close
LOGINChristmas crackers
‘Tis the season to have a fun, Christmas-themed games session. Just divide your squad into two teams which compete to win the festive challenges.
What this session is about
1. A fun, final session before the Christmas break.
2. Two teams trying to win each challenge in order to be the “Christmas kings or queens”.
What to think about
- Although this is a Christmas fun session, it is also good to improve team work and build a winning mentality.
- Points should be awarded for winning each game and the team with the most points wins the session (try to reward these players with a prize).
- Although each game is named after a Christmas theme, the skills and techniques used in each game (dribbling, shooting, teamwork) must be emphasised to the players.
- An idea is to ask the players to come in Christmas fancy dress and to take part in the session in Santa, elf outfits etc. This will add to the fun and enjoyment of the session.
Set-up
- Use a 30 yards square area for the Sledge Races and Deliver the Presents games.
- Use 60 yards long by 40 yards wide pitch for the Christmas Tree game.
| Warm up | Session | Development | Game Situation | Warm Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 5 minutes |
What you get your players to do
Sledge Races
Split players into two teams of five. The first player of each team starts in the centre of the pitch with a ball. To start, this player dribbles out to a corner to collect a team mate.
The team mate links hands with the first player and dribbles the ball towards the next team mate. The players must not let go of each other’s hands and slalom through cones or circle around flags.
Once all the players have been collected, the team runs to the centre of the pitch. The team back first is the winner.
Development
Split players into equal teams and set up six goals around the pitch. One team works as present deliverers and the other works as Christmas scrooges who try to stop the other team.
All the balls are placed in the centre of the pitch. Each player collects a ball and tries to dribble past the scrooges to “deliver the presents” into the goals. Swap teams and see which scores the most goals.
Related Files
Game situation
Christmas Tree Game
In a small-sided game, each team lines up in a 3-2-1 “Christmas Tree” formation. This game encourages defenders and midfielders to move forward and score goals (this also improves team rotation) as the following points system is in place.
If the forward scores, one point is awarded. If a midfielder scores, two points are awarded. If a defender scores, the team is awarded three points. Finally if it’s a team goal (build up from the defensive zone, through midfield zone and into attacking zone), a bonus point is awarded.
What to call out
- “Work together”
- “Communicate”
- “Be a winner”
Latest Issue
Subscribe Today
Subscriber Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Subscribe Today
Newsletter Sign Up
Coaches Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Subscribe Today
Latest Issue
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
*includes 3 coaching manuals
Get Weekly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Soccer Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use soccer drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of soccer coaching since we launched in 2007, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
