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ByCopper Mountain Soccer

Pirates – Soccer Training Activity (U5–U10)

Coach: Renata Lawson

Club: Copper Mountain Soccer Club

Role: Director of Coaching

Qualification: USSF “D” (United States)

Date: May 3, 2020

Duration: 30 minutes

Age Group: U5–U10

Session Objective

Working with teammates to possess the ball.

Warm-Up: Captain’s Orders (5–10 minutes)

Description

Each player has a ball inside a 20×20 yard square, which represents a pirate ship. The coach calls out different commands for players to perform:

  • “Scrub the deck” – Move the ball using the sole of the foot
  • “Walk the plank” – Dribble to the edge of the ship, then pull the ball back to the middle (demonstrate pull-backs if needed)
  • “Hoist the main sail” – Toss the ball in the air and trap it with the sole of the foot
  • “Shark attack!” – Players dribble away from the shark (coach) until the coach calls “Freeze!”, then players freeze like pirates

Coaching Points

  • Remind players that if they dribble past the cones, they will fall off the ship
  • Encourage awareness of boundaries
  • Emphasize keeping the ball close, especially during a shark attack

Activity 1: Paint the Deck (8–12 minutes)

Description

In a 20×20 yard grid, players pass the soccer ball as if it is full of paint, trying to cover the entire deck of the ship.

Before starting, review passing technique:

  • Hips and plant foot face the target
  • Toes of the kicking foot are up and pointed outward
  • Ankle is locked
  • Inside of the foot contacts the middle of the ball

Coaching Points

  • After passing, players must move to receive the next pass
  • Encourage movement so the ball covers different areas of the field
  • Progress to faster ball movement to “paint the deck” more quickly
  • Emphasize leading passes and constant player movement

Activity 2: Keep Away from the Pirates (8–12 minutes)

Description

In a 20×20 yard grid, there are two teams:

  • Village People (start with soccer balls)
  • Pirates (defenders)

The Village People try to keep possession for 3–4 minutes. The Pirates attempt to steal balls and place them in the treasure chest. Once a ball is in the treasure chest, it is out of play.

  • Pirates win if they steal all the balls within the time limit
  • Village People win if they can keep at least one ball away

Players are encouraged to help teammates by passing around the pirates.

Coaching Points

  • Encourage teammates to work together
  • Praise longer passes and players who keep the ball moving
  • Reinforce passing away from pressure to keep possession

Activity 3: Scrimmage (8–12 minutes)

Description

Small-sided game played on a 20×30 yard grid.

Coaching Points

  • Encourage players to move side to side to beat defenders
  • Teach players to recognize defender movement and change direction
  • Emphasize pushing the ball instead of kicking for better control
  • Reinforce that frequent changes of direction are difficult for defenders

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