Fun & Effective U6 Soccer Practice: Building Communication and Leadership
Introduction:
Welcome to our 90-minute U6 youth soccer practice plan! This session focuses on developing basic communication and leadership skills through fun, age-appropriate activities. Young players will learn how to talk to teammates, listen to coaches, and begin understanding leadership by taking turns and encouraging friends—all while improving their soccer fundamentals.
Warm-Up:
Start the session with an engaging warm-up to get players moving and talking.
- Name Game Dribble: Each player dribbles a ball in a defined space. On command, players must stop, call out a teammate’s name, and pass the ball to them. The teammate receives the ball and continues dribbling.
- Continue for 5-7 minutes, encouraging lots of talking and friendly interaction.
Main Activity 1: Follow the Leader Dribble
Help players build leadership and communication by taking turns leading the group.
- Players form a line behind the coach or a chosen leader, each with a ball.
- The leader dribbles around the field, using different turns and movements (zig-zags, circles, stops).
- After a minute, switch leaders so everyone gets a turn.
- Encourage leaders to use their voices: “Let’s go faster!” or “Turn this way!”
Main Activity 2: Partner Pass and Praise
This activity improves passing skills and positive communication.
- Players pair up and stand about 5 yards apart.
- Players pass the ball back and forth using the inside of their foot.
- After every pass, the receiver gives their partner a high-five and says something encouraging (“Nice pass!”, “Good job!”).
- Switch partners every 2-3 minutes to encourage team bonding.
Main Activity 3: Traffic Jam
A fun way to build awareness and encourage players to communicate when moving in shared space.
- All players dribble their soccer ball inside a defined area (“the parking lot”).
- When players get close to each other, they must call out “Beep beep!” or “Coming through!” to avoid “traffic jams.”
- The coach occasionally adds cones or obstacles to increase the challenge.
- Run this activity for 8-10 minutes.
Scrimmage:
Finish the session with a small-sided game to reinforce communication and teamwork.
- Divide players into two even teams.
- Play 3v3 or 4v4 (adjust as needed for your group size).
- Encourage players to call for the ball, cheer for teammates, and take turns being the “captain” who helps organize the team for a few minutes at a time.
- Play two 10-minute halves with a short water break in between.
Coaching Points:
- Encourage players to use each other’s names during activities and games.
- Praise players for positive talk and cheering on teammates.
- Rotate leadership roles so everyone has a turn being the leader or captain.
- Keep instructions simple and clear; model the language you want to hear.
- Emphasize fun, inclusion, and effort over winning or scoring.
Tags:
U6 Soccer, Youth Soccer Practice, Communication, Leadership, Soccer Drills, Teamwork, Coaching Tips