A. Warm - Up:

Idea 1: Have players take a lap with the ball. For half the lap (an end line and side line) they can only use the inside of their feet, on the second half they can only use the outside of their feet.

* Stretching occurs after the lap

Idea 2:  Have players line up arms length apart on one side line. Jogging out 10 yds and back, high knees, side shuffle, left and right hand touch on your command, and running backwards.

* Stretching occurs after the run

B. General Technique: Make a grid 30 x 30 depending on the number of players

Dribbling: inside, outside and sole of the foot

* each player has a ball, all the players dribble among each other within the practice area

* the object of this exercise is to keep the ball constantly under control and to avoid bumping into the other players - no static training!

Option 1: toe taps with the sole of the foot - have a 1min contest see how many times they can touch the ball - each tap is one point, have them keep track and ask for number at the end of the minute

Option 2: Inside to inside - they must stay in the place where they started as they hit the ball from the inside of one foot to the other - again have a 1 min contest to see how many times they can touch the ball - each inside of the foot touch is a point, have them keep track and ask for number at the end of the minute.

Option 3:  Place all players on the goal line. They must move the ball to the other goal line and back. However they must listen to the command of the whistle - whistle once = inside of feet, twice = shoe laces, three = outside. The player who returns first and has followed the commands correctly is the winner. Repeat as time allows.

C. Juggling Exercises:

Start simple and then get more complex as their touch improves. Work on one body part, encouraging them to get as many as they can.

Left thigh and right thigh - drop ball to right thigh, lift, let ball drop, lift and catch - then alternate between left and right thighs

Left foot and right foot - same as above, make sure toe is pointed and ankle is locked

* then add to the sequence - let ball drop to right thigh, lift, let ball drop to right foot, lift, let ball drop to left foot, lift, let ball drop to left thigh and catch . . . increase as touch improves

D. Trapping:

Make a grid 30x30 yards - have the players partner up and pick who is A and who is B. Player(s) A will have the ball and spread out around the outside of the grid, while Player(s) B will be inside the grid. For 1 minute B players will run (not jog) around the grid to different people receiving a ball in the air from player A - they are not to go from one player to the next, they should cut across the grid after every trap! The player switch places with their partners after 1 minute - they work for 1 min and rest for 1 min.

Trapping Sequence:

1) Top of the Foot - they should bring their foot up to meet the ball to cushion it, as soon as the ball touches the foot they should drop it back allowing the ball to hit the ground at their feet and then pass it back to the feet of the tosser

2) Thigh trap - they should bring their thigh up to meet the ball, cushion it and as soon as the ball hits the thigh they should drop it off allowing the ball to hit the ground at their feet and then pass it back to the feet of the tosser

3) Chest Trap - they should meet the ball in the air, cushion it and as the ball hits their chest they should slightly cave in their shoulders and chest allowing the ball to drop to the ground at their feet and then pass it back to the feet of the tosser

Add- In:

Each player has their own ball, they toss it up at first no higher than their knees. Trap the ball with the inside and outside of their feet. Key is to lean into the ball and as it is coming back toward the ground they will hit the ball with the inside or outside of the foot - the ball will go slightly to the side of their body. Have them stand and do it at first and then as they get comfortable they should jog, throw the ball up, trap it, take two or three dribbles and do it again. The higher the toss the more challenging the traps are.

E. Coaching Points:

* Maintain eye contact

* move into the line of flight of the ball

* arms are in a comfortable position for balance

* ball is cushioned on contact

* prepare ball for next move (dribble or pass)

F. Scrimmage/Cooldown:

* Always try to end practice with a scrimmage - two teams and two goals for at least 10 minutes. Coach the first 5 minutes and then let them play freely the last 5 minutes.

* It is best to have your players play 3vs3 or 4vs4 in a tight space - 30x40 yard grid. This will teach them to make quick decisions, keep the ball close, pass accurately, and be creative.

* Whatever the focus of your training session was you should coach and make restrictions accordingly. For example, if passing was your focus give the players only two touches - if the player touches it three times the ball is turned over to the other team. This restriction makes them look up, move off the ball and pass quickly/accurately

* It is important to allow a 2-4 minute "cooldown period" for the players after a practice.  Some simple streches are a great idea to keep their focus and is also a good time for team news, announcements, etc.