Scanning & decisions
Help players notice space, pressure, and teammates before choosing an action.
Where to start
A glance matters when it gives information the player uses. Ask what changed after they looked, not just whether their head moved. Progress from simple signals to live opponents, and keep the information early enough for a real choice.
8 resources
Slalom with a decision
Slalom with a decision: a practical youth soccer activity for 2–10 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
Scan and call before receiving
Scan and call before receiving: a practical youth soccer activity for 3 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
Color-gate scanning game
Color-gate scanning game: a practical youth soccer activity for 4–12 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
Find space before a finishing pass
Find space before a finishing pass: a practical youth soccer activity for 4–8 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
U6–U8 practice: look up and choose a route
A 45-minute U6–U8 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.
U9–U10 practice: look up and choose a route
A 60-minute U9–U10 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.
U11–U12 practice: look up and choose a route
A 75-minute U11–U12 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.
Ask one useful coaching question
Practical guidance for volunteer soccer coaches: ask one useful coaching question, with an example and a next-session checklist.