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Hi all, I've just started coaching a soccer team of 4 and 5 year olds and would like to discuss with my fellow coaches any drills which you have found to be safe, fun and valuable to the younger age group. I have my level 1 course under my belt and have difficulty in applying what I've learnt to the small kids. They get bored very quickly and are only interested in playing a match at the end of the session. They have no interest in passing the ball or shooting at goal whilst doing drills. Running with the ball is no problem as they are keeping active and all have a ball at their feet. As soon as they line up or have to share a ball, there are problems. I have a variety of drills which I run through with them, traffic lights, robin hood, alamo, sharks and fishes to name a few with variations of each but I crave more as everywhere I search caters for U6 upwards. I coach an U8 side midweek and have no problem with these lads as they are that bit older and have a greater level of concentration. (not by much mind). So I'm asking for advice from anyone who has coached 4 and 5 YOs and would like to know what has worked for you. PM replies welcome. Marc
Players are not reacting quick enough to be first to the ball. How can I change this?
Hi, I have taken on my first U11 football team and we are building a squad from scratch for all comers, we have picked up some good players with a few who have hardly ever kicked a ball. I have always promoted everyione is welcome but it seems some of the better players are now making comments that they wont stay if the lesser players continue! What do i do?
Hi I have quite a large squad (11) for my U9s team. Sometimes not all of them turn up but when they do managing the substitutions can be a nightmare. Have tried planning it out and making 3 subs on a rotation every 6 or 7 minutes. This works OK, just wondered how others do it? Thanks! Asked using Sportplan Mobile App
What is the best warm up routine for U9 boys before a game? Thanks Coach Heath
i run a under 11s football team and they really need to work on pass and move do u know any good drills that will be able to help there young boys and girls out....many thanks gary ives - submitted via email
how do i get an u12 girls team to work together in a game,if i have tried most drills already??????
Any suggestions for coaching the defences at attack from flanks?
My goal keeper can't jump very well, any ideas how to improve this ?
I am a coach of a U10 girlâs team, who for the majority haven't previously played. I'm finding that they are now shying away from the ball and moving backwards instead of closing the gap, tackling or putting the attacking team under pressure when they have the ball. Does anyone have any tips or drills that I can use to help them overcome this?
Does anyone have any tips / advice or good drills that can help improve first touch for under 12's age group? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
can u suggest warm ups before training and how long between drills thanx
Hello All,I will be coaching my daughter's U16 Div 2 team this year, I just wanted to ask fellow coaches and mangers what to expect. I'm not new to the game, in fact I currently play in the state league myself, but there is a difference between playing the game and actually managing the team. I guess my questions lie around team management techniques and what should I look out for or what should I be aware of? The season starts in a month and training commences next week, so what is the best way to get the kids in shape fast? Thank you.
Does anyone have a good man marking drill. My players tend to ball chase and leave their opponent open.
I have u13 players that play slightly slower and less aggressive than expected. They can control the ball fine but they lack speed and normal soccer aggression during games. How can I help improve speed and aggression? Are there drills that are geared towards these two areas that need improvement? Thanks,
Hi all ,As part of my course I have to develop dribble dash into more of a game format.Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.Thanks
I want to get my team to play possession football but some players, especially defenders get very panicked on the ball and seem to be unable to retain possession. Anyone got any ideas of how to change this?
how to make our weak foot strong and active in game. i can't make good moves in game like going in the box for cross over lapping and others i just wait in a fix place for ball
how can I win 1v1s when a def is square footed as a inverted left winger
I am currently studying the F.A. Level 1 coaching anf have been given See it Do it for my final assesment how would you go about putting a 15min drill together?
in more ways than one
Four Halloween-themed games sneak a full warm-up, finishing, rondo and small-sided game into one junior football session this week.
Deliberate heading is now out of U11 grassroots matches. Here is how to coach chest, thigh and foot control so your players still win the ball in the air.
Long-range goals doubled at the 2026 World Cup as teams sat deep. Here is how to coach when to shoot from distance, the technique, and the follow-up.
Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.