GLOBAL PREMIER SOCCER
GPS JUNIORS CURRICULUM 2015
U6 & U7 MODULE 1
Leading GPS Juniors
In this document you will find eight sessions which incorporate a mixture of fun themes, basic movements and soccer
techniques. Each session is carefully explained so that you, the coach, will get maximum understanding to be able to run
these sessions effectively. The eight sessions, have a main technical theme to the session, some psychological components and also key basic physical components. The coach may have the flexibility to alternate the games/exercises but
should follow the technical and physical theme to ensure the players cover all keys aspects through each module. In
order to make each coach feel comfortable running a GPS Juniors session below are a list of help reminders what to do
for every session;
•
Arrive Early – Get to your session 15-30 minutes before it starts. If your session starts at 1pm and you arrive at 1pm YOUR LATE.
•
Have appropriate equipment – Make sure that all your soccer balls are pumped up before you even leave for
your session. At this age group we use size 3 soccer balls which you can request to borrow from Operations. Also have clean colorful pinnies and cones because players this age group like colorful and new equipment.
•
Communication – speak clearly, calmly, and unrushed. As you will be working with 3-6 year olds they are still tuning their sense of hearing so better communication we have the easier it will be for the players. Ensure you demonstrate.
•
Be patient and entertaining – The children you work with may be completely new to soccer. They will take time to
even familiarize themselves with a soccer ball so keep reinforcing the basics; using feet instead of hands, can we keep our head up, keep the ball under control.
•
HAVE FUN – Most importantly have fun! Do not be afraid to have fun yourself and be funny because the players will respond to that. If you provide energy and happiness to the session the players will do the same!
KEY
PLAYER MOVEMENT WITH THE BALL
PLAYER MOVEMENT WITHOUT THE BALL
MOVEMENT OF THE BALL (PASS / SHOT)
Small-Sided Games
Each session should finish with small sided games, giving the players the opportunity for free play.
The small sided games should account for around 40% of the session time at this age (approx 25mins)
This allows the players at a young age the opportunity to express themselves and to practice what has just been coached,
in a fun and structured environment.
Small Sided Game (25mins) - 3v3/4v4 (no goalkeepers)
30x25 yard area
Restarts should be made by the coach, where possible playing a ball into play. Allowing the ball to be in play as much as
possible.
The time can be split into three 7 minute periods, allowing the players the opportunity to play for longer spells with a
coaching point being made at the start or end of each period.
Coaching Points
Close control- Keep ball close to feet
Awareness- look for space to dribble/move into, where is
the defender? Where is your team mate?
Movement- try to keep moving into space, help be an
option for your team mate to pass to.
Physical- ensure their basic movements are correct
Have FUN! Let them play!!
GPS CURRICULUM INDEX
INDEX- U6 & U7 Module 1
Physical Element- Basics- Running, Changing direction, Acceleration and Deceleration
Technical Elements- (Opportunity for players task on the FCB player)
Week 1 - Awareness like Schweinsteiger- Spacial Awareness
Week 2 - Dribbling like Ribery - Dribbling
Week 3 - Dribbling like Robben- Dribbling
Week 4 - Skillful as Goetze - Dribbling and Changing Direction
Week 5 - Talented as Thiago- Dribbling and Changing Direction
Week 6 - Turning like Muller- Stop Turn
Week 7 - Passing like Alonso- Passing
Week 8 - GPS Juniors World Cup
Awareness like Schweinsteiger- Spacial Awareness
WARM UP
Technical - Traffic Lights
Set up 10x10 yard area
The coach (highlighted) on the outside has one red
and one green pinny.
When coach shows red players stop. Coach shows
green players move. Can they freeze and hold balance
when red is up.
Progression
Introduce a ball each
Add a third colour cone to make players turn
Coaching Points
Ensuring players basic movement technique is correct
Push off to change direction. Maintaining balance.
Keep ball close to feet
Keep head up to see Pinny
TECHNICAL/TACTICAL
Technical - Pinny Tag
Set up 10x10 yard area
Each player has a pinny tucked into their shorts. 1
player (highlighted) will try and grab as many pinnies
as possible. 1 point for each pinny. Once a pinny has
been taken, it is dropped on the floor so player can
re-join the game. Players mopve around the area
trying to keep away from all other players.
Progression
Add another catcher
Each player now has a ball
Coaching Points
Move into space
Keep ball close to feet
SMALL SIDED GAME
Small Sided Games (25mins) - 3v3/4v4
Setup
25x20 yard area
Free play games.
Coach should have plenty of footballs to pass into
the playing area when ball goes out of play.
Keep the game flowing. With periodic coaching points
Coaching Points
Look for space, defender, team mate
Move into space to receive
Head up when on the ball- can you find a team mate
Keep ball close to feet- under control
Progression
Re-starts need to be as quick as possible - have
a spare ball ready to put into play
3 short periods
Don’t keep score
Dribbling like Ribery - Dribbling
WARM UP
Warm-Up- Walk the Dog
Set-Up 25x30 yards
Place dribbling arches randomly inside the area.
Each player has a ball. Tell the players that their ball is
their dog and that they must keep it close to them all
the time. Players try and dribble the ball under an arch
( a bridge in the park). Dribble and run under as many
bridges as possible.
Coaching Points
Use the instep or inside of foot to connect with the ball.
Eyes up to see where other players are.
Progression
Pet the dog by doing toe-taps on the ball
Play with the dog by doing inside taps
(Foundations) on the ball.
Add a tagger. If player stops ball under an
arch they are safe from tagger. Can only
stay under an arch for 6 seconds. If tagged
player must put one foot on the ball for 6
seconds.
TECHNICAL/TACTICAL
Technical- Feed the Dog
Set-Up 25x30 yards
Place some cones upside down on the outside of the
area
Players dribble the ball around the area. On coach’s
command, players will dribble the ball to the outside
to a free cone. The ball is the players dog and the
upside down cone is a food bowl. Players are feeding
their hungry dog.
Progression
How many bowls can they dribble to in 30
seconds
Coaching Points
Use the inside of feet to connect with the ball.
Head up to see where other players are.
SMALL SIDED GAME
Small Sided Games (25mins) - 3v3/4v4
Setup 25x20 yard area
Free play games.
Coach should have plenty of footballs to pass into
the playing area when ball goes out of play.
Keep the game flowing. With periodic coaching points
Coaching Points
Look for space, defender, team mate
Move into space to receive
Head up when on the ball- can you find a team mate
Keep ball close to feet- under control
Progression
Re-starts need to be as quick as possible - have
a spare ball ready to put into play
3 short periods
Don’t keep score
Dribbling like Robben- Dribbling
WARM UP
Technical - Sticky Toffee
Set up 15x15 yard area
Players move around in the area whilst the catcher
tries to catch them. If player is caught then they stand
in a star position. Only way they can be released is by
another player give them a high five.
Progression
Give each player a soccer ball, if their ball is
touched by the catcher they become stuck
Only way to release a player is
passing a ball between their legs
Coaching Points
Spatial Awareness
TECHNICAL/TACTICAL
Technical - Chasing Numbers
Progression
Set up 15x15 yard area
Player has to dribble round said number cone
Scatter the cones around the field
given by coach
Players dribble round cones in number order (1-6 then
back to 1 to start again)
Coaching Points
Both these drills help players to keep their head up to
survey the area for the next numbers
SMALL SIDED GAME
Small Sided Games (25mins) - 3v3/4v4
Setup
25x20 yard area
Free play games.
Coach should have plenty of footballs to pass into
the playing area when ball goes out of play.
Keep the game flowing. With periodic coaching points
Coaching Points
Look for space, defender, team mate
Move into space to receive
Head up when on the ball- can you find a team mate
Keep ball close to feet- under control
Progression
Re-starts need to be as quick as possible - have
a spare ball ready to put into play
3 short periods
Don’t keep score
Skillful as Goetze - Dribbling and Changing Direction
WARM UP
Warm-Up- Finding Nemo
Set-Up 30 x 30 yards.
Hide an object (Nemo) underneath one of the cones.
You may like to print a picture of Nemo to make the
game more realistic. The idea is players have to swim
(dribble their ball) around and find Nemo by stopping
their ball and looking under the cones. Once Nemo
is found all players must swim (dribble) to land and
rest (lay down so they can’t see when you hide Nemo
again)
Progression
5 toe-taps before looking under the cone.
5 inside taps before looking under a cone.
Must do a turn before looking under a cone.
Must do a skill before looking under a cone.
Coaching Points
Using the laces or inside of the foot to touch
the ball when dribbling.
Eyes up us see the next cone.
Speed moving to the next cone.
TECHNICAL/TACTICAL
TechnicalSet-Up 20 x 20 yards divided into 10x20 halves.
Place a large amount of cones randomly in each half
(same amount in each half )
Split players into two teams. In a half each. Teams have
to try and get all their cones into the other teams half
by picking up a cone and dribbling into other half.
Progression
Can’t carry the cones with your hands. (balance on
head, wear like a bracelet)
Coaching Points
Using the laces or inside of the foot to touch
the ball when dribbling
Eyes up us see other players are
Place cones in big space
SMALL SIDED GAME
Small Sided Games (25mins) - 3v3/4v4
Setup
25x20 yard area
Free play games.
Coach should have plenty of footballs to pass into
the playing area when ball goes out of play.
Keep the game flowing. With periodic coaching points
Coaching Points
Look for space, defender, team mate
Move into space to receive
Head up when on the ball- can you find a team mate
Keep ball close to feet- under control
Progression
Re-starts need to be as quick as possible - have
a spare ball ready to put into play
3 short periods
Don’t keep score
Talented as Thiago- Dribbling and Changing Direction
WARM UP
Technical - Follow the leader
Set up 15x15 yard area
In small groups or pairs, the front player leads the
others. The following players must copy the movements of the leader. Take turns so everyone has a
chance at being the leader.
Progression
Give the players balls to use during the game
Coaching Points
Different types of movement
Communication
TECHNICAL/TACTICAL
Technical - Painting with the ball
Set up 15x15 yard area
Scatter multiple colours around the field
Ask players to dribble to a colour then turn to change
direction once they reach the colour in question.
Progression
Introduce stop turn
Add other turns dependent upon ability of the
group
Add more colours into the session
Coaching points
Correct turning technique
Sharp and quick turns
SMALL SIDED GAME
Small Sided Games (25mins) - 3v3/4v4
Setup
25x20 yard area
Free play games.
Coach should have plenty of footballs to pass into
the playing area when ball goes out of play.
Keep the game flowing. With periodic coaching points
Coaching Points
Look for space, defender, team mate
Move into space to receive
Head up when on the ball- can you find a team mate
Keep ball close to feet- under control
Progression
Re-starts need to be as quick as possible - have
a spare ball ready to put into play
3 short periods
Don’t keep score
Turning like Muller- Stop Turn
WARM UP
Warm-Up- Foundations - Static to movement
Set-Up
Each player will have a ball and find a space inside the
area.
Week 1 review on Toe-Taps.
Demo Foundation Exercise- static firstly
Into foundations while movement if possible.
Progression
Foundations
Introduce Stop Turn
Coaching Points
Use inside of the feet to flick the ball from side to side
Use arms for balance
Get into a rhythm.
TECHNICAL/TACTICAL
Technical- Turning - Super Skill - Stop Turn
Set out 2 cones in a line 10 yards apart with a cone in
the middle.
Set-Up
Split into groups of 4 and have 2 at each cone.
Players dribble towards each other and turn before
their soccer balls hit each other. Use one foot only.
Coaching Points
Keep ball close to feet
Head up for awareness
Progression
Use other foot
Use both feet
Relay Race
Electric Fence game:
Create 2 lines of cones 10 yards apart.
Players stand on one line and dribble to the
other. Players must turn before their ball
crosses the line to stop them being shocked
by the electric fence.
SMALL SIDED GAME
Small Sided Games (25mins) - 3v3/4v4
Setup
25x20 yard area
Free play games.
Coach should have plenty of footballs to pass into
the playing area when ball goes out of play.
Keep the game flowing. With periodic coaching points
Coaching Points
Look for space, defender, team mate
Move into space to receive
Head up when on the ball- can you find a team mate
Keep ball close to feet- under control
Progression
Re-starts need to be as quick as possible - have
a spare ball ready to put into play
3 short periods
Don’t keep score
Passing like Alonso- Passing
WARM UP
Technical - Sticky Toffee
Set up 15x15 yard area
Players move around in the area whilst the catcher
tries to catch them. If player is caught then they stand
in a star position. Only way they can be released is by
another player give them a high five
Progression
Give each player a soccer ball, if their ball is
touched by the catcher they become stuck
Only way to release a player is
passing a ball between their legs
Coaching Points
Spatial Awareness
TECHNICAL/TACTICAL
Technical - Power Pass
15x15 yard area
Set up
Put two cones, one at either end.
Rest of the cones put in middle of area with balls on
top of them
Players dribble from either end of the area and try to
knock a ball off the cone
Progression
Increase distance to pass the ball
Pass with ‘other’ foot
Coaching Points
Use correct part of the foot to pass the ball, dependant
on distance and ability
SMALL SIDED GAME
Small Sided Games (25mins) - 3v3/4v4
Setup
25x20 yard area
Free play games.
Coach should have plenty of footballs to pass into
the playing area when ball goes out of play.
Keep the game flowing. With periodic coaching points
Coaching Points
Look for space, defender, team mate
Move into space to receive
Head up when on the ball- can you find a team mate
Keep ball close to feet- under control
Progression
Re-starts need to be as quick as possible - have
a spare ball ready to put into play
3 short periods
Don’t keep score
GPS Juniors World Cup - Recap
TECHNICAL/TACTICAL
Technical - Sticky Toffee (20mins)
Set up 15x15 yard area
Players move around in the area whilst the catcher
tries to tag them. If player is caught then they stand
in a star position. Only way they can be released is by
another player give them a high five.
Progression
Give each player a soccer ball, if their ball is
touched by the catcher they become stuck.
Only way to release a player is passing a
ball between their legs
Coaching Points
Spatial Awareness
SMALL SIDED GAME
Small Sided Games (35mins) - 3v3/4v4
Setup
25x20 yard area
Free play games.
Coach should have plenty of footballs to pass into
the playing area when ball goes out of play.
Keep the game flowing. With periodic coaching points
Coaching Points
Look for space, defender, team mate
Move into space to receive
Head up when on the ball- can you find a team mate
Keep ball close to feet- under control
Progression
Re-starts need to be as quick as possible - have
a spare ball ready to put into play
3 short periods
Don’t keep score