Step 9: Learn Teamwork
Learn Teamwork
Support the player with the ball, communicate respectfully, and include every teammate.
Safety first: Use a clear practice area, age-appropriate equipment, and adult supervision. Stop if anything hurts. Adapt activities to the child and local youth rules.
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Pass and move to support
Goal: Create a new passing option after giving the ball away.
Equipment and setup: Groups of three use a 6-yard triangle and one ball.
Practice steps
- Pass to a teammate’s feet.
- Move to a different open cone.
- Show a clear target and call the teammate’s name.
Coaching cue: ““Pass, move, show.””
Make it easier: Walk through the pattern with no defender.
Try a challenge: Add a passive defender in the middle.
Fun game: Count consecutive passes while all players keep moving.
Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.
Find open space and give-and-go
Goal: Pass and move into a safe, visible space to receive again.
Equipment and setup: Two attackers and one passive defender in an 8-by-8-yard area.
Practice steps
- Attacker with the ball looks for a teammate.
- Pass, then move around the defender into open space.
- Receive a return pass and choose a pass or dribble.
Coaching cue: ““Pass where your teammate can play next.””
Make it easier: Remove the defender.
Try a challenge: Let the defender apply light pressure.
Fun game: Complete a give-and-go through a cone gate.
Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.
Communicate and include everyone
Goal: Use clear, kind communication and share chances to play.
Equipment and setup: Play 3v3 or 4v4 in a small safe area, rotating roles.
Practice steps
- Use names and simple calls such as “turn” or “time.”
- Offer a passing option without crowding the ball.
- After a mistake, encourage and restart.
Coaching cue: ““Helpful words make a better team.””
Make it easier: Pause play to practice one useful call.
Try a challenge: Require a different player to touch the ball before scoring.
Fun game: Team points for communication, sharing, and safe play as well as goals.
Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.