1. Dribble Through the Jungle
   • Purpose: Improves dribbling and ball control.
   • Setup: Set up cones or soft obstacles in a small area to create a “jungle” path.
   • How to Play: Each child dribbles a soccer ball through the cones, pretending to navigate a jungle. Encourage keeping the ball close and using both feet. If they hit a cone, they do a silly “animal dance” before continuing.
   • Tip: Use a story (e.g., “Escape the lion!”) to make it exciting.
2. Red Light, Green Light Dribble
   • Purpose: Enhances ball control and listening skills.
   • Setup: Kids line up with a ball each, facing the coach across a small field.
   • How to Play: Coach calls “Green Light” to dribble forward and “Red Light” to stop with the ball under their foot. Add “Yellow Light” for slow dribbling. If a player loses control, they restart with a smile.
   • Tip: Keep the distance short (10-15 yards) to maintain focus.
3. Shark Attack
   • Purpose: Develops dribbling under pressure and spatial awareness.
   • Setup: Create a 15x15-yard “ocean” with cones. Each player has a ball.
   • How to Play: Coach (or a designated player) is the “shark” without a ball. Players dribble in the area while the shark tries to kick balls out of bounds. If a ball is kicked out, the player becomes a “minnow” and helps the shark.
   • Tip: Keep it non-competitive by letting “minnows” rejoin after a quick task (e.g., 5 toe-taps on a ball).
4. Kick the Cone
   • Purpose: Improves shooting accuracy and kicking technique.
   • Setup: Place several cones or soft targets in front of a goal or along a line, about 5-10 yards away.
   • How to Play: Kids take turns kicking their ball to knock over a cone. Award points for each hit and celebrate all attempts. Use a small goal for older kids in the group to practice shooting.
   • Tip: Teach using the inside of the foot for accuracy and demonstrate proper form.
5. Pass and Move Island Hop
   • Purpose: Teaches passing and movement off the ball.
   • Setup: Scatter hula hoops (“islands”) around a small field. Pair kids up with one ball per pair.
   • How to Play: Partners pass the ball to each other, then run to a new hoop after each pass. Encourage calling names before passing. If the pass misses, they retrieve the ball together and try again.
   • Tip: Start with short distances and increase as they improve.

6. Team Name and Soccer Chant
   • Purpose: Builds team identity and excitement.
   • Setup: Gather in a circle after practice or during a break.
   • How to Play: Kids use their Team Name (e.g., “Thunder”). Together, create a short chant incorporating soccer terms (e.g., “Kick, score, roar, we’re the Thunder Kickers!”). Practice it before games.
   • Tip: Let every child contribute one idea to feel included.
7. Soccer Relay Race
   • Purpose: Fosters teamwork and communication.
   • Setup: Divide the team into two or three small groups. Set up a short course with a cone to dribble around 10 yards away.
   • How to Play: Each player dribbles to the cone, turns, and passes back to the next teammate. First team to finish wins, but emphasize cheering for everyone.
   • Tip: Use a fun prize like high-fives or a team cheer instead of tangible rewards.
8. Soccer Story Circle
   • Purpose: Encourages team bonding and creativity.
   • Setup: Sit in a circle after practice.
   • How to Play: Coach starts a soccer-themed story (e.g., “Once, a team of tiny players found a magic soccer ball…”). Each child adds a sentence. Keep it positive and related to teamwork or soccer.
   • Tip: Guide the story to avoid chaos, and keep it short (1-2 minutes).

9. Animal Soccer
   • Purpose: Makes dribbling fun while improving coordination.
   • Setup: Open space with each child having a ball.
   • How to Play: Kids dribble while moving like animals (e.g., hop like a kangaroo, waddle like a penguin). Coach calls out different animals every 30 seconds. Optionally, end with a “zoo parade” where kids show off their moves.
   • Tip: Add animal noises for extra laughs.
10. Treasure Hunt Soccer

• Purpose: Adds excitement to a scrimmage.
• Setup: Hide small, safe objects (e.g., colored beanbags) around a small field. Use a 2v2 or 3v3 mini-scrimmage setup with small goals.
• How to Play: Kids play a scrimmage but can earn bonus points by finding “treasure” and kicking it to their goal. Emphasize passing and teamwork during the game.
• Tip: Ensure treasures are visible and safe, and limit the number to avoid distraction.

• Keep Sessions Short: Limit activity minutes to match attention spans.
• Prioritize Fun: Use imaginative themes (pirates, superheroes) to make drills feel like games.
• Simplify Instructions: Demonstrate skills clearly and use phrases like “keep the ball close” or “use your magic foot.”
• Celebrate Effort: Praise attempts (e.g., “Great try keeping the ball near you!”) to build confidence.
• Small-Sided Games: Use 2v2 or 3v3 scrimmages with small goals to maximize touches on the ball.
• Equipment: Use size 3 soccer balls and small cones to suit their size and strength.
• Involve Parents: Ask parents to cheer or help set up drills to create a positive atmosphere.