Chain Soccer/Numbers

Practice small sided soccer games.

• Set Up

  • Set up a soccer field

  • Create a longer soccer field for older players

• Equipment

  • 2 nets or 2 cones for goal

  • soccer ball

  • cones for field boundary

• Objective

  The object of this game is for two big teams to play a soccer scrimmage with each other where only a few play the ball at any given time.

• Directions

  1. Divide the group into 2 even teams on opposite ends of the field space. 

  2. Assign each player a number using the same numbers for both teams. Each team must have a player who is number 1, another who is number 2, and so forth. 

  3. All the players link arms or hold hands to form the chain. If the chain is broken for any reason, the other team is awarded a goal. 

  4. Goals are also scored in the traditional soccer manner. 

  5. Start by calling out two to three numbers. Those players run out and play against each other for a short time (~60 seconds). 

  6. After time is up, players return to their chain and another set of numbers is called. 

• Variations

  • See this link for notes on Pre-K-2 scrimmage

  • See this link for 3-8 scrimmage

• Coaching Points

  • Make sure to have a system for calling every number the same amount of times so that each kid plays the same amount.

Reflection: Social Awareness

1. How did you work together as a team?

2. How did you encourage your teammates?

3. What is challenging about this game? What solutions did you try?