New coach guide · Open this session in the builder to change it
2017s: Everyone's a Keeper
12 players · 2 coaches · cage · habit: work hard
| Minutes | Block | Game |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 10 | 3v3 | |
| 10 to 40 | Station 1 and Station 2, 15 minutes each | Station 1: Goalie Wars, Station 2: High Ball Heroes |
| 40 to 60 | Match | A match |
0 to 10 min 3v3
Set up two small pitches with a goal at each end. As children arrive they go straight in: 1v1, then 2v2, then 3v3. Coaches feed a spare ball in from the side the moment one goes out. No throw-ins or corners: dribble it in or pass it in, to keep it fast. The match is the warm-up.
10 to 40 min Station 1 and Station 2, 15 minutes each
Two groups of about 6. Group 1 starts on Station 1, group 2 on Station 2. Swap at 25 minutes. A coach at each station.
Station 1
Goalie Wars
Two keepers, two small goals, and every save turns straight into the next attack.
Set up
- Set out many small two-goal pitches side by side, 3 m apart.
Stage 1: play it
- Each child guards a goal.
- Take turns to throw, roll, or kick along the ground from your own goal line at the other goal.
- The keeper saves, then attacks straight away from where they stand.
- After two minutes, rotate partners.
Stage 2: progress it
Practice-foot kicks only.
Stage 3: progress it
Shorter distance.
If it's not working: Throws only.
Keeping everyone moving: Every pair plays at once. No queue.
Three things to say
- Set before the shot.
- Quick restart.
- Two hands.
You need: cones or pop-up goals (4 cones or 2 goals per pair), ball (1 per pair)
Station 2
High Ball Heroes
Catching high balls only, with a loud call and hands high. Heading is never allowed.
Set up
- Space groups of three 5 m apart. One feeder, one catcher, one chaser.
Stage 1: play it
- The feeder throws the ball underarm, above head height.
- The catcher calls keeper!, steps forward and catches with hands high.
- The chaser jogs towards the catcher but never touches or jumps.
- Rotate every five throws.
- The ball is always caught. Heading is never allowed.
Stage 2: progress it
Catch at the highest point.
Stage 3: progress it
Catch and then roll it out.
If it's not working: Chest-height throws.
Keeping everyone moving: Everyone has a job. Roles rotate often.
Three things to say
- Call loudly.
- Hands high, thumbs close together behind the ball.
- Bring it into your chest.
You need: soft or size 4 ball (1 per group)
40 to 60 min Match
A match
One big pitch, 6v6 with goalkeepers. Kick-ins or dribble-ins instead of throw-ins, to keep the touches up. A spare ball comes in the moment one goes out. One coach refs, the other feeds spare balls from the side.
Equipment for the whole session
- cones or pop-up goals (4 cones or 2 goals per pair)
- ball (1 per pair)
- soft or size 4 ball (1 per group)
Habit of the week: Work hard
Say it at the start, watch for it all session, name one moment on the walk off.
Reminders
- Drinks when moving. The huddle is the walk off: one moment of the habit, with the child's name.
- A ball at every foot. Nobody stands without one for 30 seconds.
- No queues and nobody is ever out.
- Talk under 30 seconds. Show it, don't tell it.
- Every game has stages: start at stage 1 and move on when it is working.
This week at home
For parents: Tennis Ball Drop, a Everyone's a Keeper game for the garden or the park.