Micro Soccer
Objective:
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To give each player plenty of opportunity to kick the ball in a 3 vs 3 game.
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To gain a fundamental understanding of the game of soccer.
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Target:
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To outscore opposition.
Organization
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Field size 20 x 30 yards.
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Six-yard "boxes," marked by cones or lines, within which each designated goalkeeper may handle.
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Center line marked by cones/lines.
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Each player takes a turn in goal for two to three minutes.
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When ball goes out of play, game is restarted by:
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Sideline - throw-in (or pass-in - opponents must stay 5-yards away.)
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Endline - goal kick or corner kick (5-yard rule) depending on which player last touched ball.
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After a goal, re-start with either goal kick or center kick (if center, opponents must retreat to own six-yard line).
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In practice with numbers greater than six, either have two 3 vs 3, or if less than 12, have three teams with a separate practice operating and rotate in and out of the 3 vs 3 game.
Teaching
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This is the introductory session for Micro Soccer. You will need to show just what a Throw-In is, but don't get bogged down on the correct technique of the Throw-In just yet (this is covered in Mack 1 & 2 in subsequent sessions).
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Encourage at least one player to go fully wide on goal kicks or when goalkeeper has ball in hands.
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Encourage goalkeeper to move off line to support attacks or to intercept through balls (this will take time, too!).
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Encourage players to pass, dribble and communicate with each other.
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On throw-ins, encourage non-throwing attacker to look for a forward shooting chance - and not to go too close to thrower.
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Progressions
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If you are using these lesson plans for the first time refer to the earlier Lesson Plans for ideas on progressions for the U11 age group.
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Now is the time to introduce the “Bobby Howe Rule.” This condition that stipulates that a goal can only be scored by the attacking team if their own goalkeeper has moved out from the goal box (handling) zone. This encourages the Sweeper Keeper mentality.
