- Start with a fun, simple warm-up that will focus the kids on practice. Give each child a ball and have them sit on it. When they hear the word "go", they are to quickly stand and sit on another person's ball. Repeat this with different tasks each time. For example, stepping lightly on the ball and alternating feet each time. Repeat this, but after saying "go", up the ante by quickly removing one ball so the slowest player is left without a ball. This exercise encourages speed, balance, listening and anticipation. Teach them not to look for just one ball, but to decide beforehand on the two or three close balls, in case someone else beats them to their first choice.
- Teach the kids how to control the ball with a step-trap. Line up the children 3 feet apart with a ball in their hands. When ready, have them drop the ball and attempt to step lightly on top of the ball before it bounces three times. Weight should remain on the standing foot, otherwise balance will be lost. Explain that arms can be extended to help with balance. Once mastered, repeat but with only two bounces, then one. Afterwards, set up a line of goals 10 yards away, repeat the exercise, but after the ball has been trapped ask the kids to immediately shoot the ball into the net using the inside of their foot. This exercise combines balance and coordination with the basics of shooting.
- Combine balance and shooting exercises with movement to simulate a game situation. Line up the children in a single file. Set up a goal 15 yards away. Have all the balls to one side of the net. On the word "go", the first player in line sprints toward the goal while the coach simultaneously rolls the ball towards the player. As the ball approaches the child, instruct them to step-trap the ball and then quickly take a shot on goal. Increase the difficulty by bouncing the ball towards them. Still another option is to deliver the ball from behind them, either by rolling it between their legs or dropping it over their heads in front of them. To focus their aim, explain that whoever scores gets to play goalie. When the goalie is scored on, the goal scorer takes their place.
