Pick the group you coach. You get something to use tonight, then the full plans if you want them.
U8: start with the first ten minutes
The first ten minutes decide the night. If kids walk into a game, you get those minutes to greet families and finish setting up.
Use this tonight
Build two small fields before anyone arrives, with a flag at the corner. Every player goes to the flag, you point them to a pinnie and a field, and the first two start 1v1. New arrivals join right away: 2v2, 3v2, whatever shows up. Cap a field at 4v4 and open the second one. The cue is one line: "Grab a pinnie and play."
When it breaks
They're waiting.Start with the first two players, 1v1. Nobody waits for even numbers.
It's too crowded.Cap the field at 4v4 and open field two. Still crowded? Make the field bigger.
It's too hard.Go to one field, 2v2 games, until most of them succeed most of the time.
It's too easy.Add a third goal on one side, or make the field smaller.
Free sampleFirst Ten Minutes2 page PDF: the Session 01 arrival game plus the rescue card. No email needed.FreeDownload the PDF
The full plansU8 Practice Plan Library12 sessions. Every activity has an easier and a harder version.$7.99See it on Etsy
The seasonU8 Coach BundleThe U8 library plus the Season Planning Kit and the Parent Meeting Kit.$15.99See it on Etsy
U6: keep it a story
Attention spans at four to six run a few minutes, so every game changes before it goes stale.
Use this tonight
Arrival play the moment they show up, then games with a story, because at this age the story does the coaching. Expect criers, wanderers and kids who sit on the ball. All of it is normal. Change the game before it goes stale, and keep every direction short enough to say in one breath.
Free sampleFirst Ten MinutesOur free sample comes from the U8 library, so it's written for older players.FreeDownload the PDF
The full plansU6 Practice Plan Library12 story game sessions, 45 minutes each, for ages 4 to 6.$7.99See it on Etsy
BrowseEverything elseEvery download, grouped by who it's for.Browse all
U10: more decisions, same idea
Same shape as U8: play, practice, play. The sessions add 1v1s, rondos, finishing and transition play.
Use this tonight
Most of my practices start with a small sided game the moment players arrive. When it breaks, change one thing: a bigger field gives more time on the ball, a smaller one adds pressure.
The full plansU10 Practice Plan Library12 complete 60 minute sessions, 48 exercises with field diagrams.$7.99See it on Etsy
The seasonU10 Coach BundleThe U10 library plus the Season Planning Kit and the Parent Meeting Kit.$15.99See it on Etsy
Free sampleFirst Ten MinutesFrom the U8 library. The arrival idea and the rescue card are worth a look at any age.FreeDownload the PDF
Mixed ages, or not sure yet
No recommendation here. Here is how the three libraries line up, so you can pick for your group.
Ages 4 to 6U6 Practice Plan Library12 story game sessions.$7.99See it on Etsy
U8U8 Practice Plan Library12 sessions, easier and harder versions of every activity.$7.99See it on Etsy
U10U10 Practice Plan Library12 complete sessions with field diagrams.$7.99See it on Etsy
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