MKSC 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/
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 or while your Director of Coaching is visiting your practice.
PARENT MEETING
Example Agenda
1. Behavior expectations
2. Parent assistances (helping at games and practices)
3. Team goals– what your child will be working on this season,
and great things to cheer for during games!
4. SNACKS!
5. Changing the Game TED Talk (link below)
6. Coach’s contact information, with appropriate times to call/
text and talk.
7. Game schedule, and how to communicate when your child
can not make it.
Let’s have a great season!
SIDE LINE ETIQUETTE (US Youth Soccer)
1. Avoid “coaching” your child from the sideline while watching your child’s game.
2. Do not criticize the referee.
3. Focus on the benefits of the game rather than the score.
4. Think when interacting with the opposing fans.
5. Don’t stress out over the game.
6. 24 hour rule; Save issues with the coach for the next day, and communicate with him/her
through his/her preferred method of communication.
(www.usyouthsoccer.org/
sideline_etiquette_6_tips_to_make_youth_soccer_better_for_parents_and_players/
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/)
FREE STYLE FIVE
NOTES:
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.
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:
FAST FEET!
SET UP Starting Week #2 Create a 20X25 yard space.
Each player has a ball at their feet; the first 5 minutes of every practice should go as follows: METHOD
Practice the “FAST FEET Skill of the WEEK” for 30 seconds in one spot. Allow players to dribble around the grid or space.
Every 20-30 seconds, call out the skill by name and players should perform the skill as if they were in a game. Fun Tip! Play music while players are dribbling, when the music stops preform the skill. Restart the music to return
to dribbling. 4. Return to dribbling, and repeat step #3. 5. Starting Week #3, use this time to review the previous week’s skill. Practice at home! All of these moves can be done in a yard, driveway, basement, get creative! Join the “MKSC Fast Feet
Challenge” on Facebook and Instagram– parents take a quick (10-20 second) video of their player practicing, upload and tag Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club!
Check the weekly Coach’s bulletin, MKSC Facebook Page, and MKSC YouTube for the Skill of the Week. Facebook: www.facebook.com/Milwaukee-Kickers-Soccer-Club-Uihlein-Soccer-Park YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/Milwaukeekickers Instagram: www.instagram.com/milwaukeekickers
SCRIMMAGE
NOTES:
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.
TEAM TIME
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(s) you taught during practice.
3. “What is one thing you did better than last week?”
4. “Tell me something that made you feel proud during practice?”
5. STRONG FINISHER- Coach, recognize one player who started the practice struggling (behavior or skill-wise)
and finished the practice strong. (example- “Jimmy, I notice you had a hard time following directions at the
beginning of practice. Thanks for turning on your listening ears and working hard after our water break
and until the end. Let’s have a great practice next week!”)
6. TEAM CHEER! Encourage your players to finish practice with a team cheer!
MKSC U6: Week #1
LET’S GET STARTED! 1. Call your team together. Introduce yourself and any new players.
2. Ask the team, “Does anyone know what it means to be on a team?”
3. “How should we treat our teammates?”
4. “What are you going to do during practice to be a super teammate?”
BEFORE YOUR TEAM ARRIVES
1. Clear a space (about 30x25 yards), using disc cones and/or lines if you have them. You will use this size grid for activities #1-4.
2. Soccer balls remain on the sideline until the SKILLS ASSESSMENT.
3. Today is a “SKILLS ASSESSMENT” practice. If space allows, set up the “Relay Race” so you can move into it quickly after “People to People
Tag.”
4. You will need additional disc cones for “Crocs in the River” and “Dog Catcher”
5. As players arrive to the field, give them time to “practice” with their soccer ball and be creative. If possible, restrict players from shooting on
goal.
6. Call your team together and talk through the questions below.
ATTENTION GRABBERS!
Are your players struggling to listen? Sometimes as coaches we want to yell, shout, and blow our whistles! Try this instead..
“Dead Fish!”
Tell your players as soon as they hear coach say “Dead Fish,” they must top, flop down onto the floor, laying still like a dead fish!
FOCUS: Dribbling and Team Building U6 Week #1
CROCS IN THE RIVER ACTIVITY #4 SET UP
Create a 3 yard end zone on each end line. METHOD
The coach begins as the crocs in the river.
Coach says "GO!" players try to cross the river by dribbling their soccer ball.
Round 1- Coaches start as crocs and if ball is lost, dribbler and crocs switch roles
Round 2- 2-3 players start as crocs and if ball is lost, dribbler and crocs switch roles
Round 3- When ball is lost, dribbler becomes a croc.
10 Minutes
DOG CATCHER ACTIVITY #3 SET UP 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 disc cone, put it on their head, and cover their face.
(They are hiding behind a “tree”) The player who is last to hide, does (5) toe taps to rejoin the game. You can remove cones each round, like musical chairs. Play 3-4 rounds. 10 Minutes
PEOPLE TO PEOPLE ACTIVITY #1 METHOD Players move around the grid Coach calls out “Hand to Hand”, players immediately find a partner and touch palms (like a high five) With their partner, “introduce yourself and say your favorite color” Repeat several times using different favorites and different body parts (elbow, back to back, toe to toe) Encourage players to pick a new partner each round 8-10 Minutes
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SCRIMMAGE on Page 8 *If you are tight on time, skip Activity #4 15-20 Minutes
TEAM TIME
1. “What is one thing you did better than last week?”
2. “Tell me something that made you feel proud during practice?
3. STRONG FINISHER!
2-5 Minutes
TEAM ASSESSMENT! Turn to the next page for the activities and directions. 5-8 Minutes
ACTIVITY #2
RELAY RACES Set Up
Put one cone down to designate each groups starting point.
Place another cone 20 yards away from each starting point. METHOD
Break players up into groups of three.
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.
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. CAN YOU …? Set Up
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
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NOTES
FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DRIBBLING
Your goal as the coach is, by the end of the season,
players should be able to perform these skills with
efficiency for their age.
BENCH MARKS
1.Players will be able to dribble in a straight line, under control (ball is close to their foot). 2. Players will be able to change directions with the soccer ball.
SKILLS ASSESSMENT #1
MKSC U6: Week #2
LET’S GET STARTED! 1. Call your team together.
2. Ask the team, “Who remembers a skill we worked on at our last practice?”
3. “Does anyone have a goal or a skill they want to improve during practice?”
4. “What are you going to do during practice to be a super teammate?”
5. Call your team together and talk through the questions below.
6. After “Let’s Get Started”, start your timer for FAST FEET. Visit Page 7 for the recommended guidelines.
BEFORE YOUR TEAM ARRIVES
1. Clear a space (about 30x25 yards), using disc cones and/or lines if you have them. You will use this size grid for activities #1-4.
2. Soccer balls remain on the sideline until activity #2.
3. You will need additional disc cones for “Builders and Bulldozers” and “1v1 to Cone”
4. As players arrive to the field, give them time to “practice” with their soccer ball and be creative. If possible, restrict players from shooting on
goal.
ATTENTION GRABBERS!
Are your players struggling to listen? Sometimes as coaches we want to yell, shout, and blow our whistles! Instead, let’s try this…
“Superhero!”
Stop what you’re doing, fly around the field, and on “STOP!” pose like a superhero!
FREESTYLE FIVE (Warm Up) SET UP on PAGE 5
U6 WEEK #2
1 V. 1 TO CONE ACTIVITY #4 SET UP 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
defender. The player with the ball tries to knock down the cone while the player without the ball tries to steal the ball.
If the player steals the ball that player tries to knock the 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. 10-15 Minutes
FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DEFENDING
Stay between the dribbler and the goal!
BUILDERS AND BULLDOZERS ACTIVITY #3 SET UP
Randomly place at least one tall cone per player around the field space.
Split your group up into two teams using pinnies. METHOD
Each player on the RED team has a ball. This team is called the “bulldozers”.
The YELLOW team starts without soccer balls, they are the "builders" Bulldozers try to knock down all of the cones before the builders set them all back up.
Play for 45-60 seconds then switch roles. 8-10 Minutes
Math Dribbling ACTIVITY #2
SET UP
Each player has a ball at their feet. METHOD
Have players dribbling in the space using “FAST FEET” moves.
Coach call out a number, and players must form groups according to that number. (“4”= 4 players in a group)
Players who do not form a group of the correct number, do three jumping jacks and rejoin the game.
8-10 Minutes
FAST FEET Skill of the WEEK! “BIG TOE BIG TOE… How Fast Can you GO?”
TEAM TIME
1. “What is one thing you did better than last week?”
2. “Tell me something that made you feel proud during practice?
3. STRONG FINISHER
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SCRIMMAGE on Page 8 *If you are tight on time, skip Activity #4 15-20 Minutes
MKSC U6: Week #3
LET’S GET STARTED! 1. Call your team together.
2. How was your day? Thumbs up for “good”, side ways for “okay”, and down for “rough”… you may find the players who had a rough day will
benefit from some extra encouragement during practice.
3. “What are you going to do during practice to be a super teammate?”
BEFORE YOUR TEAM ARRIVES
1. Clear a space (about 30x25 yards), using disc cones and/or lines if you have them. You will use this size grid for activities #1-4.
2. Soccer balls remain on the sideline until activity #2.
3. You will need additional disc cones for “Builders and Bulldozers” and “1v1 to Cone”
4. As players arrive to the field, give them time to “practice” with their soccer ball and be creative. If possible, restrict players from shooting on
goal.
5. Call your team together and talk through the questions below.
6. After “Let’s Get Started”, start your timer for FAST FEET. Visit Page 7 for the recommended guidelines.
ATTENTION GRABBERS!
Are your players struggling to listen? Sometimes as coaches we want to yell, shout, and blow our whistles! Instead, try these...
“Silly Dance”
Stop and show off your silliest dance moves!
STREET SOCCER (Warm Up) SET UP on PAGE 6
U6 WEEK #3 FOCUS/ BENCHMARK:
DRIBBLING FORWARD
(Dribbling with speed to a target)
TRAFFIC CONTROL ACTIViTY#3 SET UP
Each player has a soccer ball at their foot. METHOD
Call out the colors on a traffic light:
RED– Stop!
YELLOW– Hotcha Hotcha (toe taps) or Big Toe Big Toe!
GREEN– Dribble FAST!
Encourage players to use their “FAST FEET” moves to get away from “Heavy Traffic” areas. 5-8 Minutes
GALAXY DRIBBLING ACTIVITY #2 SET UP
Create 3 yard triangular shaped “galaxies” METHOD
Have players dribble their soccer ball in the grid.
In 90 seconds, challenge the players to get into and out of as many “galaxies” as possible. 8-10 Minutes
SHOOT, GOAL, RETREIVE ACTIVITY #4 SET UP 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 to-
wards 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 offen-
sive player earns a point by scoring a goal. Encourage smart defending (be patient, watch the ball not the player). 10-15 Minutes
FAST FEET
Skill of the WEEK! “Hatcha-Hatcha!”
TEAM TIME
1. “What is one thing you did better than last week?”
2. “Tell me some-thing that made you feel proud during practice?
3. STRONG FINISHER!
SCRIMMAGE on Page 8
15-20 Minutes
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MKSC U6: Week #4
LET’S GET STARTED!
1. How was your day? Thumbs up for “good”, side ways for “okay”, and down for “rough”… you may find the players who had a rough day will
benefit from some extra encouragement during practice.
2. “What are you going to do during practice to be a super teammate?”
BEFORE YOUR TEAM ARRIVES
1. Clear a space (about 30x25 yards), using disc cones and/or lines if you have them. You will use this size grid for activities #1-4.
2. Players will play “Street Soccer” as they arrive.
3. You will need additional disc cones for “Super Mario Brothers” and “Hungry Hippos”
4. You will need goals or pyramid cones for the “Name Game” and “Scrimmage”
5. Call your team together and talk through the questions below.
6. After “Let’s Get Started”, start your timer for FAST FEET. Visit Page 7 for the recommended guidelines.
ATTENTION GRABBERS!
Are your players struggling to listen? Sometimes as coaches we want to yell, shout, and blow our whistles! Instead try these…
“Dead Fish!” Stop, flop down onto the floor, freezing like a dead fish.
“Superhero!” Stop, fly around the field, and on “STOP!” pose like a superhero!
“Silly Dance” Stop and show off your silliest dance moves!
STREET SOCCER (Warm Up) SET UP on PAGE 6
U6 WEEK #4 SUPER MARIO BROTHERS ACTIVITY #2 SET UP
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 everyone can get to the other side in 30 sec-onds!” 5-8 Minutes
HUNGRY HIPPO ACTIVITY #3 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. METHOD One player (hippo) from each team runs to the middle of the field, retrieves a ball (watermelon), and dribbles it quickly back to
their home. High five the next player (hippo) and continue. Play until all of the balls (watermelon) are out of the middle, and in a home. Play 3-4 rounds. 8-10 Minutes
NAME GAME ACTIVITY #4 SET UP
Divide into two teams.
All soccer balls are on the sideline by the coach at midfield.
METHOD
Coach calls the first name of one player from each team.
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 names. Repeat until all players have gone 2-3 times.
10-12 Minutes
FOCUS/ BENCHMARK:
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!
FAST FEET Skill of the
WEEK!
“Rock-a-Bye-Baby”
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SCRIMMAGE on Page 8 *If you are tight on time, skip Activity #4 15-20 Minutes
TEAM TIME
1. “What is one thing you did better than last week?”
2. “Tell me something that made you feel proud during practice?
3. STRONG FINISHER!
2-5 Minutes
MKSC U6: Week #5
LET’S GET STARTED!
1. How was your day? Thumbs up for “good”, side ways for “okay”, and down for “rough”… you may find the players who had a rough day will
benefit from some extra encouragement during practice.
2. “What are you going to do during practice to be a super teammate?”
BEFORE YOUR TEAM ARRIVES
1. Clear a space (about 30x25 yards), using disc cones and/or lines if you have them. You will use this size grid for activities #1-4.
2. Players will play “Street Soccer” as they arrive.
3. You will need additional disc cones for “Super Mario Brothers” and “Hungry Hippos”
4. You will need goals or pyramid cones for the “Name Game” and “Scrimmage”
5. Call your team together and talk through the questions below.
6. After “Let’s Get Started”, start your timer for FAST FEET. Visit Page 7 for the recommended guidelines.
ATTENTION GRABBERS!
Are your players struggling to listen? Sometimes as coaches we want to yell, shout, and blow our whistles! Try these instead.
“Dead Fish!” Stop, flop down onto the floor, freezing like a dead fish.
“Superhero!” Stop, fly around the gym, and on “STOP!” pose like a superhero!
“Silly Dance” Stop and show off your silliest dance moves!
FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DRIBBLING
Dribble through cones under control, using the right
and left foot (inside and outside) , and basic turns.
FREESTYLE FIVE (Warm Up) SET UP on PAGE 5
U6 WEEK #5
Team Assessment Week! Turn to the next page for the
activities and directions.
CROCS IN THE RIVER ACTIVITY #2 SET UP and METHOD see Week #1 PROGRESSION
Round 1 instruct players to only dribble with their left or right foot.
Round 2, only dribble with the inside, then outside of their feet.
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 their non-strong foot, inside/outside, and laces before restarting the game. 8-10 Minutes
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 Encourage players to make quick decisions. 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”.
HALF WAY THROUGH! WATER
BREAK!
FAST FEET Skill of the WEEK! “Front Back”
SCRIMMAGE on Page 8 *If you are tight on time, skip Activity #4
15-20 Minutes
TEAM TIME
1. “What is one thing you did better than last week?”
2. “Tell me something that made you feel proud during practice?
3. STRONG FINISHER!
2-5 Minutes
ACTIVITY #3
NAME
____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
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____________________________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
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NOTES
16
SKILLS ASSESSMENT #2
RELAY RACES Set Up
Put one cone down to designate each groups starting point.
Place another cone 20 yards away from each starting point. METHOD
Break players up into groups of three.
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.
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. CAN YOU …? Set Up
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!
FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DRIBBLING
Your goal as the coach is, by the end of the season,
players should be able to perform these skills with
efficiency for their age.
BENCH MARKS
1.Players will be able to dribble in a straight line, under control (ball is close to their foot). 2. Players will be able to change directions with the soccer ball.
MKSC U6: Week #6
LET’S GET STARTED!
1. How was your day? Thumbs up for “good”, side ways for “okay”, and down for “rough”… during practice ask the “rough day players” to help
you pick up cones or pinnies.
2. “How should we treat our teammates?”
3. “What are you going to do during practice to be a super teammate?”
BEFORE YOUR TEAM ARRIVES
1. Clear a space (about 30x25 yards), using disc cones and/or lines if you have them. You will use this size grid for activities #1-4.
2. Players will have “Free Style 5” when they arrive.
3. You will need goals or pyramid cones for “builders and bull dozers” and the “1v1 game”
4. Call your team together and talk through the questions below.
5. After “Let’s Get Started”, start your timer for FAST FEET. Visit Page 7 for the recommended guidelines.
ATTENTION GRABBERS!
Are your players struggling to listen? Sometimes as coaches we want to yell, shout, and blow our whistles! Try these instead.
“Superhero!” Stop, fly around the gym, and on “STOP!” pose like a superhero!
“Silly Dance” Stop and show off your silliest dance moves!
FREESTYLE FIVE (Warm Up) SET UP on Page 5
U6 WEEK #6
1 V. 1 TO CONE ACTIVITY #4 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. 10-15 Minutes
FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DEFENDING
Stay between the dribbler and the goal!
BUILDERS AND BULLDOZERS ACTIVITY #3 SET UP and METHOD Week #2 COACHING POINTS Players should start protecting the ball, and keeping it
closer to their foot. Remind players to dribble with there head up, and look
for upright cones. 5-8 Minutes
Math Dribbling ACTIVITY #2
SET UP and METHOD Week #2 VARIATION
Players who dribble into another player, or out of bounds, do 10 toe taps before the start of the 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.
5-8 Minutes
FAST FEET Skill of the WEEK! “Step Over”
HALF WAY THROUGH! WATER BREAK!
SCRIMMAGE on Page 8 *If you are tight on time, skip Activity #4 15-20 Minutes
TEAM TIME
1. “What is one thing you did better than last week?”
2. “Tell me something that made you feel proud during practice?
3. STRONG FINISHER!
2-5 Minutes
MKSC U6: Week #7
LET’S GET STARTED!
1. How was your day? Thumbs up for “good”, side ways for “okay”, and down for “rough”… during practice ask the “rough day players” to help
you pick up cones or pinnies.
2. “How should we treat our teammates?”
3. “What are you going to do during practice to be a super teammate?”
BEFORE YOUR TEAM ARRIVES
1. Clear a space (about 30x25 yards), using disc cones and/or lines if you have them. You will use this size grid for activities #1-4.
2. Players will have “Free Style 5” when they arrive.
3. You will need goals or pyramid cones for “builders and bull dozers” and the “1v1 game”
4. Call your team together and talk through the questions below.
5. After “Let’s Get Started”, start your timer for FAST FEET. Visit Page 7 for the recommended guidelines.
ATTENTION GRABBERS!
Are your players struggling to listen? Sometimes as coaches we want to yell, shout, and blow our whistles! Try these instead.
“Superhero!” Stop, fly around the gym, and on “STOP!” pose like a superhero!
STREET SOCCER (Warm Up) SET UP on PAGE 6
U6 WEEK #7 FOCUS/ BENCHMARK:
DRIBBLING FORWARD
(Dribbling with speed to a target)
TRAFFIC CONTROL ACTIVITY #2 SET UP and METHOD see Week #3 VARIATION In addition to Red, Yellow and Green, ask players to add their favorite color.
BLUE– Pull Back PINK– Big Toe Big Toe ORANGE– Dance Party!
Notice if your players are using their fast feet moves, and improving. 5-8 Minutes
GALAXY DRIBBLING Activity #3 SET UP and METHOD see Week #3 VARIATIONS
Exit the Galaxy the same way you enter.
Each round, encourage players to use a different part of their foot (inside, outside, laces, bottom/roll).
COACHING POINTS
Encourage players to keep the ball close to their foot.
Dribble with eyes up, see other players and the Galaxies. 8-10 Minutes
SHOOT, GOAL, RETREIVE Activity #4 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.
10-15 Minutes
FAST FEET Skill of the WEEK! “The V”
HA
LF WA
Y TH
RO
UG
H! W
AT
ER
BR
EAK
!
SCRIMMAGE *If you are tight on time,
skip Activity #1 15-20 Minutes
TEAM TIME
1. “What is one thing you did better than last week?”
2. “Tell me something that made you feel proud during practice?
3. STRONG FINISHER!
2-5 Minutes
MKSC U6: Week #8
LET’S GET STARTED!
1. How was your day? Thumbs up for “good”, side ways for “okay”, and down for “rough”… during practice ask the “rough day players” to help
you pick up cones or pinnies.
2. “How should we treat our teammates?”
3. “What are you going to do during practice to be a super teammate?”
BEFORE YOUR TEAM ARRIVES
1. Clear a space (about 30x25 yards), using disc cones and/or lines if you have them. You will use this size grid for activities #1-4.
2. Players will warm up with “Street Soccer” for the first five minutes of practice.
3. Run your final assessment of the season. If your DOC is unavailable, ask a parent to help with this part.
4. You will need disc cones for the assessment, Super Mario Brothers and Hungry Hippos.
5. Call your team together and talk through the questions below.
6. After “Let’s Get Started”, start your timer for FAST FEET. Visit Page 7 for the recommended guidelines.
ATTENTION GRABBERS!
Are your players struggling to listen? Sometimes as coaches we want to yell, shout, and blow our whistles! Try these instead.
“Silly Dance” Stop and show off your silliest dance moves!
STREET SOCCER (Warm Up) SET UP on 6
U6 WEEK #8
SUPER MARIO BROTHERS (Activity #1) SET UP and METHOD see Week #4 VARIATION
Add additional cones to increase the number of touches, and moves with the ball.
COACHING POINTS
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. 5-8 Minutes
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. 10 Minutes
NAME GAME (Activity #4) SET UP and METHOD see Week #4 COACHING POINTS
Remember to use all parts of the foot, especially the laces to dribble quickly!
Keep the ball close to the foot when dribbling.
Remind players about shielding (Week #2). 8-10 Minutes– Move into full Scrimmage
FOCUS/ BENCHMARK:
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!
TEAM ASSESSMENT! (Activity #3) Turn to the next page for the activities and directions.
5 Minutes
FAST FEET Skill of the WEEK! “Show Off Your Favorite Move”
HA
LF WA
Y TH
RO
UG
H! W
AT
ER B
REA
K!
SCRIMMAGE on Page 8 *If you are tight on time, skip Activity #4 15-20 Minutes
TEAM TIME
1. “What is one thing you did better than last week?”
2. “Tell me something that made you feel proud during practice?
3. STRONG FINISHER!
2-5 Minutes
NAME
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NOTES
20
SKILLS ASSESSMENT #3
FOCUS/ BENCHMARK: DRIBBLING
Your goal as the coach is, by the end of the season,
players should be able to perform these skills with
efficiency for their age.
BENCH MARKS
1.Players will be able to dribble in a straight line, under control (ball is close to their foot). 2. Players will be able to change directions with the soccer ball.
RELAY RACES Set Up
Put one cone down to designate each groups starting point.
Place another cone 20 yards away from each starting point. METHOD
Break players up into groups of three.
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.
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. CAN YOU …? Set Up
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!
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!
21
US YOUTH SOCCER
United States Soccer Federation
Y-1 License– All Milwaukee Kicker Soccer Club coaches are
required to take the Y-1 course offered by the Wisconsin
Youth Soccer Association. For a list of courses offered this
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 “DIAMOND” formation. During the game do not force players to stay in a specific area, spot or line. Encourage players to “make a DIAMOND” 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 DIAMOND 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.
NEW RULES
For a complete list of the new rules for your age group, visit
www.WiyouthSoccer.com. Some rules have been modified for Milwaukee Kicker
Soccer Club leagues.
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