footy4kids recommends:

For new coaches:

For experienced coaches:

For coaches who are short on time:

For coaches of kids aged 5-8:

For coaches of kids aged 9-11:

For coaches of kids aged 12-15:

For coaches of small-sided teams:

For coaches who need warm-ups:

soccer coaching game for passing, switching play and defence

This game is great for developing passing, encouraging switching play in attack, and teaching cover and balance in defence.

The "Four Goal Game" can be used with players aged from six to 16, it's very easy to set up and explain, and it can be used with any number of players. Just set up one game for every eight players in your squad.

Set-up: The Four Goal Game is best played with teams of four outfield players plus a goalkeeper but you can play it without a 'keeper. Try not to play with larger teams - too many players on the pitch gives children too many choices and limits the number of touches they will get on the ball.

With eight to 16-year-olds, create a 30-yard square playing area with two small goals on each end line. For younger players, use a smaller area.

How to play: each team defends and attacks two goals.

There are no corners. When the ball crosses the goal line, it is a goal kick, and it doesn't matter who kicked the ball off.

Goalkeepers always roll the ball out. No big, hopeful kicks upfield!

You are looking for possession soccer and attempting to "pull" the bulk of the defenders over to defend one goal before switching the ball suddenly towards the goal, which is not guarded as well, and trying to score there.

Progression: