Can You Do This?

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

Can You Do This? is a follow-the-leader soccer warm-up game built for U5-U6 players. The coach shows a movement - a hop, a skip, a roll - and asks the magic question, and the kids copy. It develops coordination, balance, and body control long before tactics matter, and it works even on day one with brand-new players.

Browse the full warm-ups drills library for more like this, or explore every soccer drill for U6 players.

Setup

• Gather your players in any open space - no markings needed.
• Start without soccer balls (you'll add them later).
• Prepare a short list of movements: skipping, one-legged hops, star jumps, log rolls, somersaults, push-ups, and anything else your group will enjoy.

How It Works

1. Say 'I can do [skipping] - can you?' and demonstrate the movement.
2. The players copy the movement together.
3. Move through your list, mixing easy wins with a few sillier challenges.
4. Once they're warm, hand out balls and switch to soccer movements: dribbling, throw-ins, and punting the ball.

Coaching Points

• Let the kids explore their own body movements - imperfect attempts are part of the learning.
• Demonstrate big and clear; at this age they copy what they see, not what they hear.
• Praise effort loudly and keep every activity short.
• Make it fun above all - laughter means it's working.

Variations

• Let a different player be the leader each round and invent the next move.
• Add soccer-ball versions of every movement: toe taps, sole rolls, and tiny dribbles.
• Play it as 'coach says' - only copy the move when the magic phrase is used.