Coach s Handbook Micro-Soccer

Transcription

1 Coach s Handbook Micro-Soccer

2 Table of Contents Welcome to Edison United Soccer Association Section 1 General What is a Good Coach Theory of Coaching Dealing with Parents Expectations of a Coach Coaching Requirements Section 2 Coaching the Players Micro-Soccer Skill Development Goals Kindergarten 1 st Grade 2 nd Grade 3 rd Grade

3 Section 3 Learning by Playing Recommended Training Games Sample Practice Sessions Blank Training Template Section 4 Resources Useful Websites Soccer Glossary Section 5 Forms Blank Training Template Medical Injury Form

4 Welcome to Edison United Soccer Association (EUSA) We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Edison United Soccer Association family. EUSA began in 1974 with one goal, to provide access to soccer to the youth of Edison and her surrounding communities. In 35 years of play, EUSA has gone from a 100 player club to coaching over 3,200 players a year. The guiding philosophy at Edison United Soccer Association (EUSA) is simple provide a fun, learning atmosphere where players feel encouraged and supported to challenge and improve their soccer skills. We provide a positive environment for our players where they can hone their soccer skills while learning good sportsmanship and fair play. We regard our coaches as one of our most valuable resources. Each youth soccer coach enjoys a rare privilege becoming a mentor to a team of kids who are looking to have fun. EUSA needs all of its member coaches to be their BEST as leaders, teachers, and friends to every player. The EUSA s Coach s Handbook is designed to assist you the coach in creating an environment in which each child can reach his/her potential as a soccer player and as a child. You are an assistant to the GAME in teaching players and an assistant to players in their understanding of the GAME. This handbook provides the support that you, the coach, need to best accomplish these goals. The information contained within this handbook is to be used in tandem to the training received in your F license coursework.

5 The Coach s Handbook is broken into several sections to make your job easier. Section 1 deals with general information on what to expect as a coach from your players and your parents. It also outlines what EUSA expects from you. Section 2 deals with the training requirements for each age group. Section 3 outlines various training games and samples of practice agendas. Section 4 provides you with useful resources to assist you in your job as a coach. Section 5 contains various forms you may need. Good luck with your Team this year! If you need help, contact us on our website at or by to eusa@edisonunitedsoccer.com.

6 Section 1 - General

7 What is a Good Coach? A good coach is someone who knows that winning is nice, but it s not everything. A good coach is someone who focuses on the continual development of his/her players while also improving his/her own skills. There are ten characteristics of a good coach: 1) Patience This is probably the most important characteristic. Let s face it, active girls and boys require a lot of attention. And some days, it feels like you are trying to herd cats. A good coach is one who can work with each child for who they are and doesn t expect perfect angels on the field. 2) Tolerance This goes hand-in-hand with patience. Kids are going to be rowdy, moody or just not into it. Tolerance helps to refocus kids and get them playing. 3) Humor This is one of the greatest tools a coach can possess. By being able to laugh with your kids, play games, and get silly ; the kids will see you as someone who truly wants to be there with them and respond in kind. 4) Acceptance Each child is unique. Each one has varied potential and skill levels. A good coach is one who recognizes each child as an individual and encourages that child to perform at his/her best level. Perfection is not required! 5) Motivation Soccer can be viewed as kids kicking a ball across the field; or, it can be viewed as an opportunity for growth. The true test lies in sparking a child s interest to learn and grow and keeping that spark alive each season. 6) Respect At so many games, coaches and parents forget that this is youth soccer and not the World Cup. It is NEVER okay to berate or belittle a player for making a mistake. Soccer is a dynamic game and mistakes

8 allow for future teaching & learning opportunities. A good coach never singles out a child for making a mistake and he/she does not allow parents or the other team members to do so either. 7) Sportsmanship The definition of sportsmanship is to teach kids to work together as a team in order to achieve a common goal. It also means teaching kids to respect other players as well as each other. Insults are not tolerated. Mistakes are team mistakes and they are used as teaching tools for the next game. 8) Ability to Teach You would think this would be easy, right? Wrong. How many times has a parent signed up a child for a sport, only to have a well-intentioned parent decide to coach? He/She may not know the sport. He/She may not relate well to his/her players. There is a huge difference between the team whose members do what is yelled at them; and the team whose members actually understand what to do and why. A good coach teaches his/her players fundamentals, explains concepts and enables his/her players to think logically when making a play. A good coach is always learning and seeking training information to better themselves and their team. 9) Love of Kids Kids have an energy quality that makes every practice and every game a new experience for coaches and parents alike. Without their vision and energy, sports would be dull and unappreciated. They offer a day-to-day challenge for coaches that, if viewed with humor, can be contagious and motivational. 10) Love of the Game Coaches must love their sport, and, more importantly, must show their players enthusiasm for every aspect of the game. This includes techniques and tactics. The love of the game must also show players the love of fair play, respect for the opponents, officials and spectators, and positive reinforcement for teammates. Only a good coach who loves the game can provide the correct aspects involved in the winning and losing of competition.

9 Theory of Coaching There are four fundamental truths about children and sports that have been identified by researchers: Fun is pivotal. If it s not fun, kids won t play. Skill development is a crucial aspect of fun. It is more important than winning even among the best athletes. Free play is important for them to explore and find their strengths. The worst thing we can do as coaches is force them to play positions early on. This restricts their growth development as it can take up to a year to unlearn habits. The most rewarding challenges of sports are those that lead to selfknowledge. Coaches need to incorporate as much decision making into their practices as possible. Internal rewards (self-knowledge that grows out of self-competition) are more important in creating lifetime athletes than are external rewards (victory or attention from others). Kids can learn a great deal about themselves through the game. This is why we as coaches need to do activities that enhance the imagination. Player Development The game is already inside each child. We, as coaches, are responsible for creating an environment in which the game can manifest. Our practices and games must meet the specific needs of each age group so they can build upon their skills. Our games and practices should focus on: Players being exposed to playing all positions. Every player has a ball for practice. Activities designed to maximize the number of touches by each player at practice.

10 Rules modified for players according to their age group characteristics. Activities designed to promote thinking, not doing drills. De-emphasize winning/losing while emphasizing specific skills. Role of the Coach The coach s main goal is one of facilitating a positive learning environment for each player to improve their soccer skills. The main objectives are: Set up the environment and conditions for learning. Facilitate the learning process. Make sure the learning environment is fun. Ensure players are receiving positive feedback from the coach. Coach must be enthusiastic about what he/she is doing. Activities need to be geared towards the players achieving success, with success measured by fun. Qualification of the Coach To ensure the safety of our players, we require all coaches to undergo a criminal background check. Coaches for the 2nd Grade Division forward are expected to have a completed F License.

11 Dealing with Parents Coaching is exciting and rewarding, but occasionally, you may experience some difficulties with parents. You will face a myriad of challenges from wanting their child to play more, different positions, special requests, and questioning your judgment as a coach. Whatever the issue, most parents are simply looking out for the interest of their child often at your expense. Don t get discouraged. There are several things you can do to minimize these concerns. The biggest thing is communication. Over-communicate to your parents. We are all busy, especially if we have multiple children playing. Set up a Parent Meeting before the season begins and let your parents know what you expect from them, what they can expect from you and what they should expect for their child. Communicate practice dates (and cancellations), game dates and times. Let them know you are there for their child and address their concerns when they are raised. Express appreciation for their interest and concern. Listen to their ideas and feelings. Encourage parent involvement. No coach can please everyone. Know the EUSA and game rules. Be prepared to abide by them and explain them to the parents. Be consistent. Handle any confrontation in a one-on-one, not a crowd situation. Try not to get defensive. Be fair. If you treat all players equally and with respect, you will gain their respect and that of their parents. Remember, you will be dealing with all types of children and their parents from a multitude of backgrounds and ideals. The challenge for you as a coach is to address these differences in a positive manner so that the season will be enjoyable for everyone involved.

12 Expectation of the Coach Welcome to your Team! There are several expectations EUSA has of you as the coach in addition to coaching your players. Attend the EUSA Pre-Season Coaches Meeting. This meeting will outline expectations for the season and important target dates. Pick up and distribute your Team s uniforms. Maintain an attendance roster. Hold a Parent s Meeting prior to the first game/practice. Communicate with your Division Director / VP and Parents regularly. Arrive minutes before your Team on game days. Properly care for and maintain all club gear and return it at the end of the season.

13 Micro-Soccer Coaching Requirements Kindergarten 1 st Grade 2 nd Grade 3 rd Grade Age Group: 4 6 yr olds 6 7 yr olds 7 8 yr olds 8 9 yr olds Division: U6 U7 U8 U9 Ball Size Sexes: Girls & Boys Mixed Girls & Boys Mixed Teams Segregated by Sexes Teams Segregated by Sexes Team By Schools By Schools By Coach s School By Coach s School Distribution: Team Size: Max 40 Max 40 Max 7 Max 12 Skill Priorities: *Dribble with all sides of both feet *Dribble out of trouble *Dribble past someone *Soft first touch *Dribble with all sides of both feet *Dribble out of trouble *Dribble past someone *Soft first touch *Ability to change direction with ball *Introduce space *Introduce passing *Dribble out of trouble *Dribble past someone *Shielding *Soft first touch *Ability to change direction with ball *Introduce proper shooting technique *Introduce passing *Dribble out of trouble *Dribble past someone *Shielding *Soft first touch *Ability to change direction with ball *Introduce proper shooting technique *Introduce passing *Introduce positions F License: Recommended pref F licen Recommended pref F licensed Mandatory Mandatory Background Check: Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory # Mandatory Weekly Practices:

14 Game Day Procedure: Kindergarten 1 st Grade 2 nd Grade 3 rd Grade 45 min training w/ Trainers 45 min training w/ Trainers 45 min training w/ Trainers 40 min Games 5x5 max 40 min Games 5x5 max 40 min Game 2/20min between own team members between own team members halves 7x7 max against Uniforms: Ordered by EUSA Handed out at Parents Meeting by Coach Ordered by EUSA Handed out at Parents Meeting by Coach opposing team Ordered by EUSA Handed out by Coach Ordered by EUSA Handed out by Coach Coaches Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Meeting: Parents Mandatory Mandatory Recommended Recommended Meeting: Pinnies: Handed out by EUSA to Coaches expected back at end of Season Handed out by EUSA to Coaches expected back at end of Season Handed out by EUSA to Coaches expected back at end of Season Handed out by EUSA to Coaches expected back at end of Season First Aid Kits: Handed out by EUSA to Coaches Handed out by EUSA to Coaches Handed out by EUSA to Coaches Handed out by EUSA to Coaches Game Schedules: Developed by EUSA see website Developed by EUSA see website Developed by EUSA see website Developed by EUSA see website Game Field: Spencer Rockman Complex Spencer Rockman Complex Spencer Rockman Complex Martin Luther King Field Size: 20x30 Small sided goals 20x30 Small sided goals 40x25 Small sided goals 70x50 Mid Size Goals Referees: No No No Coaches call game Yes Paid by Coaches Attendance Records: Yes turned in to Division Directors at Season end Yes turned in to Division Directors at Season end Yes turned in to Division Directors at Season end Yes turned in to Division Directors at Season end

15 Kindergarten 1 st Grade 2 nd Grade 3 rd Grade EUSA orders to be distributed at year end party by coaches Trophies: EUSA orders to be distributed at year end party by coaches EUSA orders to be distributed at year end party by coaches EUSA orders to be distributed at year end party by coaches Pizza Party: EUSA coordinates as one group EUSA coordinates as one group Coaches Schedule for each team funds provided by EUSA Coaches Schedule for each team funds provided by EUSA Coaches Clinics: Snack Bar: Game Day Procedure: Recommended Recommended Recommended Recommended 2 parents from each Team during the 45 min practice session 45 min training w/ Trainers 40 min Games 5v5 max between own team members Lots of water breaks (every 2 parents from each Team during the 45 min practice session 45 min training w/ Trainers 40 min Games 5v5 max between own team members Lots of water breaks (every 10 minutes) 1 parent from each Team during the 45 min practice session 45 min training w/ Trainers 40 min Game 4/10 min quarters- 5v5 max against opposing team N/A 4 / 15 minute quarters. 7v7 max 10 minutes) Game Starts: Drop Ball Kick Off Kick Off Kick Off Out of Bounds: Drop Ball Throw in Throw In, Corner Kicks Throw In, Corner Kicks Heading: No No No No

16 Section 2 - Coaching the Players

17 Kindergarten Division Each age group has specific characteristics, expectations and coaching rationale. If you, as a coach, understand these, practices and games will become more fun as you begin to identify and notice player milestones. Characteristics of 4, 5 & 6 Year Olds In this age group, we play 3v3 with a max of 5v5 with no goal keepers. They play against their own teammates. Players exhibit the following: Short attention spans (10 minutes max) Can attend to only one problem at a time May understand simple rules that are explained briefly and demonstrated May or may not understand or remember what lines mean on the field, what team they are on, what goal they are going for. You need to be patient and laugh with them as they get lost on the field. Easily bruised psychologically. Give them praise often. Give them hints don t single out any child for negatives. Need generous praise and to play without pressure. Winning should not be a focus teamwork and trying your best should be. Prefer parallel play will play on a team, but will not really engage with their teammates. Therefore a 3v3 game is really a 1 against 5 game because they all want the ball at the same time. Very individually oriented me, mine, my Constantly in motion, but, with no sense of pace. They will chase something until they drop. They are easily fatigued but recover rapidly. Pay attention to breaks. Development for boys and girls are quite similar. Physical coordination is limited. Eye-hand and eye-foot coordination is not developed. Need to explore qualities of a rolling ball.

18 Love to run, jump, roll, hop etc. Catching or throwing skills not developed. Can balance on their good foot Involving the Parents It is very important that coaches get the parents involved in this age group. For most, it is the first time they are involved in sports. Not only are they a major resource for you, but these players still view their parents as the most significant persons in their lives. Things You Can Expect As coaches of these young players, there are things we know are going to happen during practice and games. By knowing what to expect, we will be more effective in dealing with the hundreds of situations that will come up. This will help you stay relaxed, and in turn, allow you to enjoy the unpredictable nature of working with these kids. Here are some of the things you can expect: Most players cry immediately when something is hurt. Some cry even when something is not hurt. No matter how loud we shout, or how much we practice it, they cannot or will not pass the ball. Somebody will come off the field in need of a toilet. Somebody will stay on the field in need of a toilet. Twenty seconds after the start of a game, every player will be within 5 yards of the ball. Several players will slap at the ball with their hands or pick it up. Several parents will yell at them not to do that. A model rocket that is launched from a nearby field will get 99% of the players attention. By all means, stop whatever you are doing and go watch for a couple of minutes. During a season, you will end up tying at least shoe laces. They will do something that is absolutely hysterical. Make sure that you laugh!

19 Coaching Rationale It is important to understand that any player coming to any sport prior to the age of 6 years old, in general, does not do so by their own choice. As a result, you the Coach need to give them something to get excited about. Also, at this age, learning to play soccer is secondary to most other things in their lives. So with the above assumptions, let s take a look at some things you can do to energize them and hopefully get them to the point where they want to come back and play again next season. Each session should be geared around touching the ball as many times as possible. Involve the ball in as many activities as possible. Basic movements such as running, skipping, hopping etc need to be emphasized. If these can be done while kicking, catching, rolling or dribbling a ball, all the better. Have as many different kinds of activities ready as you can get into one hour. Emphasis needs to be placed on what is FUN! Every player should bring his/her own #3 size ball. Remember, although they may have very similar birth dates, their physical and/or mental maturity varies as much as 36 months. Activities need to accommodate these individual differences whenever possible. Team play and passing is an alien concept to these players. They know that if they pass the ball, they may never get it back. In fact, they often will steal it from their own teammates. Do not get uptight if they do not pass, let them dribble to their hearts content. Plan for water breaks at least every 8-10 minutes lasting about 90 seconds, especially in warmer weather. Their cooling system is not as efficient as in older players.

20 1 st Grade Division Each age group has specific characteristics, expectations and coaching rationale. If you, as a coach, understand these, practices and games will become more fun as you begin to identify and notice player milestones. Characteristics of 6 & 7 Year Olds In this age group, we play 3v3 with a max of 5v5 with no goal keepers. They play against their own teammates. Players exhibit the following: Attention span is a bit longer than kindergarten, but still not at competitive level. Inclined towards small group activities. Always in motion: scratching; blinking; jerking; rocking Easily bruised psychologically. They will remember negative comments for a long time. Shout praise. Give hints. They want everybody to like them. Developing physical confidence. (Most are able to ride a two wheeler) Starting to imitate older players or sports heroes. Want the same gear as them. Lack sense of pace. They go flat out until they drop. Skeletal system growing rapidly. Often results in apparent lack of coordination. Cardiovascular and temperature regulation system is not developed. Their heart rate peaks quickly and they overheat quickly. Make sure they get plenty of water breaks. Limited understanding with personal evaluation. If they try hard, they performed well regardless of the actual performance. Thus, they need to be encouraged constantly, and asked, Now, can you do this?

21 Better at recognizing when the ball is out of play and remembering what goal they are going for. But in the heat of battle, they will sometimes still forget. They still find it difficult to really be aware of more than one thing at a time. Involving the Parents It is very important that coaches get the parents involved in this age group. For most, it is the first time they are involved in sports. Not only are they a major resource for you, but these players still view their parents as the most significant persons in their lives. Things You Can Expect The 6, 7 & 8 years old players are a bit more compliant than their kindergarten counterparts. They will be able to follow 2 or 3 step instructions and are starting to have a good understanding about what it means to play a game. They are also starting to cooperate more with their teammates. In fact, they now will recognize that the even have teammates by the fact that they occasionally, and I mean occasionally, will pass the ball to a teammate, on purpose. Often, they will repeat the phrase I can t do that, but, will quickly run to you to show you that they can, even when they only think that they can. Some of the things you can expect to happen during a season with this age group are: There will be at least falls, but now they will usually pick themselves back up. The puddle in front of the goal is still too tempting to resist. So is every other puddle on the field. Keep a spare pump in your bag, as the players usually do not realize that their ball is flat until they try to kick it, or the coach tells them that it is flat. Some of the girls are a lot tougher than the boys.

22 They will still want to wear a pinnie, even when the color is identical to their shirt. It will be impossible to remember who is whose best friend as you try to make up teams. School conflicts will come up. Please, let them go (they must face their teachers five days a week). They will wear their uniform to bed. Coaching Rationale Although they ve probably played one or two seasons by this time, their development is not much further than kindergarten. You can begin to add little bits to the program, but overall, coaching strategy will remain the same. Each session should be geared around touching the ball as many times as possible. Involve the ball in as many activities as possible. Basic movements such as running, skipping, hopping etc need to be emphasized. If these can be done while kicking, catching, rolling or dribbling a ball, all the better. Have as many different kinds of activities ready as you can get into one hour. Emphasis needs to be placed on what is FUN! Every player should bring his/her own #3 size ball. Remember, although they may have very similar birth dates, their physical and/or mental maturity varies as much as 36 months. Activities need to accommodate these individual differences whenever possible. Team play and passing is an alien concept to these players. They know that if they pass the ball, they may never get it back. In fact, they often will steal it from their own teammates. Do not get uptight if they do not pass, let them dribble to their hearts content. Plan for water breaks at least every 8-10 minutes lasting about 90 seconds, especially in warmer weather. Their cooling system is not as efficient as in older players.

23 2nd Grade Division Each age group has specific characteristics, expectations and coaching rationale. If you, as a coach, understand these, practices and games will become more fun as you begin to identify and notice player milestones. Characteristics of 7 & 8 Year Olds In this age group, we play 6v6 with no goal keepers. They play against opposing teams and are separated by male/female teams. Overall characteristics are the same as for 1 st grade. Attention span is a bit longer than 1 st grade, but still not at competitive level. Inclined towards small group activities. Always in motion: scratching; blinking; jerking; rocking Easily bruised psychologically. They will remember negative comments for a long time. Shout praise. Give hints. They want everybody to like them. Developing physical confidence. (Most are able to ride a two wheeler) Starting to imitate older players or sports heroes. Want the same gear as them. Lack sense of pace. They go flat out until they drop. Skeletal system growing rapidly. Often results in apparent lack of coordination. Cardiovascular and temperature regulation system is not developed. Their heart rate peaks quickly and they overheat quickly. Make sure they get plenty of water breaks. Limited understanding with personal evaluation. If they try hard, they performed well regardless of the actual performance. Thus, they need to be encouraged constantly, and asked, Now, can you do this?

24 Better at recognizing when the ball is out of play and remembering what goal they are going for. But in the heat of battle, they will sometimes still forget. They still find it difficult to really be aware of more than one thing at a time. Involving the Parents It is very important that coaches get the parents involved in this age group. For most, it is the first time they are involved in sports. Not only are they a major resource for you, but these players still view their parents as the most significant persons in their lives. Things You Can Expect The 6, 7 & 8 years old players are a bit more compliant than their kindergarten counterparts. They will be able to follow 2 or 3 step instructions and are starting to have a good understanding about what it means to play a game. They are also starting to cooperate more with their teammates. In fact, they now will recognize that the even have teammates by the fact that they occasionally, and I mean occasionally, will pass the ball to a teammate, on purpose. Often, they will repeat the phrase I can t do that, but, will quickly run to you to show you that they can, even when they only think that they can. Some of the things you can expect to happen during a season with this age group are: There will be at least falls, but now they will usually pick themselves back up. The puddle in front of the goal is still too tempting to resist. So is every other puddle on the field. Keep a spare pump in your bag, as the players usually do not realize that their ball is flat until they try to kick it, or the coach tells them that it is flat. Some of the girls are a lot tougher than the boys.

25 They will still want to wear a pinnie, even when the color is identical to their shirt. It will be impossible to remember who is whose best friend as you try to make up teams. School conflicts will come up. Please, let them go (they must face their teachers five days a week). They will wear their uniform to bed. Coaching Rationale Although some of these players have had four seasons of play and touched the ball a few thousand times in their lives, they are not ready for the mental demands of tactical team soccer. It is true that they have a good idea of the game, but the emphasis still needs to be placed on the individual s ability to control the ball with his/her body. They are still there to have fun, and because some of the players may be brand new to the sport, it is imperative that activities are geared towards individual success and participation. Some of the things you as a coach should consider are: Small-sided soccer is the best option for these players. Not only with they get more touches on the ball, but also, it is an easier game to understand. Because of the rapid growth spurts during this age, players will go through times when they seem to have lost control of their body. What they could easily do 2 weeks ago now seems unattainable. Be patient. Passing is not an important part of their game, no matter how much anybody yells at them to do otherwise. It is much more fun to dribble and shoot. Let them. Training one or twice a week is plenty and should not last longer than 1 ¼ hours. Each player should bring his/her own #3 size ball to training. Learning how to control it should be the main objective. They need to touch it, as many times as possible during fun activities to engage them.

26 Challenge them to get better by practicing on their own. There is no rule which states that they can t learn by themselves, no matter how important we think we are. Incidental things are important. They are forming the habits that will impact their future participation. Ask them to take care of their equipment (water bottle included), cooperate, listen, behave and try hard. Realize, however, that they often forget and will need to be reminded often. Ask them to work with others to solve a particular challenge. Start them with just one partner and work from there.

27 3 rd Grade Division Each age group has specific characteristics, expectations and coaching rationale. If you, as a coach, understand these, practices and games will become more fun as you begin to identify and notice player milestones. Characteristics of 8 & 9 Year Olds In this age group, we play 8v8 with a goal keeper. They play against opposing teams and are separated by male/female teams. Here is where we start to see some significant changes in their ability to play the game. Gross and small motor skills are becoming more refined. Boys and girls begin to develop separately. Ability to stay on task is lengthened. They have the ability to sequence thought and actions. Greater diversity in playing ability and physical maturity. Skills are emerging. Becoming more predictable and recognizable. Some children begin moving from concrete thinking to abstract thinking. Able to pace themselves, to plan ahead. Increased self-responsibility. They remember to bring their own equipment. Starting to recognize basic tactical concepts, but not exactly sure why certain decisions are better. Repetition of technique is very important, but it must be dynamic, not static. Continued positive reinforcement needed. Explanations must be brief, concise, and mention why. Becoming more serious. Openly, intensively competitive, without intention of fouling.

28 Still mostly intrinsically motivated. Peer pressure starting to be a factor. Adult outside of the family may take on added significance. Prefer identification with a team. Like to have good uniforms, equipment, and balls. More inclined towards wanting to play instead of being told to play. Will initiate play more. Involving the Parents It is very important that coaches get the parents involved in this age group. For most, it is the first time they are involved in sports. Not only are they a major resource for you, but these players still view their parents as the most significant persons in their lives. Things You Can Expect Some coaches say that this is the age group that players are beginning to turn the corner and start looking like real soccer players. However, games are still frantically paced and unpredictable for the most part. These players are starting to find out how much fun it is to play the game skillfully, but they will still stop and laugh if the referee gets hit in the backside with the ball during a game. Some other things you can expect are: They start to understand offsides, but still forget themselves when the goal is in front of them. They will really beat up on each other during practice especially boy s teams. During a game, the parents will scream out HAND BALL or COME ON REF, CALL IT BOTH WAYS at least fifteen times. They might cry after a game if they lose, but will forget it if you ask them to go for burgers and fries. You might actually catch them practicing on their own without you telling them to do so.

29 Their parents are telling them to do one thing during the game, you are telling them another thing, but what they end up doing might be what their friend is telling them to do. You will see a pass that is deliberate. You might even see a back pass. You will see your first $100 pair of cleats during practice. They will call the other team bad names really bad names. Coaching Rationale Some of the players you are coaching are seasoned veterans of the youth soccer scene. It is your job to keep things in perspective for these young, developing players. It is true that some of them are becoming quite skillful and are seeing how fun it is to play the game when they can really control the ball. However, many of them are still learning the ropes. Even the more experienced players need to have the game be fun. Emphasis is still placed on players learning to control the ball with his/her body, but now, they need to find themselves in more game-like situations. Training is more dynamic and starts to have players make simple, basic decisions such as Which way is there more space? or Who should I pass to? Use small-sided games as the main teaching vehicle. Not only will they get more touches on the ball, but also the full 11-a-side game is still to complicated for them to understand. How we group players during training takes on even added significance because of the wide margins of ability levels. We need to mix players up often. Stretching becomes more important, along with a good warm-up. Since the game is faster, make sure they also have good shin guards. Safety and prevention takes on added significance. Training twice a week is plenty. Sessions need not go longer than 1 ¼ hours. They should all come with their own #3 size ball. In fact, they still need to be encouraged to play with it by themselves.

30 Put them into competitive environments as much as possible. This will not only keep them focused, but, will allow the game itself to teach them. It also keeps things fun for them, and allows you to deal with issues such as winning and losing which is now a very big concern for them. Now it is possible to teach them positional play with the expectation they will get it some of the time. However, it is absolutely necessary that you do not allow players to specialize in any one position. They need to learn basic principles of the game first. Having them play all of the positions is best for their individual development. Remember, our first responsibility is to develop players and let them have fun. Whenever possible, allow them to solve their own puzzles. Don t immediately give them solutions on how they can play better.

31 Micro-Soccer Skill Developmental Goals Kindergarten 1 st Grade 2 nd Grade 3 rd Grade Age Group: 4 6 yr olds 6 7 yr olds 7 8 yr olds 8 9 yr olds Division: U6 U7 U8 U9 Ball Size Team Size: Max 40 Max 40 Max 7 Max 12 Skill Priorities: *Dribble with all sides of both feet *Dribble out of trouble *Dribble past someone *Soft first touch *Dribble with all sides of both feet *Dribble out of trouble *Dribble past someone *Soft first touch *Ability to change direction with ball *Introduce space *Introduce passing *Dribble out of trouble *Dribble past someone *Shielding *Soft first touch *Ability to change direction with ball *Introduce proper shooting technique *Introduce passing *Dribble out of trouble *Dribble past someone *Shielding *Soft first touch *Ability to change direction with ball *Introduce proper shooting technique *Introduce passing *Introduce positions Goal Keepers: No No No Yes Positions: No No No Yes # Mandatory Weekly Practices: Game Day Procedure: min training w/ Trainers 40 min Games 5v5 max between own team members Lots of water breaks (10min) 45 min training w/ Trainers 40 min Games 5v5 max between own team members Lots of water breaks (10min) 45 min training w/ Trainers 40 min Game 4/10 min quarters- 5v5 max against opposing team 4 / 15 minute quarters. 7v7 max

32 Typical Characteristics: Kindergarten 1 st Grade 2 nd Grade 3 rd Grade Focused on themselves Focused on themselves reality to them is reality to them is solely based solely based on what on what they see and feel. they see and feel. Unable to see the world from another s perspective it is the world according to me time. Asking them to understand how someone else is seeing something or feels is unrealistic. Everything is in the here and now forget about the past and future, they live in the moment. Heating and cooling systems are less efficient than adults we need to give frequent water breaks (every 8-10 minutes) or they may just run until they cannot run anymore. Enjoying playing, not Unable to see the world from another s perspective it is the world according to me time. Asking them to understand how someone else is seeing something or feels is unrealistic. Everything is in the here and now forget about the past and future, they live in the moment. Heating and cooling systems are less efficient than adults we need to give frequent water breaks (every 8-10 minutes) or they may just run until they cannot run anymore. Enjoying playing, not watching they feel no enjoyment from watching others play when they could be playing too. Make sure every player has a ball in Tend to play well in pairs unlike 6 year-olds, these children enjoy playing in pairs. Try to set up the pairs yourself to control the games and manage the personalities Are now able to take another s perspective they now have a sense of how others are feeling Still unable to think abstractly still do not have this capability, be patient Heating and cooling system still less efficient than adults still make sure to give frequent water breaks Still much prefer playing to watching keep everyone active during practice and remember, no lines Limited attention span Tend to play well in pairs unlike 6 yearolds, these children enjoy playing in pairs. Try to set up the pairs yourself to control the games and manage the personalities Are now able to take another s perspective they now have a sense of how others are feeling Still unable to think abstractly still do not have this capability, be patient Heating and cooling system still less efficient than adults still make sure to give frequent water breaks Still much prefer playing to watching keep everyone active during practice and remember, no lines

33 Typical Characteristics continued: Kindergarten 1 st Grade 2 nd Grade 3 rd Grade watching they feel no practice so every player is (on average enjoyment from watching always playing. seconds for listening, up others play when they to 20 minutes when could be playing too. engaged in a task) this Make sure every player may vary greatly on any has a ball in practice so given day depending on every player is always school, diet, etc. Try to playing. get a gauge each day and do not fight crankiness Limited attention span (on average 15 seconds for listening, minutes when engaged in a task) keep your directions concise and to the point. When in an open environment, such as a park, their attention span will dwindle towards 10 seconds. Effort is synonymous with performance if they have tried hard, they believe they have done well. This is a wonderful quality and we should be supportive Limited attention span (on average 15 seconds for listening, minutes when engaged in a task) keep your directions concise and to the point. When in an open environment, such as a park, their attention span will dwindle towards 10 seconds. Effort is synonymous with performance if they have tried hard, they believe they have done well. This is a wonderful quality and we should be supportive of their enthusiasm. Active imaginations if we utilize their imaginations in practice activities, they will love practice! Look for adult approval watch how often players look Have an understanding of time and sequence they now understand if I do this, then that happens Many have incorporated a third or fourth speed into play not all players, but many players now have incorporated a speed or two between stopped and as fast as possible Extremely aware of adult reactions be very aware of your verbal and nonverbal reactions, as they look for your Limited attention span (on average seconds for listening, up to 20 minutes when engaged in a task) this may vary greatly on any given day depending on school, diet, etc. Try to get a gauge each day and do not fight crankiness Have an understanding of time and sequence they now understand if I do this, then that happens Many have incorporated a third or fourth speed into play not all players, but many players now have incorporated a speed or two between stopped and as fast as possible Extremely aware of

34 Typical Characteristics continued: Kindergarten 1 st Grade 2 nd Grade 3 rd Grade of their enthusiasm. to you for approval or to see reaction frequently if you are looking. Also be encouraging when they say Coach, look what I can do! Active imaginations if we utilize their imaginations in practice activities, they will love practice! Look for adult approval watch how often players look to you for approval or to see if you are looking. Also be encouraging when they say Coach, look what I can do! Unable to think abstractly asking them to think about spatial relations or runs off the ball is unrealistic. Typically have 2 speeds -- extremely fast and stopped. Usually unaware of game scores we should keep it that way. adult reactions be very aware of your verbal and nonverbal reactions, as they look for your reaction frequently Unable to think abstractly asking them to think about spatial relations or runs off the ball is unrealistic. Typically have 2 speeds -- extremely fast and stopped. Usually unaware of game scores we should keep it that way. Often like to fall down just because it is fun they are just children having fun. Often cannot identify left foot vs. right foot they know which foot they use most and if they point to their feet you can help teach them left and right.

35 Typical Characteristics continued: Kindergarten 1 st Grade 2 nd Grade 3 rd Grade Often like to fall down just because it is fun they are just children having fun. Often cannot identify left foot vs. right foot they know which foot they use most and if they point to their feet you can help teach them left and right. Game Starts: Drop Ball Kick Off Kick Off Kick Off Out of Bounds: Drop Ball Throw in Throw In, Corner Kicks Throw In, Corner Kicks Heading: No No No No

36 Section 3 - Learning by Playing

37 Recommended Training Games The prospect of putting together a practice plan can be very daunting for some new coaches and even some experienced coaches. The reality is that they are quite simple if you don t over think the process. Your goal should be to work on one or two of the skills that you ve outlined for the season at each practice and incorporate those into the games. Kids love using their imaginations. The more you can spin the story of the game, the more they are into it, and the more touches or practice they get with the ball. Tap into your inner child and let him/her play. We ve listed some games that you can modify and use in your training sessions. These are by no means a complete list. Feel free to use these to develop ideas for other training games. If you create one that the kids really take to, please share it with the group so we can incorporate it in the training guide. 1) Tag---Every child dribbles a soccer ball in a defined space while trying to tag other players with their hand. Players cannot leave their own ball. Have them keep count of how many people they have tagged and, if playing more than one game, see if players can tag more people than they did in the first game. Version 2: Players must tag other players knees. (6 minutes) 2) Hospital tag---same as tag in that each player dribbles a soccer ball and that they try to tag each other with their hands. In this game, each time a player is tagged he/she must place their hand on the spot on their body where they were tagged. Obviously, if tagged a third time, players have no more hands to cover those spots, so they most go to the hospital to see the doctor. The coach acts as the doctor and performs a magical task (pretend) to

38 heal the injuries of all the little soccer players so they can continue playing the game. (8 minutes) 3) Body Part Dribble- In designated area, coach has all players dribble a soccer ball. When coach yells out the name of a body part, players must touch that body part to the ball as quickly as possible. Coach should vary body parts and rate at which he calls out body parts. At times, call out body parts consecutively (i.e. tummy, nose, and elbow) during one stoppage or call out two body parts at once (i.e. both hands and both feet). (8 minutes) 4) Red light/green light---all players have a ball and dribble in a limited space (or towards the coach). When coach says red light, players must stop ball and put foot on top of ball. When coach says yellow light, players must dribble very slowly. When coach says green light, players dribble fast. Coach controls this game with the frequency of light changes and variety of changes. Once players catch on to this game, add other color lights and affix different actions to them. (i.e. purple light = hop back and forth over ball, orange light = run around the ball, black light = dance, blue light = hide behind the ball etc.). (8 minutes) 5) 3v3 or 4v4 Game---Game---Separate players into two teams and play a game of 3 against 3 or 4 against 4 without goalkeepers. Let the players play and give plenty of positive feedback to them as they compete. REINFORCE the GOOD STUFF! (15 minutes) 6) Tail Steal--- All players tuck a pennie into the back of their shorts to give themselves a tail. All players dribble their soccer ball while trying to pluck the tails of other players and trying to make sure their tail does not get plucked. Players play until the last tail is plucked. (6 minutes) 7) Snake---In an appropriate space, have all players dribble their soccer balls, except for 2-3 players. These players (the snake) hold hands or lock arms and work together to tag the other players. The players with dribbling balls try to avoid getting tagged by the snake. If they are tagged, they join hands or lock arms with the snake. The snake grows until all players are part of the snake. The snake must work together and not break into little parts. Encourage fun by having the snake hiss. (8 minutes)

39 8) Freeze Tag---Everyone has a ball and coach can pick one or two players who are the Freeze monsters. Freeze monsters (with ball) try and dribble around and tag other players (who also have a ball and are dribbling around). The frozen player must stand still holding their ball over their head. The way the players can become unfrozen, is if the coach comes over and unfreezes them OR the coach can have the other players unfreeze each other (by simply touching them again). If all players are frozen, game ends and the coach can have new Freeze monsters. Version 2: Freeze monsters can now try and freeze each other by using their soccer ball to tag someone else s soccer ball or feet by kicking their ball. Version 3: Coach can be the freeze monster and try to tag all the players with players unfreezing each other in same fashion. (8 minutes) 9) Capture the Balls---Set up three or four home bases (squares) with cones roughly 2-3 yards wide. Break up the players into teams and have each team get together in their home base. Place all the balls in the center of the space between the home bases. On the coach s command the teams are free to gather as many soccer balls as they can into their home base. Players cannot use hands and there is no pushing each other or sitting/laying on the balls. Teams try to gather as many balls as possible into their home bases. Teams can steal balls from each others home bases. Coach calls time and count up how many balls are in each space to determine a winner. Coach allows team 1 minute to make up a new team strategy before playing again. (8 minutes) 10) Free Dribble---Everyone dribbling a ball, using insides, outsides, and soles of their feet. Players can dribble with speed (outsides of the feet and toes), try moves of their choice or moves that the coach introduces, or they can change direction. The Coach can manipulate the session by calling out different commands stop, go, turn, tap. Kids can carry the ball towards someone and try a move. Version 2: As players get comfortable, the coach can walk around and put pressure on players as they are performing dribbling tasks. This adds fun and interaction. (8 minutes)

40 11) Kangaroo Jack---All players except two or three begin with a ball. Players without balls are kangaroo jacks and must hop like a kangaroo and try to tag players. If a player gets tagged, he/she becomes a kangaroo as well until all players are turned into kangaroos. (6 minutes) 12) Ball Tag---Similar to other tag games except players try to tag others with their soccer ball, by kicking it at another player s feet or ball. Have them keep count of how many times they kick their soccer ball and tag another person. Can have the players tag the coach for 10 or 20 points. Then can have players tag other selected players for 50 or 100 points etc. etc. Version 2: Rather than having players tag each other have them tag the coach by kicking their soccer ball. The coach moves around without a ball to avoid being tagged. Have players count up how many they got and can do the same variations as in the other game by affixing a lot of points to players. (8 minutes) 13) Moving Goal---2 coaches use a pennie or an extra piece of clothing to form a movable goal with each coach serving as a post and the shirt serving as the crossbar. Players each have a ball and try to score by kicking their ball through the goal. However, the coaches constantly move and turn to force the players to keep their head up and to change direction as they dribble. (8 minutes) 14) Ballons Up---Everyone with a ball. Hold hands out with ball in between, drop ball directly down and kick back up to hands, etc. Players practice by keeping the ball in the air with their feet and thighs. Players count how many times they touch the ball before it drops to the ground. Version 2: Controlled juggling juggle on one thigh, then add other thigh, then add one foot, then add the other foot thigh-thigh-foot-foot (6 minutes) 15) Paint the Field---Every player dribbles their ball in the area defined. You explain to them that their ball is actually a paintbrush and wherever it rolls on the ground, it paints that area. The task is to paint as much of the area as possible in the time allotted by dribbling their soccer balls all over the grid. Version 2: Can ask them to paint with only their left foot, then their right foot. (8 minutes)