Youth Soccer Lesson Plans

Philosophy - Ricky Clarke

2012-02-07T19:47:00.000Z

Ricky Clarke is director of coaching at Mission Valley United (MVU), in California USA, with sixteen years of soccer coaching under his belt its not surprising that Ricky has a host of coaching qualifications including gaining a distinction when passing the NSCAA Masters Diploma in 2010, but still keen to learn he passed the USSF youth license in 2011.

He believes that as coaches, educators and parents we have an enormous responsibility to create an environment where passion, education and creating a love for the game is at the centre for everything we do. "I want to provide all players with a firm grounding in the fundamentals of the game, with emphasis on maximising ball contact within a structured session. I want to teach the techniques and tactics necessary to construct a highly skilled, possession-based game. This promotes confidence in the player’s own ability and further facilitates their soccer and overall education. I like to coach a team in a style that I’d like to play on. When I was a player, I wasn’t really big into rules and I’m still not. I’m not into rules or meetings. I’ve always liked how words and quotes can have a massive effect on people. Creating beliefs and values helps develop cohesion, support and direction. I think it’s something that everyone buys into and feels a sense of belonging. Soccer gives us the ability to create life learning and life changing experiences. Life Skills through soccer at the youth development level should be geared towards stimulating the player's ability to create and appreciate the beautiful game."

The clubs goals are to grow players both as individuals and as soccer players. "For our players the environment needs to be challenging, motivating and fun. It will require a serious commitment on their part and the parents must be prepared to support their childs commitment. Our goal is to prepare our players for the future, both on and off the field. We teach them the fundamentals of soccer, Ball handling skills, passing and positioning on the field is stressed over and over again, as these techniques are critical for success in all levels of the game. Equally, if not more importantly we re-enforce non-specific soccer skills such as communication, teamwork, time-management, responsibility, discipline and respect for all players."

Parents are encouraged to support each other, the club understands that many players have siblings playing other sports, so things like carpooling are encouraged. Ricky adds "Our belief is that solid, committed players who benefit from positive coaching, an atmosphere of respect and teamwork, and strong parental support will ultimately result in a winning program. Its our teams belief that with strong commitments from our players and parents our club will continue to develop and grow."

The chosen system of play at MVU for 8v8 is a 1-3-3-1 system. Ricky says "The soccer formation you choose can have a huge impact on how well your team plays. Although coaches are given the flexibility to change this as they see fit in accordance with trying to be competitive in all games. This formation allows teams to play with balance, support and creativity. It also provides us a smooth transition from 8v8 to 11v11. Teams are encouraged to play with a style that reflects a developmental approach"

MVU have identified key factors to support their philosophy:

players are expected to be able to defend as an individual and as a team
players are encouraged to react quickly in transition, offensive and defensive
teams are excepted to play out of the back
teams are expected to understand position rotation and interchange during a game
teams are encouraged to play forward, making passes that take teams out of the game
teams encourage their players to express themselves, however at the right time and correct areas of the field

The long term development model used at MVU identifies five areas for player development - technical, tactical, social, psychological and physical. Coaching plans should clearly incorporate all five, with a change of emphasis at each development stage. The model provides recommendations for minimum and maximum coaching time at each stage. Equally important to the players development is the quality of coaching, so regular assessment of developmental objectives for both players and coaches ensures they receive the correct level of instruction and support. Small sided game formats are seen as being extremely effective in the development of ball skills and game awareness, as players have increased opportunity to have contact with the ball. In the later stages of players development coaches can use this format to introduce phases of play without the pressures of 11v11. Here is an example of a typical training plan for stage 3 of the model:

Developing the Early Cross - U12 Boys

Click here to view the lesson plan in a larger format

Practice Plan: Dribbling - Taking on and Beating Opponents

2012-02-05T19:09:00.000Z

Objective: Dribbling - Taking on and Beating Opponents

The set up: Magic Rectangle - I set up each rectangle as 10 yards wide by 15 yards long. Overall pitch size of 30x45, but make it appropriate to your players age and ability.

Warm Up: Ball Mastery - You will notice then when setting up the pitch I have set up a goal at either end of the pitch to set the direction in the players mind. The ball mastery is completed in the middle third. Players are asked to go and stand along either the red line of cones or the blue line of cones - their choice. Players are then asked to dribble the ball across to the opposite line of cones performing the feint or change of direction at least once. Players work back and forwards between the lines of cones and change to the next skill on the coaches request. Allow them at least 4 or 5 attempts at each skill.before changing.

6 - Ronaldo Chop
7 - The V (The Puskas)
8 - Sole Drag
9 - Rivelino
10 - High Wave
11 - Low Wave
12 - Pele
13 - Cruyff Turn

Also you will see that I have reduced the number of skills the players complete, I have found that eight is enough to keep their attention, when we started to go above ten some of the players started to get bored.

Work in small groups: 1v1 To goal or the corner - In this set up a small goal has been placed along the goal line of each grid. Split players into pairs. Players stand opposite each other, the defender in between the small goal in each of the four corner areas, use the central areas if you have more then four pairs. The defender passes the ball to the attacker, who is then trying to beat the defender and dribble through the small goal, or take the ball to one of the cones on the goal line. They get two points for going through the goal and one point for dribbling to the cones. The attacker is trying to dribble the ball across the defender and between the cones. If the defender gets the ball they just have to dribble the ball to the attackers start line. Get the players to rotate roles after three turns of being the attacker.

If you have a group of three, get them to play 2v1, don't have one standing out, or taking turns. Have 2 players play as defenders or attackers.

Work in small areas: 2v2 To goal or the corner- This is just a simple progression of the previous activity. The pitch is deliberately small to produce more 1v1 opportunities.

Group Work: 4v4 To goal or the corner–The players are then split into two teams, 4v4 or 6v5, whatever suits your group. The four central cones and the small goals used for the previous drill are removed.

The game is played the same as before but with the use of the whole pitch and the support of extra players and no goalkeepers. Players score two points for dribbling the ball through the goal and one point for dribbling the ball to the corner. You can award extra points for players beating players 1v1, or where they have actively got their head up and looked for the best space to attack.

Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players taking the players on 1v1.

Our diagrams are produced using a beta session template software (with new functionality) from Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Practice Plan: Dribbling - Taking on and Beating Opponents

2012-01-05T21:45:00.000Z

Objective: Dribbling - Taking on and Beating Opponents

In our last session we focussed on beating opponents who came from in front of the attacker, but we all know that is not the only place you face opponents, Sometimes they appear from the side or behind, so that will be the focus of this session.

The set up: Magic Rectangle - First layout diagram A then put cones on top of those to make the set up the same as on diagram b .For some sessions like todays, the first layout wont be used.

I set up each rectangle as 10 yards wide by 15 yards long. Overall pitch size of 30x45, but make it appropriate to your players age and ability.

Warm Up: Ball Mastery - Each skill below is given a number and the name to help the players recall them. With the exception of the first two (which are carried out static) the rest are carried trying to create some of the chaos of a game. Links for the first 9 skills can be found on my previous posts.

1 - Toe Taps 11 - Low Wave
2 - Tick Tocks
3 - Pull Push
4 - Scissors
5 - Stepover
6 - Ronaldo Chop
7 - The V (The Puskas)
8 - Sole Drag
9 - Rivelino
10 - High Wave

You will notice then when setting up the pitch I have set up a goal at either end of the pitch to set the direction in the players mind. The ball mastery is completed in the middle third. Players are asked to go and stand along either the red line of cones or the blue line of cones - their choice. Players are then asked to dribble the ball across to the opposite line of cones performing the feint or change of direction at least once. Players work back and forwards between the lines of cones and change to the next skill on the coaches request. Allow them at least 4 or 5 attempts at each skill.before changing.

Work in small groups: Line Soccer - In this set up a gate is placed along the inside edge of each of the outer rectangles. Split players into pairs, if you have an odd number have one group as a three. Players stand between the cones in the central, the attacker stands on the outside with the ball and the defender stands on the inside. The attacker is trying to dribble the ball across the defender and between the cones. The defender cannot go until the attacker touches the ball, if the defender gets possesion the exercise is restarted. Get them to imagine they are in game, they have got the ball in midfield and they need to beat the opponent chasing them of them by using a change of direction or feint.

If you have a group of three, get them to play 2v1, don't have one standing out, or taking turns. Have 2 players play as defenders.

Work in small areas: Line Soccer - This is just a simple progression of the previous activity. Using the middle and the attacking third play 2v2 or 3v2 across two of the wide channels/rectangles. The pitch is deliberately long and narrow to produce more 1v1 opportunities and options for the player in possession to dribble when there is space.

One team will be the attacking team the other will play as the defending team. Explain to the players that the attacking team are trying to get the ball in the goal if they can dribble the ball into the goal they get an extra point. The defending team are trying to gain possession of the ball and score by dribbling across the line of blue cones, recreating the scenario of getting the ball away from danger and towards the opponents goal. Change the roles over so both teams get to play as attackers and defenders, also consider swapping groups - so the players get to play against different opponents. Let them decide when its right to pass and when its right to dribble.

Group Work: Line Soccer – The players are then split into two teams, 5x5 or 6v5, whatever suits your group. The four central cones and the goals used for the previous drill are removed.

The game is played the same as Line Soccer but with the use of the whole pitch and the support of extra players and no goalkeepers. Players score goals for getting the ball in the goal if they can dribble the ball into the goal they get an extra point. You can award extra points for players beating defenders who are chasing them back.

Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players taking the players on 1v1.

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Practice Plan: Grasssroots Coaching - The English Way?

2011-12-08T20:35:00.000Z

Grassroots Coaching - The English Way?

There is a lot of talk in the media and on the web about English coaches so I thought I would write a stereotypical English session. The sort many adults may have run before they become educated in how children learn and develop. Give a dad some balls and some kids to train and this what you may expect to see.

Warm Up - Watch any pro game and you will see players doing a lot of running to warm up. So get the kids warmed up by sending them on laps of the pitch, jogging along the length and sprinting along the width. To prevent it getting boring for them you could make them touch the ground or jump and header on your command. If anyone doesn't put the effort in - send them all around again. Make sure the training balls stay in the bag until you are satisfied that they are all out of breath and ready to train!

Cone Dribbling - This one is all about the line. A line of cones and line of players. Space should be limited to one or two paces between each cone. Make sure that you the coach go first and show them how its done. An example of the drill is shown in the video below, although obviously you will have more players waiting in the line to have their turn than this coach does.

King of the Ring - A player that cant dribble and keep possession of the ball in this game will spend a lot of time watching his mates. Every player has a ball and dribbles it around the area (the ring), on the coaches word the battle begins and players have to kick their teammates ball our of the ring while keeping control of their own ball. When a players ball is kicked out they go and wait at a designated area. the last player with a ball is crowned King of the Ring. This video demonstrates the game well, but don't bother with any of the skills challenges, have them wait for the next game.

Shooting Practice - Shooting practice again gives the coach a lot more opportunities to touch the ball than the players. The players all line up somewhere outside the area, then either by throwing or passing the ball, the coach sets up each player in turn for a shot at goal. This video of the USWNT gives you an idea of what to do...

Normal Match – This is the coaches opportunity to show how good he is and that given the right circumstances he could of made it as a Professional. To ensure he is on the winning side the coach should ensure that he has the best players on his team, also don't forget as well as being Captain of the team, you need to be referee as well (split decisions should always go your way - its an unwritten rule!). After all the result of any match is the most important thing...right???

Psychology - Dan Abrahams

2011-12-04T23:25:00.001Z

As a young player one of the biggest challenges on the football pitch is dealing with emotions. Whether it’s anger, frustration or despondency a young footballer often allows his or her emotions to rule their game. As a footballpsychologist helping youth team players with this emotional challenge is a big part of my work.

The primary reason why it’s more difficult for a youth team player to deal with emotions is because of the way in which the brain is designed. Let me explain a little. It is the middle part of the brain which is the emotional part of the brain. This is the part that fires up when you get angry, frustrated or despondent. In stark contrast the front part of the brain is the rational part that allows you to manage your emotions. It helps you to think and bring reason to any situation. Despite the fact that some adults are better than others at managing their emotions, it is not until adulthood that the front part of the brain fully connects with the emotional middle brain. In fact it’s not until the age of 25 that all the connections fully develop. Before that age, and especially as a teenager there are fewer connections so your ability to deal with tough times on the pitch are limited.

However there are footballpsychology techniques that you can use that help you grow these connections and help you become better at dealing with emotions and in turn more focused. Here is a simple 4-step process to improve your emotional management:

1.As a footballpsychologist I tell my clients that managing emotions actually begins before playing. It’s so important to understand that football is not a game of perfect. Decisions are going to go against you, you will make mistakes as will your team mates, some weeks your opponents will play miraculously well and some weeks things will just go against you. Accept this. Before you cross that white line say to yourself “Ok there will be some moments during the game today when things will happen that I don’t like. Make sure I forget these moments and keep playing positively.”

2.Emotions start to get out of control when you focus on the things you can’t control. There is a great saying in footballpsychology which is “Control the controllables.” Recognise what you can and can’t control and make sure you don’t sweat the things you can’t. Focus on the things you can control. Examples of things you can’t control on the pitch include the referee and the conditions of the pitch. Both are beyond our control and yet I continue to see and experience players who get wound up by both.

3.Managing emotions start with SPOTTING that you are getting angry, frustrated or down on yourself. In fact this is the most crucial part of emotional management. Allow a negative emotion to take hold and it can wreck your game. Awareness is the first step in dealing with your feelings. When you SPOT that you are getting angry label what is happening to you. Say to yourself “I am getting angry”. Some of the leading science researchers in the world have discovered that simply labelling the emotion you are feeling is alone enough to deal with the emotion. As a footballpsychologist I find this method really effective.

4. Now it’s time to SHIFT that negative emotion. Shift your anger by taking some deep breaths and by telling yourself to “relax!” Simple idea but not always easy to do. If you are feeling despondent then lift yourself by using your body language. Start moving, constantly check your shoulders to see what’s going on around you, get on your toes and communicate with your team mates loudly. You need actions that get adrenaline and dopamine (your focus hormone) flowing to raise your alertness and motivation. Classic footballpsychology in action!

Practice Plan; Dribbling - Taking on and Beating Opponents

2011-11-28T21:08:00.001Z

Objective: Dribbling - Taking on and Beating Opponents

I have listened too and read a lot of experienced coaches advice on what makes a good coaching session for kids and spent sometime this week experimenting with putting together what for the U8 team I coach would be a "template" for future lesson plans, one that ticks many boxes.

Those boxes are:
a) Consistent set up - Use a training pitch layout that the players recognise each week, that will help with the instructions of where to go and how to play the activity. One that helps them create pictures in their minds as they practise (eg:attacking done in the attacking third etc). A system that needs as little changing of cones as possible.
b) Focused on Ball Mastery - whilst coaching and giving the players the opportunity to learn new moves and feints eliminate the need for players to be standing in lines taking turns. Give the players loads of opportunities to use their favourite and newly learnt skills in the sessions.
c) Game related - not only in terms of the activity but also with the direction its played and where the activity is played on the training pitch, whilst recreating the chaos of match play at this age. The objectives also need to be relevant, football pitches don't have goals in the middle third of pitch - so goals set up in this area for example could become the space between two opposition players that they get a point for getting through.
d) Make it fun - No more passing drills, Use activities for 2v2. 3v3 or overload games that are focused on touches and ball mastery, but allow the players too experiment and let them decide when its right to pass. Yes it great to see a team of 7 year olds pass the ball from one end of the pitch to the other, but I want them to do it because they think it was the right - not because adults on the touchline are dictating, Passing is allowed, but wont be a condition.

The set up: Magic Rectangle - I use this a lot in the set up of my sessions and have written about it on the blog, but to be able to make things work in terms of my objectives I would need to layout two of them, one on top of the other. First layout diagram A then put cones on top of those to make the set up the same as on diagram b .For some sessions like todays, the first layout wont be used.

I set up each rectangle as 10 yards wide by 15 yards long. Overall pitch size of 30x45, but make it appropriate to your players age and ability.

Warm Up: Ball Mastery - As a pre game warm up on match days we have been getting the players comfortable with some of the ball mastery techniques they have been practising over the season. We are now going to carrying this on in training. Each skill is given a number and the name to help them remember them.

1 - Toe Taps
2 - Tick Tocks
3 - Pull Push
4 - Scissors
5 - Stepover Turn
6 - Ronaldo Chop
7 - The V (The Puskas)
8 - Sole Drag
9 - Rivelino

With the exception of the first two (which are carried out static) the rest are done trying to create some of the chaos of a game. You will notice then when setting up the pitch I have set up a goal at either end of the pitch to set the direction in the players mind. The ball mastery is completed in the middle third. Players are asked to go and stand along either the red line of cones or the blue line of cones - their choice. Players are then asked to dribble the ball across to the opposite line of cones performing the feint or change of direction at least once. Players work back and forwards between the lines of cones and change to the next skill on the coaches request. Allow them at least 4 or 5 attempts at each skill.before changing.

Work in small groups: Line Soccer - Split players into pairs, if you have an odd number have one group as a three. Players stand on a goal line opposite each other. Get them to imagine they are in game, they have got the ball in midfield and they need to beat the opponent in front of them by using a change of direction or feint.

Playing 1v1 they are trying to beat their opponent and dribble across the line of cones their opponent started at.to get a point. IF have a group of three, get them to play 2v1, don't have one standing out, or taking turns.

Work in small areas: Line Soccer - This is just a simple progression of the previous activity. Using the middle and the attacking third play 2v2 or 3v2 across two of the wide channels/rectangles. Place a small goal on the goal line of each pitch. The pitch is deliberately long and narrow to produce more 1v1 opportunities and options for the player in possession to dribble when there is space.

One team will be the attacking team the other will play as the defending team. Explain to the players that the attacking team are trying to get the ball in the goal if they can dribble the ball into the goal they get an extra point. The defending team are trying to get the ball into midfield and score by dribbling across the line of blue cones, recreating the scenario of getting the ball away from danger and towards the opponents goal. Change the roles over so both teams get to play as attackers and defenders, also consider swapping groups - so the players get to play against different opponents. Let them decide when its right to pass and when its right to dribble.

Group Work: Line Soccer – The players are then split into two teams, 5x5 or 6v5, whatever suits your group. The four central cones and the goals used for the previous drill are removed.

The game is played the same as the 2v2 activity, but with the use of the whole pitch and the support of extra players, but no goalkeepers. Players score goals for getting the ball in the goal if they can dribble the ball into the goal they get an extra point.

Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players taking the players on 1v1.

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Non Competitive Games - Do they work?

2011-11-11T20:13:00.001Z

Non Competitive Games - Do they work?

I have spent the last 16 months coaching teams at the under 8 age group within the revised FA framework of no league tables. Whats your experience, does it work? Are coaches more aware of long term player development? Are adults changing their behaviour at youth football games?

If I had been asked this question towards the end of last season I probably would have said that the changes have had a positive effect. 10 weeks into this season and I'm not so sure. One thing has changed for me since then, this year we are playing against effectively 'A' teams, last season we where playing against 'B' teams and although there still aren't any points at stake, the adults (coaches and parents) involved with 'A' teams have a greater desire to win games.

Most weeks I see coaches rely on a single player to influence the game for them, to the extent that they take all the set pieces, including the goal kicks for the keeper. the corners from both sides, a free kick anywhere on the pitch becomes a shooting opportunity. I still see players not getting even half a game, I still see 7 and 8 year old players being chastised for making mistakes that the grown ups would never had made if they had been playing....yeah right!!

I started coaching 8 years ago and the same problems still exist now that existed then. Is it any wonder when, in my experience, there are still far more old level 1 courses available than the new FA youth modules for coaches taking their first steps. A new approach to coaching kids that is being promoted by the FA.

I was talking too a dad at my sons school the other day, his son plays for a team that are having a lot of success winning games, but at the expense of long term player development., he summed up youth coaching for me in the UK, when he said "His (the coach) heart is in the right place". There are coaches who are doing things with good intentions, but the reality is that he possibly doesn't understand how children learn or the physiological aspects of coaching children and the benefits that a focus on long term development can have on young players. They stopped learning when they finished there course.

So do Non-competitive games help? For me not much has changed, taking away league tables has changed the behaviour of those that needed to change. Hardly surprising when the name alone doesn't work. There is no such thing as a non-competitive game for most kids, kids want to win, whether on the park or in the playground. The problem comes when adults feel the need to help them win. But for all the problems that exist I wouldn't want the tables brought back.

I wont pretend that it is easy for coaches to follow a path of long term player development, with parents moaning about why Johnny isn't playing striker and why Jimmy is getting to play the whole game despite being the best player, having to put up with fellow coaches boasting about their league position at club meetings.

But having had success, if you can call winning leagues with kids a success, by putting development before results at an early age in the years before playing 11 a side and then seeing the team win promotion 3 years running and with most of them playing at Alliance league level now I will continue down the not so trodden path of LTPD whilst playing competitive league organised games and hopefully look back in a few years and see I made the right decision again.

Practice Plan: Shooting - Scoring the Chelsea Way

2011-11-09T21:38:00.000Z

Objective: Shooting - Scoring the Chelsea Way

This session is adapted from a session used by Chelsea development coaches.

Warm Up: Shooting Gallery - More often than not most of the players will grab a ball when they get to training and either start shooting at a keeper and blasting the ball at each other over varying distances. So I thought I would start this session off by giving them what they want. In this drill the players get a lot of time on the ball to perfect the technique. when shooting get the players to look at the target on the run up and put accuracy before power. The players at either end of the shooting lane take turns at shooting, making sure they give the keeper time to turn, Keep at least a 2 yard gap between goals and don't let players get too close when taking shots.

You can make it easier by not using a keeper. You can make it harder by having someone serve the ball to the shot taker.

Work in small groups: Racing through on Goal - The central player passes through one of the gates for the striker to run, control and then shoot into the corner of the goal (across the goalkeeper). The practice works to the right and then left, by ensuring players rotate starting positions they get to work on shooting with both feet

To make it easier use a cone instead of a goalkeeper and to make it harder introduce a defender to chase the striker.

Combination Play - Player A dribbles towards the goal completing a skill and shoots
at goal (across the goalkeeper). Player B then passes to Player A and runs to receive a
return pass to shoot at goal. Player B now becomes a defender as Player C dribbles towards the goal. Player C know has the option of shooting themselves or using Player A (playing 2v1)

The coach should ensure players get to play from each of the starting points. To make the drill easier remove the goalkeeper, to make it harder add a defender for each stage.

Work in small areas: Chelsea Game - Playing 4v4 or 5v5 in one half of the pitch. one team are trying to combine quickly to score a goal. The other team are trying to play a through ball in order to get a player running through on goal 1v1 to score against the goalkeeper. Don't forget to swap over the teams objectives.

Group Work: Normal Match – Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players taking their opportunites to shoot at goal.

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Tapio Mäntysalo - Barcelona Training Week

2011-10-26T21:24:00.000+01:00

Tapio is a typical parent coach currently coaching U13's in South-West Finland. He started football coaching six years ago, when his sons' team needed an assistant coach. A year ago he took full responsibility for that team. Tapio has completed some Finnish FA coaching courses, but in his own words "they have not provided very much useful information". So he has been learning about coaching from internet and looking at how other coaches do their job.

The greatest influence in his coaching has been reading Horst Wein's books, and he was lucky enough to participate in a course of his a year ago. Last week he participated in course run by SoccerServices, below are his notes on from that a great Barcelona training week, which I hope you find as interesting as I did:

Joan Vila, one of the founders of Soccer Services, is currently FCB “director of methodology”, I understood he is responsible for the training methods and practices (but he is not coaching himself) from the smallest kids up to the second team. Joan wasn’t present, but two other founders were.

Horst Wein has been working in Barcelona area, and his work was referred to often. Especially considering at which age it is best to teach which topics. The phrase “player development process” was mentioned often.

They said it seems in Spanish football all works well, but the reality is different. There are still playing formats of 7vs7 and 11vs11 available for most of the kids - that is too hard a better model would be 3v3>4v4>7v7>9v9>11v11.

They do not want to win games with junior teams. They want to develop players. Player development is divided in three stages: before 9 years of age is the egocentric stage, 10 to 14 years of age is the summative stage, over 15 collective stage As an example, u8 kids should not learn passing: They still live in egocentric phase. It is me and the ball or 1vs1.This is important for these kids, this is what they will learn easily. 10-14 year old players are best able to learn combination play with their team mates. They still think of themselves mostly, but they can see team-mates as opportunities. 15 years and older they should learn special skills for position, they are ready for collective benefits.

This development model tries to optimize learning at each age. 999 out of 1000 players learn best this way.

- Teach skills that the player is the most eager to learn and practice at his current age

- Prevent teaching skills that are too complex to that age > learning is not so effective > practice time wasted

- Prevent teaching skills that are too easy and already learned > learning is not effective > practice time wasted

Position rotation of players should happen until 15 years.

What to coach:

6-7:

- running with the ball

- ball protection

- tackling

- dribbling

- (less) control of orientation (body position related to ball, field and other players)

- (less) kicking the ball

8-9:

same as 6-7, but more emphasis on control of orientation (body position with regards to play)

10-11:

- dribbling

- control of orientation

- supporting

- marking

- covering

- passing

- shooting

- unchecking (get rid of your marker)

- positioning in the zone (zonal play)

- wideness

- depth

- (less) header

- (less) crossing

12-13:

- passing

- header

- crossing

Note that passing as a concept includes the whole team work in relation to opponent.

If you train according to this, you will not necessarily win the matches early on. But the players and the team will be much better eventually.

The coach should coach the same topic(s) for e.g. 3 months, until the players learn it. Then move to next topic. Do not coach the previous topic anymore. This approach was new to me and most of the fellow coaches:

- they coach the same topic area for like 100 or 150 sessions (can be 3 sessions in one practice hour). Then they move to next topic area.

- the training is based on games. Always games, designed to learn the topic.

- only coach what your theme is: e.g. if your theme is passing/creating space, you don’t then coach the defenders, you don’t coach using wrong foot, etc. You only coach the topic.

- the coaching is done by asking questions from a single player who did not succeed (not the whole group). it is not allowed to tell the solution to the player: the player must think himself. It is much better to ask 20 times and let the player think compared to just providing a solution.

- the players will not be bored, because you only play 15-20 minutes of each game, then you change the game. But the coaching theme should be the same (e.g. passing/creating space)

Almost everything can be coached with three basic game formats:

- keep the ball game (with extra players)

- wave (attack with extra player towards a single goal)

- 2 goal game with extra players

- extra rules can be added, and there can be also special zones, e.g. for keeping the playing wide

Some notes from FCB playing style:

- keep the ball, don’t loose it

- look for space, look for numeric advantage

- play from left in order to attack from right (fool the defense)

- play from wings in order to attack from the middle (fool the defense)

- team maturity can be measured by the number of REASONABLE back passes

- pass back in order to create space and depth (when the ball is played to front, the depth is temporarily lost)

- direct passes and indirect passes (via 3rd team mate)

- constant support to the player in ball possession

- strikers need to keep the game deep and wide

- midfielders needed inside to provide passing options and to occupy space

- Diamond is the basic structure in the game and in practices. Triangle is not that good.

- Important in all the practice games, especially the keep-the-ball games: ALWAYS have a player in the middle also, to learn how the midfield is played.

Typical practice session:

- warm-up

- keep-the-ball game 20min

- wave game 20min

- 2 goal game 20 min

They spent a lot of time to organize the game so that the players play as they wanted so that they can then start coaching the theme they had planned. Often they adjusted the game rules for 10 minutes before the actual coaching started. Especially in the beginning they commented the playing speed of the kids in the sessions was too fast. “Calm down, think!” “Don’t run, think! Where is the best position?”

Practice Plan: Dribbling - Beating opponents

2011-10-12T22:09:00.001+01:00

Objective: To improve players ability to dribble with the ball under close control and attempt to beat opponents 1 v 1.

Warm Up:
Ball Work - With a ball each, so that the players get plenty of touches, go through the following Ronaldo 7 moves as deomonstrated in Tim Wareings youtube video below,

Work in small areas:
1v1 Individual Control and Creativity

The diagram above shows the following four 1v1 games which are worked through with the team. If you have more than 8 players just add extra grids. The grids should appropriate to the age and ability of the players.

Game 1- Leg Goals: In pairs, one player with ball, in each grid. The blue player has ball and must dribble ball around grid trying to kick it into the legs of the red player. The red player must avoid being hit by using quick feet. The blue player gets 2 minutes to get as many points as they can then change over so the red players have the ball.

Game 2 - Keep Ball: The Blue player dribbles the ball and tries to shield the ball from the red player who must either put the ball out of play or regain possession for a point. Play for 2 minutes then change over and make the red player keep the ball.

Game 3 - Line Soccer: Players stand on a goal line opposite each other The red player passes ball to the blue player who must then try to beat the red player and score a point by stopping the ball on the opposite line. How many goals can the blue player score in 2 minutes before the roles are reversed?

Game 4 - 3 Way Goals: The red player passes to the blue player who then has to beat the red player to either of the 3 corners. 1 point to corner goals 3 points for the goal behind the defenders starting position. Play for 2 minutes then reverse the roles.

Work in small groups:
2v2 Create and exploit space

By taking away the central cones from the grids, we now have the set up for some 2v2 games, progressing the coaching from the work in small areas.

Game 1 - Line Soccer: Players stand on a goal line opposite each other A red player passes ball to the blue players who must then try to beat the red players and score a point by stopping the ball on the opposite line. How many goals can the blue player score in 5 minutes before the roles are reversed?

Game 2 - 3 Way Goals: Players stand diagonally opposite each other. A red player passes to the blue player who then has work with his team mate to beat the red players to either of the 3 corners. 1 point to corner goals 3 points for the goal behind the defenders starting position. Play for 5 minutes then reverse the roles.

4v4 Goalkeeper Game: Two teams play normal game rules with Goalkeepers. To start the game both keepers have a ball in their hand. The coach will then call the colour of the team which is to start the match. The other keeper must quickly put their own ball in their net. Once a goal has been scored the keeper who concedes starts with a throw out (max game time is 10 minutes). Reward creativity by giving extra points for skills/ tricks.

Group Work: Normal Match – Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players dribbling and taking players on 1v1.

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

2011-10-05T20:48:00.005+01:00

How to find free Soccer lesson plans on the internet.

Linking and adding the free lesson plans I find on the internet was taking up far too much of my precious free time so I have decided to let you know how I found them, so that you can help yourself, while I continue to post my own plans and links to valuable coaching resources.

The advanced search option is a great tool for finding free lesson plans on the web and eliminating a lot of the junk and subscription material that is available. Over the years I have created a database of hundreds of lessons plans that I have been able to download freely (and that is just the sessions I wanted to keep) by using advanced search options.

Try it now, type U6 lesson plans into Google now and you will get a list of sites for that search. Now click on advanced search and change the file type option to PDF and click advanced search. You will now get links direct to PDF' s for you to download. Try it with other coaching related searches and see what you can find. Also try changing the filetype to .doc to uncover even more documents.

The search options are limited only to your imagination. You never now you may even come across some subscription based material too.

Practice Plan: Dribbling - Basic Technique

2011-10-01T23:51:00.000+01:00

Objective: To improve players ability to dribble with the ball under close control and attempt to beat opponents 1 v 1.
The inspiration for this session came from @chrisproskills on twitter who made me reflect on what I am doing as coach. I was falling into the trap of "I know what I am doing" rather than asking myself "What am I coaching and who am I coaching?". Make sure you ask yourselves these questions before you plan any session.

Setting up the cones in advance has the added benefit of allowing the players to imagine the cones as opponents when doing the ball mastery work during the warm up.

Warm Up: Ball Work - With a ball each, so that the players get plenty of touches, go through the following feints and change of direction moves.

Stop turn - demonstrated here
Pull Push - demonstrated here
Stepover - demonstrated here
High Wave - demonstrated here
Drag Back - demonstrated here

Work in small groups: Four Goal Game

This is a great game for improving basic techniques and vision. The use of four goals means that players will learn to use the space, as a result the game should increase awareness and encourage players to play with their heads up, rather than looking down at the ball all the time.

Start off with 1v1 but with 8/10 players in the central third. The objective for the players is to beat their opponent and dribble through one of the goals. Once a goal is scored the player should leave the ball for his opponent and allow him space to dribble the ball onto the pitch. You can make this game easier by allowing players to score in any of the goals rather having the game directional.

Then progress the game to 2v2 as this will encourage players to switch play and look for space. Then onto 4v4.

Work in small areas: Dribble of Pass?

This game is played 3v3 or 4v4 in the middle third with a keeper in each goal. The objective is the same as the four goal game above, except this time the player that goes through the cones with the ball is allowed to go 1 on 1 against the keeper, to try and score. You can make this game harder by allowing one of the defender into the attacking third to tackle the striker.

Group Work: Normal Match – Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players dribbling and taking players on 1v1.

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

How to teach Speed of Play? - Jared Montz

2011-09-19T20:30:00.001+01:00

Guest blogger Jared Montz is a former pro soccer player and founder of OnlineSoccerAcademy.com. At OnlineSoccerAcademy.com they make better soccer players through free online training videos. Their mission is to teach players that if you Believe in it® and back that up with hard work, anything in life is possible. Friend Jared on Facebook and Twitter

How to teach Speed of Play?

Do you wish your players made better passes? Do you want your players to make smarter decisions and increase their speed of play?

Coaches tell their players they need to increase their speed of play and they need to know what they are going to do with the ball before they get it. Telling a player is one thing, teaching them HOW to increase their speed of play is another.

The MOST IMPORTANT thing I teach my Online Soccer Academy players is to check their shoulders before receiving a pass. I believe this should come as natural as picking your foot up to receive a pass.

When a player checks their shoulder they are looking for defenders, attackers, space, runs, maybe the goalie is out and they can shoot early, etc. If a defender is coming pass it back, if no defenders are around you then turn and go forward. It sounds easy right, but it’s not easy to make it look easy.

Why do players looked rushed and frantic on the ball?

This happens because players feel like defenders are closing them down when they are not because they are not aware of their surroundings. As a coach you are on the sideline screaming, “Time, you have time!!!!!”

For the player they don’t realize they have time because they are NOT CHECKING THEIR SHOULDERS and they are only focusing on receiving the pass. As a coach you need to teach them this and make it a habit from an early age.

Watch my Online Soccer Academy training video above and you will learn a simple exercise your players can do to increase their speed of play. In my opinion this can be taught to players as early as seven years old.

Practice Plan: Dribbling - Basic Technique

2011-09-17T19:07:00.000+01:00

Objective: Dribbling - Basic Technique

Set up the playing area using the magic rectangle below, which will limit the number of cones that need to be moved throughout the session. The magic rectangle also provides a good visual aid for young players when advising which area to go to, or when describing what they have too achieve. Although the intention is to play in the four numbered areas, if you get more players or need to split groups, you can use the five grids that are created in the middle.

Warm Up: Ball Work - With a ball each players are asked to perform tricks and turns will moving around the whole pitch. Players are taken through a series of change of direction moves. For example, drag backs, step overs, sticky tape etc. Player are encouraged to run at the other players and perform the move.

Work in small groups:
Attacker v Defender - 1 ball between 2 players. 4-6 players per rectangle. One player has the ball and plays as the attacker and his job is to move at speed while dribbling in the grid, keeping his body between the defender and the ball the whole time. This is not just about speed, it is about learning to hide the ball from your opponent. His partner who is the defender has to stay close enough to touch and counts the number of times he touches the defender. Rotate the roles after a minute. This can be quite tiring for younger players.

Dribbling under pressure - With 4-5 players per rectangle a but one of the players has a ball. The player without a ball acts as a defender and chases dribblers. Once they win the ball the player who is tackled becomes the defender. Encourage players to use the feints and changes of direction they used in the warm to beat the defender.

Work in small areas: Line Dribbling Game - Players are split into groups of 4 or 6 per rectangle and compete against each other 2v2 or 3v3 in each rectangle. As the goal line is right across the pitch as in Rugby, the defending team have a large amount of pitch to defend. It also of course means you have a large goal to score in. The idea is to combine with your partner, or go 1v1 against your opponent to score by stopping the ball on the end line. You can work with attackers by talking about support and timing of pass, or you can work on defending and ensure one man goes to the ball, the other protects the space behind/marks. Or just let them play!

Its also easy now to progress the game so that the players in rectangle 2 play against those in rectangle 1 across the pitch and the same for those playing in rectangles 3 and 4. With a bit of forethought at the beginning of the session as to which players go to which rectangle - it can still be competitive and not dominated by one group.

Group Work: Normal Match – Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players dribbling and taking players on 1v1.

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Practice Plan: Shooting - Basic Technique

2011-06-23T19:15:00.001+01:00

Objective:

Shooting - Basic Technique

Warm Up:

Ball Work - In our warm up we are concerned with giving the players the confidence to use both feet. So we work through the following routine of touches:

1 Inside, inside, outside of best foot

2 Inside, inside, outside of weak foot

3 Inside, inside, outside, sole drag with best foot

4 Inside, inside, outside, sole drag with weak foot

5 Toes, toes, toes, step-over with best foot

6 Toes, toes, toes step-over with weak foot

7 Toes, toes, toes, step-over with best foot and then take away with weak foot

8 Toes, toes, toes. step-over with weak foot and then take away with best foot

9 Dribble forward and cut the ball with the inside of your best foot behind your weak foot

10 Dribble forward and cut the ball with the inside of your weak foot behind your best foot.

Work in small groups:

Shooting Gallery - In this drill the players get a lot of time on the ball to perfect the technique. when shooting get the players to look at the target on the run up and put accuracy before power. The players at either end of the shooting lane take turns at shooting, making sure they give the keeper time to turn, Keep at least a 2 yard gap between goals and dont let players get too close when taking shots.

You can make it easier by not using a keeper. You can make it harder by having someone serve the ball to the shot taker.

Work in small areas:

Open Goal - This game rewards teams who shoot at every opportunity and who have the courage to attempt long range shots. Select two teams and mark a half-way line and a no go zone around the goal. This played as a normal games expect their are no goalkeepers and shots can be taken in the opponents half only.

To make it easier add a neutral player who plays for the team in possession. To make it harder add a condition that shots must be taken with the first touch.

Group Work:
Fox in the Box - To score a goal you need to knock down a traffic cone. However you are not allowed in the end zone so you have to kick the ball accurately in order to knock the cone down. When knocked over the cone stays down until all the cones at one end are knocked down. The team that knocks all the cones down first wins. Players will need to make imaginative runs and get into space so they have to chance to set themselves to kick the ball and knock over a cone for a goal.

To make it harder increase the size of the end zone, or reduce the number of cones. To make it easier add a neutral player who plays for the team in possession, or allowing any shot between the cones to count as a goal.

Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players taking opportunities to shoot when they arise..

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Practice Plan: Dribbling - Basic Technique

2011-06-21T20:36:00.002+01:00

Objective:

Dribbling - Basic Technique

Warm Up:

Ball Work - In our warm up we are concerned with giving the players the confidence to use both feet. So we work through the following routine of touches:

1 Inside, inside, outside of best foot

2 Inside, inside, outside of weak foot

3 Inside, inside, outside, sole drag with best foot

4 Inside, inside, outside, sole drag with weak foot

5 Toes, toes, toes, step-over with best foot

6 Toes, toes, toes step-over with weak foot

7 Toes, toes, toes, step-over with best foot and then take away with weak foot

8 Toes, toes, toes. step-over with weak foot and then take away with best foot

9 Dribble forward and cut the ball with the inside of your best foot behind your weak foot

10 Dribble forward and cut the ball with the inside of your weak foot behind your best foot.

Work in small groups:

Diagonals - This drill allows the you to work with a number of players at once. Get players to walk through the skill at first and increase the pace gradually. Split the teams into groups at diagonally opposite markers. The first two players at opposite cones (i.e yellow) go at the same time dribbling towards the centre cone. They must perform the designated dribbling skill and pass the cone on opposite side. The first two players at the other two markers then go and the drill continues to rotate in that manner.

To make it harder you can add a passive defender at the centre cone, who is allowed to intercept poorly timed moves.

To make it easier allow players to perform their favourite dribbliing skill.

Work in small areas:

2v2 Winner Stays On - This leads on nicely from the previous low pressure drill to a compettive situation.. Players are put into pairs and play 2v2 with other teams waiting on the side to come on. Once all four players are ready the defending pair, starting from the end zone, pass the ball to one of the attacking pair and press the ball. The attacking pair must combine to beat the defenders and get a foot on the ball in the end zone. If they succeed they attack again against a new pair, if they fail they become defenders and so on .

Group Work:

Stanley Matthews Game - The game is the same set up as line soccer only in a 4v4 game you play with 2 balls. Players are not allowed to pass but can do a take with a player from your own team. To score a point for the team a player must dribble the ball and stop it on the end line.

To make it harder you can add a third ball. To make it easier add an end zone for the players to dribble the ball into, or add a neutral player. This game can be quiet tiring, so play it in short bursts.

Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players dribbling and taking players on 1v1.

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Practice Plan: Running with the Ball - Basic Technique

2011-06-20T07:43:00.001+01:00

Objective:

Running with the Ball - Improve Basic Technique

Warm Up:

Ball Work - In our warm up we are concerned with giving the players the confidence to use both feet. So we work through the following routine of touches:

1 Inside, inside, outside of best foot

2 Inside, inside, outside of weak foot

3 Inside, inside, outside, sole drag with best foot

4 Inside, inside, outside, sole drag with weak foot

5 Toes, toes, toes, step-over with best foot

6 Toes, toes, toes step-over with weak foot

7 Toes, toes, toes, step-over with best foot and then take away with weak foot

8 Toes, toes, toes. step-over with weak foot and then take away with best foot

9 Dribble forward and cut the ball with the inside of your best foot behind your weak foot

10 Dribble forward and cut the ball with the inside of your weak foot behind your best foot.

Work in small groups:

Relay - This is a simple drill that allows players to practice running with the ball, but you need to ensure that the players are working at full speed and getting rests. Players start at a cone and run with the ball until they are just past the pole. They then make a diagonal pass to the player at the front of the next line. They then run with the ball as far as the other pole and pass it across.

Make it harder by asking them to pass with the weaker foot, or make the space bigger. To make it easier reduce the space between the cone and the pole and the distance that seperates the two lines.

Work in small areas:

End Zone Game - This game gives players the chance to get experience at taking on opponents. Split the group into teams. To score a goal a player must run with the ball into the end zone, marked out with discs. When a goal is scored the game is restarted in the end zone with the scoring team withdrawn, enabling the game to start with a player running with the ball.

To make it harder you could reduce the width of the pitch, or not allow forward passes. To make it easier you can increase the pitch space or play with an extra player who is neutral and plays for the team in possesion.

Group Work:

Line Soccer - A well known game that has a number of good teaching points for players. Play this game on a normal size 4v4 pitch or make the pitch wider than it is long. Similar to the End Zone Game above, but in this game players have to show more control as to score a goal they must run with the ball and stop it on the end line for the goal to count.

To make it harder you can ask players to a trick as they get to the line or reduce the playing space.

To make it easier increase the pitch space or add an End Zone.

Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players running with the ball.

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Practice Plan: Short Passing - Basic Technique

2011-06-19T16:44:00.001+01:00

I have taken advantage of the summer break to put together 5 weeks worth of session plans that I intended to rotate through at the beginning of the season. Working with younger players I am hoping that the familiarity of the games and drills will help with their development and understanding.

Objective:
Short Passing - Basic Technique

Warm Up:
Ball Work - In the warm up I want to give the players the confidence to use both feet. So we will work through the following routine of touches:

1 Inside, inside, outside of best foot

2 Inside, inside, outside of weak foot

3 Inside, inside, outside, sole drag with best foot

4 Inside, inside, outside, sole drag with weak foot

5 Toes, toes, toes, step-over with best foot

6 Toes, toes, toes step-over with weak foot

7 Toes, toes, toes, step-over with best foot and then take away with weak foot

8 Toes, toes, toes. step-over with weak foot and then take away with best foot

9 Dribble forward and cut the ball with the inside of your best foot behind your weak foot

10 Dribble forward and cut the ball with the inside of your weak foot behind your best foot.

Work in small groups:
Passing Circles - Players move around within a designated area (size depends upon
ability and number of players) with a Ball per group. Players pass the ball around to each other. As shown in the diagram below you dont have to use a circle.

To make the drill harder add more balls or ask them to make a specific movement when they receive the ball.

To make it easier get the players to throw the ball to each other. Throwing the ball means players keep their head up and see the whole picture. They could also be asked to stop and take a look before passing.

Work in small areas:
Target Game -This game takes the previous drill a step further by making it directional. On a pitch appropriate to the number and age of the players mark out a playing area with two end zones (as below). The players are split into small groups and are asked to pass the ball between each other making the final pass to one of their teammates making a run into the end zone. They then turn around and work to the other end zone.

The game can then be progressed by playing one team against anotherInitially there will be a target player for each team. Each team has one player in the end zone that they are attacking and they score a point for each time they pass the ball to their team mate in the end zone.

The game can be made harder by having all the players in the main area with a player needing to make runs into the end zone to receive the ball and score a point. To make it easier the players can through the ball to each other.

Group Work:

Vision Game – Is another game where players must use their insight and get their heads up. Lots of decision making. The idea is for the teams to score in any of the 3 goals by passing the ball between the cones.

To make the game harder put one extra person behind the goals. They do not touch the ball but run behind the line of the three goals. If they are standing behind a specific goal, the other team cant score behind that goal.

To make the game easier, either overload the teams or play with a floating player who plays for both teams.

Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players passing well and moving into space when their team is in possession.

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Practice Plan: Passing - Champions League Style

2011-05-31T21:45:00.003+01:00

Objective: Passing - Champions League Style
I ran this session on the day of the Champions League Final between Manchester United and Barcelona. Even at 6 and 7 years old, kids get excited about big finals and start taking sides. So for we used drills and games that both clubs have used

Warm Up:
Ball Work - El Rondo
Players play 3v1 in a space appropriate to their age and skill. The player in the middle has the job of getting the ball off of the other players by intercepting it as they attempt to pass it to each other. When the central player intercepts the ball, the player who made the pass must become the central player. This is a fast paced game, so ensure one person doesnt spend too much time in the middle chasing the ball. This can also be progressed to 4v2 in a larger area. For the younger players I coach I used an area 20x30 and started the drill off with no tackling.

Here is a video of Barcelona using the Rondo for a warm up

Work in small groups:
Passing to End Zones - One of the challenges with the El Rondo is that players remain fairly static, so to progress this into a directional exercise I added to small end zones to the area. The objective now for the players in possession is to make a run into the end zone to receive a pass. As before if the defender recovers the ball he swaps places with the player who made the pass. We played this game both unopposed and opposed.

Work in small areas:

Four Goal Game - This game was used as part of a study into small sided games at

Manchester United. With groups split into two teams, this is played as a normal game but with two goals on each end line to target. However given that the session was about passing I decided to varying the games scoring method. To score a goal a team had to knock over a cone on the end line they are attacking. First to knock all four down wins. Then pick them all up and start again.

Group Work:
Champions League Final – What better way to end the season and the session on Champions League Final day than to recreate the game. One team Manchester United, the other being Barcelona and the players being their favourite player. For the record our game ended 5-5 and Barca won the penalty shoot out 3-2

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Practice Plan: Possession - Using the ball to prevent bunching

2011-05-24T21:24:00.002+01:00

A comment I received on Twitter about last weeks lesson plan gave me the idea for this session. I was likely to be coaching up to 16 young kids on my own, so wanted a session that needed little explaining and as little setting up during the session as possible.

So with some forward planning and inspiration from a fellow coach this is what I put together. Once set up, I only needed to take cones away for the progressions to the next stage.

Objective: Possession - Using the ball to prevent bunching

Warm Up:
Ball Work - In a grid appropriate to the age of the players set up a number of gates using three different coloured cones. All the players have a ball and the coach calls out one of the three colours, the players then have to dribble their ball through those coloured gates, when the coach shouts out a different colour the players change and dribble through those. The coach should change the colour frequently (20 to 30 seconds). Or why not try getting the players to perform a skill or turn as they go through the gate.

After 2-3 minutes stop the players and run through some dynamic stretches.

Follow the stretching with some light jogging. As at the beginning the coach calls out a colour while the players are jogging in the grid but the players must now sprint through a gate of the colour the coach called and then return to a light jog.

Passing in Pairs - Every pair takes a ball and stands opposite each other at a gate with one ball for each pair. The coach gets the players to start passing the ball between the gate 1 and 2 touch (make it a competition by asking them to count the passes). The coach should then progress the passing to using the weaker foot and then getting the pairs to take it in turns to take a touch and pass the ball back to their partner around the outside of the cones. As before practice with the weaker foot.

Work in small groups:
The Parma Game - Split the group into 4 teams and play two of these games parallel to each other. To score a goal, a player from one team has to pass the ball through the goal, where a player from his team controls the ball on the other side without any of the opposition touching it first. (You can score in either side of the goal.) You then have to score through a different goal before you can return to the one you have just scored in, unless the opposition get the ball. Players need to get their heads up to see the full picture and pass accurately.

Work in small areas:
Through the Gates - This small sided game like the Parma Game above I can accredit to Paul Cooper. Again run with two games running in parallel. The game is run like a normal game without keepers, but with a condition that for a goal to count the ball has to be passed or dribbled through one of two gates placed on the halfway line during the approach play from a teams defensive half.

Group Work:
Normal Match – Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players passing well and moving into space when their team is in possession

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Practice Plan: Possession - Keeping the Ball

2011-05-13T21:04:00.002+01:00

I cant believe how the time has flown since I last posted on the blog. Starting a new job meant I was always finding another reason (alright sometimes an excuse) not log in and take the time to post another training plan or some more links - still all that changes today with more plans and links that I have been using in the past months being added in the coming weeks.

Objective: Possession - Keeping the Ball

Warm Up:
Ball Work - In a grid appropriate to the age of the players set up a number of gates using three different coloured cones. All the players have a ball and the coach calls out one of the three colours, the players then have to dribble their ball through those coloured gates, when the coach shouts out a different colour the players change and dribble through those. The coach should change the colour frequently (20 to 30 seconds).

After 2-3 minutes stop the players and run through some dynamic stretches.

Follow the stretching with some light jogging. As at the beginning the coach calls out a colour while the players are jogging in the grid but the players must now sprint through a gate of the colour the coach called and then return to a light jog.

Work in small groups:
Numbers Up Possession - In a grid appropriate for the players 3 teams play keep-away with 2 teams (attacking) working together to stop the defending team from gaining possession. This games works for anything from 2v2v2 to 5v5v5. When the defending gets the ball the still have to keep the ball for as long as possible. This game can be quite tiring so rotate the defending team regularly.

Work in small areas:
Line Soccer - Play this dribbling/possession game demonstrated here as a 3v3 or 4v4 game. The emphasis should be on maintaining possession until a scoring opportunity opens.

Group Work:
Normal Match – Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players passing well and moving into space when their team is in possession

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads.

Philosophy: Justin Wheatley

2010-12-14T21:26:00.001Z

Justin is a UEFA B qualified football coach working with Chelsea FC, In this article he explains his approach to Player Development.

As a grass roots coach, having coached at many levels, and having held a few Development roles at local clubs I feel very passionate about player development!! As coaches we should be doing our utmost to help players reach their full potential.

Personally I think we need to change our systems and mentality toward development, and we need to develop ourselves as coaches. We should all regularly try and attend refreshers courses, swap ideas and training sessions with our peers, and even look for other coaches to be our mentors!

I have been involved in a research project, (which I am trying to roll out on a big scale (if you would like to be involved and would like more details please feel free to email me)) which has given me a great insight into how I believe we can help improve our players from a young age. Currently as you know, they start at 7-a-side at U7 and then move straight up to 11-a-side at U12. It's a big change from when I first started playing - I was 6 years old playing 11-a-side on a full size pitch with a full size ball, the FA saw the need for change and introduced 7-a-side, which is much better for player development - BUT I know we can still improve on this!!

What I would like to see is the following introduced:

U7-U9 playing 4v4
U10-U12 playing 7v7
U13-U15 playing 9v9
U16 upwards 11v11

Surely we should introduce 4v4 before going 7v7?? You divide a 7-a-side pitch in 2 and have two 4v4 running simultaneously side by side, after all U7s are meant to be non competitive.

At the younger ages this will mean more touches of the ball, more decision making opportunities, etc,etc - this can only be beneficial for everyone involved, we will start to produce players who are comfortable in possession, comfortable under pressure, etc.

Why is it that the girls go from playing 7v7 to 9v9 to 11v11, but we don't do this with the boys? I hear coaches saying it's a waste if time, but I beg to differ!!

When the boys first make the transition from 7v7 to 11v11 it can be very daunting - suddenly they are on a huge pitch and some players hardly touch the ball during the space of the game! Moving from 7v7 to 9v9 on 3 quarter size pitches with 3 quarter size goal is much more of a natural progression (it's still like the senior game with off sides etc).

All we need to do is look at our national team to realise that something needs to change, our European neighbours are all progressing so much faster than us!!

Would like to hear your comments or views on this subject??

Coach Justin

Practice Plan: Passing - The Barcelona Way?

2010-12-13T11:12:00.007Z

Objective:
Passing - The Barcelona Way?

Following Barcelonas recent performances I have been receiving a number of hits to the blog from coaches searching google for Barca's training plans. Personally I dont have any so I thought I would have a go at putting one together - How I think a Barcelona Youth Lesson plan might be? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

Warm Up:
Ball Work - El Rondo
Players play 3v1 in a tight space (10 by 10). The player in the middle has the job of getting the ball off of the other players by intercepting it as they attempt to pass it to each other. When the central player intercepts the ball, the player who made the pass must become the central player. This is a fast paced game, so ensure one person doesnt spend too much time in the middle chasing the ball. This can also be progressed to 4v2 in a larger area.

Here is a video of Barcelona using the Rondo for a warm up

Work in small groups:
3v3v3 - This drill is shown on the Uefa Training Ground video below:

http://www.uefa.com/trainingground/training/drills/video/videoid=1503659.html?autoplay=true

Work in small areas:
The Cruyff Game - This game is from Paul Coopers excellent books on learning through play. Johan Cruyff, as well as being one the all time greats as player was also an excellent coach. At Barcelona most of his training sessions consisted of playing two touch football, six against four in an area half the size of the penalty area.

• Pitch sizes 30 x 20 – or 20 x 15 for U14s and above.
• Number of teams – 2
• Team sizes – 4v4 plus two extra players (one on each side who plays for the team in possession)
• Bibs optional
• Goals – Normal goals or have a number of passes equal a goal.

In a small area the movement is fast and the passes must be accurate. Two of the six play wide and play with the team in possession. It is always six with the ball and four trying to regain possession.

Group Work:
Normal Match – Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players passing well and moving into space when their team is in possession. Let the players be there favourite Barca, or Spanish player.

Practice Plan: Passing - Preventing the Swarm When in Possession

2010-12-12T14:56:00.002Z

Objective:
Passing - Preventing the Swarm When in Possession

Warm Up:
Ball Work - In two’s, the players should be passing and moving freely around the pitch. When the Coach calls out a number the players need to play that amount of passes between themselves. Using the inside of the foot. Progressions can included: The first team to complete that number of passes or asking them to try and take a number of touches before passing.

Work in small groups:
Play Out, Go Out. - Six players compete to keep possession 3 v 3 in the middle of an area appropriate for the age of the players. The aim for each team is to keep possession. Each team has two players stood outside the area, on opposite lines. In order to maintain possession a player can pass the ball to one of his team outside the area, but they then have to swap places by going out of the area. The receiving teammate must pass or dribble the ball into the area.

Work in small areas:
Target Game - Following on from the previous training this week we will play the target game 4v4 in an appropriate sized area. Initially there will be a target player for each team in the end zone so that the game is directional and 3v3 in the main area. Then this can be progressed to playing 4v4 in the main area with player needing to make runs into the end zone to receive the ball and score a point.

Group Work:
Normal Match – Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players passing well and moving into space when their team is in possession.

Follow this with a penalty shoot out between the teams adding any goals scored to the full time score. The winning team gets to run other to the imaginary press core behind the goal and celebrate.

Our diagrams are produced using session template software available at Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads.

Philosophy: Tim Wareing - TW Sports Group

2010-12-07T18:06:00.003Z

Tim Wareing holds his UEFA European A licence and has over 10 years of coaching experience. Living in Belfast, Northern Ireland, former Academy Director of Lisburn Distillery Football Club in the Irish Premier League. Here Tim explains his philosophy on developing youth players.

Last Mondays El Classico was so one sided it was embarrassing. Jose Mourinho and his multimillion ego driven squad simply didn’t deserve to be on the same pitch as the slick Barca side. 4 years ago I had the pleasure of spending a week with FC Barcelona and I learnt back then the importance that they put into developing youth (you can read my report by clicking here). So how many players came through the Academy that represented Barca on Monday? What is the organisation and structure to their Academy and how does this affect their approach to games? Read on…

My philosophy and coaching is all about developing young players that play with creativity and flair. I encourage them to run at opponents and beat them with skill. I also concentrate heavily on possession games. I always use Barca as a great example of a team full of players that play with freedom, creativity and flair but at the same time are very disciplined. When you watch Barcelona you will see triangles all over the pitch. The player on the ball always has options. They are such an exciting team to watch.

Against Real Madrid every player knew each other’s game. It wasn’t a simple case of Barca having the best players in the world. Every player instinctively knew where every other player was on the pitch at all times. Out of Barcelona’s 14 players involved against Real Madrid only 4 where not developed through the Academy (Abidal, Alves, Keita and David Villa). This compared to Real Madrid only producing Casillas with the remainder being assembled to the tune of nearly $500 million!

While Real and a host of other top European Clubs spend millions on players hoping to buy success Barca continue to develop their own home-grown players. Messi, Iniesta and Xavi all came through the Barca Academy and cost nothing. Barcelona’s youth Academy, which in Spanish goes by the name of ‘La Cantera’, meaning the quarry.

Other players to come through the Academy include Cesc Fabregas, who Arsenal took away at the age of 16, Mikel Arteta from Everton and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Barca manager, Pep Guardiola, also came through the Academy. In his first season as manager he helped Barcelona win every competition they competed in, 6 in all, including the Spanish League title, World Club Cup and the Champions League against Manchester United.

Against United in the Champions League final, 7 of Barca’s starting line up were all produced from the Academy. Goalkeeper Valdes, defenders Puyol and Pique, midfielders Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta and forward Messi.

When I visited Barcelona I loved the fact that the training complex was beside the Camp Nou. The club has a boarding house that accommodates the older boys from the Academy. Boys from the age of 13 or 14 that live outside the city are housed here so they don’t have to worry about travelling to and from training. Typically they will train for 6-8 hours per week along with playing a game. The club insures they also develop their lifestyle and attitudes along with their football education, preaching the importance of healthy eating and early nights.

The boys live, sleep and eat together. Each morning they are bussed to the best local schools. Barcelona stresses the importance of finishing their education to the boys. They return at 2pm for lunch and siesta, with training early evening. They do their homework in a library with access to private tutors and have a games room with table football, pool and PlayStations.

The boys have 3 objectives when playing matches. First, they must be the more sporting team, committing fewer fouls and being less aggressive. Then they must try to win by playing very well, more creatively than the opposition, with attacking football. Finally they need to win on the scoreboard.

Reina and Arteta were great friends at the Academy. Although Arteta suffered from homesickness and cried himself to sleep many times. Iniesta also had problems with homesickness after moving from central Spain to Barcelona at the age of 12. Saying goodbye to his parents at the end of each weekend would become a mini-drama. Although Iniesta only had to look out and see the Camp Nou to remind himself of his goal to play there.

Messi arrived at Barcelona from Argentina with his family at the age of 12. He had a growth deformity and no club in Argentina would pay for the drugs he needed to treat it. It is no surprise that Barcelona took on Messi unlike in England, where size, strength and the ability to throw your weight around is highly prized.

The model of Barcelona is that 50% of their team should be from the Academy, 35% should be the best players from Spain or Europe and then 15% from the top ten players in the world. Although the Barcelona Academy is so successful it is also producing players who are among the top ten in the world.

The Academy has 12 boys’ teams. In the Academy each squad has 2 coaches and there are 23 or 24 players in each group. At least half of the coaches have a UEFA Pro licence. The club provides the budget, around 6 million Euros per year, and is fully responsible for the academy facilities and training programme.

The qualities that Barcelona look for in a young player is pace, technique and someone who looks like a player. The speed of decision-making, the way he approaches the game, the vision to pick off a long pass – in other words, the mental qualities to go with the technical ability. The emphasis is on speed. When this speed is combined with top-quality technique, then they believe they have the ingredients.

From the age of 7 to 15 everything is about working with the football at the Barcelona Academy. With the very small boys, the most important thing is to control the ball very well, to have the ability to run with the ball and to think very quickly and execute their passes very well. They use the same playing system as the first team, so all the youth teams play 4-3-3 formation. The development teams have to play attacking, attractive football. Barcelona believe if they do everything well, the winning comes as a consequence.

They also like to keep an open mind and expose players to different playing roles as part of their education. They work intensely on the individual skill, but also on group play, including each line of the team. They train the Barca way which involves fast movement of the ball, player mobility, use of width, and a lot of fast, effective finishing. They watch the passing movements of the first team as they provide the role model of the youth teams.

Another factor which helps continue the development of young players is that Barcelona have a ‘B’ team. They play in the lower Spanish League. This helps the club continue to develop young players between the ages of 18 and 21 in a controlled environment. In England the FA prevent Premier League clubs from having feeder teams in other domestic leagues.

The Barcelona model is based on a number of people providing specialist skills and all working in the same direction, with the same objective: to prepare players for the first team.

Based on last Mondays El Classico, the people behind Barcelona’s youth Academy are certainly working in the same direction.

TIm's website http://www.trainsoccer.org/ brings all of his sessions and data together to assist fellow coaches and managers. Whether you coach at high school level or you're a parent coaching your child's local club you will find everything you need. Tim has included an extensive collection of coaching sessions from Toddler Soccer to Mini Soccer, developing to more advanced sessions for developed players. I would also recommend you take a look at his blog http://www.coachtim.org/ in the coming weeks Tim will be adding training sessions and videos.