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 'sumo' and the 'shirt pulling game'

by Rick Gruneau, first published on decatur sports

This year my U14 girls played physical games like "soccer sumo" (largest player gets in a small circle of cones, send in a player to shoulder challenge to try to push her out of the cones within 15 seconds) and the "shirt pulling game" (grab partner by the shirt up near the shoulders, place a ball 3 meters away. Partner who touches ball with her foot first wins -- nearly anything short of punching goes - long nailed girls are likely to break one).

To mediate this competitiveness I also try to create an environment where everyone feels valued as a person -- not just as a player. There is no stigma in losing as long as you are working to improve. The competition is there to improve the team, not to demean anyone. Let's compete hard, but keep it all in perspective. With girls from U-11 though U-17 I think you really need to have this dual focus -- competition, but also the security and safety that comes from knowing that you are worth more than your soccer ability and that EVERYONE on the team has something to contribute.

more games designed to help young players cope with the physical aspects of football (soccer)

animal ball
anything goes - getting used to physical contact
Bang and steal the bacon
four corners aggressiveness and fitness drill
soccer sumo and the shirt pulling game
war!