Lesson 1: Introduction to the Game
Focus: Fun, comfort with the ball, teamwork.
• Red Light, Green Light – Kids dribble the ball and stop/start on coach’s command. Builds control and listening skills.
• Cone Dribble Race – Simple zig-zag dribble through cones. Teaches control and direction changes.
• Sharks and Minnows – Players (minnows) dribble while “sharks” try to steal the ball. Fun way to learn shielding and awareness.
• Small-Sided Game (3v3) – End each session with a short game so kids connect drills to real play.
Lessons 11+: Applying Skills in Real Play
Focus: Positioning, teamwork, and match situations.
• Keep-Away (Rondo) – Small circle passing game with 1–2 defenders in the middle. Builds quick thinking and spacing.
• Through Ball Drill – Player passes into space for teammate to run onto. Teaches timing and awareness.
• Cross & Finish – One player crosses, another finishes. Introduces teamwork and finishing under pressure.
• Mini World Cup Tournament – Divide kids into small teams and play short matches. Builds competitiveness in a fun way.
• Position Basics – Introduce simple roles (defender, midfielder, forward) without overwhelming detail.
• Full Scrimmages – End sessions with structured games, letting kids apply everything learned.
Lessons 4–10: Growing Skills & Confidence
Focus: Technique, awareness, and game habits.
• Dribble Knockout – Everyone dribbles in a square, trying to keep their ball while kicking others out. Improves control under pressure.
• Relay Races with Ball – Fun races while dribbling. Adds speed and coordination.
• Triangle Passing – Three players passing and moving to a new cone each time. Teaches movement off the ball.
• Target Shooting – Kids shoot at cone “goals” or small targets inside the net. Builds accuracy over power.
• Defend the Gate – 1v1 defending drill where attacker tries to dribble through a gate. Teaches both attack and defense.
• Scrimmages with Rules – For example, “must pass twice before shooting.” Helps connect drills to gameplay.
Lessons 2–3: Building the Basics
Focus: Ball control, passing, and teamwork.
• Toe Taps & Foundations – Light touches on top of the ball and side-to-side touches. Improves comfort with both feet.
• Passing Gates – Players pass the ball through small cone “gates” to a partner. Builds accuracy and teamwork.
• Circle Passing Game – Kids form a circle, pass around quickly. Teaches focus and communication.
• 1v1 Mini Matches – Short duels to practice attacking and defending.
Lesson 1: Getting Comfortable on the Ball
The first step is making sure every player feels at home with the ball. We’ll keep it fun but focused:
• Simple dribbling patterns with both feet.
• Passing and receiving in pairs.
• Fun small-sided games to get everyone moving and excited.
• Light fitness: balance, coordination, and agility challenges.
Lessons 11+: Playing Like a Pro
Now players start to train and think like professionals:
• Position-specific focus — midfielders controlling tempo, defenders leading the line, forwards creating chances.
• Game fitness — high-intensity drills that feel like real match play.
• Match awareness — teaching kids how to “read” the game and adapt quickly.
• Advanced technical skills — weak foot passing, controlling difficult balls, aerial play.
• Full scrimmages — applying everything in competitive matches with feedback.
• Professional habits — teamwork, discipline, recovery, and confidence-building.
Lessons 4–10: Developing Game IQ
This stage bridges basic skills into real match awareness:
• 1v1 attacking & defending — how to beat an opponent or win the ball back.
• Passing vision — spotting through balls, switching sides, timing runs.
• Finishing under pressure — shooting on the move, volleys, and using both feet.
• Defensive discipline — staying in position, pressing together, tracking back.
• Tactical awareness — learning when to push forward and when to protect the ball.
• Set pieces — practicing corners, free kicks, and organized restarts.
Lessons 2–3: Building Strong Foundations
Now that the ball feels familiar, we work on sharpening the basics every pro relies on:
• First touch & control — cushioning the ball and setting up the next move.
• Quick passing — one-twos, wall passes, and learning to move right after you pass.
• Agility work — ladders, cones, and sprints for sharp footwork.
• 3v3 games — small games force smart decisions and teach teamwork early.