Enthusiastically set the tone for fun.

The warm-up prepares the mind and body for upcoming activities. Ball gymnastics greatly enhance motor skills (i.e. coordination, balance, agility, and flexibility).

Young players need very little stretching, but it is a good habit for them to begin at an early age.

Plan warm-ups so that each player uses a ball. Incorporate games and exercises that emphasize a lot of touches and dribbling,

If possible, use or create conditioning exercises that require the players to work with a ball rather than just running. The kids will have more fun and they will learn more soccer skills!

Individual Activities:

Fun filled activities that emphasize technical development. "GAMES" Remember this is the discovery age. Lots of ball contacts.

Activities should be appropriate for the skills you are teaching. Limit the number of activities in a given practice, and don't spend too long on any one activity. Remember that a child's attention span is limited!

Group Activities:

Group games that an extension of the individual activity. Groups are small to again allow for ball contacts. Activities should emphasize fun while challenging the players in a non-activity manner.

Keep it varied and interesting with a minimum of oral instruction (don't lecture!). Demonstrate as much as possible, If you feel uncomfortable demonstrating techniques, don't hesitate to enlist your more skillful players, or perhaps older soccer players, to help you. Depending on the level you are coaching, junior high or high school players may be useful for this purpose.

MAXIMIZE the number of touches for each player by running activities with several small groups at the same time; no child likes to stand in line waiting!

"The Game":

This portion of the practice session is designed to familiarize the players with the varying aspects of the game. Kids want to play and have fun. After a brief explanation and/or demonstration quickly get the players playing.

Small-sided games (e.g. 4 v 4) are an excellent practice tool they help keep everyone involved and, by reducing the size of each playing field, you can have two games going at the same time. Activities should be organized to progress into controlled scrimmages (e.g. no shots until at least four consecutive passes have been made). Follow up a controlled scrimmage with an open scrimmage. Remember, the kids signed up to play soccer!

Be prepared to change your plans! Weather, field conditions, the number of players who come to practice, can all affect your plans.

Be flexible and adjust to conditions.

You may also need to extend the time spent on a particular activity if the players are having difficulty acquiring a particular skill. If it is especially hot, allow for more frequent water breaks and reduce the physical intensity of practice.