TheWarriorWay
Week 1 Survival Kit

Your First Practice

Everything you need for day one. Equipment, field setup, a fully scripted practice, and the three phrases that will get you through any session.

Session: 60 min (2nd) / 75 min (3rd)
Ball: Size 3 (2nd) / Size 4 (3rd)
Format: 7v7

Equipment Checklist

Cones (flat disc markers)20+
Soccer balls (Size 3 for 2nd, Size 4 for 3rd)1 per player
Pinnies/bibs (2 colors)10-14 total
Portable goals (regulation for 7v7 if available)2
Whistle1
Tall cones (4 for field corners)4

Field Setup

About 50 big steps long by 35 big steps wide

  1. 1Walk 50 big steps for the length, cone at each end
  2. 2Walk 35 big steps for the width, cone at each corner
  3. 3Goals should be about 12 big steps wide (regulation 7v7: 12 feet high x 21 feet wide)
  4. 4Build-out line is at midfield. Mark with cones if not already painted.
  5. 5Mark a goalkeeper area: 8 big steps wide, 4 big steps out from goal

Your First Practice (Scripted)

0-10 minArrive & Play: PUGs

Set up 2-3 small fields (cone goals, about 15x15 big steps). As players arrive, put them into 3v3 games. Let them play. No coaching, no instruction. When most players are here, blow the whistle twice.

10-25 minTechnical: Inside-Outside Dribbling

Each player with a ball in a 20x20 cone grid. Demonstrate inside-outside dribble (tap with inside of foot, then push forward with outside of same foot). Have them practice while moving around the grid. After 3 minutes, add a challenge: "Change direction every time I clap."

Say this

“Inside to control, outside to go.”

25-45 minGame-Embedded Skill: 1v1 to Mini Goals

Pairs line up. One player dribbles toward a mini goal, defender tries to win the ball and score on the opposite goal. After each turn, switch roles. Rotate pairs every 4-5 turns.

Say this

“Use your new move! Inside to pull them close, outside to go past.”

45-55 minScrimmage: 4v4 or 7v7

Full-width game with real goals if available. "Coach on the pause": stay quiet during play. At stoppages, praise any attempt to pass or look up, even if it doesn't work.

Say this

“Where were your teammates? Could you see them?”

55-60 minFree Play & Wrap-Up

Let them play freely for the last 5 minutes. No structure, no coaching. Bring them in: "What was one new thing you tried today?" High-fives. See you next week.

3 Phrases That Run Any Practice

“Bring it in!”

When you need everyone to come to you. Raise your hand high so they can see you across the field.

“Freeze!”

When you want to make a coaching point during an activity. Everyone stops exactly where they are. Keep it to 15 seconds max, then say ‘Play!’

“Play!”

To restart any activity. Simple, clear, universal. Don’t over-explain between freeze and play.

You've got this.

You don't need to be a soccer expert. Your job is to create an environment where kids get lots of touches on the ball and feel good about trying new things. Follow the plan, use the coaching cues, and you'll be great. The kids just need an adult who's prepared and positive.

Ready for the full 10-week plan?

View 2nd - 3rdCurriculum →