Youth Soccer Practice Sessions

Being organized and planning a youth soccer practice is vital to ensure that you get the most out of the limited time that you have with your players.The following a standard format is a proven way to conduct a successful practice

Youth Soccer Practice Format

Step Activity

Start of Training Welcome players, overview of the session
Opening Activity Fun warm-up Games
12 minute warm up
A game of soccer tennis
Tag or duck-duck-goose
Revision Practice techniques / skills from previous session in related games
Technique/Skill Development Learn and practice new techniques / skills
Drills or small games that follow a particular theme or skill to be learnt

  1. Performed under no pressure
    This is to get the techique right
  2. Performed wit some pressure
    Either a passive defender, or a time limit or a race
  3. Performed under full pressure
    Done under game like conditions
Modified Games Application of new techniques / skills in smallsided games.

  • The small sided game should have rules to emphasise the skills and drills learnt
  • The small sided game should be 3v3 or 4v4.
  • If there is an odd number of players, simply make one of the players an "All time Attacker" which gives the attacking team a numerical advantage.
  • The game should have no keepers
  • The rules of the game should encourage using the skill/theme of the week. eg Award 1 goal if the player successfully does the skill of the week and 2 goals for an actual goal is scored
Conclusion Activity Overview of session, finish with a fun activity,
warm-down

Recommended number of sessions and session times


Age Pre Season
Sessions
per week
During season
Sessions

per week

Session Time
Under 9 2 160 minutes
9-12 2 1- 2 75 minutes
12+ 3 2 90 minutes



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