Little Kicker Soccer Program
Superiorland Soccer Association
U-4 Activity Guide and Play Book
 Level 1
These activities are designed to increase self awareness and for participants to become more
comfortable in their new environment. Elements of soccer can be included. Additional
activities will be provided on the SSA Website. Located on the Parent Coaches resource page.
Tag
Set up: Set-up a grid that is approximately 15 Yd x 15 Yd
Basic game: start with one player holding a penny. This player is “it” in a simple game of tag. If
either of the two “it” players tags another player, the player who was tagged gets the bib and
becomes it. This should get all of the players moving a bit to start.
Hot air Balloon (Parachute Game)
Set-up: gather 3 to 4 adult volunteers to assist with the parachute. No cones are required. Find an
open area away from other teams and spectators.
Basic Game: start by having all players gather under the parachute (without a ball at first, later
introduce a soccer ball). Tell the players that we are going to blow up the balloon and once it starts
to deflate (fall down) they need to find safety outside of the parachute.
Tip: Parents and coaches could slowly raise the parachute then allow it to slowly fall.
Progression: Once players understand the concept of escaping the parachute , give them a soccer
ball and maintain the same instructions.
Follow the Leader
Set-up: none, gather player into one area. Cones can be used to outline a route (if desired).
Basic Games: have the players follow the coach or parent volunteer around the field and area of
play. At first, coaches can simply instruct players to follow and mimic his/her actions.
Progression: Once players become comfortable with the games, provide each player a ball. Have
players dribble/carry their soccer ball. Eventually, you will want all players to dribble while
following the leader.
Tip: The leader should do variety of actions. These action include jumping, jumping on one foot,
running, walking, crawling, clacking their hands. Feel free to be creative and add your own touch.
 Level 2
Ball Tag
Set up: Set-up a grid that is approximately 15 Yd x 15 Yd
Basic game: [from Level 1] start with one player holding a penny. This player is “it” in a simple
game of tag. If either of the two “it” players tags another player, the player who was tagged gets the
bib and becomes it. This should get all of the players moving a bit to start.
Progression: next we add two soccer balls into the grid. Two players must dribble players as they
attempt to tag the player with/out a soccer ball. Once a player is tagged, that player must start to
dribble the ball.
TIP: With younger or less experienced players you might want to start with them holding the balls
and playing tag.
Summary: while this is a very simple game, it's one that your players will enjoy and will also allow
them to work on some extremely valuable ball and communication skills at the same time.
Mine Field
Set up: Randomly place cones throughout a defined area; use a 15 Yd x 15 Yd grid. Cones should be
rather close together, 3 yards apart on average and no set pattern, but make sure that there are no
clearly defined lanes, end to end. Divide players into two teams. Have each team line up in pairs, the
two teams will be at one of the defined area's end lines.
Basic Game: Each play should have a ball and begin to dribble through the grid without touching
the cones with their feet or ball.(I tell the players that it is a mine field and that the cones are land
mines.) Encourage players to continue dribble through the grid for as long as you want.
Progression [See Minefield – Advanced]
Tip: With younger or less experienced players you might want to start with them holding the ball
or jogging through the minefield.
Sharks and Minnows
Set up: Play in a large grid. Half the players have balls and are the minnows. The rest don't have a
ball and are the sharks.
Basic Game: The Minnows start at one end of the grid. The Sharks stand on the opposite line. The
Minnows must try to cross the Shark's line without losing possession of their ball. The Sharks
defend their line, trying to kick the Minnows' balls out of the defined area.
Minnows who successfully dribble across the Shark's line go back for round two. Each Minnow who
loses their ball join the Sharks. The last Minnow left in is the winner.
Tip: At first, you can allow for players to play without a soccer ball. Instead of kicking the ball out
of bounds, have the ‘shark’ tag the minnows.
Get the COACH!
Set-up: create a 15 x 15 yard grid with cones. Make sure all players have a soccer ball. Have parent
volunteers line the grid to keep soccer balls close to the players.
Basic Game: When instructed, players will attempt to kick the ball and hit the coach. The coach
should move around the grid and provide a moving target (as needed). At first, the coach should
remain somewhat stationary to allow for players to easily ‘get’ them with the ball.
Progression: Once players are comfortable with the game, the coach should move around rapidly
and at time jump and dodge players shots.
Tip: This activity should only go one for 10 mins and should be divided to into individual ‘games’.
For instances, start by instructing the players that they need to get the coach three times. Once they
have done so, they should raise their hand. Parents and coaches should applaud this
accomplishment. Allow all players to continue until they complete the task.
Snake
Players are grouped into threes. First player is the "head" of the snake, and does not have a ball. She's
essentially the leader in a follow-the-leader game. Second player has a ball at her feet, and must follow the
head of the snake, dribbling wherever she goes. Third player is the "rattle". No ball, just following. Emphasise
to the "heads" to vary their lead -- some fast, some slow, some sideways, some stopping, etc. I let one lead for
about 20 seconds or so. Then, on a whistle from a coach, 2 drops the ball to 3 and becomes the head of the
snake. The rattle (3) becomes the dribbler and the former head circles around to become the rattle.
Level 2 Progression Activities
Use these activities if the previous Level 1 and Level 2 activities have been achieved.
Minefield – Advanced
Divide players into two teams. Have each team line up in pairs, the two teams will be at one of the
defined area's end lines.
Procedure:
The object of each pair of players is to pass to his teammate through the cones without the ball or a
player's foot touching a cone. (I tell the players that it is a mine field and that the cones are land
mines.) Do not allow players to dribble but only to make passes.
Begin by allowing the first pair from each team to go. Once a pair of players reach the far end line,
the next pair from their team can go. If a ball or a player's foot touches a cone (land mine), that pair
has to go back to the starting line and begin again. First team to successfully get all of their players
across the mine field wins.
To deal with odd numbers of players or pairs, make one or more players or pairs go twice as
needed.