Training
Free resources for our volunteer coaches, and for players who want to practice at home. Short sessions, lots of touches and every player involved.
Photo: W.carter, CC0 1.0. Credits
How a Danville United practice runs
You do not need a coaching license to coach rec soccer well. These five habits do most of the work.
- 01
Every player has a ball
More touches, less standing in line. Most of a session should be players with the ball at their feet.
- 02
Play first, teach inside the game
Start with a game. Pause briefly to coach one idea, then let them play again.
- 03
Keep instructions short
One point at a time, in a few words. Players learn by doing, not listening.
- 04
Equal playing time
Every player gets real minutes in games, in every position they want to try.
- 05
Finish with a scrimmage
End every session with a game, so players leave wanting to come back.
Running a practice
Start here if you are new to coaching. Both take less time than a practice to watch.
Sessions that feel like play
Warm-ups and small-sided games that build skills while players are busy competing.
High Tempo, FUN Youth Soccer 1v1 Warm-Up Games and Dribbling Exercises!!
Modern Soccer Coach
Arrival games that get every player moving.
10 Best U10 Soccer Drills | Fun Soccer Drills for Kids
yougotmojo
Ten small games for younger players.
10 Best U12 Soccer Drills | Fun Soccer Drills by MOJO
yougotmojo
Small-sided games suited to U11 and up.
Practice at home
A ball, some space and ten minutes. Good for the backyard or the park.
Soccer Drills For Kids - Get Better At Soccer By Yourself
SimplySoccer
Drills a player can do alone in the yard.
10 Best Soccer Passing Drills for U8, U10 and U12 | Fun Soccer Drills by MOJO
yougotmojo
Passing games for a sibling or a friend.
Goalkeeper Basics: Handling the Ball
PlaySportsTV
How to catch and hold the ball in goal.
These videos are made by others and hosted on YouTube. We share them as a free starting point; Danville United is not affiliated with these channels. Videos load only when you press play, using YouTube's privacy-enhanced mode. More resources and printable session plans are planned before Fall 2027.
Interested in coaching?
No experience needed. Tick the coaching box on the form and we will be in touch before the season.