World Cup Soccer

Try and get to the finish line before anyone else.

• Set Up

  • Set up a 1/2 soccer field

  • 1 Goal or two cones to give a goal line

• Equipment

  • cones

  • goal

  • soccer ball

• Objective

  The goal of the game is for several small teams to play soccer at the same time. Teams score goals to become the ultimate winner of the World Cup.

• Directions

  1. In the play space, set up one goal with an optional goalie. Divide players into even groups of 3-5. Each team can choose a country to represent (USA, Ghana, Mexico…). If possible, each team should wear a different color pinnie. 

  2. The leader stands outside the space and throws one ball into play. 

  3. All teams compete to get the ball and score. When a team scores, they advance to the next round and wait on the sidelines. 

  4. The last team remaining on the field is eliminated from the World Cup. Eliminated teams can help throw-in or retrieve the balls. 

  5. The game starts over with one less team and proceeds in rounds until there is one winning team. They are the World Cup champions!

• Variations

  • To move the game along more quickly, you can eliminate more than one team each round.

  • Add cones in a semi circle around the goal to have players practice kicking from farther distances

• Coaching Points

  • Review Scrimmage Rules

  • make sure the playing space is large enough for all

  • Indicate where players can not stand next to the goal as there is no goalie

Reflection: Social Awareness

1. How did your team work together?

2. Who was the best passer on your team? Why is passing to others a great strategy?

3. Who would like to shout out someone in the game?