Soccer: Tails

Young players should master the passing and dribbling basics from a young age. Use the six fun drills and games in this plan to sharpen their basics today

Teach young players the basics of defending - using games to teach correct body position and pressing the ball to make sure they have fun as they learn

Leave opponents for dead with confident one and two touch passing. Improve your team's combination play today

Set out end zones 5 yards wide from each end line. Play 6 v 6. 1 ball per group.

One team starts in possession of the ball. The object of the game is to advance the ball to the attacking end zone. A goal is scored when a player dribbles the ball into the end zone and stops the ball with the sole of his foot. No defenders are allowed in this area.

Set up two teams, with 5 on field (3-2 formation) playing against the 4 on field defenders (3-1 formation).

The attacking team start with the ball and then the game is live!

Attackers can score in the normal-sized goal and the defenders can score in either of the two smaller goals (use cones) at the opposite end.

Make two teams of 6. The coach is the pitcher. He stands in a 5 x 5 yard area 10 yards from the wickets (5 cones in a row). Position one cone 10 yards from the wicket.

The pitcher passes the ball from the mound in the direction of the wickets (line of discs). The batter must kick the ball and then run around the base, back to the wickets. He must be ready to face the next pitch which is delivered as soon as the pitcher receives the ball, passed back from the outfield. The batter continues to bat until he is bowled out (the pitcher knocks down the wicket) or caught by an outfielder. Continue until all batters on the team are out.

Play 6 v 6. Station goals angled into the area in the corners of the grid. 1 ball per practice.

The object of the game is to try to pass the ball between your team and score in any of the four goals. Players should be encouraged to spread out and find space throughout the practice.