US Youth Soccer, the youth arm of the governing body for the sport in the United States, registers more than 3 million American players annually, ages 5 to 19. Since 2006, US Youth Soccer has officially endorsed an emphasis on small-sided games with as few as 3 or 4 players per team as the best way for youth players to learn the game. As coach, you can sprinkle drills into practice to impart skills for players to develop during a small-team scrimmage.
Under-8s
Warm up a team of younger players under age 8 with Red Light, Green Light. Set up each player with her own ball in a limited space, such as the center circle of the field or a square 10 yards on each side marked by cones. The players must stop and put a foot on top of the ball when you say "red light" and dribble slowly when you call "yellow light." At "green light," they dribble quickly. For the Planets drill, set up triangles named after planets and have players dribble toward each planet called out. In the Gates drill, set up pairs of cones like ski gates to create an undulating course and have the players dribble through as many times as they can in a set time, counting each time through as a goal.
Older Players
US Youth Soccer recommends warming up with dribbling and shooting competitions to build enthusiasm and encourage communication among older players. Follow with a volleying competition to see who is best at trapping the ball with the chest and volleying the ball. The drill Scramble requires two squads sent to each goal. Begin play with one player dribbling and shooting at the other goal. After he shoots, he must immediately get in goal to defend a shot from the opponent. The coaching focus here is to encourage enthusiasm, hard work and encouragement by teammates.
Two Versus Two
US Youth Soccer encourages teamwork and working on the transition from offense to defense and back in small-sided games. Proceed from the drills into scrimmages, without goalkeepers for the under-8s, setting up an area about 30 by 35 yards marked by cones at the corners and the goal area. With older players, have them play three versus three, including goalkeepers, with the winning team staying on until it is scored upon. A new squad then comes on to take its place.
Four Versus Four Elimination
Players at any youth level can work on teamwork and execution in Four versus Four Elimination recommended by US Youth Soccer. Every time a team scores, the opposing team must remove one player from the field. After the first goal, the attacking team has one minute to try to eliminate its opponent. If the defending team scores, it can return a player to the field. Once even, the clock stops and the teams start again.
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