Youth Soccer Blog

The Stop Turn

2012-12-15T17:49:00.000Z

Objective:To be able to change direction when pressure is applied from the side.

Unopposed - Set up a 10x10yd grid with a cone in the centre. If you dont have enough players to cover a whole grid, get some of the players in pairs and ask them to take turns.

Players dribble to the cone in the centre of the area. They perform the stop turn by stopping the ball with the sole of their foot whilst jumping over the ball. On landing, they change direction quickly by taking the ball away with the opposite foot and dribble back to their starting point. They need to practice with both their right and left feet.

For the first progression, take away the central cones from the grid.

Players now stand opposite each other and practice performing the stop turn by dribbling the ball towards each other and performing the move in the centre when they get near to each other. Again they must practice the move with both their right and left foot.

Limited Pressure - For the next part of the session the the players will start on the line next to each other, one player with the ball, the other running at their side.

The player with the ball dribbles towards the opposite cone, whilst being being tracked
by their partner (a defender). The player without the ball always decides on which side he wants to track his opponent, forcing his partner to use the foot on the defenders opposite side. At some point between the two cones the player with the ball must perform the stop turn move and tries to beat his partner back to the starting point. Exchange roles after each turn.

Full Pressure: This is a variation of the line soccer game that gives lots of opportunities for the stop turn move to utilized for a change of direction.

As with the previous practice one player has the ball and they are tracked by their partner who can now compete for the ball. In this full pressure game the attacker should alternate between starting with the defender on the left or the right hand side. The attackers objective is to dribble the ball across any of the three lines (straight ahead, left or right) after performing at least one stop turn move. If the defender recovers the ball they have the same objective.

Small Sided Game: This is a variation of the Rio Ferdinand defending game that again allows the player in possession the opportunity to utilize the stop turn move in a game like situation.

A team of attackers with a ball each attack the goal all at once. As they approach a defender for the first time they must perform the stop turn move, before they can attempt to score in the goal they are attacking. If defenders win a ball they can try and score up the other end. Once all four balls are no longer in play award an extra goal to the winning team and have the players return to their start position. Swap defenders and attackers every three attempts at the game.

Normal Game: Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players using the stop turn move.

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

The Rio Ferdinand Game

2012-12-14T22:04:00.000Z

One team of attackers with a ball each attack the goal all at once. If defenders win the ball and score up the other end it is worth 2 goals. Every couple of minutes bring the players back to their start position. Swap defenders and attackers

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

Using One Twos and Wall Passes

2012-10-13T16:26:00.002+01:00

The Set Up: A square pitch appropriate for the number of players, I used 25x25 for 10 under 9 players. The triangle in the centre is 10 yards long, its advisable to use different coloured cones in the triangle to aid your description of what the players have to do.

Ball Work - As the players arrive give them a ball and ask them to go and practice keeping the ball of the ground. Try avoid players letting players kick trying to kick the ball into the clouds. For players who struggle with this juggle get them to use the drop, kick catch technique. Drop the ball, let it bounce one, kick it up as the ball comes back down.then catch it on the way back. Then do the same with the other foot. Once they can successfully do one kick with both feet, move onto two kicks etc....

Triangle Passing - This drill is adapted from the supposed Jose Mourinho Bible (drill 3), which you can download here. The player on the orange cone starts with the ball and passes it to the player on the blue cone and runs to join the queue behind the blue cone. As the ball is passed the player at the blue cone they should check his shoulders and TRY to pass the ball to the player on the yellow in cone with no more than two touches, after passing they then go to the queue at the yellow cone. The player on the yellow cone, checks his shoulders as the ball is passed to him, then controls the pass and dribbles it over to the player at the front of the orange cone and the sequence continues.

Depending on the space and number of players you have, you could use more triangles with less players at each cone.

3+2 v 3+2 - This game is also adpated from a game in the Mourinho bible (drill 1). The yellow team play North to South and the Red play East to West, it can also be played with larger or smaller numbers in the middle or even an overload. The objective for the players in the middle is to do a wall pass or one to two, with one of the two members of the team on the outside of the playing area. For each successful wall pass or one two, they get one point. You will quickly see players looking for space and for the players in possession to be looking for team mates in space. Allow players to dribble to find spaces also. Defensively players quickly learn that they need to quickly close down any player that makes a pass to a team mate on the outside to prevent them getting a point.

You can make it easier by giving the player on the outside all the time they need, in terms of number of touches to make a return pass.

You can make it harder by limiting the outside players touches.

Normal Game: Play a normal game with a focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players using one two;s or wall passes to create scoring opportunities

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

Opportunities for decision making - Dribble or Pass?

2012-09-29T21:36:00.000+01:00

The Set Up: Magic Rectangle - The overall pitch size is 40x30 with the central third being 16 yards long.

Ball Work - This takes place in the central rectangle, players are asked to go and stand along the one line of the cones that mark out the central area - there choice. Players are then asked to dribble the ball across to the opposite line of cones performing various feints or change of direction moves that the coach has chosen from this blog post, 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.

Four Goal Game: A regular game but each team has a goal in each corner they can shoot for. As well as helping to improve basic techniques. This game also helps to improve a players vision. The use of four goals means that players will learn to use the space on the flanks by switching play. 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. The team without possession need to play smart because the extra goal will make it seem like they are playing a player down.

The Arsenal Game: Arsenals play is made up of lots of quick short passing with plenty of movement off the ball. They use give and goes a lot (wall passes). The game is a standard game, except that the neutral players on each side can be used. The neutral players play with the team that have possession. They take any kick-ins from their side. Having the neutral players encourages plenty of give and goes. The players should also be encouraged to play at a fast tempo. Change the neutral players every few minutes.

Normal Game: Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players taking players on or passing to create scoring opportunities

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

Player Plus Skills Spectrum

2012-09-27T20:26:00.000+01:00

The Player Plus SKILLS SPECTRUM, is an online home-study programme designed to help young players master 24 tricks and develop an extensive skills inventory. In the same way that colours make up the rainbow’s spectrum, a large variety of tricks and turns make up the SKILLS SPECTRUM!

The programme consists of 4 stages, 24 skills and an award system whereby the player, their parents and their coaches can accurately evaluate their progress. The SKILLS SPECTRUM programme includes an award system of certificates. In order to earn certificates and progress through the SKILLS SPECTRUM, players must complete all skills at each stage at each particular level.

Player Plus believe that young players must master the ball from an early age with both feet; therefore this package offers the resources required to develop and perfect a large number of useable tricks and turns.

This online skills home-study programme is designed to probe the competitiveness of a child and encourage them to want to improve via practice from home. The Player Plus SKILLS SPECTRUM is an effective tool, which will vastly improve young players ball mastery, dribbling and turning techniques on both feet

This programme was created in order to increase young players contact time with a football, encourage deliberate practice and probe a child’s intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to practice from home. The introduction of this free skills home-study programme will help create a desire to practice with a football for a number of hours and hugely contribute to creating outstanding technical individuals. The purpose of this tool is to create individuals with an extensive skills inventory who can then be encouraged and coached to make effective decisions – NOT to create circus clowns who perform tricks but lose possession or have no end product.

Find out more here: http://www.playerpluscoaching.com/skills.html

Opportunities for decision making - Dribble or Pass?

2012-09-22T20:40:00.002+01:00

The Set Up: Magic Rectangle - The overall pitch size is 40x30 with the central third being 16 yards long.

Ball Work - This takes place in the central rectangle, players are asked to go and stand along the line of yellow and red cones or the orange and blue cones - there choice. Players are then asked to dribble the ball across to the opposite line of cones performing various feints or change of direction moves that the coach has chosen from this blog post, 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.

One Big Two Small Goals: This game can be played in small numbers in a small area or larger numbers in a larger area, so long as their is an overload for the team attacking the big goal. The objective for the attackers is to score past the keeper in the big goal, for the defenders the objective is get the ball through one of the two small goals which have been placed at the other end of the playing area.

Make it easier by increasing the number of attackers.

Make it harder by making the playing area smaller.

Vertical Lane Game: Place small cones at the end of each of the vertical zones. Players in must stay in their allocated zones. The objective for each team is to score in any of the three small cones they are attacking. This game creates loads of opportunities for 1v1's and the chance for even the least developed players to score for their team.

Make it easier by making the goals larger.

Make it harder by asking players to dribble the goal to score.

Opportunities for decision making - Dribble or Pass?

2012-07-14T20:27:00.000+01:00

The Set Up: Magic Rectangle - The overall pitch size is 40x30 with the central third being 16 yards long.

Ball Work - This takes place in the central rectangle, players are asked to go and stand along the line of red cones or the blue cones - their choice. Players are then asked to dribble the ball across to the opposite line of cones performing various feints or change of direction moves that the coach has chosen from this blog post. 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

Bi-directional Possession: The set up for this game is the same as the overload game. Teams are split according to your requirements. Equal numbers or with an overload. The game is played like the Line Soccer game, with teams attacking the width of the end line. Players have to either dribble across the end line or pass the ball across the line for a team mate to run onto. The team that scores then starts to attack the opposite end line (the one they where just defending), with the player who stopped the ball over the line passing it to a team mate. Remember to rotate the target players.

Make it easier by having neutral players who play for both teams

Make it harder by insisting the ball is stopped on the end line for a goal to count.

4v4 to 2 Target Players - This game can be played directional or bi-directional depending what you want to achieve and doesn't have to played 4v4. Two teams compete against each other in a small sided game where the objective is to pass the ball to one of the two target players positioned in the end zone. The players have decisions to make about when its appropriate to dribble or pass. The game allows some of the less developed players to make successful passes that result in goals for their team, giving them confidence in their ability.

Make it easier by putting one team in an overload situation.

Make it harder by restricting the movement of the target players.

Normal Game: Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players taking players on or passing to create scoring opportunities

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

Opportunities for decision making - Dribble or Pass?

2012-07-14T16:27:00.000+01:00

The Set Up: Magic Rectangle - The overall pitch size is 40x30 with the central third being 16 yards long.

Possession Overload: . Remove the four central cones and split the teams in two teams with one team outnumbering the other by at least twice as many players. For example 8v3, 6v2 whatever suits the number of players you have. This is a simple possession game with the team with the greater numbers trying to keep possession for a set period of time. Change the defending players after each period. The group which loses possession the least during are the winners. This game is not just about passing its about maintaining possession - that encourages players to dribble or shield the ball when there are no passing options available.

Make it easier by reducing the number of defenders, or by not allowing defenders to tackle

Make it harder by increasing the number of defenders, or limiting the time allowed on the ball.

Bi-directional Possession: The set up for this game is the same as the overload game. Teams are split according to your requirements. Equal numbers or with an overload. The game is played like the Line Soccer game, with teams attacking the width of the end line. Players have to either dribble across the end line or pass the ball across the line for a team mate to run onto. The team that scores then starts to attack the opposite end line (the one they where just defending), with the player who stopped the ball over the line passing it to a team mate.

Make it easier by having neutral players who play for both teams

Make it harder by insisting the ball is stopped on the end line for a goal to count.

Normal Game: Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players taking players on or passing to create scoring opportunities

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

Chris Gooch - Pursuing and Creating Coaching Opportunities

2012-05-12T20:28:00.001+01:00

My dear old Granddad fervently believed in the old adage ”if at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again”. It’s something that I’ve always remembered and being a stubborn sort; who likes nothing more than proving people wrong, it’s something that I’ve tried to instill into my nature and general outlook. There have been many times throughout my life that this belief has been put to the test none more so than in pursuit of a career in football.

My tentative first steps into the professional game were cruelly rebuffed, though in truth at the time I had little appreciation of just how difficult a journey it would be to get anywhere near a professional club. Indeed I count myself fortunate that I received one written response from a club. It’s far more than I’ve received from most including some of the Local FA’s who are supposed to be supporting us grassroots coaches. This letter however abrupt served a great purpose. It triggered that inbuilt sense of determination I’ve tried to cultivate within my psyche and spurred me on to book my first coaching course and for that I’m eternally grateful.

As I progressed up through the various courses and found out more and more about coachingopportunities I realised that the sort of opportunity I craved was not going to present itself as easily as I had hoped so therefore I had to do two things.

Try to make it happen
Prepare for rejection and maintain a positive outlook throughout

I’ve tried to maintain this ethos and although it’s proven challenging at times I think it’s just another test of your determination to succeed. Along the way I’ve picked up a few tips and ideas that I believe are worth noting; together with a number of methods I’ve used to try to obtain positions within football, a summary of which can be found below.

Writing - Put together a good CV and cover letter. Once you’ve done this make sure you use them. Write to your local professional or semi-professional clubs (or those within a distance you’re willing to travel) either on paper or via e-mail. Have a look at the club’s website and identify if you can the key people. The Academy Manager, The Community Programme manager etc. Send your details to these guys even if no job is advertised. Chances are they may keep your details on record should a · coachingopportunity arise in the future even if there are no positions available. You may even get an invite to take a look around or get some advice from the club on what to do.

Calling – A few days after sending your details follow it up with a phone call. Try not to call straight out of the blue as this won’t be appreciated and don’t keep calling. If you get a voice mail leave a polite message referring to your e-mail or letter and leave it at that, whatever you do don’t harass the individuals.

Repeat - You won’t always get a response, trust me but you’ve at least used 3 different forms of communication so your details will have reached your target almost definitely. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t hear anything, especially if no job or openings have been advertised. Instead steel yourself to go through the process again but not immediately. I tend to follow the write, call and repeat process in line with the domestic season. Think about it, changes in staff usually occur in the off season or when the clubs are getting ready preseason. So contact them accordingly. You’re less likely to land a position midway through the season.

The above has been the traditional way to try to get into a professional outfit. We all know that this method doesn’t always work. Football is still in the dark ages when it comes to recruitment. We need to find the people in the know and get them to know us! Easier said than done? You betcha! But instead of hoping for an off chance meeting we can make a conscious effort to try to make ourselves known for all the right reasons in our regions. How? By creating a coaching network, that’s how. Networking is vitally important not only for coachingopportunities but also to help develop yourself as a coach. Spending time and talking with with other coaches will be beneficial to your coaching as well as creating potential opportunities. Networking is a grand concept and I like to break it down into two areas.

Physical Networking

Virtual Networking

I’ve broken it down into two areas because of the methods attributed to each. I’ll start with the Physical Networking side. Physical networking is the conscious effort to actually go out there and socialise and integrate with other coaches and people. There are a number of avenues where this takes place.

Your club - When you join your first club as a coach, unless you’re the only coach you’re creating the foundations of your coaching network by getting to know the other coaches in your club. Spend time with them, make the effort to watch them work if you can, offer your help to them. It’s all beneficial. You can never have to many friends and even if your methods are different and you disagree with their approach maintain a healthy relationship. Never ever burn your bridges you never know when it will come back to bite you.
Other Clubs – Get to know your opposite numbers. Shake hands with them, introduce yourself and try to form relationships, your reputation as a nice guy will spread just as quickly as a bad reputation if you conduct yourself in the right way. Clap their players and say well done, speak to their parents as well as those of your team. Make yourself known. This is especially useful at tournaments involving multiple teams either hosted by your club or another. They’re a feeding ground of opportunity.
County FA in service events – Make sure you join your local county FA’s coaches association and where possible attend in service events. The more dedicated coaches will be here and it’s a great opportunity not only to meet them but to also meet the guys running the events either FA staff or guest coaches
Coaching Courses - Probably the best opportunity to mingle with coaches of all levels. If you finish a coaching course without the details of a good number of your fellow coaching students then you should be disappointed. Here is your chance to speak directly to colleagues or even more senior coaches who may already be with pro clubs. Ask them about coachingopportunities, their experiences how they got their job etc. Form good relationships with them it may give you an edge over the 100′s of applicants when they’re looking for new staff. Don’t just focus on these guys though. You never know where some of your other class mates may end up.
National Courses and Events – Few coaches I know actually go for the National courses, this is mainly due to the cost but from what I’ve been told the same applies to the local courses except you have more time with your colleagues and your coach educators and get to know them even better. National Events are also a good opportunity to mingle with your peers and betters, the Grass Roots Coaching Event is a must!
Work – Last but by no means least. Work. If you can get your foot in the door at a community programme or as a volunteer it won’t be long before you’re getting to know colleagues in other departments such as the Academy. Sometimes getting a foot in the door at a lower level enables you the opportunity to work your way up. Should you move to another club you should ensure you have a good relationship with your ex colleagues you never know when you may need them or vice versa again.

This is by no means an exhaustive list (though it is pretty long!) but it should give you an idea of physical networking. Next lets tackle virtual networking.Virtual networking is based around the more modern concept of social networking and using the internet to facilitate it. It’s something I embraced long ago as an IT geek but never thought to utilise as a coach until fairly recently. So lets have a look at some of the mediums.

Coaching Websites / Blogs – There are thousands of coaching websites and blogs littered around the internet. Some are of fantastic quality, some not so fantastic. Some have user registrations and forums and allow for the building of communities others are resource or experience providers. Use google to search them out and find your favourites, get involved with these communities and start making friends all over the coaching world.

FA Websites – Local county FA’s and the FA itself have their own websites. You should always keep an eye on these as announcements can be made at short notice regarding coachingopportunities. In addition, local County FA’s have message boards which are worth taking a look at for requests for coaches and info etc. I should also mention the FACA website here which is a good resource and has active forums though at time of writing these need some love. Nevertheless opportunities are listed here as well. Not so much a networking tool as the others but something to bear in mind anyway.

Facebook – I only mention this because some other coaches have mentioned it to me. I don’t use Facebook as a networking tool for coaching. It’s not the right medium. I use it for friends and family and general dossing and banter. Others find it useful, in my opinion keep this seperate.

Twitter – A better resource than Facebook by far. Short, concise and with a thriving coaching network which is always sharing ideas. Get yourself on here as soon as. I kid you not I have bumped into coaches I’ve met on Twitter at Regional Courses and even in the work place. Awesome.

Linkedin – Probably the most professional of the virtual networking tools. Here you are presenting yourself as a professional coach and listing your experience and qualifications. I use this a lot for my freelancing in IT. If my coaching network expands and provides even half the opportunities that my IT one has I will be a very happy boy.

So I’ve talked about some of the ideas of networking, where and how to do it and how to try to make opportunities happen, essentially by making yourself known and raising your profile. You may have other ideas than me, you may have enjoyed success via a different route. These are just some of the methods I have tried and use still on my quest to make it as a full time professional coach. What’s important to remember is that no matter what happens always maintain a positive attitude. I’ve found that by far the best way to do this is to purely focus on making myself a better coach. If I apply for a position and nothing comes from it I don’t worry about it. I just strive to improve my CV and coaching knowledge even more, so that by the time the next season comes around and I’m writing to the same person at the same club I’ll have a few extra strings to my bow.

I’ve been very fortunate so far in terms of being able to progress through my coaching badges but I sacrificed a lot of security to get here. Long may this luck continue because although I’ve come a long way in 5 years there’s still one hell of a journey until I find what I’m looking for.

Chris Gooch

http://www.questtocoach.co.uk/

Opportunities for decision making - Dribble or Pass?

2012-05-07T08:08:00.000+01:00

The Set Up: Magic Rectangle - The overall pitch size is 40x30 with the central third being 16 yards long.

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.

Passing - Having watched this Coerver Coaching video on the FourFourTwo Performance website, I thought it would be something the team would enjoy if I could make it easier for them, They enjoy pretending to be professional players or playing small sided games that are associated with professional teams. Just using one ball solved that problem.

I restricted the outside players to simple short passes, but the player in the middle could be creative with their passes. It didn't take long for them to start using back heels and Ronaldo chops etc to pass to their team mate. The player on the outside passes the ball to the player in the middle and moves to the space between the two cones that is empty.

Each player was given about a minute in the middle before they changed with another player, ensuring everyone got a turn in the middle. I then repeated the exercise but removed the restriction on always passing to the player in the middle.

2v1 Line Soccer - Using the rectangles in the centre of the pitch pair up players to create 2x1 games, if you have odd numbers have some of the better players play 2v2. Can the players use some the creativity from the previous exercise to create scoring opportunities? No restrictions are put on the players insisting they pass, let them decide what works and what doesn't.

After a few minutes swap the players around so that each pair plays the role of the defender.

Lane Soccer - In this small sided game the channels running the length of the pitch are used. The diagram shows the game with different cones, if you use the magic rectangle set up, there is no need to change cones as the channels have already been created. As well as creating lots of 1v1's and opportunities to switch play, it also has the added benefit of preventing younger players from bunching up. Each team must have at least one player in each of the three zones. They can receive, pass and dribble but can't go out of their zone. Goalkeepers can be used if required.

Players run, get open and mark defensively inside their zone. For older players, if they leave their zone (even if it is just by stepping over the line), they concede a free kick wherever the infringement took place. After a few goals, swap the players to a new zone.

Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players taking players on or passing to create scoring opportunities

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

Passing the Mourinho or Real Madrid Way?

2012-04-14T20:17:00.001+01:00

In December 2010 I put together a practice plan Passing the Barcelona Way? My guess at how a youth coaching session at Barca may look. In the last couple of days I have watched a video of Jose Mourinho coaching and compared that to the copy of the supposed "39 Drills" bible that I have (download them here), from which I have put together a training experience that I think he might run with a young grassroots youth team.

You can view the video of his session, which I first saw on Ricky Clarkes blog here.

The Set Up: Magic Rectangle - The overall pitch size is 50x30 with the central third being 20 yards long.

Warm Up: Ball Work - One of the things Jose talks about in the video is for young players to be warming up with a ball and he says practising passing routines is one way that we can achieve this. Using the outer rectangles here are two ideas for you:

In the exercise above three players stand between two cones on the edge of the rectangle, a player passes the ball to a team mate and moves the to the gap between two cones that no one is standing between, thus recreating movement into space.and passing triangles.

Above is a simple pass and move exercise for four players. Each player stands on the outer edge of the rectangle, when passing the ball they follow their pass to their team mates line.

Work in small groups: Passing Under Pressure - The session would then be progressed by running the same exercises as the warm up but adding a player to the centre of each rectangle who applies either limited pressure or full pressure - dependant upon the ability of each group. Don't forget to rotate the player in the middle!

Before moving onto the next part of the session move the four central cones out 5 yards to make a 20x20 playing area.

Work in small areas: Drill 21 - Players play 3v3 or 4v4 in the 20x20 playing area with 2 unopposed neutral full backs in outside channels. Teams can only score by playing the ball into someone who gets the ball under control in the end zone. Players can not dribble in themselves, or arrive before the ball.

Group Work: If you have watched the video then this small sided game should be self explanatory. Each team has different objectives, the White team are looking to get the ball forward to the Striker for a shot at goal. The centre back, right back, left back and striker for the White team play unopposed outside the central area. The Blue team play 4v2 or 5v2 (depending on the number of players you have) their objective is the same as the previous game, to get the ball into the zone the White teams Centre back occupies, by playing the ball into someone who gets the ball under control

One of the things that Mourinho talks about in the video is the need for youth players to learn to play different positions, so take the opportunity to switch the objectives around so each team gets to play both roles and switch player roles around too,

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

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

Dribbling To Shoot

2012-04-11T22:15:00.001+01:00

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: Shooting - As each of the players arrive give them 3 footballs each and send them to one of the rectangles (at least three players to each area) and let them do what all players enjoy doing - take shots at goal. After a minute or two walk around to each area and ask them to try shooting with different parts of both feet. The running to collect the balls they have smashed around the field will get their hearts pumping!

Revisit each area once more and ask them what parts of the foot they have tried, get them thinking about how else they could shoot? Players should be taking turns to shoot and go in goal.

Work in small groups: Dribbling to Shoot - Player 1 dribbles towards the goal and takes a free shot at the goal (with keeper), Having taken the shot player 1 now becomes the defender and tries to prevent player 2 from scoring. Player 2 starts dribbling when the first players takes his shot. Players should all take it turns to perform each role and be encouraged to try different shots. Make it easier by asking the player defender to only apply passive pressure.

Work in small areas: 2v1 Shooting - The set up is the same as the warm up, except the goalkeeper now becomes a defender and is trying to prevent his opponents scoring. The attackers take it in turn to dribble towards goal, as the defender challenges, the attacker in possession has to decide whether to pass to his team mate or take on his opponent, or shoot straight away. Again get the players to experiment with different parts of the foot. Better players can be challenged by adding a keeper as well as the defender. To make it easier allow the defender to apply passive pressure only.

Group Work: Scoring Game - A standard 4v4 or 5v5 small sided game but with big goals and no goal keepers allows players to score from anywhere on the pitch. Its really easy to score a goal in this game so players learn to dribble to get space for a shot at goal. Using team overloads (4v5, 6v4 etc) the game can be made easier of harder for the players.

Follow this with a normal game. Focus on the skills learnt in the session, giving particular praise to players taking the players dribbling to create scoring opportunities

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

Taking on and beating opponents

2012-04-09T19:45:00.001+01:00

Readers of the blog will know that this season I have been starting most sessions off with helping the players to learn new ball mastery skills, some simple and many I have had to learn to do myself.

Its amazes me how quickly they pick up the names - so much so that part of the teams pre match warm up is dribbling in a small area performing some of the skills, which I randomly call out half a dozen of.

Here are links to the skills I have been asking the players to learn, in no particular order, in the hope that most will be able to perform half a dozen or so and to start executing them in games. Seeing one of the players who at the start of the season would toe punt everything, use the Pele zig-zag to beat two defenders and slot the ball in the far corner of the goal is certainly one of the highlights of my season.

1 - Toe Taps
2 - Tick Tocks
3 - Pull Push
4 - Scissors
5 - Stepover
6 - Ronaldo Chop
7 - The Puskas
8 - Drag Back
9 - Sole Drag
10 - Rivelino
11 - High Wave
12- Low Wave
13 - Pele
14 - Cruyff Turn
15 - Stop Turn
16 - Outside Hook
17 - Elastico
18 - Okocha
19 - Maradona Turn
20 - Romario

Ricky Clarke - Philosphy

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

Taking on and Beating Opponents

2012-02-05T19:09:00.000Z

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

Taking on and Beating Opponents

2012-01-05T21:45:00.000Z

In our last session we focused 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 - The overall pitch size is 40x30 with the central third being 16 yards long.

Ball Work - This takes place in the central rectangle, players are asked to go and stand along the line of yellow and red cones or the orange and blue cones - there choice. Players are then asked to dribble the ball across to the opposite line of cones performing various feints or change of direction moves that the coach has chosen from this blog post, 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.

Line Soccer 1v1 - 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 possession 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.

Line Soccer 2v2 - 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 getting the ball back to the start, 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. Encourage them to dribble rather than keep passing.

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 (with new functionality) from Academy Soccer Coach. Click here to visit their website and access free soccer downloads

Grasssroots Coaching - The English Way?

2011-12-08T20:35:00.000Z

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???

Dan Abrahams - Dealing with Emotions

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!

Taking on and Beating Opponents

2011-11-28T21:08:00.001Z

The set up: Magic Rectangle - The overall pitch size is 40x30 with the central third being 16 yards long.

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

Line Soccer 1v1 - Split players into pairs, if you have an odd number have odd number make a group of 3 which consists of one stronger player and two less developed ones. the two less developed ones play at the same time, when in defending or attacking. 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.

Line Soccer Overload - This is just a simple progression of the previous activity. Using the middle and the attacking third play 2v1 or 3v2 through two of the 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 dribble the ball across the end line.. The defending team are trying to get the ball into midfield and score by dribbling across the opposite end line, 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. Encourage players to try and beat their opponents..

Line Soccer – The players are then split into two teams, 4v4, 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 previous 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 across the end line, 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 players on or passing to create scoring opportunities

Our diagrams are produced using session template software (with new functionality) from 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

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 hasnt 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.

Scoring the Chelsea Way

2011-11-09T21:38:00.000Z

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?”

Taking on and Beating Opponents

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

The set up: Magic Rectangle - The overall pitch size is 40x30 with the central third being 16 yards long.

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

1v1 Games: The diagram below shows the following four 1v1 games which are worked through with the team in order. Try and change the players around after each game. If you have more than 8 players just use more of the rectangles.

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.

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. Reward creativity by giving extra points for skills/ tricks.

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

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

Improve players ability to dribble with the ball under close control

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

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: Dribbling to score

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

Jared Montz - How to teach Speed of Play?

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.