treasure and run with the ball back home before the 'giant' catches them!
How do we move the ball? Slowly and quietly with our laces
How do we know when the giant looks at us? Look up
Sand, sea, sky and swamp
Make 4 large squares of different cones in corners of playing area
Yellow – sand
Green - swamp
Blue – sea
White –sky
Players to dribble in the area. When coach calls out an area, players to dribble to that box.
What can you find here? Crocodiles in the swamp etc.
How do we make sure we stop our ball in the area? take little touches
How do we make sure we don't bump into others? Look up
Tag –Coach led - Agility
All players to have a bib in the back of their shorts
On coach's orders, he is to chase them to pull out the bibs of anyone he catches
Once bibs are pulled out, the player to join the coach in pulling out bibs of others
Play for 30 secs - 1 minute
Next, ask players to collect a ball each and play again. Now if they move their ball out of the area, they have to join the coach.
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Week 9 – dribbling part 3
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Follow the leader
In pairs without a ball to start with. Both players with bibs tucked in the back of their shorts.
Assign one player as the leader. Follower to stand a yard behind the leader.
On coach’s command, leader to try to evade the follower, who is trying to get close enough to pull his bib out. Play for 30secs.
Coach needs to demonstrate the movements required- (change of direction, changing speed depending on how close the follower is).
Switch roles after 30 seconds
Leaders, how can you make sure you stay in the area? (look up)
Followers, how can you get close to the leaders? (Stay alert, look up, keep ball close to our feet).
Play again, but this time give each player a ball.
Traffic Lights
Players to dribble in the area with a ball each
Coach to have 3 coloured cones in hand – red, yellow and green
Coach explains the colours of traffic lights:
Red –stop (do a Superman)
Yellow – do a skill (demonstrate toe taps, boxes, stopovers or any skill)
Green – go! How fast can we move whilst keeping control of the ball?
Coach to ensure he moves around the area whilst changing colour of the cones. Try to do it without speaking to encourage players to look up. How can we know what colour the coach is holding up? Look up!
Traffic lights with goals
Players to line up on one side of the area with a ball each
Objective is to dribble their ball into the goal to score. (have a line they have to reach before shooting)
Coach to walk along the lines, putting coloured cones as and when. Players have to stop on red, but can move in a skilful way on yellow/green (moving with bottom of the foot/using their head/knees etc).
Coach ensures he keeps moving to encourage players to keep their heads up
Any players still moving on a red cone will have to go back 5 paces.
Eggs in a basket
Place all the balls in an area with at least one goal ready
Players to be in the dressing room or on a line ready
On coach's orders, players to run, collect a ball and dribble to score (watch out for those players that use their feet to turn and commend them after the game to encourage others to do the same. Let them demonstrate)
How many goals can you score?
Play again, this time introduce another coach / good player) as a defender who is to tag anyone with their ball too far from their feet.
Any player tagged will have to freeze with ball over his head and legs spread. He can only be released by another layer dribbling through their legs.
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Week 10 – Dribbling part 4
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Follow the leader
In pairs without a ball to start with. Both players with bibs tucked in the back of their shorts.
Assign one player as the leader. Follower to stand a yard behind the leader.
On coach’s command, leader to try to evade the follower, who is trying to get close enough to pull his bib out. Play for 30secs.
Coach needs to demonstrate the movements required- (change of direction, changing speed depending on how close the follower is).
Switch roles after 30 seconds
Leaders, how can you make sure you stay in the area? (look up)
Followers, how can you get close to the leaders? (Stay alert, look up, keep ball close to our feet).
Play again, but this time give each player a ball.
Crabs and Fishes
Players lined up on one side of the area (fishes)
Coach sitting in middle of area in a crab position (hands to his side)
Objective is for fishes to get to the other side of the lake without being caught by the hungry crab.
If the fishes get caught, they become a crab too.
On call of ‘Fishes, are you ready?’ Fishes to put hands together, move side to side and say: ‘I’m a little fishy and I swim like this!’ CLAP
Crabs to call out in a gruff voice: ‘I’m a big crab and I catch fishes like this!’ CLAP AND CLICK HEELS TOGETHER
On coach’s command, fishes to try to make it to the other side. Crab to move sideways or forwards, but always on the floor to try to catch fishes.
How can we avoid the crab?
Set up an area with a series of slaloms and zig zag cones.
Free play. Players to have a ball each and to move freely about the area, dribbling through the slaloms.
Suggest different ways to go through the slaloms (ABCs):
With laces
With bottom of feet
In a bear crawl position
With their hands
With their head
Hopping with ball between feet
Observe: players still dribbling with toes and correct.
How do we keep ball out of the area/ (by looking up
King of the Ring
All players in 20yd x 20yd area with a ball each.
Explain to each player that they start with 5 points.
They are to dribble around area with ball close to their feet because coach will be coming to steal any loose balls.
If their ball is stolen, or they dribble out of the area, they lose a point.
After 30secs, any player whose ball hasn’t been stolen gains a point.
Who will get the highest amount of points in this game?
How can we get more points? (keep ball away from coach and inside the area).
How do we keep ball away from coach? (by
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(keep ball away from him)
How do we keep the ball away from the crab (dribble into space)
How can we find space? (look up)
When we find the space, what should we do? (accelerate into it, but still keeping the ball under control).
and turning/stopping ball if it’s close to the area)
What part of the foot do we NOT use to dribble? (TOES!)
What part of the foot can we use? (Any part, as long as we keep the ball close to our feet).
keeping ball close to our feet).
How do we keep ball out of the area/ (by looking up and turning/stopping ball if it’s close to the area)
What part of the foot do we NOT use to dribble? (TOES!)
What part of the foot can we use? (Any part, as long as we keep the ball close to our feet).
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Week 11 – Short session and presentation
Warm up Fun game Fun game
Coach to perform a favourite warm up from previous weeks
Coach to organise a favourite game from previous weeks
Coach to organise a favourite game from previous weeks Suggestion: Include parents in this game eg. Penalty shootout
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5-6 year old curriculum
The 5-6 year old curriculum is split into the following:
Week 1 – Match day 4v4
Week 2 – turning
Week 3 – turning
Week 4 – dribbling
Week 5 – dribbling
Week 6 – ABC/Multi Skills day
Week 7 – dribbling
Week 8 – passing
Week 9 – passing
Week 10 – passing
Week 11 – match day 4 v 4
To encourage as many touches on the ball as possible
during matches, play no more than 4 v 4.
4 v 4 has been advocated by all the professional clubs
including Manchester United, and is the way of
developing children during matches in countries such as
Holland. It promotes a lot of touches on the ball, which
obviously develops the player with every touch.
3 v 3 with another team rotating after 2 minutes is
better than 5 v 4.
The use of questioning is also important to illicit
understanding. Rather than telling, ask the players what
they think should be done, guiding them to the correct
answer.
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Week 1 – Match day 4x4
Warm Up and ABCs Match day
Cups and saucers (Agility, Coordination, Speed)
In a 20 x 20yd area, have 2 different coloured cones (about 20 each) randomly spread around.
One colour will be upside down, (cups) and the other colour the other way (saucers)
Split group into 2 and designate one group ‘cups’ and the other ‘saucers’.
On coach’s command, team in charge of cups are to turn saucers into cups and vice versa.
Play for a minute then count to see which team has turned the most cones.
OBSERVATION: which players use 2 hands to turn 2 cones where appropriate? Which players turn the most cones? Which players find it easy to bend over to turn the cones? Which players move quickly? Play a again, changing teams
Play a series of 4v4 matches to assess the players. Make notes on those that should be in the more advanced (6year old) group if any.
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Week 2 – turning part 1
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
15yds x 15yds grid. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Toe taps
Semi circle boxes
Side to side with bottom of foot
Forwards and backwards toe taps
Side side, forwards backwards
Outside inside, outside inside
Players have the ball on the floor moving into space
On coaches command, players to run with the ball to the designated colour/football team /stadium/player), turn and accelerate back to the middle.
Can we turn in a different way each time?
Using same area as previous, players to be spread around. On coach’s command, players to dribble to a coloured line, turn and return to the middle
Coach to explain the technique tips of dribbling: 4. SLOW DOWN before you get to the line 5. TURN 180 degrees 6. ACCELERATE away from defender
Can you do these without going out of the area or bumping into others? Players to practice these technique tips. Coach to work with those players that need help and commend those excelling
Demonstrate how to perform the following three turns:
4. Dragback 5. Inside hook 6. Outside hook
With all turns, encourage players to focus on the three technique tips
NB. You may see that many players will turn with their back on the ball, especially with the dragback. Explain that they should turn WITH the ball so they can always see the ball ie. Pivot 180 degrees with the ball rather than turn the ball then the body
Next, players to stand on the outside lines. Coach to stand in middle of area.
On coach’s command, players to dribble up to the coach
When they’re at a good turning distance (about a yard away), they are to perform a designated turn called by the coach (dragback, inside hook or outside hook) and accelerate back to their lines.
Next, put players in pairs. One player to stand in the middle of the area where the coach was.
His partner to stand on the outside line facing him
Once again, coach to call a turn and player on outside to run towards his partner and perform this turn
As soon as they turn, coach to give them enough time to have distance with their partners then shout ‘GO’.
On this command, partners to run after the turners to see if they can catch up with them and tap them on the shoulder.
Players that get caught will need to accelerate faster
Switch roles and play again
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Week 3 – Turning part 2
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
15yds x 15yds grid. Players move about freely in the area with a ball each. Ball manipulation exercises:
Toe taps
Semi circle boxes
Side to side with bottom of foot
Forwards and backwards toe taps
Side side, forwards backwards
Outside inside, outside inside
Players have the ball on the floor moving into space
On coaches command, players to run with the ball to the designated colour/football team /stadium/player), turn and accelerate back to the middle.
Can we turn in a different way each time?
Players in same ability pairs with 1 ball in 10ydsx10yds area as above
One player in middle of their area with one outside and with a ball
Player with ball to slowly approach the ‘defender’ in the middle and about a yard away from him, turn away and accelerate back to his line.
Coach to show the players how to use the inside hook, outside hook and drag-back turns. Ensure players turn with ball away from them to allow them to accelerate.
Players to practice in their areas.
After each attempt, ‘defender’ moves back to his line and dribbler moves forward to middle
For those striving players, show them how to perform Cruyff and/or stepover turns
Turning mantra is: SLOW, SKILL, ACCELERATE AWAY!
Why do we go slow? (so we have control of the ball).
Why do we accelerate away? (so defender can’t catch us).
Same set up as previously, except this time both players are on the line
Both players also have a bib in their back like a tail
On coach’s order, player with ball dribbles up to the ‘defender’ on the line and turns to go back to their line.
As soon as they turn (NOT before!), ‘defender’ chases the dribbler to try and pull their tail
What does it mean if the defender pulls your tail? (We didn’t accelerate quickly enough after turning / we turned with the ball too close to our feet which stopped us from accelerating)
Play 3 times each before swapping. Who can manage to get to their line before having their tail pulled?
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Week 4 – dribbling part 1
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
Follow the leader
In a 20 x 20yd area (or as big as poss.), pair up players. One player to be the leader with a bib tucked in the back of their shorts
Other player to be the follower. He will be attempting to chase the leader to pull his bib
On coach’s orders, leader starts moving around the area. Check they are running on the balls of their feet
After a few seconds, introduce followers to chase their partners to try to pull their bib out
Every time they pull a bib, they get one point. Leaders step out of their area to put their bib back in after it’s been pulled out and rejoin.
Play for a minute and then switch.
Encourage leaders to change direction as much as possible rather than just running fast in a straight line
Ask: Was it easy to catch your leaders? How can we make it even easier? Give them a ball
Give each leader a ball but no ball for followers.
Play same again and switch after a minute
Leaders, did you find it hard to escape your follower? What can you do to give yourself a better chance? (keep the ball close to the feet by taking little touches with the laces and change direction)
How can we make this fairer? Give everyone a ball
Play again, but this time both leaders and followers have a ball
Followers, what did you need to do to catch up to your leaders? Take little touches with the laces and look up
Leaders, how could you escape the followers? Change direction regularly.
Play again, this time helping individual players dribble with laces and looking up
Treasure Takers
Have bibs (enough for one per player) at one end of the grid. These are ‘treasures’
Players to be on the opposite line with a ball.
Explain the mean giant (coach) has taken all their treasure and they must go and collect it, BUT they can only do so when the giant’s back is turned.
When ‘giant’ turns his back, players dribble towards ‘treasures’ following giant.
As soon as giant turns to look at players, they stop their ball and pretend they are looking somewhere else.
Any players still dribbling when giant turns to look at them must go all the way back to start line
Play until all players get a ‘treasure’ and sprint back towards their home line.
Encourage players to run with the ball back (not in their hands!)
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Week 5 – Dribbling part 2
Warm Up and ABCs Technique 1
King of the Ring – agility and coordination
In a 20 x 20yd area, have all players with a
ball each in the area
All players have 5 points to start with. On
coach’s orders, they are to dribble around
the area, trying to avoid the coach who is
looking to kick any uncontrolled balls out
Players lose a point every time their ball is
kicked out.
When a ball is kicked out, player is to collect
it and re-join the game
Play for a minute, check scores then play
one more time.
This time, introduce a couple of players as
‘Dribbling Police’
How do we make sure we avoid our ball being kicked out? Keep it close to our feet by taking little touches
What part of the foot do we use to dribble? Laces
Through the Gates
Area set up as right (20yds x 20yds) with at least 2 gates on each line
Each gate will have a ‘protector’ without a ball
Other players with no ball to be in middle of the area
Players are to try to escape through the gates without being touched by the ‘protectors’. (Agility and balance)
Players to enter the area through another gate. They don’t get tagged if entering.
Was this easy for the ‘protectors’? How can we make it harder? (Introduce balls for the protectors or any ideas suggested) Change ‘protectors’ as and when
How could we make sure we escape the ‘protectors’? (pretend to go one way and quickly change direction).
Now players are familiar with the movements required, give them a ball each too so now everyone has a ball.
Can we still escape through the gate with our ball intact?
Encourage players to keep their heads up to look for good opportunities to escape
Next, introduce another ‘Dribbling Police’ but this time s/he is to roam the area for anyone whose ball is too far away.
If anyone’s ball is too far, and is caught, s/he is to stop the ball and the player has to do 3 star jumps on the spot before carrying on.
Players must always keep their heads up for the roaming ‘Dribbling Police’ and keep their ball close as well as trying to find a good opportunity to escape.
How do we make sure we avoid the enforcer? Look up
What part of the foot do we use to dribble? Laces
How can we keep the ball close to our feet? Take little touches.
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How can we keep the ball close to our feet?
Take little touches.
How can we stay away from the ‘Dribbling
enforcers’? Look up
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Week 6 – Multi Skills/ SAQ
Whole pitch will be split into 4 areas: Dribbling, Passing, SAQ and ABC. Players will spend 12 minutes in each group and on the whistle will move to the next
group to a new set of coaches.
Dribbling King of the Ring
All players in 20yd x 20yd area with a ball each.
Explain to each player that they start with 5 points.
They are to dribble around area with ball close to their feet because coach will be coming to steal any loose balls.
If their ball is stolen, or they dribble out of the area, they lose a point.
After 30secs, any player whose ball hasn’t been stolen gains a point.
Play again, this time pick one or two players to steal balls
ABC Cops and Robbers Players on a line with bibs tucked in their backs (robbers). 2 players in the middle of the area without bibs (cops).
Cops to chase the robbers and pull their bibs out. They must leave bibs on the floor next to robbers. Once tagged, the robbers must balance on one leg until freed by a fellow robber (with a light touch on the shoulder). Robber can then pick up his bib and try to evade the police again.
Play again, this time switching cops
Next, same again, but each robber to 'steal' a football and move with it.
Once caught, player can balance with a foot on his ball if they choose to.
1v1 dribbling and shooting
In two teams with each team on the side of the pitch in 'dressing rooms'
Coach calls one player from each team (similar ability) to stand in opposite goals
Place footballs per the amount of players in the middle
On coach's orders, players to leave their goal and try to score in opposite goal.
Try 1v1/2v2 with one or two balls between them, depending on the group's ability.
Which team will score the most goals?
SAQ
Put players in groups of no more than 4 and a selection of balls,
bean bags in the middle of ladders as shown.
One at a time, each player to go through the ladder using the correct techniques (Run on balls of the feet, Move thumbs in alternate 'hips to lips' movement, Keep head up and Raise knees with each step), pick up an object and return to their group.
Continue until all the objects are picked up.
Try lateral (sideways) and hopping on one/two feet
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Week 7 - Dribbling
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
The difference between dribbling and running with the ball Through the alley
Players to line up without ball in front of an ‘alley’ as shown
On coach’s command, they are to run/jog through the alley and return by either hopping/skipping or any other creative way
Split groups up so players are facing each other as below.
Same again. This time, what do we have
Ask: How do we move the ball when we see other players in the tunnel? Take little touches (dribbling)
How about when there is no one in the tunnel? Take big touches (running with the ball) because we want to get through the space as quickly as possible
Remind them that they still have to have control of the ball.
They are still finding various ways to move the ball after leaving the tunnel ie. Using just the bottom of their feet, just their weak foot etc)
Next, introduce two players to stand either side of the tunnel. With a ball between them, they are to pass to each other, looking up to avoid the dribblers
Dribblers also have to be careful not to hit the ball being passed
To beat a player like Messi
In pairs, players to line up as below, with one ball between two.
There must be about 5 yards of free space behind each player
On coach’s order, attacker (red) dribbles slowly towards defender (blue), who is STATIONARY (doesn’t move)
A yard before he reaches the defender, he is to feint (move body one way – change direction) and move the ball the opposite way to go past the stationary defender
After he successfully goes past the defender, he is to accelerate into space behind (change speed)
Use players like Ryan Giggs and Messi as good examples
Do we go fast or slow as we approach the defender? Slow
How do we get past the defender?
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to watch out for?
When can we speed up? When do we have to slow down?
What do we have to look for?
Give players a ball each. They are to do the same again (go through the alley) but on their return, they can’t let the ball touch the ground. How creative can they be?
How do we make sure we don’t hit any balls/anyone? Look up
Change direction
What do we do after we go past the defender? Change speed/accelerate into the space (running with the ball)
Move on only if a player is comfortable beating his stationary partner. If some players show correct techniques, pair them and make it an opposed practice.
3points for each goal scored, 1 point for each ball defended (goes out of area)
Switch attackers and defenders after each attempt.
If defender tackles attacker and ball is still in play, he can try to score
If ball goes out to the side of the area, re-start with a dribble from where ball went out
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Week 8 – Passing Part 1
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
20 x 20yd area
Place a selection of hoops on the ground.
Players to move freely around the area
Encourage them to move like footballers – sideways, forwards, backwards
What do footballers do? Jump/shoot/tackle. Encourage players to mimic such movements. Ensure players land on balls of their feet when they land after jumping
Explain that balance is also important for a footballer.
The hoops are balance areas, so players should enter a hoop when they want and balance for at least 2 seconds before moving out. Alternate feet for every hoop they enter
In threes, label players 1,2 and 3 with 1 ball between 2.
Player 1 chooses a hoop of his team's choice to hold. Players 2 and 3 stand on either side of the hoop about a yard away with player 2 having a ball.
Players 2 and 3 to simply pass the ball to each other through the hoop. Switch hoop holder after 3 passes each.
Ensure each player goes through these 4 steps before passing until they master it
1. Jog behind ball, NOT to the side 2. Place standing (weaker) foot next to the ball, with
big toe facing target. Pretend to stamp an insect. 3. Look at your target 4. Using the inside of strong foot, kick middle of the
ball and follow through When receiving:
1. Player to jog on the stop in anticipation 2. Keep looking at the ball 3. Move in line with the ball 4. Stop ball with the inside of the foot
Can you pass through the hoop each time? What if you go further back?
Use this time to correct players’ techniques. If some players show good technique, pair them together and make the distance longer
Knockout
Place 12inch cones randomly in 20 x 20yd area. At least enough for one per player.
Players spread about with a ball each.
Explain that they are sharp shooters and their task is to knock down these stationary enemies (cones) by passing their ball to hit them
Players to dribble around area to try and shoot down as many enemies as possible.
Coach to go round putting back any knocked down cones. Play for a minute
What part of the foot do we NOT use to ‘shoot’? (our toes)
What do we do with our eyes before we shoot? (look at target)
What do we do with our standing foot? (make toes face the target)
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Week 9 – Passing part 2
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
20 x 20yd area
Place a selection of hoops on the ground.
Players to move freely around the area with a ball
Encourage them to move like footballers – sideways, forwards, backwards
What do footballers do? Jump/shoot/tackle. Encourage players to mimic such movements. Ensure players land on balls of their feet when they land after jumping
When players enter the hoops to balance, they throw ball in the air and try to catch it while balanced
When coach shouts ‘score’, players to dribble towards a goal and shoot to score.
Ensure players are sensible here and only shoot into empty nets. Provide 2 or 3 goal options
In threes, label players 1,2 and 3 with 1 ball between 2.
Player 1 chooses a hoop of his team's choice to hold. Players 2 and 3 stand on either side of the hoop about a yard away with player 2 having a ball.
Players 2 and 3 to simply pass the ball to each other through the hoop. Switch hoop holder after 3 passes each.
Ensure each player goes through these 4 steps before passing until they master it
1. Jog behind ball, NOT to the side 2. Place standing (weaker) foot next to the ball,
with big toe facing target. Pretend to stamp an insect.
3. Look at your target 4. Using the inside of strong foot, kick middle of
the ball and follow through When receiving:
1. Player to jog on the stop in anticipation 2. Keep looking at the ball 3. Move in line with the ball 4. Stop ball with the inside of the foot
Can you pass through the hoop each time? What if you go further back?
Use this time to correct players’ techniques. If some players show good technique, pair them together and make the distance longer
Cowboys and Indians Players to line up as below with ball each, with coach on the outside.
Players are the Indians, and coach is the cowboy
On coach’s orders, players to dribble ball from one end to the other.
Use this chance to reinforce dribbling Technique Tips.
Coach to pass his ball to attempt to hit the Indians’ balls. If their ball is hit, the Indian becomes a cowboy
Indians are only cowboys if their ball is hit
What part of the foot is best for accuracy? Inside
What can we do to help us be more accurate? Look up and use our weaker foot as the guide
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Week 10 – Passing Part 3
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
20 x 20yd area
Place a selection of hoops on the ground.
Players to move freely around the area with a ball
Encourage them to move like footballers – sideways, forwards, backwards
What do footballers do? Jump/shoot/tackle. Encourage players to mimic such movements. Ensure players land on balls of their feet when they land after jumping
When players enter the hoops to balance, they throw ball in the air and try to catch it while balanced
Coach to act as a defender
Job of coach is to stop balls of all players that are dribbling too fast ie. Not taking little touches. Use this opportunity to remind them of the dribbling Technique Tips – Little touches with the laces and look up
When coach shouts ‘score’, players to dribble towards a goal and shoot to score.
Ensure players are sensible here and only shoot into empty nets. Provide 2 or 3 goal options
Make a circle/square of cones, big enough to have half the group inside
Place half the group on the outside around the circle
Players in the circle to have a ball in their hands
They are to jog inside the area, passing balls to the players on the outside by throwing/bouncing to them
Can you pass to a different player each time?
Can you make sure there is a clear space between you and the person you are passing to?
After a couple of minutes, switch players on the outside and inside.
Remember to reinforce passing and receiving Technique Tips
Next, do the same again, but this time with the ball on the ground. Passing with feet
Once players feel comfortable with passing to each other whilst moving, introduce a defender.
He is to try to stop passes going to the outside and vice versa.
Now we have a defender, what do we have to do before passing? Make sure receiver is in space
Remember to reinforce passing and receiving Technique Tips
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Week 11 – Match day 4x4
Warm Up and ABCs Technique and Skill
World Cup/ Champions league
Only 4 v 4 or less
Remind players of techniques learnt in dribbling and passing
Maybe give extra goals for players displaying good examples of these techniques.
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Module 3 – Perfecting the Skill
Overview
On this module, we will recap the key techniques learnt in the previous modules; dribbling,
passing, and shooting, with a focus on shooting. Players in the 5 and 6 age groups will also
be given more opportunities to put these techniques in a skill setting with 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 and
4v4 matches.
Practice makes permanent
Below is a table of the techniques to be practiced in this module and the key factors
(explained as ‘Technique Tips’ to the players) that must be relayed to the players. By the
end of the module, the players should not only know the ‘Technique Tips’ when asked, they
must also demonstrate it.
The table is set out where all, most and few players should be taught a technique tip
depending on their abilities to ensure some form of success.
Technique Technique Tips
Passing ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Put standing (weaker) foot next to the ball with big toe facing the target
Look at their target, not the ball
Slightly bend their knees for balance MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Use either/all of the inside, outside or laces of strong foot to pass.
Follow through after the pass FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Kick the middle of the ball to keep the ball on the ground
Kick under the ball to make it a lofted pass
Use either foot to pass
Receiving ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Get alert before receiving the ball by jogging on the spot ‘be on your toes’
Keep an eye on the ball as it comes to them MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Move in line with the ball as it arrives so that his whole body is behind the ball
FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Decide on the appropriate surface to receive the ball; the inside of the strong foot (a few inches above the ground) is recommended as it has a bigger surface area
Dribbling ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Look up when the ball is at their feet to find space MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Use their laces or outside of the foot to dribble. Keeping their big toe pointing to the ground will help
FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
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Take little touches to keep the ball close to their feet
Accelerate into space The 3Ls of dribbling: Little touches with your laces and look up.
Shooting ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Kick the ball towards goal MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Use their inside or laces to shoot towards goal
Use the standing foot to help guide their shot FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Decide when to use laces (power) and when to use the instep (accuracy)
Look up at the goal and deliberately place the ball into space
Turning ALL PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
Change direction with the ball MOST PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO
Slow down before they turn
Turn 180degrees with the ball FEW PLAYERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO
Have the ball a yard in front of them when they turn
Accelerate with the ball under control
Please ensure the majority of your players are comfortable with the technique before
moving on or differentiate your session accordingly
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3-4year Curriculum
Players aged 3-4 learn best through the use of fun games. The most effective coach for this age group will have to be enthusiastic, loud and fun.
Although they will be learning football skills and techniques, these will all have to be delivered through the medium of fun games and elaborate stories.
Coach must ensure he ticks all 3 learning styles with each exercise (audio, visual - whiteboard, and kinesthetic – live demonstrations). Listen, Look, Do.
Week 1 – sign ups, introduction and fun games
Week 2 – passing
Week 3 – passing
Week 4 – dribbling 1
Week 5 - dribbling 2
Week 6 – Multi skills/ SAQ
Week 7 – Shooting 1
Week 8 – Shooting 2
Week 9 – Shooting 3
Week 10 – 1v1, 2v2 matches
Week 11 – games / kids v parents (short session)
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Week 1 – Sign up, intro and fun games
Introduction and fun games
1. Have all players running around the area. When coach calls out a number, they get in groups of that number. Can they introduce themselves to their group? Use low numbers obviously because of the age!
2. Players to run around the area, giving 'high 5s to each other and the coach 3. Each player to have a bib tucked in the back of their shorts. Coach to chase players to try to pull their bibs out. If their bib gets pulled out, they join
the coach. Be tactical in whose bib you pull out – go for the better/more mature players or those who are returning as they will be more comfortable.
4. Get players in the middle of an area with different coloured cones on each of the 4 edges/ a different focal point. Players to move around the middle of the area. When coach calls out colour/focal point, all players to quickly run to that line and return to middle. Who will be the first to the line and back? After a while, use a ball and play again. Now they have to dribble and keep ball under control.
In a 20 x 20yd area, have 2 different coloured cones (about 20 each) randomly spread around.
One colour will be upside down, (cups) and the other colour the other way (saucers)
Split group into 2 and designate one group ‘cups’ and the other ‘saucers’.
On coach’s command, team in charge of cups are to turn saucers into cups and vice versa.
Play for a minute then count to see which team has turned the most cones.
OBSERVATION: which players use 2 hands to turn 2 cones where appropriate? Which players turn the most cones? Which players find it easy to bend over to turn the cones? Which players move quickly? Play a again changing teams
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Week 2 – passing part 1
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Body parts game
Spread balls out in an area and players move around the area.
On coach's call, players must move to each ball and touch a body part on the ball.
Coach to call which body part. Could be that balls are passed between hands and on receiving, touch body part to ball
Incorporate skips, hops and jumps when players are moving around the area.
Increase speed of instructions to warm them up
Spiderman Knockout
Who knows Spiderman? What does he like to shoot out? His web!
Place 12inch cones randomly in 20 x 20yd area. At least enough for one per player.
Players spread about with a ball each.
Explain that they are Spiderman and their task is to knock down these stationary enemies (cones) by passing their ball to hit them
Players to dribble around area to try and shoot down as many enemies as possible.
Coach to go round putting back any knocked down cones. Play for a minute
What part of the foot do we NOT use to ‘shoot’? (our toes)
What do we do with our eyes before we shoot? (look at target)
What do we do with our standing foot? (make toes face the target)
Bowling
Set up a bowling area as above with players lined up no more than 5 yards away.
In interests of not having too many players idle, have no more than 4 players per line.
On coach's orders, players to pass their ball to knock down the cones. Once a player passes his ball, he is to run and collect it while his partner passes.
Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp on the imaginary insect next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass their web to partner.
Who will be the first team to knock down all their cones?
Winning team gets to move their starting cone back a yard to challenge them.
Hunt Spiderman's enemies
Coach to be an enemy of Spiderman – Doc Oc, or any of his other nemesis
In a 20 v 20yd area, each players to have a ball and randomly spread around area
Parents and coaches on hands and knees in the area
Objective is for players to hunt Spiderman's enemy and try to shoot him down by passing their ball to hit him!
Who can hit the enemy the most times in one minute?
What part of the foot do we NOT use to ‘pass’? (our toes)
What do we do with our eyes before we ‘shoot’? (look at target)
Play again, making sure players us e their instep. This time, coach moves faster around area to make it more difficult
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Week 3 – passing part 2
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Body parts game
Spread balls out in an area and players move around the area.
On coach's call, players must move to each ball and touch a body part on the ball.
Coach to call which body part. Could be that balls are passed between hands and on receiving, touch body part to ball
Incorporate skips, hops and jumps when players are moving around the area.
Increase speed of
instructions to
warm them up
Place all balls in middle of area
with goals at each corner (10yards max away)as above
Put players into teams
On coach’s command, players to run in middle, turn with a ball and attempt to pass it into the goal
What part of the foot do we NOT use to pass? (our toes)
Why do we use the instep? (for better accuracy)
What do we do with our eyes before we pass? (look at target)
Encourage players to PASS rather than shoot because there is no goalkeeper and therefore accuracy is more important than power.
Have 2 teams, with each team around a set of 9inch cones. Players to choose how far they want to stand from the cones
On coach's orders, players to pass their ball using their instep to try to knock over a cone.
Recap on passing techniques: Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass their ball to hit the cone.
Which team will knock all cones down first?
Give winning team a challenge of increasing distance or using weaker foot.
Bowling
Set up a bowling area as above with players lined up no more than 5 yards away.
In interests of not having too many players idle, have no more than 4 players per line.
On coach's orders, players to pass their ball to knock down the cones. Once a player passes his ball, he is to run and collect it while his partner passes.
Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp on the imaginary insect next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass their web to partner.
Who will be the first team to knock down all their cones?
Winning team gets to move their starting cone back a yard to challenge them.
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Week 4 – Dribbling part 1
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
‘cars’ (Agility, Coordination, Speed) In 20yds x 20yds area, explain to students that they are all ‘cars’. On coach’s instructions, they are to ‘turn on their engines’ (make engine noises). Explain a car has 5 gears. The higher the gear, the faster they go. 1st gear: slow motion, almost astronaut walking 2nd gear: walking pace 3rd gear: speed walking 4th gear: jog 5th gear: sprinting Brake: foot on ball Reverse: backwards toe taps Use analogies like ‘on the motorway so 5th gear, hitting traffic so slow down to 4th gear, at traffic lights so down to 1st gear and brake etc.’ Players to go and fetch a ‘passenger’(ball) and do the same. How can we make sure we don’t crash our ‘cars’? (look up) How can we keep our passengers in our car? (keep ball close to us) REMEMBER 3Ls of dribbling: LITTLE touches with LACES whilst LOOKING up.
Follow the coach – best played with two coaches
Players stand in a 20x20yd area without a ball but with bibs in hand. Coaches have stolen all your treasure (bibs) and tucked them in his shorts (coach takes bibs away for impact).
Can you go and get your treasure back?
Players are to chase the coaches to try and get their treasures back.
Coach to change direction regularly to evade players. (take care to move in a motion that doesn't allow crashes!!)
Leaders, how can you make sure you stay in the area? (look up)
Followers, how can you get close to the leaders? (Stay alert, run on balls of your feet, look up).
Follow the coach 2
Now coach to give each player and themselves a ball
Play again, first by stealing treasures then running away
Players to chase you
After a minute, pause to ask:
How was the coach moving? Like a snake or a train? (hopefully a snake!)
Did the coach always have the ball with him?
Did you always have the ball with you? Did it stay in the area?
How can we make sure our ball stays with us in the area? (Use our laces to take little touches)
Steal the treasure
Players to line up with a ball each on one line
Coach to place enough bibs per player on opposite line
Coach is the mean giant that has stolen all they players' treasures and they are to get them back
'Giant' stands in front of players. If he looks at players, they are to stop moving and pretend they are doing anything other than dribbling ie. innocently look at the sky etc.
When 'giant's' back is turned, players to sneak behind him by dribbling
Keep going until they can retrieve their treasure and run with the ball back home before the 'giant' catches them!
How do we move the ball? Slowly and quietly with our laces
How do we know when the giant looks at us? Look up
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Week 5 –dribbling part 2
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
'Cars' as per previous week
This time, place a few 9inch cones in the area – they are parked cars
Can we drive our cars without knocking into any other parked cars?
How can we make sure we don’t crash our ‘cars’? (look up) How can we keep our passengers in our car? (keep ball close to us) REMEMBER 3Ls of dribbling: LITTLE touches with LACES whilst LOOKING up.
Traffic Lights
Players to dribble in the area with a ball each
Coach to have 3 coloured cones in hand – red, yellow and green
Coach explains the colours of traffic lights:
Red –stop (do a Superman)
Yellow – do a skill (demonstrate toe taps, boxes, stopovers or any skill)
Green – go! How fast can we move whilst keeping control of the ball?
Coach to ensure he moves around the area whilst changing colour of the cones. Try to do it without speaking to encourage players to look up. How can we know what colour the coach is holding up? Look up!
Traffic lights with goals
Players to line up on one side of the area with a ball each
Objective is to dribble their ball into the goal to score. (have a line they have to reach before shooting)
Coach to walk along the lines, putting coloured cones up as and when. Players have to stop on red, but can move in a skilful way on yellow/green (moving with bottom of the foot/using their head/knees etc).
Coach ensures he keeps moving to encourage players to keep their heads up
Any players still moving on a red cone will have to go back 5 paces.
Eggs in a basket
Place all the balls in an area with at least one goal ready
Players to be in the dressing room or on a line ready
On coach's orders, players to run, collect a ball and dribble to score (watch out for those players that use their feet to turn and commend them after the game to encourage others to do the same. Let them demonstrate)
How many goals can you score?
Play again, this time introduce another coach / good player) as a defender who is to tag anyone with their ball too far from their feet.
Any player tagged will have to freeze with ball over his head and legs spread. He can only be released by another player dribbling through their legs.
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Week 6 – SAQ/ Multi skills
Dribbling King of the Ring
All players in 20yd x 20yd area with a ball each.
Explain to each player that they start with 5 points.
They are to dribble around area with ball close to their feet because coach will be coming to steal any loose balls.
If their ball is stolen, or they dribble out of the area, they lose a point.
After 30secs, any player whose ball hasn’t been stolen gains a point.
Play again, this time pick one or two players to steal balls
ABC Cops and Robbers Players on a line with bibs tucked in their backs (robbers). 2 players in the middle of the area without bibs (cops).
Cops to chase the robbers and pull their bibs out. They must leave bibs on the floor next to robbers. Once tagged, the robbers must balance on one leg until freed by a fellow robber (with a light touch on the shoulder). Robber can then pick up his bib and try to evade the police again.
Play again, this time switching cops
Next, same again, but each robber to 'steal' a football and move with it.
Once caught, player can balance with a foot on his ball if they choose to.
1v1 dribbling and shooting
In two teams with each team on the side of the pitch in 'dressing rooms'
Coach calls one player from each team (similar ability) to stand in opposite goals
Place footballs per the amount of players in the middle
On coach's orders, players to leave their goal and try to score in opposite goal.
Try 1v1/2v2 with one or two balls between them, depending on the group's ability.
Which team will score the most goals?
SAQ
Put players in groups of no more than 4 and a selection of balls,
bean bags in the middle of ladders as shown.
One at a time, each player to go through the ladder using the correct techniques (Run on balls of the feet, Move thumbs in alternate 'hips to lips' movement, Keep head up and Raise knees with each step), pick up an object and return to their group.
Continue until all the objects are picked up.
Try lateral (sideways) and hopping on one/two feet
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Week 7 – Shooting part 1
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Place different coloured cones on 3 lines with a goal on the other line
Players to be in the middle of the area with balls by a central cone
When coach calls out a colour, players to dribble to that line and return to the middle
When coach calls 'GOAL', players to have 5 seconds to score in the goal
Play a few more times, increasing the speed of instruction each time to get players warm
Remind players of the 3Ls of dribbling
Eggs in a basket
Place all the balls in an area with at least one goal ready
Players to be in the dressing room or on a line ready
On coach's orders, players to run, collect a ball and dribble to score (watch out for those players that use their feet to turn and commend them after the game to encourage others to do the same. Let them demonstrate)
How many goals can you score?
Play again, this time introduce another coach / good player) as a defender who is to tag anyone with their ball too far from their feet.
Any player tagged will have to freeze with ball over his head and legs spread. He can only be released by another player dribbling through their legs.
Have 2 teams, with each team around a set of 9inch cones. Players to choose how far they want to stand from the cones
On coach's orders, players to pass their ball using their instep to try to knock over a cone.
Recap on passing techniques: Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass their ball to hit the cone.
Which team will knock all cones down first?
Give winning team a challenge of increasing distance or using weaker foot.
Traffic lights with goals
Players to line up on one side of the area with a ball each
Objective is to dribble their ball into the goal to score (they have a line they have to reach before shooting)
Coach to walk along the lines, putting coloured cones up as and when. Players have to stop on red, but can move in a skilful way on yellow/green (moving with bottom of the foot/using their head/knees etc).
Coach ensures he keeps moving to encourage players to keep their heads up
Any players still moving on a red cone will have to go back 5 paces.
Once players reach a certain designated point, they are to shoot into the goal.
Variation – coach place a small goal/cones inside a bigger goal. Players that score in smaller goal get an extra point
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Week 8 – shooting part 2 (with turning)
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Same game as last week
This time, include instructions like:
'Hop to the red line with the ball' (allow players to find ways to do this but they could put it between their legs)
'Use just the bottom of your feet to get to the blue line'
'Throw and catch the ball all the way to the red line'
Play a few more times, increasing the speed of instruction each time to get players warm
Remind players of the 3Ls of dribbling
Traffic lights with goals
Players to line up on one side of the area with a ball each
Objective is to dribble their ball into the goal to score (they have a line they have to reach before shooting)
Coach to walk along the lines, putting coloured cones up as and when. Players have to stop on red, but can move in a skilful way on yellow/green (moving with bottom of the foot/using their head/knees etc).
Coach ensures he keeps moving to encourage players to keep their heads up
Any players still moving on a red cone will have to go back 5 paces.
Once players reach a certain designated point, they are to shoot into the goal.
Variation – coach place a small goal/cones inside a bigger goal. Players that score in smaller goal get an extra point
Have players line up between a pair of cones in an arch facing the goal. Use the bigger goals
On coach's orders, one at a time, players to take a shot in the goal to score.
Coach watch for players to adopt the correct techniques when shooting:
Step 1: run up behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: use the instep or laces of kicking foot to shoot
Players must stand still and wait for others after shooting
Once all players have had a shot, all players to fetch their balls and move a place to the right. Play until every player gets a shot from every angle.
In two teams with each
team on the side of the pitch in 'dressing rooms'
Coach places two balls in the middle of two goals (use big goals)
Coach calls one player from each team to stand in the middle of the goal
On coach's orders, players to sprint from their goal, collect a ball with their feet, turn and go to shoot at their own goal.
Who will be the first to score?
Do you shoot early or get close to the goal?
What part of the feet are we NOT using to shoot? (TOES)!
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Week 9 – shooting part 3
Warm up Fun game Technique Fun game
Same game as last week
This time, include instructions like:
'Hop to the red line with the ball' (allow players to find ways to do this but they could put it between their legs)
'Use just the bottom of your feet to get to the blue line'
'Throw and catch the ball all the way to the red line'
Play a few more times, increasing the speed of instruction each time to get players warm
Remind players of the 3Ls of dribbling
Have 2 teams, with each team around a set of 9inch cones. Players to choose how far they want to stand from the cones
On coach's orders, players to pass their ball using their instep to try to knock over a cone.
Recap on passing techniques: Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass their ball to hit the cone.
Which team will knock all cones down first?
Give winning team a challenge of increasing distance or using weaker foot.
Have players line up between a pair of cones in an arch facing the goal. Use the bigger goals
On coach's orders, one at a time, players to take a shot in the goal to score.
Coach watch for players to adopt the correct techniques when shooting:
Step 1: run up behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: use the instep or laces of kicking foot to shoot
Players must stand still and wait for others after shooting
Once all players have had a shot, all players to fetch their balls and move a place to the right. Play until every player gets a shot from every angle.
In two teams with each
team on the side of the pitch in 'dressing rooms'
Coach places two balls in the middle of two goals (use big goals)
Coach calls one player from each team to stand in the middle of the goal
On coach's orders, players to sprint from their goal, collect a ball with their feet, turn and go to shoot at their own goal.
Who will be the first to score?
Do you shoot early or get close to the goal?
What part of the feet are we NOT using to shoot? (TOES)!
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Week 10 – 1v1, 2v2 etc
Warm up Fun game Technique /Fun game
Put players into two teams to start the competition element of the day
Same game as last week
This time, include instructions like:
'Hop to the red line with the ball' (allow players to find ways to do this but they could put it between their legs)
'Use just the bottom of your feet to get to the blue line'
'Throw and catch the ball all the way to the red line'
Play a few more times, increasing the speed of instruction each time to get players warm
Remind players of the 3Ls of dribbling
Have 2 teams, with each team around a set of 9inch cones. Players to choose how far they want to stand from the cones
On coach's orders, players to pass their ball using their instep to try to knock over a cone.
Recap on passing techniques: Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass their ball to hit the cone.
Which team will knock all cones down first?
Give winning team a challenge of increasing distance or using weaker foot.
In two teams with each team on the side of the pitch in
'dressing rooms'
Coach places two balls in the middle of two goals (use big goals)
Coach calls one player from each team to stand in the middle of the goal
On coach's orders, players to sprint from their goal, collect a ball with their feet, and run at the opposition goal to shoot
Who will be the first to score?
Do you shoot early or get close to the goal?
What part of the feet are we NOT using to shoot? (TOES)! Progression
This time, call two players out at once.
Ensure you have paired the players in terms of ability
Ensure you have a ball for each player in the middle eg. For 2v2, have 4 balls etc
Progress to 3v3, 4v4 etc. Coaches to ensure there are always enough balls for one per player in the middle.
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Week 11 – Short session and presentation
Warm up Fun game Fun game
Coach to perform a favourite warm up from previous weeks
Coach to organise a favourite game from previous weeks, Parent v coaches game, OR
Have players in pairs with a ball on a cone in between them.
Coach to call out various body parts and when called, players to touch those parts with both hands eg. Head, toes, your partner's ears etc.
When coach calls out 'BALL', players to see who is quickest to grab the ball
Objective is to see which player is quickest to the ball when coach calls out 'ball'
Award one point to player that grabs ball first
Coach to organise a favourite game from previous weeks Suggestion: Include parents in this game eg. Penalty shootout
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5-6 year old curriculum
The 5-6 year old curriculum is split into the following:
Week 1 – Match day 4v4
Week 2 – skills test
Week 3 – shooting 1
Week 4 – shooting 2
Week 5 – shooting 3
Week 6 – ABC/Multi Skills day
Week 7 –Match Day
Week 8 – Turning to shoot
Week 9 – passing to shoot
Week 10 – dribbling to shoot
Week 11 – match day 4 v 4
To encourage as many touches on the ball as possible
during matches, play no more than 4 v 4.
4 v 4 has been advocated by all the professional clubs
including Manchester United, and is the way of
developing children during matches in countries such as
Holland. It promotes a lot of touches on the ball, which
obviously develops the player with every touch.
3 v 3 with another team rotating after 2 minutes is
better than 5 v 4.
The use of questioning is also important to illicit
understanding. Rather than telling, ask the players what
they think should be done, guiding them to the correct
answer.
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Week 1 – Match day 4x4
Warm Up and ABCs Match day
Cups and saucers (Agility, Coordination, Speed)
In a 20 x 20yd area, have 2 different coloured cones (about 20 each) randomly spread around.
One colour will be upside down, (cups) and the other colour the other way (saucers)
Split group into 2 and designate one group ‘cups’ and the other ‘saucers’.
On coach’s command, team in charge of cups are to turn saucers into cups and vice versa.
Play for a minute then count to see which team has turned the most cones.
OBSERVATION: which players uses 2 hands to turn 2 cones where appropriate? Which players turn the most cones? Which players find it easy to bend over to turn the cones? Which players move quickly? Play a again, changing teams
Play a series of 4v4 matches to assess the players. Make notes on those that should be in the more advanced (6year old) group if any. Play a 3v3/4v4 tournament with all players. Split them into mixed ability teams. Alternatively, split into two tournaments, with weak ability players playing on one pitch and strong players on another. Awards points for goals/celebrations/fair play/wins etc
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Week 2 – shooting 1
Warm up Fun game- accurate shooting Fun game - team shooting Fun game - shooting
In a 15 x 15 yard area with goals on the outer lines
Players to have a ball each and perform a series of skills:
Toe taps
Boxes
Dragback turn
Inside hook
Outside hook
On coach’s command of ‘SHOOT’, players to burst out of the area and shoot in a goal
Play a few times assessing those players not using the correct shooting techniques
Have all players around a set of 9inch cones with a ball. Coach sets a minimum barrier but players to choose how far they want to stand from this barrier.
On coach's orders, players to pass their ball using their instep to try to knock over a cone.
Explain passing techniques:
Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep of the kicking foot, player to pass their ball to hit the cone.
How long will they take
Have groups of no more than 4 players in one line with a group of balls opposite. Place a goal in front of the players. They are to sprint, one at a time to collect a ball and bring it back to score in the goal.
Assess players demonstrating good/bad running technique and commend/correct
Play once with no other instruction.
Play again, assessing those that use different method such as carrying
Give points to the first team that has the most balls in the goal
Bodyguards
Split the area into 3 equalsized zones with a VIP (goalkeeper) and two bodyguards (defenders) in each zone. Place 4 balls beside each goal.
Bodyguards must stay in their zone and protect their VIP, who in turn must protect their goal. Each team has one assassin who attempts to score points by beating the VIP from the other team to score a goal.
The assassin must be inside the opponent’s zone to score in their goal creating 2v1 or 1v1 situations (2 assassins can go for the same VIP).
Each assassin has 4 shots and must return to their own goal to
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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to knock all cones down?
Give players a challenge of balancing on the balance steps whilst passing.
reload and collect a new ball after each shot.
Switch positions after each time so everyone gets a chance at all positions.
Alternatively, have 2 assassins and one bodyguard if the groups are struggling.
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Week 3 – Shooting 2
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
Place different coloured cones on 3 lines with a goal on the other line
Players to be in the middle of the area with balls by a central cone
When coach calls out a colour, players to dribble to that line and return to the middle
When coach calls 'GOAL', players to have 5 seconds to score in the goal
Play a few more times, increasing the speed of instruction each time to get players warm
Remind players of the 3Ls of dribbling
Have players line up between a pair of cones in an arch facing the goal. Use the bigger goals
On coach's orders, one at a time, players to take a shot in the goal to score.
Coach watch for players to adopt the correct techniques when shooting:
Step 1: jog behind the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep or laces of kicking foot to shoot
Players must stand still and wait for others after shooting
Once all players have had a shot, all players to fetch their balls and move a place to the right. Play until every player gets a shot from every angle.
Ensure players look up and shoot across the goal.
Try again, this time with a goalkeeper. Coach to either be goalkeeper or show a player how a goalkeeper moves on his lines in relation to where the ball is to cover the near post
If goalkeeper is here (covering near post), where should you look to shoot? (Across him)
Domino shooting
Put players in two different teams in zig zag formation as shown
Place a ball in front of goal
Need a gk (coach/player)
Try to match players in terms of ability on opposite cones
On coach’s orders, the last player from both teams to run to the next player, high 5 him and replace him
The tagged player to run to the next cone and do the same to his partner
Keep going until you reach last player.
This player to run to the ball and try to score
There should be a player from each team battling to score
When the ball is scored/saved/missed, both players to sprint through the end cones, go to the now vacant last cone and start the domino process again
Keep playing continuously until the desired amount of goals is scored and you have a winner
This game develops 1v1 attacking/defending, scoring, SAQ, teamwork, fitness, goalkeeping
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Week 4 – Shooting part 3
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
Same game as last week
This time, include instructions like:
'Hop to the red line with the ball' (allow players to find ways to do this but they could put it between their legs)
'Use just the bottom of your feet to get to the blue line'
'Throw and catch the ball all the way to the red line'
Play a few more times, increasing the speed of instruction each time to get players warm
Remind players of the 3Ls of dribbling
Have players line up between a pair of cones in an arch facing the goal. Use the bigger (11 a side) goals
On coach's orders, one at a time, players to take a shot in the goal to score.
Coach watch for players to adopt the correct techniques when shooting:
Step 1: run up to the ball Step 2: place non kicking foot NEXT to the ball with toe facing target. Stamp next to the ball. Encourage players to make a STAMP noise Step 3: using the instep or laces of kicking foot to shoot
Players must stand still and wait for others after shooting
Once all players have had a shot, all players to fetch their balls and move a place to the right. Play until every player gets a shot from every angle.
Ensure players look up and shoot across the goal.
Try again, this time with a goalkeeper. Coach to either be goalkeeper or show a player how a goalkeeper moves on his lines in relation to where the ball is to cover the near post
If goalkeeper is here (covering near post), where should you look to shoot? (Across him)
Zig Zag shooting
Split players in two teams
One team to be a team of goalkeepers
Other team to be a team of dribblers
Object of the game is for dribblers to dribble through cones to have a shot after the last cone before the gk can get in goal
Gks are to slalom through cones to get in goal before dribbler gets through all the cones
Ensure players of similar ability are matches
As soon as a shot is scored/saved/missed, call out the next pair
Game ends when each player has had a chance to shoot/be gk. Then switch
Play until a team gets to the desired amount of goals
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 5 – Shooting part 4
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
Same game as last week
This time, include instructions like:
'Hop to the red line with the ball' (allow players to find ways to do this but they could put it between their legs)
'Use just the bottom of your feet to get to the blue line'
'Throw and catch the ball all the way to the red line'
Play a few more times, increasing the speed of instruction each time to get players warm
Remind players of the 3Ls of dribbling
Groups of 3 shooting
Put players in grps of 3, similar ability
One goalkeeper in between a set of cone goals
Other partners to be on either side. They decide the distance based on how comfortable they are
Players to take three shots each at the goalkeeper
Encourage them to keep the ball low
How do we make sure we keep the shots low (use laces, kick middle of the ball, get knee over the ball – coach to demonstrate)
Remind players of previous shooting drill where they shoot across goalkeeper
How many goals can you score?
After three shots, switch goalkeepers. Coach to use this time to go around checking and correcting technique as per technique tips
1v1 dribbling and shooting
In two teams with each team on the side
of the pitch in 'dressing rooms'
Coach calls one player from each team (similar ability) to stand in opposite goals
One player to have a football
On coach's orders, player with a ball to dribble towards opponent to try and shoot early or dribble past and shoot. Player to decide.
Defending player to attempt to tackle ball and score in other goal
After each player has had a turn at dribbling, switch so the other team can be attackers
Do you shoot early or dribble past your man to score in an empty net?
Recap on dribbling techniques (3ls, changing direction and pace)
What part of the feet are we NOT using to shoot? (TOES)!
Split your pitch up in two to get as many players playing and avoid too many players sat down.
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 6 - Multi Skills/SAQ day
Dribbling King of the Ring
All players in 20yd x 20yd area with a ball each.
Explain to each player that they start with 5 points.
They are to dribble around area with ball close to their feet because coach will be coming to steal any loose balls.
If their ball is stolen, or they dribble out of the area, they lose a point.
After 30secs, any player whose ball hasn’t been stolen gains a point.
Play again, this time pick one or two players to steal balls
ABC Cops and Robbers Players on a line with bibs tucked in their backs (robbers). 2 players in the middle of the area without bibs (cops).
Cops to chase the robbers and pull their bibs out. They must leave bibs on the floor next to robbers. Once tagged, the robbers must balance on one leg until freed by a fellow robber (with a light touch on the shoulder). Robber can then pick up his bib and try to evade the police again.
Play again, this time switching cops
Next, same again, but each robber to 'steal' a football and move with it.
Once caught, player can balance with a foot on his ball if they choose to.
1v1 dribbling and shooting
In two teams with each team on the side of the pitch in 'dressing rooms'
Coach calls one player from each team (similar ability) to stand in opposite goals
Place footballs per the amount of players in the middle
On coach's orders, players to leave their goal and try to score in opposite goal.
Try 1v1/2v2 with one or two balls between them, depending on the group's ability.
Which team will score the most goals?
SAQ
Put players in groups of no more than 4 and a selection of balls,
bean bags in the middle of ladders as shown.
One at a time, each player to go through the ladder using the correct techniques (Run on balls of the feet, Move thumbs in alternate 'hips to lips' movement, Keep head up and Raise knees with each step), pick up an object and return to their group.
Continue until all the objects are picked up.
Try lateral (sideways) and hopping on one/two feet
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Week 7 – Match day
Warm Up and ABCs Match day
Cups and saucers (Agility, Coordination, Speed)
In a 20 x 20yd area, have 2 different coloured cones (about 20 each) randomly spread around.
One colour will be upside down, (cups) and the other colour the other way (saucers)
Split group into 2 and designate one group ‘cups’ and the other ‘saucers’.
On coach’s command, team in charge of cups are to turn saucers into cups and vice versa.
Play for a minute then count to see which team has turned the most cones.
OBSERVATION: which players uses 2 hands to turn 2 cones where appropriate? Which players turn the most cones? Which players find it easy to bend over to turn the cones? Which players move quickly? Play a again, changing teams
Play a series of 4v4 matches to assess the players. Make notes on those that should be in the more advanced (6year old) group if any. Play a 3v3/4v4 tournament with all players. Split them into mixed ability teams. Alternatively, split into two tournaments, with weak ability players playing on one pitch and strong players on another. Awards points for goals/celebrations/fair play/wins etc
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 8 -Turning to shoot
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
20 x 20yd area
Place a selection of hoops on the ground.
Players to move freely around the area
Encourage them to move like footballers – sideways, forwards, backwards
What do footballers do? Jump/shoot/tackle. Encourage players to mimic such movements. Ensure players land on balls of their feet when they land after jumping
Explain that balance is also important for a footballer.
The hoops are balance areas, so players should enter a hoop when they want and balance for at least 2 seconds before moving out. Alternate feet for every hoop they enter
Set up boxes with cones either side of goals in a big area.
Have a minimum of 4 goals and 4 boxes in the area.
Players to dribble around area. Remind players of 3ls of dribbling
Explain that boxes are turning boxes. Players to demonstrate any turns they know. Coach to correct, develop as appropriate. Drag back, inside and outside hooks are good turns to teach at this age
Players to have 5 minutes practicing these turns by dribbling into a box, turning and accelerating out of the box.
Progression
Put players in each goal
Coach to explain to players that those showing dribbling technique will be called to dribble through a box, turn and shoot into a goal.
Player who just had a shot to swap with the goalkeeper he took a shot against
Goalkeeper to collect ball and dribble in the area
Coach to call out as many players per goals available
4 goal game
Put players in no more than teams of
4 v 4
Set goals apart from each other as shown
Play a normal match.
Remind players that we are looking at turning today
The aim is for the players to be able to look up and turn away (if necessary) from one goal if he deems it too packed with defenders to find the goal in an emptier aea
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Week 9 – Passing to shoot
Warm Up and ABCs Technique/Skill
20 x 20yd area
Place a selection of hoops on the ground.
Players to move freely around the area with a ball
Encourage them to move like footballers – sideways, forwards, backwards
What do footballers do? Jump/shoot/tackle. Encourage players to mimic such movements. Ensure players land on balls of their feet when they land after jumping
When players enter the hoops to balance, they throw ball in the air and try to catch it while balanced
When coach shouts ‘score’, players to dribble towards a goal and shoot to score.
Ensure players are sensible here and only shoot into empty nets. Provide 2 or 3 goal options
Players in groups of 3 or 4 with a ball
Objective is for orange players to pass the ball between them to avoid the defenders (in yellow) who will be looking to intercept . Encourage oranges to always be in a triangle formation
Why do we work in a triangle formation? (to give options to the player with the ball on the left and right
When players get past a certain line (which defenders can't cross), they will be free to shoot in the goal
Start with players passing ball using their hands and only one defender. No overhead passes, but bouncing is acceptable. This encourages them to look for space to pass, reciprocating an actual football game
What do we need to look for before we pass? (our team mate in space, eye contact) Progression 1
Use feet this time. Players to use the same triangle shape to make sure they have options when passing
What do we do if we have space in front of us? (dribble with the ball)
When do we pass? (when we have a defender coming to us and a team mate is in space)
How do we help our team mates? (give them an option to their left and right for them to pass to)
What part of the foot do we NOT use? (toes) Progression 2
Introduce one more defender to make 2
Increase number of orange players
Add a goalkeeper or 2 in the goals but leave at least one free
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 10 – Dribbling to shoot
Warm Up and ABCs Technique Skill
20 x 20yd area
Place a selection of hoops on the ground.
Players to move freely around the area with a ball
Encourage them to move like footballers – sideways, forwards, backwards
What do footballers do? Jump/shoot/tackle. Encourage players to mimic such movements. Ensure players land on balls of their feet when they land after jumping
When players enter the hoops to balance, they throw ball in the air and try to catch it while balanced
Coach to act as a defender
Job of coach is to stop balls of all players that are dribbling too fast ie. Not taking little touches. Use this opportunity to remind them of the dribbling Technique Tips – Little touches with the laces and look up
When coach shouts ‘score’, players to dribble towards a goal and shoot to score.
Ensure players are sensible here and only shoot into empty nets. Provide 2 or 3 goal options
Bulldog with goals
Players to dribble up and down across
the pitch. Coach to remind players of the 3Ls of dribbling and how to get past a defender from previous module (body one way, ball the other way)
Introduce two players as defenders
Players to attempt to dribble to the end line without having their ball tackled by the defenders
If players lose their ball, they are to become defenders too
After a few minutes, introduce the goals
Players to attempt to get past the defenders and/or shoot in a goal
Players get a point for each goal they score
Who will get the most points?
Is it better than shoot from far or get past a defender and get closer to goal?
Zig Zag shooting
Split players in two teams
One team to be a team of goalkeepers
Other team to be a team of dribblers
Object of the game is for dribblers to dribble through cones to have a shot after the last cone before the gk can get in goal
Gks are to slalom through cones to get in goal before dribbler gets through all the cones
Ensure players of similar ability are matches
As soon as a shot is scored/saved/missed, call out the next pair
Game ends when each player has had a chance to shoot/be gk. Then switch
Play until a team gets to the desired amount of goals
Mini Kickers Curriculum 3-6 yrs Seth Amoafo-PASS 2013 @sethrey1471
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Week 11 – Match day 4x4
Warm Up and ABCs Technique and Skill
World Cup/ Champions league
Only 4 v 4 or less
Remind players of techniques learnt in dribbling and passing
Maybe give extra goals for players displaying good examples of these techniques.
Useful websites
http://www.soccerxpert.com
http://www.weplay.com
http://soccerdrills.net/
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Skills Tests
Modules 1 to 3 These are optional to assess players during each module based on the topics practiced
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Module 2 – Mastering the technique
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Module 3 – Perfecting the skill