Under Ten Exercises

“Math Dribble”

Medium to large grid (15 to 30 yards) with players dribbling. Randomly coach calls out a number from 1 to X with X being how many children are in the activity. At this time the players have to jump into a group with that many numbers in it. You can also call out math equations like “4 minus 1” “3 plus 2”, etc. This makes the players think. After one or two tries the players should be instructing other players to come to their group to make the right number or to get out that there are too many.

“Bring It Back”

Coach in center of kids. Throws balls out 15-20 yards and has players bring it back to them in pairs or threes.

Try and see if they can bring it back in a number of passes or touches. If it is a small number of touches does one player get the ball and the other player stay close to the coach? (tactical problem solving)

Ask them for ideas on how they could bring it back to you. There is no wrong answer! This gives them a chance to exercise some creativity.

Send all of the groups out and move to another area! (problem solving)

“Hospital Tag”

Players in a medium sized grid with one marker just out of the grid. This is the “hospital” where they have to go and get “treatment” (5 tippy touches on top of the ball, dribble around the marker three times, etc)

Players begin dribbling around the grid. The idea is to touch someone (tag). When they are tagged they have to put a hand on the “injury” and continue dribbling. When tagged a second time they have to put that hand on the “injury” and continue dribbling. On the third tag they have to go to the “hospital” and get “treatment” before returning to the grid.

“Pac Man”

Medium sized grid, start with two players, each with a ball, the rest running free. The players with the ball dribble around and try to hit the other players in the legs with the ball. If a player goes out of bounds make them do something similar to the “hospital” segment listed above. When a player is hit in the legs with the ball they must then go and get a ball and join the “pac men” until all players are tagged.

“Knockout”

Played in singles. Players dribble around with the ball and try to knock the others out of the grid. If a player can get to their ball before it stops rolling they can immediately re-enter the grid. If they cannot have them perform something with the ball (reference the “hospital” again) before they re-enter. If played in pairs make them perform “X” number of passes before they can re-enter.

Play it as teams where the teams have to “capture” the other teams balls. (two groups) Whichever team has the most balls at the end wins. You can also add goals so when they are down to one ball they then play a game of soccer.

“Random Gate Game”

Medium sized grid with multiple goals (gates) set up. In order to get a point the players must pass through a goal. As the exercise progresses add a time limit, ask them for suggestions on rules or add as necessary. If you ask them you are promoting their decision making process. You can also get parents to interact in the game by standing in a gate, hence “closing it” forcing the teams to find another goal. Randomly open and close gates to promote heads up play.

“Corner goals”

Variation of the random gate game except the goals are in the corners of the grid. Add gate keepers, time limits, etc.

“You’re outta here”

Medium sized grid with goals at each end. Players on each side of coach who has all of the balls. As soon as a ball is scored or goes out of the grid the players exit the grid and come around the outside edge. Another ball and another group (1v1 to 3v3) is put on the field. Have the players rotate lines.

“Body Part Trap”

Small grid, players dribbling around. When the coach calls out a body part the kids stop the ball with it. “Head, Ear, Arm, Shoulder, Foot, Knee, etc.” After the game is going in good fashion ask the kids what else you can trap with. Use the suggestions. (movement education, body education, balance)

“Simon Says”

Similar to body part dribble but in a different format.

“Keep Your Yard Clean”

Divide the teams into two groups and put them each on a half of a medium grid. In the center of the grid is a small area where no player can go. On command each team tries to rid their side of all of the balls in their half and kicking them to the other side. After an appropriate amount of time (losing interest or the balls are too scattered) call time and count the balls on each side. If there is still interest try playing again.

“Red Light Green Light”

The age old classic. Give them time to stop before turning around!

“Snake Dribbling”

Three players per group. Player “A” is the head of the snake and does not have a ball. Player “B” has a ball and tries to follow player “A” Player “C” is the tail of the snake. After 1-2 minutes let them swap positions.

“Home Base”

Large area with several smaller grids. Start with “taggers” and “dribblers” but have more dribblers. When play starts any dribbler who is tagged has to give the tagger the ball and becomes a tagger. If they make it into the smaller grid they are at “home base” and can stay there for a count of five, then must dribble again.

“Steal The Bacon”

Divide the team into two groups. (tell them I need two groups of X and let them work it out) Large grid with a goal on each side. Give each child on each team a number, 1, 2, 3, etc. Put the ball in the center and call out in groups of two or three “1-3-4” so that the corresponding numbered children run for the ball. Play should continue for 1-2 minutes or until the ball is out or scored. The ball is returned to the center and play starts again with a new group of players.

“Dynamic Line”

Two lines of players about 10 yards apart. When a player passes the ball to the other line they must sprint, to the right to the end of that line. When the player at the front of the receiving line moves to the ball the entire line must follow them. If the ball goes 10 yards to the left the ENTIRE line must go with the player. They get one touch and have to sprint to the end of the other line. Even if that touch is a trap or a move to get a better strike on the ball it is ONE TOUCH and the other entire line must run to the ball. The receiving line does not move until the ball is passed again. Then they ALL move behind the ball.

“Hurricanes and Ladders”

EXCELLENT team bonding game with problem solving, lots of exercise, and tons of fun!

Two groups equally divided. One team sits on the ground behind each other. The other group makes a circle with one player outside the circle. The group sitting on the ground has to pass the ball back over their heads to the next person. The last person has to 1. Stand up 2. Yell STOP. While they are passing the ball backwards the team that is standing in a circle has a designated counter. Each time the person running around the circle touches their shoulder they yell out how many laps they have. The teams swap positions and repeat the exercise. The “smarter” team will eventually have their circle formed and be running laps as soon as they hand the other team the ball. As they pick up on this scheming they exercise will get faster. Then, if they have not figured it out, the coach tells a ladder team “I never said you had to HAND them the ball” encouraging the player with the ball to scheme… kick or throw the ball. This gives them more time for doing their hurricane laps while the other team figures out: 1. What just happened 2. Was that legal 3. How do we get the ball? Usually the first time one player will run, get it, run back. If they do not figure it out encourage them (on their next turn) to ALL go to the ball since it is faster, form their ladder and distribute the ball as they see fit. Have plenty of room and only restrict the area when player safety is a concern.

“Keep away”

Played best in small groups (3v3 to 5v5). One team has possession and gets points for passes. The other team tries to steal the ball and get points themselves.

“Keepers nest”

Triangle about 3 yards along each line. The players can move up and down the lines but not into the area. Defender in the area. Outside players get points for passes made. If the defender disrupts the pass he takes that players position outside the triangle.

“End Zone Game”

Large grid (20X40 to 50X30) with a 5 yard “end zone” at each end. Divide the teams into even groups and play a soccer game but for a goal to be scored the attacking team needs to pass or dribble into the 5 yard area under control. This area is neutral so no defenders can come into it.

“1 vs. 1”

Set up several small goals. Players start out 1v1 with a ball. Each dribble or pass through the goal is a point. No out of bounds, play for 1-2 minutes depending on conditioning.

“4 goals”

Large grid. Set up a goal on each out of bounds line. Assign each team two goals to defend. They attack the other two goals.