This game is a really great one for introducing the concept of "moves" to your players. I first saw it introduced to very young players 4-6, and was very skeptical at first. Boy was I wrong. The kids picked it up very quickly, stayed with it, and in the very same practice were pulling off some sweet soccer moves in the scrimmage held later.

To play this game, a ball control skill is assigned a number, preferably with some rhyme to it. Then, when that number is called out, the player executes that skill. It starts basic, and then progresses. To make it a bit more exciting, and to help them remember each skill, have the players call out the skill name when you call out the number:

1 - Run: An easy one, players simply start dribbling around when you call out 1 (and they call out "Run!").

2 - Shoe: Another easy one, when you call out 2 (and they call out "Shoe!"), players stop the ball by placing their foot on top of it.

3 - Around the Tree: This is the first soccer move in this game. As the player is dribbling, when you call out 3 (and they call out "Around the Tree!"), they make a "fake" on the ball by moving their foot around it. This can be clockwise, counter-clockwise, with either foot, etc. As the players get the hang of it, after they make this fake encourage them to change directions. It's a bit tricky at first, but introducing the concept of "moves" is really good to do at a young age.

4 - Go Back Door: As the player is dribbling, when you call out 4 (and they call out "Go Back Door!"), they control the ball with the top of their foot, pull the ball back towards them all the way through to behind them, and then spin around and continue dribbling in the opposite direction.

These four moves are usually enough to start with, but try adding new numbers and new moves at subsequent practices. To get the most out of this exercise, encourage players to use these moves in other games you play, in scrimmages, and on Game Day as well. Drop the numbers and just yell "Go Back Door", etc. You'll be really excited to see them pull it off!

If there are games that you like to use that you don't see here, please pass them along! Just email us at info@soccerforcoaches.com.