Rec practice for Wednesday, September 16. Same training field as last week, same focus: getting players comfortable turning with the ball.
U7
U8
1
Group warm-up
The rec director runs a quick warm-up for everyone. Your field will already be set up. Afterward, help get players to their correct team quickly.
The three turns you're coaching today
Sole drag. Stop the ball with the bottom of the foot, drag it back, and go the other way.
Inside cut. Turn the ball with just the inside of the foot, in as few touches as possible.
Jump over the ball. Hop right over the ball. It builds the foundation for step-overs later.
Watch for kids running in a loop around the ball. That's the habit to break.
2
Turning in lines
Turning in lines
2 lines
A pair of cones out in front of each line
Ball for each player
Line 1
Dribble out to the cones (free dribble or mastery skills).
Turn at the cones.
Dribble all the way back to the line.
Line 2
Dribble out and turn the same way.
Dribble back and pass to the next player in line.
By age
Older players: start with the pass back right away.
Younger players: get comfortable with the pattern and turns first, then finish with passing.
If you ran this last week, make it a competition. Race the lines and push them to go faster.
3
1v1 games
Replay last week's game so kids can jump in and you can see if they've improved, or mix it up with one of the others. Pair players of similar skill so everyone is challenged.
Option A: 1v1 with options to score
2+ players
Gates set up on the edges for you
One game or several at once
Pair players up.
Attacker can score by dribbling through any gate.
When the defender blocks a gate, turn and go for another one.
Easier start
No defender. Each player scores through as many gates as they can.
If 1v1 is too complicated for some players, run a fun free-dribble game with lots of chances to turn instead.
Option B: 1v1 multiple options: turns
2+ players
1 ball
At least 2 goals
Game 1: Race for the ball
Coach holds all the balls, with 2 goals facing the coach. One line of players stands by each goal.
Coach throws a ball out past the goals.
First player in each line runs to it.
Play 1v1.
To score, dribble back around to the front of the goals and turn.
Variation: send 2 or 3 players from each line and focus on passing instead of dribbling.
Game 2: Turn on the first touch
Ball in the middle with the attacker on it. A goal at each end. The defender stands between two small cones about 3 yards away.
Attacker stands square to the defender, not facing a goal.
First touch uses the inside or outside of the foot to turn the ball.
That touch releases the defender to chase.
Both players can score in either goal.
Don't let the attacker face a goal on their first touch. The turn is the point.
Game 3: Turn, then pressure
Two goals at one end and a line out on the field.
Player 1 dribbles away from the goals, past the line.
Player 1 turns back with no pressure.
Once they turn, player 2 comes in to defend.
Play 1v1. Both players can score in either goal.
As they get better: player 2 starts right next to the goal, and both players go at the same time.
4
3v3 scrimmage
3v3 scrimmage
Last 15 minutes
Use the 1v1 field
When there's about 15 minutes left, turn the 1v1 field into a 3v3 game.
Call out good turns during the game so players connect the day's skill to real play.