CoachEd Soccer Sessions – 4-Day Soccer Unit

Grade Level: Elementary/Middle

Duration: Four 30-minute sessions

Objective: To introduce fundamental soccer skills, teamwork, and reflection through engaging warm-up videos, lead-up games, and cool-down activities.

Materials Needed:

• Soccer balls
• Cones
• Pinnies/bibs
• Small goals (optional)
• Projector and screen (for day four)

Day 1: Zombie Soccer Red Light Green Light

Warm-up Video: Begin with a soccer warm-up video that includes dynamic stretches and ball control exercises.

Lead-Up Game: Zombie Soccer

Game Instructions:

1. Divide the players into two groups: zombies and survivors.
2. The survivors each have a soccer ball and stand on one side of the playing area.
3. The zombies stand in the center of the field without a soccer ball.
4. When the game starts (green light), survivors attempt to dribble their soccer ball to the other side of the field without getting tagged by the zombies.
5. When the video or coach calls “red light,” everyone must freeze. Any survivor caught moving after “red light” is turned into a zombie.
6. Continue playing until all survivors become zombies or for a set time limit.
7. The last survivor wins the round.

Cool-Down Activity: Circle of Compliments

1. Gather the players in a circle.
2. Each player takes turns giving a compliment to the person on their left, related to something positive observed during the game or warm-up.
3. Encourage specific and sincere compliments.
4. Go around the circle until everyone has had a chance to share.

Day 2: This or That

Warm-up Video: Show warm up video

Lead-Up Game: This or That

Game Instructions:

1. Set up two cones a few yards apart to create a “this” zone and a “that” zone.
2. Divide the players into two teams.
3. The video or coach calls out a soccer-related “this or that” choice (e.g., Messi or Ronaldo, dribbling or passing).
4. Players must quickly dribble their soccer balls to the corresponding zone based on their choice and perform the skill on the video.

Cool-Down Activity: Soccer Storytime

1. Have the players sit in a circle.
2. Ask each player to share their favorite moment from the “This or That” game and describe why that moment was special or fun.
3. Players can take turns sharing their stories, creating a positive and reflective atmosphere.

Day 3: 4 Corners

Warm-up Video: Start with a warm-up video

Lead-Up Game: 4 Corners

Game Instructions:

1. Set up four cones in a square formation, with one player standing in each corner.
2. Each corner is assigned a number (1, 2, 3, 4).
3. Students will dribble in space.
4. When timer starts counting down, student dribbles to a corner.
5. After the countdown each corner gets awarded, deducted or receives 0 points.

Cool-Down Activity: Stretch and Relaxation

1. Lead the players through a series of gentle stretching exercises to help them cool down and relax their muscles.
2. Incorporate deep breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques to promote relaxation and focus.
3. Play soothing music in the background to enhance the relaxation experience.

Day 4: Projector Shooting Game

Warm-up Video: Begin with a warm-up video

Lead-Up Game: Projector Shooting Game

Game Instructions:

1. Set up a small goal at one end of the field.
2. Use a projector to project a moving target or animated image onto a screen or wall.
3. Players take turns dribbling towards the projector screen and attempting to shoot the ball at the projected target.
4. Award points for accuracy and creativity (e.g., bonus points for hitting specific areas of the target).
5. Rotate players so that everyone gets a chance to shoot and score.
6. Keep score, and the player with the most points wins the game.

Cool-Down Activity: Team Reflection

1. Gather the players in a circle.
2. Ask them to share one thing they learned or improved upon during the shooting game.
3. Encourage players to discuss how teamwork and communication played a role in their success.
4. This activity promotes self-reflection and reinforces the importance of teamwork in soccer.

By incorporating warm-up videos, lead-up games, and cool-down activities into each session, this four-day soccer unit provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for young players to develop fundamental soccer skills and teamwork while reflecting on their experiences.