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