Transcript
U9 – U11 Coaching Curriculum Recreational Development Guidelines & Coaching Manual 2015/16 Season
Director of Coaching: Tom Ginocchio ‘A Guide to help you effectively manage your games and trainings.’
1 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
U9 – U11 Age Group Table of Contents
Part I: Recreational Development Standards
Overview Terminology U9-U11 Development Standards Additional Recourses WCSC Recreational Coach/Asst. Coach Code of Conduct WCSC Recreational Parent Code of Conduct
Part II: Coaching Manual/Curriculum
Overview Your Team Player Pool Coaching Experience Development Philosophy Game Management, Recommendations & Guidelines Role of your Parents Training Environment/Guidelines Sample Training Concepts
Part III: Sample Drills & Exercises
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Page(s) 3 3&4 4&5 6 7 8 9 - 17 9 9 9 9 9-11 11 12-14 14-17 18- End
Part I WCSC Recreational Developmental Guidelines Standards and Terminology In the Walnut Creek Soccer Club Recreational program, our principle goal is to ensure our players have a positive soccer experience. The Development Guidelines, Standards, Terminology, and Part II of this document, the WCSC Coaching Manual/Curriculum, will be used in combination with the US Soccer Curriculum and any other supporting club documents. The role of the Coach is to be a facilitator to learning. During every training session each player should have a ball, and work to get 750+ touches during each training session. Most of your exercises and games will be in small groups and involve the ball. During your 12-weeks with your players, you should emphasize growth in these elements. Some standard terminology we want to see used throughout each age group: Attacking terms: Dribble – term used to move the ball when at your feet Pass- when moving the ball from one player to the next Trap/Settle- 1st touch used to control the ball at your feet “Turn” – what to do when there is no defender on your back “Time” – no defensive pressure when you have the ball at your feet “Man On” – when there is a defender closing to pressure the player with the ball “Shield” –term used to describe a player using their body to protect the ball from the defender “Open Up/Spread the field” –term used when the players are bunching and not using the space on the field. “Get Wide/Width” – Directional term used to tell wing/outside players they need to get nearer the sideline “Depth/Drop” – term used to tell defenders to drop in order to facilitate possession through the back line. Also used to tell the forwards to move higher on the field (towards opponents goal) “Negative Pass”- Pass played to a teammate that goes towards your own goal. “Wall Pass” – Give and go. Defensive Terms: “Press/Pressure” –term used to tell the nearest defender (1st defender) to close the attacking player with the ball “Delay”- term used to tell 1st defender to be less aggressive against attacking player. Keep themselves between attacker and the goal. “Step In”- used to tell 1st defender they can look to win the ball off the attacking player 3 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
“Step Up” – used by Goalkeeper/Defenders to push the back line up the field as your team attacks or the opponent possesses the ball towards their own goal. “Away/Clear” – Directing your teammate to play the ball to safety up the field. “Stay with your Mark” – Mark is the person you are supposed to be preventing from receiving the ball or scoring. U9-U11 Teams/Players Development Standards
During these ages, the field will be 8v8. Coaches should continue to focus on their players individual technical skills, while also introducing some basic individual and small group tactics. Players should play multiple roles on the field. -Juggling. Encourage your players to juggle the ball. As they arrive at the field have them start juggling. Using all body parts work with players to set individual goals and track their progress. By U11’s players should be able to juggle the ball (with all body parts) 10 times. -Dribbling. Players should now be using the inside of their foot to dribble with control. When they are accelerating their dribble and attacking space, they should now be using their laces to dribble. When using the inside of their feet, they should be keeping the ball close (one step away); when using their laces they should be pushing the ball a bit farther in front of them (1-2 steps away). When no defender is in front of them is may be 2-3 steps away). When they are changing direction with the ball they should be able to control the ball and keep it close to the body (one step away from the ball). Raking the ball with the bottom of their feet first by walking and learning the correct technique, building to raking at a running pace by U11. By U11 they should also be able to change direction and speeds with the ball and maintain control. Make sure they are using all four surfaces of the foot to dribble- inside, outside, top and bottom. -Moves. All the moves they learned at U6 – U8 should continue to be re-inforced and done at greater speed. Each of these moves should be used in games. Encourage the use of these moves and reward players who are able to use them against a defender in a game situation. ‘Pullback’ Cut. Lunge Scissor New moves you can introduce: Cruyff & Step Over. -Trapping/Passing. Learn to trap and pass with the inside of the foot. Toe should be up during both of these technical elements to help keep the ball on the ground. They should be learning how to lift the ball in the air and also how to trap the ball with their thighs and feet. By U11, Passing with accuracy should be achieved from 20 yards. -Heading. While we do not encourage heading in the games, it is important that players are learning the proper technique with which to head the ball. Using the forehead to make contact with the ball vs. the top of the head is vital. Encourage that they keep their eyes open. Soft 4 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
tosses from a teammate are the best way to build technique and confidence with this aspect of the game. -Shooting. Leg strength and technique will differ among players due to size and aggressiveness. Players should be striking the ball from close in with the inside of their foot for accuracy (10-12 yards and in) and also know how to strike the ball with their laces for a ‘power’ shot. (12 yards and out). Technically teaching them to land on their shooting foot is important as well as, keeping their toe down. Players should remain on their feet after shooting instead of falling to the ground. Learning how to re-direct the ball from a cross towards the goal should also be developed. -Shielding. Players should know how to use their body/shoulder to help protect the ball. Soccer is a physical game so setting up 1v1 situations that encourage contact and protecting the ball should be a part of the training session and their development. -Individual Defending. Players should learn how to step in and win the ball from the attacking player. During these years, as the field gets bigger, coaches should discourage ‘boot ball’ and encourage players to dribble/keep control of the ball, along with passing the ball with purpose. There should be no ‘fitness’ in their sessions. All activity should be either through fun games with and without the ball and dribbling exercises with the ball.
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Additional Resources: US Soccer Practice Guidelines: www.usyouthsoccer.org/us_youth_soccer_introduces_practice_guides_for_the_u6-u8_u10_and_u-12_age_groups/ http://www.nscaa.com/education/tools WCSC Training Sessions (Check club website under Coaches Corner) WCSC House Coaching Manuals – (Part II of this document) House Coaching and Player Clinics – (Check club website) Club Documents: WCSC Recreational Coaches Code of Conduct WCSC Recreational Parent Code of Conduct Team Evaluations. All coaches will turn in a team evaluation at the end of their season. One per team. The format will be sent out to you in October and you will provide feedback on your team/players, which greatly helps us create teams the following year. Education: Coach Licensing. Within WCSC and around the area, there are opportunities to get your coaching licenses. Here is a link to the Cal North site: www.calnorth.org/coaching/courses/course_calendar/ CYSA offers an online 2-hour F licensing course now, which is a pre-requisite to getting the USSF E license. It will provide you with good information to help guide your season and coaching organization. NCSAA is the other governing soccer body and also offers courses throughout Northern California: www.nscaa.com/education/courses & www.nscaa.com/education Camps: Tom Ginocchio, WCSC Director of Coaching, offers player camps during the summer through Gino’s Soccer Academy, the official camps of WCSC. These are for individuals, small groups, or teams. We also offer Specialty Camps for Goalkeepers, Advanced Players, and offer a High School Player Academy. Info can be found at www.ginossocceracademy.com Coaching Clinics: WCSC offers Coaching Clinics where our Competitive Coaches will demonstrate how they work with players in your age group. You will see how to warm up the group, develop a specific soccer theme, and how to keep the session moving. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions after the session, and develop an outlet to help answer questions as they come up throughout the season. The calendar for this can be found at: www.wcsc.org/node/885
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Walnut Creek Soccer Club Recreational Coach and Asst. Coach Code of Conduct As a WCSC Coach or Assistant Coach, you are part of our coaching community and must represent yourself in accordance to the principles listed below. These principles apply to everyone on our volunteer coaching staff when they represent the Walnut Creek Soccer Club. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9)
1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
6)
Trainings I will abide by the WCSC Recreational League Policies, Rules and Regulations: http://www.wcsc.org/sites/default/files/House%20GIP%202012.pdf Coaches and/or Assistant Coaches will show up prior to the start of their training session. They will leave after the last player has been picked up. Coaches will have the necessary equipment (cones, bibs, balls) to run their training and have a 1st aid kit. Coaches will show up with a prepared training session, utilizing coaching resourses available to them through WCSC and other soccer materials: books, websites, dvd’s. Coaches will treat all players equally, based upon rules/guidelines set up for the team. Coaches will refrain from using profanity when in the presence of players. Coaches will maintain an open line of communication for players and parents to answer questions about player development and any issues that may arise. Coaches will portray a positive role model for youth by maintaining an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, tact and maturity. Coaches will make every effort to attend coaching educations courses and clinics provided by WCSC. Games Coaches will show up to games at the agreed upon time set for all team members. Coaches will wear the appropriate WCSC attire or similar Adidas training gear in the club colors that are neutral (no other organizational logo). Coaches will have the necessary equipment at the game for warm-up (cones, pennies, balls) along with a 1st aid kit. Coach will sit with their team during the game and stand when necessary to make adjustments or provide feedback to the players in the game. Coaches will refrain from using profanity when in the presence of players. Coaches will be a positive role model and demonstrate the type of behavior they want to see in their players and parents. As a representative of WCSC, this will include respect of the referees, all players, and the opposing coaching staff. Furthermore, the coach will discipline any players/parents who do not respect the game, referees, all players and coaches. The coach, assistant coach and players out of the game will stay inside the marked area coaches box) set up for them on the sideline at all times. The coach will also ensure that all parents are sitting outside this technical area. Parents will sit in an area between the technical area and the 18 yard line.
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WCSC Parent Code of Conduct-Recreational Please note that parent signatures are required at the bottom Thank you for being a part of the Walnut Creek Soccer Club. Below is our Parent Code of Conduct, which we expect you to abide by, as it will be enforced by our coaches and club officials. Please make sure to read through and understand that this is a condition for participation in WCSC. 1. As a parent, I agree to support the Walnut Creek Soccer Club in requiring the players to abide by the WCSC Player Code of Conduct. 2. I will abide by the Rules and Guidelines as written in the WCSC League Policies, Rules and Regulations http://www.wcsc.org/sites/default/files/House%20GIP%202012.pdfI agree to present myself as a positive role model while representing WCSC at any soccer game, tournament or training session. 3. I will refrain from coaching my own or any other child during the course of a game. Also, when at the games I will make sure to sit in my designated area which is between the technical area (where team and coach sit) and the 18 yard line. 4. I agree to only praise players at any team game, tournament or training session. I will respect the fact that this game is for the players, not the parents, and will only provide positive communication from the sideline. 5. I will refrain from any form of negative communication or confrontation with the opposing team’s parents and players. 6. I will refrain from communicating with the referees before, during and after any game. As a parent, I will not question calls of the referee under any circumstance. 7. I will discuss any constructive concerns I have about players or the program in the following order: Coach first, Age Group Coordinator second, and finally the Director of Coaching. 8. I understand that the coaches are dedicated to providing a quality soccer experience through training and team events. As a parent, I am committed to make every effort to get my child to all trainings and team events. 9. Line of communication with the coaching staff: As a parent, I will always respect the coaching staff during all games and trainings. I will never question, discuss or confront the coach during or right after any game. I understand that a ’24 hour’ cooling off period is in effect and that I will only approach the coach staff after 24 hours. I further understand that my child will first approach the coach to discuss any on-field issues. Should this not resolve the issue, I will set up a parent/player/coach meeting. I agree that if I fail to abide by any of the rules listed above that I may be subject to, but not limited by the following disciplinary action: 1. Verbal or written warning 2. Suspension from attending games, tournaments and trainings 3. Expulsion from the team/club Parent Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _______________ Parent Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _______________ 8 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
Part II U9-U11 Recreational Coaching Manual First off, thank you for dedicating your time and energy to being a part of the Walnut Creek Soccer Club (WCSC) coaching community. It is a selfless act, vital to our club and something that you will look back upon with a sense of great accomplishment and pride. As a U9-U11 coach you will be working with players who have played anywhere from 0-5 years of soccer, the last few in an organized manner. You will continue fostering your young players ‘Love of the Game’ while building upon the individual skill sets they began developing in the U6-U8 age groups. This manual will provide you with information and tools to better manage your team, parents and games. It will also help you better understand your role as coach, and provide exercises to implement the WCSC Player Development Philosophy. Player Pool: Your player pool should consist of 12 players. You will face a challenge in that you have to train similar concepts with a group of players with differing development needs. Some of these players will have never played soccer, while others will have 3-5 years of experience playing with their older siblings or parents who have a soccer background. It will be important to identify the experience of all your players to help you prepare to meet the training needs of each player. Coaching Experience: Some of you will be returning coaches who worked with players starting with the U6-U8 age groups. For others, this might be your first experience coaching soccer. Some of you will have had the opportunity to coach older children and are able to pull from that experience to help you the 2nd time around. Some of you will have a background as a soccer player, while other coaches will have touched a soccer ball somewhere between seldom and never. Whatever your soccer background you have the opportunity to be an outstanding coach, mentor and friend to each of your players. Some very good youth coaches have little to no soccer experience. But you have to take on the responsibility to educate and prepare yourself to work with the age group you coach. There are many resources out there, online training guides, reading books, skills videos (Coerver makes some excellent DVD’s.), licensing courses, and coaching clinics (We will run multiple coaching and player clinics from July-October that you can use to improve and prepare yourself to create a fun and educational training environment. We will have online resources available to you on the club website (www.wcsc.org) on the Recreational page under ‘Coaches Corner’ along with the information on all clinics on that page as well. Game Management: Players are moving from 4v4 games with no goalkeepers to 8v8 games with goalkeepers. In the U9-U11 age groups you will introduce your players to positional play, roles on the field and limited tactics with your system of play. They should be working together to defend their goal, while moving up field together to attack the opponents. But the primary focus of your trainings and games is still individual skill development building to small group play. During games encourage dribbling and ball control instead of ‘kickball’ which will help in their decision-making (when to dribble vs. pass) development. 9 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
On game day, you will continue to rotate your players so that they experience all positions on the field. We still don’t know what their ‘best’ position is, so it is bad idea to pigeon hole a player into one position. Positional movement should happen over the course of a season, not every game. During any given game some players may play only one position while other may experience two or more. But over the course of multiple games and a season, it is very important to expose each player to multiple positisons in both trainings and games. We want to be encouraging each player to use the moves they have been developing the past few years (scissors, cut, lunge), to hold the ball with pressure vs. just kicking the ball up field, and to have the confidence to take players on with the dribble. Your role as a coach is to encourage every player and reward them with praise as they succeed on the field. Success is not only measured by using a move to beat a player, but also just the attempt at using a move, or the attempt to dribble by a player. If they try a move against a defender but lose the ball, praise them for trying and encourage them to attempt that move again. Over time you will see the effort in attempting the move in a game situation evolve into success using the move to beat a defender. There should be clapping and cheering from you as the game progresses. But you should not get too caught up in the game or any one play that you lose focus on your role. The more you praise their progress, the more you help develop their interest and fuel their passion to play soccer and to continue improving. If you are primarily telling your players what they are doing wrong, or pointing out when they made a mistake, you will eat away at their enjoyment of the game when instead you should be fostering their enthusiasm so that they look forward to attending trainings and games. A successful season is one where the players don’t want it to end. When you are coaching on game day, you will see things that the team should look to work on during the following week’s training, i.e. reinforcing the use of a move, using their nondominant foot, or taking players on as they played too much ‘boot ball’… As you prepare for the training it is easy to forget what those things were with the game being 1-3 days old. For that reason you should also have a notebook at your games to write down elements of the game the kids did well, elements you saw them put into practice from the prior training sessions, and what they need to continue working on. It will help you when preparing for the upcoming week. 8v8 Game: Remember for your game these simple guidelines1) Field- The dimension of the field is approximately 80x50, and you will have field markings out there such as the goal box, penalty box and center circle, which you need to explain to your players. You have goals for the 1st time so you will need to incorporate teaching the goalkeeper position into your training sessions with positional play on shots and crosses. You will have a coach’s area that you should stay in (10 yards to each side of half field) along with your players. 2) There are two main systems of play you can use in 8v8. Excluding the goalkeeper, and starting from back (defenders to forwards) you can play a 33-1, or a 2-3-2. The 2-3-2 system will be the system most of you will start with as it provides balance throughout the team. Your midfielders will have to work hard to support both the forwards and the defenders. If you team is struggling and giving up a lot of goals, it may be worthwhile to try the 3-3-1 system as it adds another defender to the back line. The 3-3-1 trains the idea 10 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
of having a central defender, and your outside defenders in this system should also get involved in the attack for your team. 3) They all attack and all defend together. Too many times I have seen coaches leave their defenders back with the goalkeeper, never going pass the top of the 18-yard box. This is counter to everything we want to teach about soccer. When your team is attacking the opponent goal, your defenders should be up around mid-field. When you have defenders sitting back you lose the opportunity for offsides when your opponent has the ball. With the huge gap between your midfielders, who are attacking, and defenders it allows your opponent to clear the ball out to waiting forwards who can just turn and go at your goal without pressure. The higher we pressure and defend away from our goal, the better our chances of preventing goal-scoring opportunities. The closer our team is together in the attack, the better they can work to defend as a team. 4) I will say it again for re-inforcement: When the team is attacking your defensive line should be at or around midfield. 5) When the team is defending your forward line should be at or around midfield. 6) Do not argue with the referee’s. Be a positive role model for kids and parents 7) Rotate players throughout the season so they experience the opportunity to play Goalkeeper, Defender, Midfield and Forward. 8) Encourage dribbling and implementing skills you work on in training. If you worked on using a specific move like the scissor, and you see players doing this in the game, make sure they know you saw them do this with praise and encouragement. Remind other players of what you worked on and when they see you praise their teammate, they will want to use that skill themselves. 9) Keep it fun and praise all your players. 10) Do not joystick coach. What does this mean? Joystick coaching is telling your players what to do when they have the ball at their feet. Developing the player’s decision-making skills is just as important as their ball skills. When your player has the ball at their feet, let’s see what their natural instincts tell them to do. If you think it should be something different, or you see a continual tendency (passing instead of dribbling) in a player, address it after the play is over or at the next training. Again, we want to see what their decision making skills are and if you are constantly telling them what to do with the ball, they start listening for your voice more than their own instincts. This will hinder their development. Or, if they want to dribble and you are telling them to pass it, this will confuse them and most likely lead to them losing the ball. Again, hindering their development. 11) All players should have the opportunity to start at some point during the year. Your bench players should not be the same game in and game out. Make sure that you also provide a good amount of playing time to all players to allow for player development in a game setting for all players. Role of your Parents: Set the stage early in the season with a talk to the parents about their role on the sideline and let them see you as a great example for them to follow. They should not 11 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
challenge or question the referee, and their only voice should be one of encouragement to all players. The other aspect that comes up frequently is when they ‘coach’ from the sideline. Just as we do not want you ‘joy-stick’ coaching the players, we don’t want the parents doing this either. You are the volunteer putting in the time and effort to work with the kids in trainings and games, yours should be the only voice they hear giving any instructions. The role of the parent is only to encourage and provide praise when the kids do something well on the field. If you have a parent who is not following this model of behavior, we have a program in the club called the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA). This is a one-night class/workshop where coaches and parents go to better understand their role on the sideline and the impact of their voice on the players. It is a great resource and one I would recommend referring all parents, as there is value in attending the course for everyone. It is free to WCSC parents and coaches. Training Environment: This is probably the most important part of this manual. Here, we will go over how to run a proper training session (practice), which includes A) Equipment: You will be equipped with a coach’s kit from the club. This will include 2 soccer balls, pennies (bibs), cones, a field marshal vest, goalkeeper jersey, medical kit, goal and green lockbox keys and garbage bags for picking up trash at trainings and games. I would strongly encourage each player to also bring their own ball to training, with the soccer balls loaned to you from the club being used as extras for those that forget. We want every player to have a ball so that they can get as many touches as possible. You can also get other equipment from the local soccer shops to help enhance the training environment- Pugg goals, flags (to make goals) and additional cones if needed. B) Best use of your time: Your training will run from 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours per session. Come prepared to the training session with a plan for the day that includes a topic to work on (most, if not all, of the time this will involve individual skill development: dribbling skills with all surfaces of the foot, and developing moves). Each training session should also involve one fun game that the players get to play if they work hard with the other elements of the practice. IMPORTANT: START YOUR TRAINING ON TIME!!! I have seen too many trainings where the coach had half the team on time, and they would wait for more players to show up prior to starting the practice. This punishes those who come on time and does not encourage the late one’s to change their patterns. If you have 3 players there on time, start your warm up with three players. As other show up, hopefully the impact of coming late will change their behavior for future trainings. C) Setting a routine: The players will respond better if they know the routine of training. My best advice would be1) warm up/stretch, 2) individual skill development (this is your topic for the day), 3) Fun game as a reward if they do well with the previous portion of training, 4) Small sided games 2v2, to 4v4 where you ask them to implement what you worked on in part (2). 5) End with a scrimmage. Always ask the players to emphasize your topic for the day in the scrimmage. As with the U6-U8 training sessions, you want to continue promoting small-sided games to force players to have the ball at their feet. 1v1’s and 2v2’s are great because more players get to touch the soccer ball. 12 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
Keep a routine though that the players get used to, so they know what to expect during their time on the field. D) Providing player and parents with rules and guidelines: Important for players to know what happens if they disrupt the practice session. It is vital that you are not working harder than your players, although you should provide a high level of energy and be engaged in all activities with positive feedback. Rules should involve 1) Being late. Get to training on time as it disrupts the flow of training, 2) Talking. No one talks when the coach is talking, 3) Eye contact when the coach is talking, 4) What to bring to training (cleats, shin guards, water…), 5) Respect for your teammates, opponents, and referee’s. 6) Sideline behavior for parents. 7) It is recommended that you create your Rules and Guidelines for players and parents to follow for both practices and games. E) Balancing fun with skill development: With U9 to U11 players (like with U6-U8), it is so important that they enjoy their early soccer experiences. There should be no fitness (activity with the ball is their fitness)! Create an active training environment with lots of movement with the ball and build fitness w/ the ball throughout the training. Having them stand in lines waiting to go is counter-productive to the training environment. If you have an assistant parent coach (highly recommended) when you do any individual skill building activity, split your group of players into two groups and have each coach run a group. This will keep your lines very short and activity level very high! Provide a lot of positive feedback. At the U9-U11 ages we want you to do more exercises/drills that stress skill development. It is important to balance fun games and skill development. But as they get older the training environment should transition to focus more on skill development and less on games. If you find a game that the kids really enjoy, use that as motivation to work hard during the skill devlopment part of your practice, where if they listen and work hard you will reward them by playing that game. Having kids stand around at this (or any) age is a no-no. We want them all to have a ball and to be working as much as possible with the ball at their feet. F) Skill development: At the end of each training, we hope that your players have gotten 750-1,250 touches on the ball. Each warm up should involve dribbling activities that have your players constantly touching the ball: 1) Create a dribbling square (size depends upon # of players. 20x20 yards is a good size. Smaller if players are missing. 2) Put dribbling restrictions on them. Ask them to use different parts of their feet: Right foot only, Left foot only, top/bottom of their feet only, insides only, outsides only. 3) Ask them to use a move: pullback, scissor, lunge, cut, Cruyff 4) Ask them to do toe taps (touch the top of the ball/or ‘Box the ball’ (insides of their feet on the sides of the ball) 5) Ask them to Rake the ball 13 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
6) Ask them to juggle (10 times adding their score. If they drop the ball at 2, then they pick back up at 3. When they hit 10 juggles they start dribbling again.) 7) Tell them to leave their ball and find another ball then start dribbling again. Then after going through more of 1-5 ask them to find their own ball again. 8) Periodically stop them and have them stretch. Through this whole warm up they should get 100-200 touches on the ball. 9) Repeat any of the activities above multiple times during the warm up. Re-inforcement: Whenever working on skill development, if you have assistant coaches, divide the big group into small groups. Have your players all with a ball, dribbling with a work to rest ratio of 1 to 1 if possible. 1 to 2 should be the maximum. Work to rest ratio is if they are in groups of 3 for a dribbling exercise, they dribble (work) one time and wait (rest) two times as other players in their group go. Again, keep the work to rest ratio, or the standing around to a minimum. Sample training exercises: Dribbling Exercises: 1v1 to the cone, 1v1 to the end line, 1v1 to four goals, developing moves using static cone, figure 8 dribbling around two cones. 2v1 to goal where they have to work on decision-making (dribble or pass). Dribbling Games: Crab Soccer, Numbers Game, steal the bacon, red light/green light, freeze tag. Passing Exercises: Pass & move through gates (cone/flags), numbers up keep away (4 v 2, 3 v 1), freeze tag. Surface development: Should be encouraging the players to use all surfaces of the foot (Top/Bottom/Inside/Outside). Place restrictions on them to help this (left foot only), and by the end of the year they should have used the left and right feet for dribbling, bottom of the foot (raking exercises), inside and outside of the foot. Players should not be toe-poking the ball anymore when dribbling, moving to using the inside and laces of the foot. Same for shooting. Warm up: Vary it up each week or two, so that it stays fresh for them. While they only need limited stretching, it is good to go through a routine and discuss the muscles they are stretching and why. Use stretches Everyone with ball, dribbling. Call out items you want them to work on (toe taps, boxing, raking, cut, lunge, stepover) Introduce juggling. Ask for use of specific body parts. Play ‘Coach Says’ or have them count the number of juggles they can do in 30 sec. Repeat and have them work to beat their score. Tail Tag. Put down a square (20x20) and have each player put a bib in the back of his or her shorts to create a ‘tail’. The object is to run around trying to pull your opponents tail out, while protecting your own. Adjustment: Keep the game 14 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
going initially by giving the eliminated players the opportunity to get back in the game. Have them show you a skill with the soccer ball (10 toe taps, 10 scissor moves, 10 juggles…) then they can return to the game. At some point when you want the game to end, make any elimination final until only 1 player is left remaining. As you have less players remaining, shrink the space. Dribbling Sharks and Minnows- try to get from one end of the grid to the other by dribbling with control. Eliminated if the sharks can kick their ball out of the grid. Knock out- everyone dribbles around a grid (20x20) and try to control their ball while knocking out their opponents. Run it like Tail Tag.
With this age group it is important to make sure they have a great soccer experience and that you, as a coach, emphasize skill development as opposed to winning. Each game, each training prioritize one aspect of the game you want them to work on. Whether it be a specific move, dribbling more than two touches, or using their weaker foot, it is so important that they have one thing to focus on. It will be easy to pick many areas of improvement, but focus on one. Also, keep it positive and reward them with praise when they do that which you are focusing on. The best teacher is the ball itself, so have each player with a ball at their feet as much as possible in training. Keep your work to rest ratio low. In most trainings you should do an exercise called vitamins. We call it this because if you do them on a regular basis you will be a healthy soccer player (skill wise). Here we are working on:
Trap and Pass (1st touch options: Same foot trap/pass; oppopsite foot trap and pass- where 1st touch is toward other foot; same foot-outside 1st touch then inside pass) One-touch passing (Using the inside of the foot. Have them running in place prior to receiving he ball. Thigh trap (settle ball) and passing Volley’s (inside of the foot and with the laces.) Chest trap and pass/volley
With this age you must emphasize dribbling, the use of both feet and the use of all surfaces of the foot. 1) Two cone dribbling. Work to rest ratio is 1:1. Making figure 8’s. Cones are 8-15 yards apart. Right foot only Left foot only Both feet Raking and cutting Boxing/Pull back 2) Moves. Work on four moves throughout the year. Lunge Scissors Stepover 15 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
Cuts, inside and outside of each foot
3) 1 v 1’s (10 x 15 yard grid). Again, this will be one of the most important parts of player development, so include this into a lot of your trainings. You can adjust it by having them play 1v1 to one goal (centered), 1v1 to two goals on each side of the field (small goals in each corner of the grid), or 1v1 dribbling with control over the end line of the field. 4) Relay races with a move at the end. Keep line numbers low (max 4 per line) (Four corners relay races, with and without the ball) 5) 1 v 1’s, flying changes (teams of 2 or 3) 6) 1 v 2’s or 3’s: Dribbling Gauntlet. Players must dribble by three defenders lined up in zones. It is basically three 1v1 matches in a row where the defender cannot pressure the ball until the attacking player enters their zone. Like crab soccer, but with the defenders now standing and only one per zone. The three zones are 12 wide x 8 long, but can be made smaller or bigger depending upon the player’s success/struggles. 7) 2 v 2’s (10 x 20 yard grid) 8) 4 v 4’s. This can be to goal or in a square where they are only trying to maintain possession of the ball. To develop ball control put a restriction of 3 touches or more on the players. Passing: While we emphasize developing the individual player skills we want to start working on combination play with teammates. 1) 1 + 1 moving in box. One player hits straight ball while other hits diagonal. Switch. 2) 2 v 1’s in 10 x 10 box. Working on give and go’s. How many can they get in 40 seconds? Rotate defender 3) 3 v 1’s within a square 5x5 to 7x7. Work on movement so that players show to both sides of teammate with ball. 4) 4 v 2’s. 4 players possessing on the outside of a 10 x 10 box. The move along line trying to get a certain number of passes. If they complete that number the defenders stay in for another turn. Split defenders? Then go 2 v 2 with two line neutrals to small goals. 5) 3 v 2: 2 small goals + 1 bigger goal. 20 X 15 Grid. Build to 30 wide x 20 long. 6) Passing lines: make it a competition. Passing between two cones/flags 1 yard apart. If they struggle, pull target farther apart. Restrictions include right or left foot only, 1 or 2 touch, 2 touch opposite foot. They can change lines or go to back of own line. 7) Possession. Work on keeping control of the ball in a confined space. Size of space is determined by number of players at training. Restrictions: if you are working on dribbling and moves make the restriction 3 touches or more. If you are working on passing, make it a mandatory two touches. Always end with unlimited touch (no
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restrictions). If they struggle, create neutral players (i.e.; 3 v 3 + 3 neutral) so that you have numbers up on offense. 8) END EACH TRAINING SESSION WITH A SCRIMMAGE. Games: Big Box/Little Box, Knock out, Steal the Bacon, Tunnel Tag, Over the Top, Freeze Tag. Freeze Tag, you have players dribbling with the ball in a square and the 2 players tagging. The dribblers try to evade the tagging players. If they are tagged they have to freeze with their ball on their head. They can be ‘thawed’ and active again if another dribbler passes the ball between their legs. How many players can the taggers freeze in 30 seconds? Emphasis on dribbling and accurate passing technique. Goalkeeping: It is very important to spend some time developing this position with many of your players. Basic form when standing up: Hand position (form W w/ thumbs or Diamond with thumbs/index fingers), body behind ball. Diving: landing on side, hands to ball first. Balls in Air: catch the ball at the highest point, calling “KEEPER”. Basic warm up for training and games: Start with catch using proper catching/throwing technique. Prep for diving by working on the form from 1st a sitting, then kneeling and finally standing position. Have them move side-to-side working on catching the ball cleanly while moving. Where to stand on corners, set defense on walls. Shooting lines (4 corners): shots should come from 12 + yards Flying Changes 1 goal to two small (counter) goals Numbers up on offense 5 v 2 in 15 x 15 yard box. 5 = certain # of passes then shot on goal. 2 = win ball then immediate shot.
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Part III: Sample Drills and Exercises Dribbling Cats & Mice Objective: Developing control, vision, & acceleration. Fun! # of Players: Any Area/Field: 15x25, vary. Equipment: One ball per player, cones/flags.
Organization:
To start game, one player is a cat while the other players are mice. All mice have a ball which they will attempt to dribble to the other end of the grid. The cat will try to catch the mice by knocking their balls outside the grid. If Cat is successful, then mice will combine (hold hands with Cat) and work together to try to “catch” more mice and grow to become a bigger CAT! Last mouse wins.
Coaching Points:
Encouraging Mice to keep ball in play, use good touches into open spaces, change speed and direction.
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Dribbling Knock Out Objective: Develop shielding, general dribbling techniques, change of direction and speed and vision. # Of Players: 10-12 players Area/Field: Vary size for ease & difficulty (big=easy, small=difficult) Equipment: One ball per player, cones, flags.
Organization: Within a defined area, players dribble within the area and attempt to both 1) knock other players’ balls out of the grid and 2) keep their own ball from being kicked out of the grid. Last player with the ball in the grid wins. Instruction:
Use body to shield other players from your ball. Keep players moving.
Variations:
Dribbling only with one foot or the other First player to win a specified number of games wins.
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Dribbling Technical Stations Objective: Learning to use various surfaces of feet # Of Players: 2-3 per station Area/Field: Vary Equipment: One ball per player, cones/flags
Organization: Players rotate from station to station Instruction:
Players are to use different surfaces. Slalom: Dribble around cones using the inside/outside of both feet, alternating. Giant Slalom: Dribble around cones using the instep/laces to cut around cones Raking: Dribble to each cone using the sole of both feet. Figure 8’s: Dribble a figure 8 around cones, using the inside and outside of the feet Speed: Dribble to cone and back, using the instep/laces of feet.
Coaching Points:
Stay over ball and balanced. Use short and quick touches. Keep the ball close.
Variations:
Challenge players to execute technique quicker. Design a course using stations and time each player through the course.
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Dribbling Follow the Leader Objective: Developing general dribbling techniques, change of direction, speed, & vision. # Of Players: Even numbers are best Area/Field: Vary Equipment: One ball per player, cones, flags.
Organization:
Players pair up and each have a ball. Both players dribble around playing area with one player leading the other. Lead player will dribble to different technical stations [figure 8’s, Slalom, foundation (boxing) etc.] and both will use appropriate technique though the station. Alternate leader.
Instruction:
Ask players to stay a close to leader as possible. Encourage players to visit all stations. Discourage walking.
Coaching Points:
Use both inside and outside of feet when changing direction. Use instep/laces when (open field) dribbling from gate to gate. Encourage change of speed and direction of the dribble.
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Dribbling Fakes & Feints Objective: Develop Motor Coordination for Fakes & Feints # Of Players: Any Equipment: Supply of balls, cones/flags.
Organization: Each player will work with one ball and one cone. Players are to execute their first (fake) movement to one side of their cone and then quickly push the ball and move their body past the cone on its other side. This exiting touch often makes use of the outside surface of foot. Instruction:
The Lunge: with the ball centered to the body, the player steps to one side of the ball with one foot and a forward lean, effectively moving the entire body to one side of and behind the ball (first movement=fake). If lunge is to the left, then player will push off of the left (lunging) foot to go right, taking the ball with the outside of the right foot past the right side of the cone. Scissors: Exactly like the Lunge, except the first movement is made over the top of the ball. Step-Over: With the ball centered to the body, the player steps over and plants foot to the outside of the ball (right foot on the left side of the ball) and shifts body quickly to that side. Once balanced in this position, the player should push off to quickly move past the opposite side of the cone, taking the ball with the outside of the same foot that stepped over the ball.
Variations:
In place, pair players up and have them execute these fakes in front of each other. Have players dribble towards each other before executing these fakes.
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Dribbling
Dribbling Gates Objective: Develop control and vision # Of Players: Any Area/Field: 25x25, vary. Equipment: One ball per player, cones/flags
Organization:
Each player has a ball and two cones. Players spread out evenly within playing area and set both cones down to create a gate about one stride in width.
Instruction:
Players are to dribble from gate to gate. If a gate is occupied, then player must dribble to another gate.
Coaching Points:
Use both inside and outside of feet when changing direction. Use instep/laces when (open field) dribbling from gate to gate. Use vision to find unoccupied gates and obstructions (other players) Change speed and direction on the dribble.
Variations:
Have players execute a fake/feint halfway between gates. Have players execute the Figure 8 around the gate. Under a specified time, players dribble through as many gates as possible.
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Dribbling Restricted 1v1’s to Two Goals Objective: Develop Fakes/Feints, changes of direction and speed. # Of Players: Any Equipment: Supply of balls, cones/flags
Organization: Two goals that are each one yard wide are placed side by side and 10 yards apart. One defender stands with the ball at feet behind the line in between the two goals. Attacker awaits service from defender from a distance of about 10 yards. Instruction: Defender passes ball to attacker and defends both goals but cannot step across line and defend in front of goals. Attacker attempts to dribble though either of the two goals before the defender can step into goal and prevent the score. Coaching Points:
Attacker should waste little time in attacking a goal. Attacker should attempt to commit defender to one side before changing direction of attack. Attacker should utilize sharp changes of speed and direction to confuse and beat defender through goal. Use fakes/feints as well Stop-n-Starts to misdirect defender.
Variations:
Specify which fake/feint to be used. Limit the amount of time each attacker has to score, I.e., 5 seconds Allow defender to leave the space behind the line after a certain amount of time Allow defender to leave the line, immediately after the attacker has had his/her first touch.
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Dribbling 1v1’s to Endline (or Goals) Objective: Develop Competitive 1v1 Dribbling Skills # Of Players: 10-12 players Area/Field: 10x15 yards Equipment: one ball per pair of players, cones/flags.
Organization: Players play 1v1 to the endline. Instruction: Defender starts by serving a pass to Attacker. At Attackers “First Touch”, defender can begin defending. Attacker attempts to dribble past defender and stop the ball of the defenders endline to score a point. Coaching Points:
Vary speed of direction of dribble Once behind defender, don’t allow defender to step in front. Use at least one change of direction and speed.
Variations:
Award a point for each of the following: the execution of a fake/feint a combined change of direction and speed a Stop-N-Start
Instead of stopping the ball on the endline, set a small goal or two on each end of the grid, through which players will dribble for a point.
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Dribbling 1v1’s to Two Goals Objective: Developing change of direction and speed # Of Players: Any Area/Field: 10x10 yards Equipment: Supply of balls and cones/flags One ball per pair of players. Eight cones per grid.
Organization: In a 10x10 yard grid, players will play 1v1, each to two goals. Players score by dribbling through either of two goals. Instruction: Players are to start at either end of the grid. Play starts when attacking player begins to dribble. Play ends when ball goes out of bounds, over the endline or when a goal is scored. Coaching Points:
Use both inside and outside of the feet when changing direction. Use instep/laces when (open field) dribbling from gate to gate. Encourage change speed and direction on the dribble.
Variations:
Have defenders pass the ball to the Attacker. Have both players (attacker & defender) start on the same endline.
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Passing Hot Potatoes Objective: Develop technique and accuracy of passing # Of Players: Even numbers best. Equipment: One ball per pair of players
Organization: Players exercise in pairs with each pair using one ball. At a specified distance (2-3 yards to start), players face their partners to interpass the ball. Instruction: Players exercise in pairs with each pair using one ball. Coaching Points:
Players should exercise good technique when both passing and receiving the ball with the inside of their feet. Passing: Plant foot pointed at target and placed comfortably beside the ball; plant leg slightly flexed; and player in balance. Striking foot should be turned square to plant foot, lifted off the ground with toes higher than the heel of the foot. Ankle should be locked and held firm. Striking leg should also be slightly flexed. Ankle should be locked and firm. Striking leg should also be slightly flexed. Player should strike the middle of the ball and through it with a flowed motion. Receiving: This technique is nearly identical to passing with the exception being that the joints (ankle, knee and hip) of the receiving leg are held loosely to absorb impact of the ball. When receiving the ball, the player should try to touch the ball a short distance in front of him/her and not kill the ball underneath him. Players should always step into their passes Whether passing or receiving, players should keep feet moving: Happy Feet.
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Variations:
Increase distance between players Limit amount of touches in between passes (3-,2- or 1-touch passing) Make it competitive: how many passes can each pair make over the distance in a specified amount of time.
Passing Focus Player Objective: Develop passing & receiving technique and vision # Of Players: Groups of 4 Area/Field: 5x5 yard square Equipment: Two balls per group of four
Organization: Four players form a square about 5 yards apart. Two balls are required for the exercise. Three servers and one focus player. Two of the three servers start with the ball. Instruction:
Three players (A, B, & C) function as servers and the fourth player (D) functions as the “focus player” receiving technical repetitions. A, B & C will pass a ball to D. D (Focus Player) will use “vision” to determine which of the other three does not have a ball and pass to that player. Focus player never returns a pass to the player who passed him/her the ball but instead to the open player without the ball.
Coaching Points:
All players should use good technique.
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Focus player should prepare early by identifying where to play his/her pass and adjusting his/her body prior to receiving the ball.
Variations:
Play two touch, alternating feet. Receiving with inside R/L foot to pass with inside of opposite foot. Play one touch using inside of appropriate foot: pass to the left-uses the inside of right foot; pass to the right uses the inside of left foot. Services in the air: 1) Trap with thigh and volley pass with inside of foot; 2) trap with chest and pass with inside of foot; 3) etc. Head the ball to open player. Volley the ball first time to open player. . .
Passing Target Gates Objective: Develop passing accuracy and conditioning # Of Players: Any Area/Field: Size to fit Equipment: One ball per player, cones/flags
Organization: Players each have a ball and two cones, spread evenly apart in playing area and drop cones to crate gates one yard in width. Instruction: Players dribble from gate to gate. Players pass the ball through the gate and receive it by running around the same gate. Players should avoid collisions with other balls and players. Coaching Points: Players should use good passing technique.
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Players should try to receive the ball while it is still moving, requiring the player to move quickly around gate.
Variations:
Restrict passing to inside of foot only, outside of foot only or instep/laces. Competitive: How many gates can each players pass/receive through within a specified amount of time?
Passing Circle Drill Objective: Developing technique and vision # Of Players: 5 or more Area/Field: 20x20 yards Equipment: One ball, one cone.
Organization: Five or more players form a circle with a diameter of about 20 yards around one player and central cone. One ball starts at the feet of one of the peripheral players. Instruction: The ball is to be passed back and forth from the middle of the circle and back to the outside. Each player will follow their pass, either to the middle or to the outside. Coaching Points:
Players should use good inside of foot technique when passing and receiving. Players should use their “vision (eyes)” to see where they will be passing.
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Players should direct their first touch (receiving touch) towards their intended pass and away from oncoming traffic (player who just passed the ball). Players should communicate their pass to the player they are passing to. Move quickly after each pass Move towards each pass.
Variations:
Limit the number of touches in between passes (3-,2-,1-touch) Increase radius of circle Increase radius of circle & add another ball & central players, having two balls going at the same time. Have the outside players, pick up the ball & throw the ball in to the central player who must trap the ball out of the air before passing outwards. Challenge: Set a timed record for how long they can go without making a bad pass or trap.
Passing Target Gates: Passing Combinations Objectives: Developing passing combinations among players # Of Players: Any Area/Field: Size to fit Equipment: Supply of balls, cones
Organization:Each player collects two cones and spreads out evenly within playing area to drop cones and create a gate that’s one yard in width. Split the number of players in half. Half of the players (Dribblers/Passers) will have a ball. The other half of the players (Bumpers) will not have a ball. 31 Copyright Walnut Creek Soccer Club® 2015
Instruction: Dribbler/Passers dribble around playing area and work randomly with Bumpers to execute passing combinations through the gates. Either the first pass or second pass should be directed through the targeted gate. Coaching Points:
All players should be in motion. Dribbler/Passers & bumpers should communicate with one another. Dribbler/Passers should move quickly into the space in which the next pass is to be played. Bumpers should work hard to “show” square to the passer or facing the space in which the ball is to be played.
Variations:
Specify that the first pass must go through the gate. Specify that the second pass (return pass) must go through the gate. Within a specified amount of time, how many combinations can each Dribbler/Passer and each Bumper execute? Before passing the Dribbler/Passer must execute a fake/feint.
Passing Squares Objective: Develop movement off the ball, vision and pass timing. # Of Players: Groups of 4 Area/Field: 5x5 to 10x10 yards Equipment: One ball, four cones per group of four
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Organization: Three attackers play possession soccer against one defender within a square grid of specified length and width. Instruction:
The three players in possession try to interpass among themselves without having the defender win the ball or force it out of bounds. The three possession players should move off the ball such that there are always two passing options around the ball. Rotate players so that all have a chance to possess and defend.
Coaching Points:
Possession players should always be turned to face as much of the playing area as possible, having their hips and shoulders facing the direction of the field. 1st attacker (possession player with the ball) should always play (pass or dribble) away from pressure (defender). 2nd & 3rd attackers should anticipate and move quickly to provide open passing lanes and options. Players should identify if they should hold the ball (no immediate pressure from defender) or play it quickly to open teammate (immediate pressure from defender) away from pressure.
Variations:
Increase/decrease the size of the square in which the players play.
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