U6 PRACTICE PLANS

TABLE OF CONTENT
PAGE 3……………………….What’s cool about your NEW “MKSC Curriculum”
PAGE 4……………………….How to Run an EXCITING Parent Meeting
PAGES 5-7…………………..PRACTICE STARTERS (Free Style 5, Street Soccer & Fast FEET)
PAGES 8-9 …………………PRACTICE WRAP-UPS (Scrimmage & Team Huddle)
PAGES 10-14……………….Learn New Skills! Practice Plans Weeks 1-4
PAGES 15-20……………….Improve Our Skills! Practice Plans Week 5-8
PAGE 21………………………National Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)
PAGE 22………………………US Youth Soccer Association

Contributing Authors of this Curriculum: Amanda Camilli, Alison Cefalu, and Michael King

Some of the games and activities in this curriculum have been adapted from the following sources;
NSCAA Resource Library- www.nscaa.com/web/Education/Resource_Library
Massachusetts Youth Soccer- www.mayouthsoccer.org/coaches/session_plans/
3
 THANK YOU!
For volunteering to coach for the Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club! MKSC appreciates that you have volunteered your time and
knowledge to a sport we all love!

What’s cool about your NEW “MKSC Curriculum”

We encourage you to use this book as a guide for the soccer season. The games and activities will keep young athletes engaged while learning the basic skills
to become a soccer player. The US Youth Soccer Association , United States Soccer Federation, and National Soccer Coaches Association of America
recommends the 8’s and under focus on skill development. This curriculum will provide you activities that teach DRIBBLING, SHIELDING, and MOVING the
BALL FORWARD. The TACTICAL piece will develop as youth play in game situations and begin to understand how to play as a team.

PRACTICE POINTERS
 You will notice the lesson plans are designed for creativity and fluidity in your practice. Most activities should take about 10 minutes unless otherwise
indicated or your team is having too much fun to stop playing. Allow games, activities, and scrimmages to evolve and do not stress about perfecting the
details.
 Keep instructions to a minimum; and utilize breaks/rounds to reinforce instructions.
 All practice plans have been designed for a 60 minute practice.
 Weeks 1-4 will introduce the skill and activity to your team, Weeks 5-8 include progressions and coaching points.
 Weekly emails will provide video demonstrations, tips, and extra activities. Email Alison ([email protected]) to be added to our list!

TEAM/PLAYER EVALUATIONS
 We have included three evaluations to assist you with benchmarking your team’s progress. This is for you to understand the areas where your team needs
a little extra practice.
 Team evaluations are valuable for club-wide programs like MKSC ID and YOUTH ACADEMY.
 You can evaluate players on your own while your Director of Coaching is visiting your practice.

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 PARENT MEETING
Example Agenda SIDE LINE ETIQUETTE (US Youth Soccer)
1. Behavior expectations 1. Avoid “coaching” your child from the sideline while watching your child’s game.
2. Parent assistances (helping at games and practices)
2. Do not criticize the referee.
3. Team goals– what your child will be working on this season,
and great things to cheer for during games! 3. Focus on the benefits of the game rather than the score.
4. SNACKS! 4. Think when interacting with the opposing fans.
5. Changing the Game TED Talk (link below)
5. Don’t stress out over the game.
6. Coach’s contact information, with appropriate times to call/
6. 24 hour rule; Save issues with the coach for the next day, and communicate with him/her
text and talk.
through his/her preferred method of communication.
7. Game schedule, and how to communicate when your child
can not make it. (www.usyouthsoccer.org/
sideline_etiquette_6_tips_to_make_youth_soccer_better_for_parents_and_players/

Let’s have a great season!

Additional links to watch yourself, or share with your team’s parents-

Time to be a better sports parent- http://www.elpasotimes.com/story/life/columnists/2016/01/07/victor-r-
martinez-time-better-sports-parents/78279440/

The power of yet- Carol Dweck - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-swZaKN2Ic&feature=youtu.be

Changing the Game TED Talk- (http://changingthegameproject.com/changing-the-game-in-youth-

sports/)
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 FREE STYLE FIVE
FREE STYLE 5
SET UP
 Starts when players arrive to the field, and last through the first 5
minutes of your practice session.
 Do not coach during this time.
 This provides you a few minutes to set up the first activity, chat with
parents, or review the lesson plan for the day.
 It also builds a cushion for players who may arrive late to practice.
 Allow your players to work with the ball on their own or in pairs.
 Encourage them to be creative, and become comfortable with the
soccer ball at their feet.

NOTES:

5
STREET SOCCER
STREET SOCCER– WARM UP ACTIVITY
SET UP
 Create a field 30x25 yards, with goals
on the end line
 Put out two piles of pinnies.
 As players arrive to practice, tell them
to “Grab a pinnie and jump into the
game!”
 Try not to coach at all during this warm
up activity, rather let your team
demonstrate what they have learned.
 This activity starts as soon as the first
two players arrive to your practice.
Once your team members learn they
get to play “real soccer” as soon as
they arrive, you may find players
arriving on time or early to practice.

NOTES:

6
 FAST FEET!
Fast Footwork
SET UP
 Create a 20X25 yard space.
 Each player has a ball at their feet; start every session practicing the moves below for 5-10 minutes.
METHOD
 Practice each move for 30 seconds– do one 10 second “test” and have players count their touches, do a second 10 second test and have players beat their last score.
 Homework Option– record themselves practicing these foot skills, and text (parents) the video to you.

“Big Toe Big Toe”
 Players begin with feet shoulder width apart and ball at either foot.
 Players use inside of their big toe to push their ball over to their other foot’s big toe while shifting their weight.
 Touch the ball back to the foot that was used to start.
 Continue pushing the ball back and forth using big toe and shifting weight.
Hatcha-hatcha (Toe taps)
 Start with feet shoulder width apart.
 Begin by bringing the sole of one foot to the top of the ball. LIghtly touch the sole of that foot to the ball.
 Then switch feet and bring the sole of the other foot up to the top of the ball. (similar to a marching motion)
 Increase the speed at which you switch feet based on how controlled and comfortable you are with the movement.
Rock-a-bye baby (sole role)
 Place plant foot next to the ball.
 The sole of your other foot begins on the top of the ball.
 Move the ball with the sole of your foot forward and backward.
 Ball should move from the very back of the sole of your foot to the very front.
 Plant leg should have some bend to move with any mistouches.
Front-Back
 Place your plant foot next to the ball.
 The sole of your other foot begins on the top of the ball.
 Ball should be placed slightly ahead of plant foot.
 Role the ball backwards and then push the ball back forwards with your laces.
 Plant leg should have some bend to move with any mistouches.
 Repeat the process continually.
Step-over/The “L”
 Rivellino; step over to the inside then back the same way
The “V”
 Touch Push (Inside- outside)
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 SCRIMMAGE
SCRIMMAGE– LAST ACTIVITY of PRACTICE

SET UP
 Create a 30x25 yard field, with a goal on each
end line.
 Divide your team into two teams, consider
ability.

METHOD
 Like “Street Soccer” let your players play, and
keep coaching to a minimum.
 Watch/evaluate if they are using skills you
talked about during practice, and throughout
the season.

COACHING POINTS
 If your team is struggling with space; encourage
them to “Stay Big” (children often don’t
understand “spread out”).
 Introduce shape formations– 3v3 players should
work in a triangle, 4v4 will look like a diamond.

NOTES:

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 TEAM HUDDLE

We encourage you to spend the last 3-5 minutes of your practice session in a “TEAM HUDDLE”.
During this time…
1. Review the skill you taught during practice. Ask your players what they remember and how they are going to use (the skill) during your next
game.
2. “CIRCLE OF LOVE” ask each player to give one complement to another teammate:
 “Jimmy, thank you for giving me a high five during Hungry Hippos!” -Sara
 “Gillian, you are a great dribbler”- Jimmy
 “Sara, it was nice when you helped me up when I tripped and fell!”- Gillian
 This will encourage your players to think beyond scoring goals and winning, rather being a kind and respectful teammate. The first week
“Circle of Love” will feel a little long, but your players will get the hang of it.
3. TEAM CHEER! Encourage your players to finish practice with a team cheer– even if it’s just “GO PANDAS!”
4. Remind players and parents when and where your next game is taking place. You may also find out who can not make it.

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 FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DRIBBLING
U6 WEEK #1 Dribble through cones under control, using the right
and left foot (inside and outside) , and basic turns.

FREESTYLE FIVE (Warm Up) Take water breaks as necessary

SET UP on PAGE 5

FAST FEET (5-10 minutes) PAGE 7 COACH SAYS (Activity #2) 8-10 Minutes
SET UP
CROCS IN THE RIVER (Activity #1)  Create a 20x25 yard field.
SET UP  Have each player get a ball and spread out into open space.
 Create a 20x25 yard field, with a 3 yard end METHOD
zone on each end line.  The game is similar to Simon Says. When you say “Coach
METHOD Says” and then call a body part (elbow, nose, ear, knee) the
 The coach begins as the crocs in the river. players must trap the ball using their foot.
 Coach says "GO!" players try to cross the river  Once trapped they must put whatever body part was called
by dribbling their soccer ball. out on the ball.
 Round 1- Coaches start as crocs and if ball is  If you don’t say “Coach Says” first and a player traps the
lost, dribbler and crocs switch roles ball with that body part, have he/she do (5) toe taps (tap
 Round 2- 2-3 players start as crocs and if ball is the top of the ball with the bottom of their foot) to rejoin
lost, dribbler and crocs switch roles the game.
 Round 3- When ball is lost, dribbler becomes a
croc.
Team Assessment Week! (Activity #3)
Turn to the next page for the activities and directions.

DOG CATCHER (Activity #4)

SET UP
 Create a 20x25 yard field
 Scatter disc cones (one per player) around the space.
 Players have a soccer ball at their feet.
METHOD
 Coach says “GO!” players start dribbling around the
space, staying within the boundaries.
 Every 30-45 seconds Coach yells “HERE COMES THE
DOG CATCHER!”
 Players stop their ball with their foot. Grab the nearest SCRIMMAGE (Activity #5)
disc cone, put it on their head, and cover their face. SET UP on PAGE 8
(They are hiding behind a “tree”)
 The player who is last to hide, does (5) toe taps to re-
join the game.
 You can remove cones each round, like musical chairs. TEAM HUDDLE—End of Practice
 Play 3-4 rounds. on PAGE 9 10
 SKILLS ASSESSMENT #1
RELAY RACES
Set Up FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DRIBBLING
 Put one cone down to designate each groups starting point.
 Place another cone 20 yards away from each starting point. Your goal as the coach is, by the end of the season,
METHOD players should be able to perform these skills with
 Break players up into groups of three. efficiency for their age.
 Have players dribble from the starting point to the cone that is set up across from them.
 Players turn around the cone and dribble back to the starting cone. BENCH MARKS
 Take note of players who are able to perform these tasks with ease and who needs more instruction.
 Perform each task with the right and left foot, 2-3 times. 1.Players will be able to dribble in a straight
CAN YOU …? line, under control (ball is close to their foot).
Set Up 2. Players will be able to change directions with
 One ball per player the soccer ball.
METHOD
 Stand inside the playing area with your players. Each player should have a ball at their feet
 Call out “Can you do this?” and perform one of the skills you are assessing (i.e. pull back, toe touches, boxing, dribbling with right foot, dribbling with left foot, etc.)
 Using the “Assessment Tool” evaluate each player ‘s skill level.
 1= Needs more practice—— 5= Ready for the next challenge!

NAME NOTES

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 FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DEFENDING
U6 WEEK #2 Stay between the dribbler and the goal!

FREESTYLE FIVE (Warm Up) Take water breaks as necessary

SET UP on PAGE 5

BUILDERS AND BULLDOZERS (Activity #2)

FAST FEET (5-10 minutes) PAGE 7 SET UP
 Create a 15X20 yard field. (Field can be made larger
based on number of players)
 Randomly place at least one tall cone per player
Math Dribbling (Activity #1) around the field space.
SET UP  Split your group up into two teams using pinnies.
 Create a 20x15 yard field METHOD
 Each player has a ball at their feet.  Each player on the RED team has a ball. This team is
METHOD called the “bulldozers”.
 Have players dribbling in the space using “FAST  The YELLOW team starts without soccer balls, they
FEET” moves. are the "builders"
 Coach call out a number, and players must form Bulldozers try to knock down all of the cones before
groups according to that number. (“4”= 4 players the builders set them all back up.
in a group)  Play for 45-60 seconds then switch roles.
 Players who do not form a group of the correct
number, do three jumping jacks and rejoin the
game.

1 V. 1 TO CONE (Activity #3)

SET UP
 Create a 15X20 yard field.
 Randomly place enough cones for 1 per group of 2.
 Divide players into groups of two putting players of equal
abilities with each other. Each group should have one ball
and stand by one of the cones set up on the field.
METHOD
 Have one player start with the ball and the other is the de-
fender. The player with the ball tries to knock down the
cone while the player without the ball tries to steal the ball. SCRIMMAGE (Activity #4)
 If the player steals the ball that player tries to knock the SET UP on PAGE 8
cone down
 Every time a player knocks down the cone it’s a point.
 Play for 30-45 seconds, then switch the player who begins
with the ball. TEAM HUDDLE—End of Practice
PAGE 9 12
 FOCUS/ BENCHMARK:

U6 WEEK #3 DRIBBLING FORWARD

(Dribbling with speed to a target)

STREET SOCCER (Warm Up)

SET UP on PAGE 6
Take water breaks as necessary

TRAFFIC CONTROL (Activity #1)

SET UP
FAST FEET (5-10 minutes) PAGE 5
 Create a field 20x15
 Each player has a soccer ball at their foot.
METHOD
GALAXY DRIBBLING (Activity #2)  Call out the colors on a traffic light:
SET UP  RED– Stop!
 Create a 15 x 20 yard field.  YELLOW– Hotcha Hotcha (toe taps) or Big
 Create 3 yard triangular shaped “galaxies”. Toe Big Toe!
METHOD
 GREEN– Dribble FAST!
 Have players dribble their soccer ball in the grid.
 In 90 seconds, challenge the players to get into and  Encourage players to use their “FAST FEET” moves
out of as many “galaxies” as possible. to get away from “Heavy Traffic” areas.

SHOOT, GOAL, RETREIVE (Activity #3)

 SET UP
Use half of your field, or mark a field similar size
dependent on the number of players you have.
 Half of your team lines up near the kick off mark at
half field, and half next to the goal.
 About (3) yards in front of the goal, place disc
cones, and encourage players to shoot before
crossing that line.
METHOD
 Players at half field have a ball at their feet. One at
a time, players will dribble towards the goal, once
they start a “defender” from the goal line will run
out and play defense.
 Dribbler tries to score a goal, while the defender
tries to win the ball.
 If the defender wins the ball, they dribble to the
half line to score a point. The offensive player earns TEAM HUDDLE—
a point by scoring a goal. SCRIMMAGE (Activity #4)
 Encourage smart defending (be patient, watch the End of Practice
SET UP on PAGE 8
ball not the player). PAGE 9 13
 FOCUS/ BENCHMARK:

U6 WEEK #4 PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!

STREET SOCCER (Warm Up)

SET UP on PAGE 6
Take water breaks as necessary

SUPER MARIO BROTHERS (Activity #1)

FAST FEET (5-10 minutes) PAGE 7 SET UP
 Create a field 15x20
 Place 8-10 cones randomly across the middle third of the
field; these are the mushrooms.
METHOD
 All players start on one end.
 Coach says "GO!", all the players try to dribble to the
other side without hitting a mushroom.
 If all the Mario Bros. make it through, the coach puts
down more mushrooms and the players try again.
Rounds 2-3, have the players dribble faster! “Let’s see if eve-
ryone can get to the other side in 30 seconds!”

HUNGRY HIPPO (Activity #2)

SET UP
 Divide players up into four equal teams.
 Use half of the field, and put one team in each corner.
This is their “hippo home”
 Put all soccer balls (watermelon) in the middle of the
field.
NAME GAME (Activity #3)
METHOD
SET UP
 One player (hippo) from each team runs to the middle
 Create a 20X25 field with goals at each end.
of the field, retrieves a ball (watermelon), and dribbles
 Divide into two teams.
it quickly back to their home. High five the next player
 All soccer balls are on the sideline by the coach at
midfield. (hippo) and continue.
METHOD  Play until all of the balls (watermelon) are out of the
 Coach calls the first name of one player from each middle, and in a home.
team.  Play 3-4 rounds.
 Players touch their defensive goal and then the
coach passes a ball out in the middle of the field.
 Players play 1 v. 1 until ball goes out of bounds or
someone scores.
 Players return to their team, coach calls out two new SCRIMMAGE (Activity #4) TEAM HUDDLE—End of Practice
names. Repeat until all players have gone 2-3 times. SET UP on PAGE 8 PAGE 9 14
 FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DRIBBLING
U6 WEEK #5 Dribble through cones under control, using the right
and left foot (inside and outside) , and basic turns.

FREESTYLE FIVE (Warm Up) Take water breaks as necessary

SET UP on PAGE 5

COACH SAYS (Activity #2) 8-10 Minutes

FAST FEET (5-10 minutes) PAGE 7 SET UP and METHOD see Week #1
VARIATION
 Each round talk about a different part of the foot, and
CROCS IN THE RIVER (Activity #1) the way to dribble with it.
SET UP and METHOD see Week #1
 Encourage players to only dribble with their LEFT foot,
PROGRESSION
RIGHT foot, INSIDE and OUTSIDE, and LACES.
 Round 1 instruct players to only dribble with COACHING POINTS
their left or right foot.
 Each round introduce a different part of the foot.
 Round 2, only dribble with the inside, then
 Allow players to “practice” for 20-30 seconds, then start
outside of their feet.
“COACH SAYS”
 Round 3, use the laces to dribble fast across
the river.
COACHING POINTS
 Before starting each round, demonstrate how
to use the various parts of the foot.
 Allow players 20-30 seconds to practice using Team Assessment Week! (Activity #3)
their non-strong foot, inside/outside, and laces Turn to the next page for the activities and directions.
before restarting the game.

DOG CATCHER (Activity #4)

SET UP and METHOD see Week #1
PROGRESSION
 Each round select 1-2 players to be DOG CATCHERS
 Before “hiding behind a tree” the DOG CATCHERS can
try to steal their soccer ball away from the dribbler.
 Once the player is “Hiding” they are safe. Don’t forget
they must have a cone on their head, the ball under
their foot, and their face covered!
COACHING POINTS SCRIMMAGE (Activity #5)
 Encourage players to make quick decisions. SET UP on 8
 If you notice players circulating around one cone. Place
a pyramid cone in each corner of the field, players
must touch a corner before “Hiding”.
TEAM HUDDLE—End of Practice
PAGE 9 15
 SKILLS ASSESSMENT #2
RELAY RACES
Set Up FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DRIBBLING
 Put one cone down to designate each groups starting point.
Your goal as the coach is, by the end of the season,
 Place another cone 20 yards away from each starting point.
METHOD players should be able to perform these skills with
 Break players up into groups of three. efficiency for their age.
 Have players dribble from the starting point to the cone that is set up across from them.
BENCH MARKS
 Players turn around the cone and dribble back to the starting cone.
 Take note of players who are able to perform these tasks with ease and who needs more instruction. 1.Players will be able to dribble in a straight
 Perform each task with the right and left foot, 2-3 times. line, under control (ball is close to their foot).
CAN YOU …? 2. Players will be able to change directions with
Set Up the soccer ball.
 One ball per player
METHOD
 Stand inside the playing area with your players. Each player should have a ball at their feet
 Call out “Can you do this?” and perform one of the skills you are assessing (i.e. pull back, toe touches, boxing, dribbling with right foot, dribbling with left foot, etc.)
 Using the “Assessment Tool” evaluate each player ‘s skill level.
 1= Needs more practice—— 5= Ready for the next challenge!

NAME NOTES

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

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 FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DEFENDING
U6 WEEK #6 Stay between the dribbler and the goal!

FREESTYLE FIVE (Warm Up) Take water breaks as necessary

SET UP on 5

FAST FEET (5-10 minutes) PAGE 7 BUILDERS AND BULLDOZERS (Activity #2)
SET UP and METHOD Week #2

Math Dribbling (Activity #1) COACHING POINTS

SET UP and METHOD Week #2
 Players should start protecting the ball, and
VARIATION keeping it closer to their foot.
 Players who dribble into another player, or out  Remind players to dribble with there head up,
of bounds, do 10 toe taps before the start of the and look for upright cones.
next round.
COACHING POINTS
 Remind players to use all parts of their foot.
 Challenge players to dribble with their head up,
and see where they are going.

1 V. 1 TO CONE (Activity #3)

SET UP and METHOD see Week #2

COACHING POINTS
 Introduce shielding the ball; players should keep their
body between the defender and the ball at all times.
 Offensively, dribble with speed and be creative when
moving to the cone.

SCRIMMAGE (Activity #4)

SET UP on PAGE 8

TEAM HUDDLE—End of Practice

PAGE 9 17
 FOCUS/ BENCHMARK:

U6 WEEK #7 DRIBBLING FORWARD

(Dribbling with speed to a target)

STREET SOCCER (Warm Up)

SET UP on PAGE 6
Take water breaks as necessary

TRAFFIC CONTROL (Activity #1)

FAST FEET (5-10 minutes) PAGE 7 SET UP and METHOD see Week #3
VARIATION
 In addition to Red, Yellow and Green, ask players
to add their favorite color.
GALAXY DRIBBLING (Activity #2)  BLUE– Pull Back
SET UP and METHOD see Week #3
 PINK– Big Toe Big Toe
VARIATIONS
 Exit the Galaxy the same way you enter.  ORANGE– Dance Party!
 Each round, encourage players to use a different part  Notice if your players are using their fast feet
of their foot (inside, outside, laces, bottom/roll). moves, and improving.
COACHING POINTS
 Encourage players to keep the ball close to their foot.
 Dribble with eyes up, see other players and the
Galaxies.

SHOOT, GOAL, RETREIVE (Activity #3)

COACHING POINTS
 Introduce shielding the ball; players should
keep their body between the defender and
the ball at all times.
 Offensively, dribble with speed and “FAST
FEET” to the cone.

SCRIMMAGE (Activity #4)

SET UP on PAGE 8

TEAM HUDDLE—End of Practice

PAGE 9 18
 FOCUS/ BENCHMARK:

U6 WEEK #8 PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!

STREET SOCCER (Warm Up)

SET UP on 6
FAST FEET (5-10 minutes) PAGE 7 Take water breaks as necessary

SUPER MARIO BROTHERS (Activity #1) NAME GAME (Activity #4)

SET UP and METHOD see Week #4 SET UP and METHOD see Week #4
VARIATION COACHING POINTS
 Add additional cones to increase the number of touches, and  Remember to use all parts of the foot, especially the
moves with the ball. laces to dribble quickly!
 Keep the ball close to the foot when dribbling.
COACHING POINTS  Remind players about shielding (Week #2).
 Encourage players to use their “FAST FEET” dribbling to move
quickly past the cones.
 Each round encourage players to do one move, Pull Back,
Scissors, Push Pull
 Repeat 3-4 rounds.

HUNGRY HIPPO (Activity #2)

SET UP and METHOD see Week #4
VARIATIONS
 Have players do “toe taps” before dribbling back to
their home.
 Allow players to steal soccer balls from other team’s
nests
 Limit the number of balls in the center. First team to
“three” wins.
COACHING POINTS
 Players should dribble with speed while keeping the
ball close to them.
 Discuss different soccer turns (surfaces of the foot) to
use when retrieving the ball.

TEAM ASSESSMENT! (Activity #3) SCRIMMAGE (Activity #5)

Turn to the next page for the activities and directions. SET UP on PAGE 8

TEAM HUDDLE—End of Practice

PAGE 9 19
 SKILLS ASSESSMENT #3
RELAY RACES
Set Up FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DRIBBLING
 Put one cone down to designate each groups starting point.
 Place another cone 20 yards away from each starting point. Your goal as the coach is, by the end of the season,
METHOD players should be able to perform these skills with
 Break players up into groups of three. efficiency for their age.
 Have players dribble from the starting point to the cone that is set up across from them.
 Players turn around the cone and dribble back to the starting cone. BENCH MARKS
 Take note of players who are able to perform these tasks with ease and who needs more instruction.
 Perform each task with the right and left foot, 2-3 times. 1.Players will be able to dribble in a straight
CAN YOU …? line, under control (ball is close to their foot).
Set Up 2. Players will be able to change directions with
 One ball per player the soccer ball.
METHOD
 Stand inside the playing area with your players. Each player should have a ball at their feet
 Call out “Can you do this?” and perform one of the skills you are assessing (i.e. pull back, toe touches, boxing, dribbling with right foot, dribbling with left foot, etc.)
 Using the “Assessment Tool” evaluate each player ‘s skill level.
 1= Needs more practice—— 5= Ready for the next challenge!

NAME NOTES

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____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5

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MKSC is the only National Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) ELITE Member Club in the greater
Milwaukee area. We have developed a partnership with the world’s largest coaching education organization
to bring ALL coaches (Recreation to Academy) top notch coaching programs, educational materials, and
global soccer knowledge.

As an MKSC coach you will receive weekly bulletins with information about the NSCAA and twice-a-year
FREE coaching education clinics.

If you are not already a member, please contact Alison Cefalu ([email protected]) to learn more. You will
receive a discounted yearly membership, as well as access to the NSCAA Resource Library.

Visit– NSCAA.com to learn more!

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 US YOUTH SOCCER
United States Soccer Federation NEW RULES
Y-1 License– All Milwaukee Kicker Soccer Club coaches are For a complete list of the new rules for your age group, visit
required to take the Y-1 course offered by the Wisconsin www.WiyouthSoccer.com. Some rules have been modified for Milwaukee Kicker
Youth Soccer Association. For a list of courses offered this Soccer Club leagues.
season, visit www.wiYOUTHsoccer.com

POSITIONS

While we encourage coaches to let players run freely

during the game, USYS suggests setting up your
players in a “TRIANGLE” formation. During the game
do not force players to stay in a specific area, spot or
line. Encourage players to “make a TRIANGLE” when
there are breaks in the game; kick offs, goal kicks, or
half time.

Tactical Emphasis
 Players should know what direction they are
going in to score goals.
 Players understand the ball needs to move
forward towards their goal.

The picture shows a basic TRIANGLE line up. The

“center back” is not a “goal keeper” and should be
positioned 5-10 yards in front of the goal during
natural breaks in play.
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