Defense - U8+ - Penalty Area Clear

Create a 10 X 20 grid in front of goal extending out towards midfield. Place two defenders inside this grid. Place the remaining players outside the grid, each with a ball. The players outside the grid take turns serving the ball into the penalty area preferably in the air.

The players inside the grid must clear the ball outside the grid. The players need to clear the ball to the outside of the field, and not into the middle. Ensure that the defenders get to the ball on the first or second bounce (preferably before the bounce).

Passing / Shooting - U10+ - Cross and Shoot

Start with two groups of players 20-30 feet from goal; "Crossers" on one side of the field, "Shooters" on the other side. Coach is between both groups.

Coach passes the ball ahead to crosser who is running on to it. Crosser one-touches it down the line, and on 2^nd touch, crosses to shooter running into goal scoring position. Shooter should try to finish on one touch.

After the kids have gotten the hang of the drill, add a defender who starts where the coach is and runs after the crosser to try to prevent the cross.