Connecting Midfielders to Forwards
Many teams observed over the past week failed to combine their forwards with midfielders in attack.  The problem can be seen in from two different perspectives.  Forwards often turn and attack in numbers down situations without looking to combine with midfield players.  On many occasions midfield players do not support the forwards once the ball has been played up the field.   Players need to understand that the team attacks as one unit.

Suggestions:

• Show your team the number of forwards your team plays with in comparison to the number of defenders your team uses.  Point out that the opposition is similar in the deploying players.
• Instruct your forwards to not force the play into number down situations.
• Instruct the midfield unit to transition quickly into the attack once a forward has the ball.
• Show midfield players that one or more can go in advance of the ball once the forward has turned and has their head up.
• Make sure at least one midfield player stays negative of the ball.  (keep balance)
• Recognize the difference in connecting the midfield unit in different parts of the field. 
• Follow the animated progression below.

Only coaches with a membership to the Animated Coach’s Library can view the activities in animation.  The membership site has over 1000 activities.  Deliver information to your players in new a new exciting manner.

4v0 Connection Group of four players pass the ball in diamond shape.  After a few passes one player drifts out of the diamond about 20 yards away.  A pass is then made to this player and the remaining three players connect as quickly as possible to reform the diamond.
4v1 Connection Same as above but an opponent is added.
4v2 Connect to a target (directional) Eight players are divided into a group of five and three.  The group of five puts four players in one 7 by 5 yard grid and one player in the 7 by 5 yard grid located 15 yards apart.  The group of three places two players in the grid with the four opponents and the ball an one player in the other grid.  4v2 is played until a pass can be made into the team mate in the other grid.  Three of the four players on the team that made the pass move to connect with their team mate with the ball, while one opponent makes a recovery run.  The activity resumes and is played in the opposite direction
6v6 Connecting into the attacking third 4v4 is played in the middle third with a 2v2 + Gk placed in the attacking third.  Once a pass is made into the attacking third, three attackers look to connect and support the ball.  All four defenders can recover.
6v6 Connecting into the middle third Same as above but from the defensive third to the middle third with the goal of the forward to combine with a midfield player in the middle third.
11v11 Has your session had an impact on the players.

Very few teams channel the ball.  Some of the teams that do use the tactic of channeling the ball use the tactic incorrectly.  Defenses should channel the ball into the middle of the field in the attacking and middle third.  Your team has help in the middle of the field and the space is compact.  When you channel the ball towards the sideline you put your player in an even numbers or numbers down situation.  The ball needs to be channeled towards the sideline in the defensive third.

Suggestions:

• Ask your players if they should pass the ball across their own goal.  When they answer no, ask the players if they can attempt to force the opponent to pass the ball across their goal.
• Show your players how to channel.
• Show your players how cutting off the sideline can cut off passes that progress the ball up the field.  The players will also learn that the opponent often attempts to dribble the ball through them when they are reluctant to pass the ball across their goal.
• Make sure your team fills the space your pressuring defender is forcing the ball.
• Divide the field into thirds and use this division to show the players where the ball needs to be forced.  Answer How, When, Where, Why, and When.
• Follow the Animated Progression Below.

Only coaches with a membership to the Animated Coach’s Library can view the activities in animation.  The membership site has over 1000 activities.  Deliver information to your players in new a new exciting manner.

360 Degrees Denial of Gate 1v1 with a goal scored when ball is played through a 1 yard wide gate.
1v1 Directional Denial of Gate 1v1 in a 10 by 15 yard grid that has a gate added in each corner.  The ball is served and defensive player must cut off gate as they close down opponent.
2v2 Three Goal Game in Thirds of Field 2v2 in 30 by 20 yard grid broken into thirds.  The attacking team can only score a goal in the wide goals if shot is taken from defensive or middle third.  A goal can only be scored in the middle goal when shot is taken from attacking third
7v7 Thirds of Field Game 70 by 50 yard field with a gate goal placed on the third lines touching the sideline.  A goal played through the gate goal counts the same as a goal scored past a keeper into the net.
7v7 Has your coaching had an impact.

During most games the field gets stretched out as players tire.  This happens most often at the end of each half.  Some higher level teams take advantage of the open space by switching their outside midfield players and having them play more centrally.  This has a stronger right side player playing on the left side and vice versa.  These players are then encouraged to run at goal when they receive the ball.  As we mentioned in other articles on this site, the visual sign to run with the ball is open space.  The visual sign to dribble is space behind the opponent.  A stretched out team gives these players both signs.  By switching their side, they have there stronger foot on the goal side of the field.

Suggestions:

• Recognize the stretching of the field during matches.
• Show players on the bench your observation.
• Sub outside players out and show them the observation and tell them the changes you are making and how they can take advantage of the stretching of the field.
• Do not expect immediate success.
• Work on the concept with your wide midfield players in functional training sessions.
• Reiterate visual sign to run with ball and/or dribble.
• Show your team how to make supporting runs to take advantage of the disrupted defense.  At times some runs can be used to create space for the player with the ball.

Only coaches with a membership to the Animated Coach’s Library can view the activities in animation.  The membership site has over 1000 activities.  Deliver information to your players in new a new exciting manner.

Diagram of Tradition Winger Run Simple Diagram (No animation)
Diagram of Direct Winger Run Simple Diagram (No animation)
Attacking angle Server plays a ball to wide player who has a diagonal lane to run through with ball and take shot.
Opposed Attacking Angle Same as above with a chaser and opponent to beat before shooting.
Increased Pressure Attacking Angle Same as above with addition of a team mate and two opponents.  The player must decide to continue with ball or to pass.  The position of the covering opponent is the visual sign that dictates the decision.
Restricted 8v8 Two team of eight play.  Each team must keep at least two defenders in their defensive third.  This restriction forces the game to be stretched out.

Accuracy and Pace in Passing
The weak link in progressing the ball up the field is poor passing.  Poor passes usually fall into two categories:  accuracy and pace.  Inaccurate passes are usually immediate turnovers.  Poorly paced passes are most often lost after the pass reaches the destination.  The pace of the ball can be to slow, causing the receiver to be under immense pressure.  The pace of the pass can also be too hard, causing the receiver to have a poor first touch. 

Suggestions:

• Explain to your team the importance of pace and accuracy in passing.
• Show your players that to make an accurate pass with the instep and inside of the foot the ball should be struck with the middle of the foot meeting the middle of the ball.  The player’s non kicking foot, waste and shoulders need to be facing the intended target.
• Show your players how the leg speed of the kicking motion effects the pace of the pass.
• While having your players involved in repetitive passing activities empower your players to coach themselves.  They need to ask themselves was that pass to soft, to hard, on target.
• Follow the animated progression below.

Only coaches with a membership to the Animated Coach’s Library can view the activities in animation.  The membership site has over 1000 activities.  Deliver information to your players in new a new exciting manner.

Zig Zag passing Cones spread out in a zig zag pattern with a player at each cone.  The first player passes to the closest player who turns the ball and passes to the next closest player. After each pass the player takes the place of the player who received the pass.  Once the ball reaches the end the player at the end dribbles the ball back to the beginning and starts activity over.  Use multiple balls to increase repetition.
Race for the Soccer Balls Groups of three are placed in a small grid with a ball in each corner of a larger grid.  A group of soccer balls remain in the middle of the larger grid.  Each group attempts to pass the ball as quickly as possible.  When they reach five passes, one player from the group runs into the middle a gets another ball and the race to get to five passes resumes.  The team with the most soccer balls at the end wins.
Pressure your pass Group of about six players spread out in a circle and begin passing one ball.  The passer shows immediate pressure to the player receiving the pass.
3v1 to goal Players play 3v1 in a grid between two goals.  After three passes the attacking team can attack a goal.  The defender can go to goal once they gain possession of the ball.
4v4 In this 4v4 activity one team sits out and replaces the team who is scored on.

Switching the Point of Attack
Many teams do not benefit from switching the point of attack. Teams that do not benefit from switching the point of attack fall into two categories. The first is the team that does not recognize the opportunity or need to change the point of attack by switching the ball to the weak side. The second category that your team may fall into is the team that does not gain an advantage from changing fields.

Suggestions:

• Make your team aware that defenses organize around the ball. When the ball is on the same side of the field for more than a few seconds the defense is usually in a numbers up situation.
• Show your players that by switching the point of attack with a long diagonal pass across the field they can put their team in a numbers up situation.
• Put your players in activities that demand the switching the point of attack.
• Make sure your team moves quickly to support the ball while it is still moving to the opposite side of the field.
• Make sure your players understand that switching the point of attack calls for quick play. The rhythm of play needs to speed up.
• Demand penetration from the player who receives the switched ball.
• Show this player when to penetrate with the dribble and when to penetrate with a pass.
• Follow the animated progression below. Only members of the Animated Coach’s Library can view the progression.

 Only coaches with a membership to the Animated Coach’s Library can view the activities in animation.  The membership site has over 1000 activities.  Deliver information to your players in new a new exciting manner.

Ball Chaser Switch Game 8 players spread around a 40 by 40 yard grid with two balls. Ball begins at opposite corners and follow the following sequence: Short pass and then switching pass to next corner.
5v5 to Corner Targets with Restrictions Add a square to the same 40 by 40 yard grid and place a target player in each square. Play 5v5 within the remaining space. Players attempt to play to any target and then get the ball back. They cannot play to the same target consecutively.
7v7 to Corner Goals with Gk defending both goals In a 40 yard long field and 60 yard wide field add a goal in each end line corner. The goalkeeper must defend both goals.
7v7 with vertical thirds of the field restrictions In a 70 yard long by 50 yard wide field mark off thirds of the field vertically. Players can not go to goal until the ball has been played in each of the thirds during the same possession.
7v7 Leave the thirds of the field marking on but take off the restriction.

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

Week 8
Adventures in the Arctic

 Greet the players and let them know that today’s adventure will take them to the arctic.  In the arctic there will be opportunities to keep their balance on ice, stay on a floating ice berg, and avoid a Polar Bear. 

I can do this.  Can You? The coach states that certain skills are needed in the arctic and he can do all of these skills.  Can they?  He can balance on one foot to prepare for slippery ice.  He/she can hop on one foot.  He/she can walk like a penquin.  He/she can jump from ice berg to ice berg.  Can they?
I can do this with the ball.  Can You? Same as previous activity but with ball.  Can the player stop the ball and start quickly, roll the ball behind them and catch it, use different parts of their foot to dribble the ball, throw it up and catch it with their foot.
Body Part Dribble As it is cold in the arctic the players must dribble around the frozen tundra to stay warm.  On the coaches command they must stop the ball and put the body part called out by the coach on the ball.
Ice Berg Dribbling Now instruct the player they are stuck on a floating ice berg.  They must dribble the soccer ball around the ice berg with falling into the frigid ocean.
Ice Berg Dribbling with Polar Bear Add a defender to the ice berg (Polar Bear).  The polar bear attempts to kick the soccer balls into the ocean.  When a ball is kicked into the ocean the players swim after it and climb back onto the ice berg.
You Are Out of Here The group is split in two and each half line up near the midfield line with the coach separating the two groups.  The coach has a supply of balls.  The coach rolls a ball out and the first player in each group attempts to score a goal in the direction they are attacking under pressure from the opposing player.

Your group now meets with another group and plays 3v3 or 4v4 games.  At the conclusion congratulate your players on successfully completing the arctic adventures and let them know that next season they will have a new set of adventures to face.

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

The following is an excerpt from the Soccer Source 360 Coaching Manual for U7 and U8 coaches.

Mission

The mission of the youth soccer coach is to be a role model, teacher of soccer, and facilitator of fun.  This manual addresses each of these areas.

Role Model
As a role model, the coach, needs to be aware that players will look up to you and are influenced by your behavior.  This pertains to all behaviors done in player’s presence. Players will observe your language, treatment of your peers, their peers, officials and parents.  Players learn through their observations.

Teacher of Soccer
Teaching requires the coach to know who they are teaching, what they are to teach, and methods to teach.  The U7 and U8 Soccer Coach needs to narrow their focus to ten topics.  Five of these topics are technical and five are tactical.

Techniques to be developed:
     Dribbling
     Passing
     Receiving
     Shooting
     Goalkeeping

Tactics to be developed:
     Transition
     Splitting
     Spatial Awareness
     Risk Taking/ No Fear of Failure
     Directional Possession
     Team Shape/Connection

Each player at the U7 and U8 age group must be introduced to all of these topics and have time on task to improve in all ten areas of the game.  As the players move up in age, these ten topics will form the building block of player development.

Facilitator of Fun
Players participate in sports to have fun.  The game of soccer is the most popular youth sport in the country because if offers young players of all abilities excitement.  The coach needs to be enthusiastic and conduct all activities in the spirit of enjoyment.  Each training session needs to have the game as the largest portion of the session as this is the reason player’s play.

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

Directional Possession
By John Dingle

Possession in soccer comes in two varieties. The first variety is for a team to keep the ball while gaining territory in an effort to create a scoring opportunity. The second variety can be divided into two categories both of which should lead to the variety to gain territory in an effort to create a scoring opportunity. These two categories include passing the ball for the sole purpose of relieving pressure and passing the ball because a forward option is deemed too risky and the player receiving this pass will have a better chance to play a forward ball.

With this in mind, coaches must avoid having their team possess the ball for the sole purpose of possessing the ball. The best way a coach can avoid possession for the sake of possession is to put players in activities that have a direction to attack and a direction to defend. Reasons for directional possession include:

• More like the game
• Realistic Shape
• Realistic Defending
• Players must make decisions in regard to the variety of possession oriented passes
• Presents more realistic opportunities to effect players through coaching moments

Another point coaches need to emphasize in directional possession sessions is the need for diagonal balls. Square passes are very risky and do not create space or put defenders in a non goal side position of the ball. Forward passes place defenders in a non goal side position; while, negative diagonal balls force defenders to move up and over. When they move up space is created.

The final issue a coach needs to address in when coaching directional possession is the use of numbers down attacking. When a team possesses the ball in the attacking third they will be numbers down. When training a team to possess the ball in the build up, make your session more realistic by having the attacking team play numbers down.

The following is a session animated in the Soccer Source 360’s Animated Coach’s Library. Only coaches with a membership can view the activities with movement.  If you like any of these activities consider purchasing a year long membership.  The library has over 1000 different activities placed in coaching practice plans and labeled by topic and age level.

Warm Up Players begin in a small circle with two players in the middle and a ball. The player with the ball in the middle passes to the other player in the middle and checks out of the middle. The player closest to the space the player checks to moves intothe middle of the circle and receives the next pass. Sequence continues. One touch passing is recommended.
Directional 2v2 Square grid is set up with a target in each corner. Targets are designated by team color and are team mate targets are in opposite corners. 2v2 is played in the middle with the goal of playing to the feet of the target. When the target is played the player who made the pass becomes the target and the target enters the field and play continues 2v2 to the opposite corner target. When possession is turnover the opponent plays in to their targets.
Directional 3v3 Same as previous but 3v3. Coach must anticipate as numbers increase the chance for missed opportunities to miss forward passes increases.
4v4 to a target with a neutral player on each flank The use of a neutral player should be limited to relieve pressure on the ball. When a team finds the target they maintain possession and play in the opposite direction.
6v6 to target When a target is played possession changes.
7v7 or 9v9 The session end with a game.

 Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2008

Week 7
Adventures in the Mountains

 Greet the players and let them know that today’s adventure will take them into the mountains.  In the mountains they will have go on a mountain hike, go shopping in the valley, and go on a mountain raid.

Mountain Hike All the players from a filed line and play follow the leader.  Encourage the leader to make it an adventurous hike by making frequent changes of direction.  Change leaders frequently to allow each player to be the leader.
Mountain Hike with Ball Add a ball per player to previous activity.
Valley Shopping All the players now go down to the valley to shop for supplies.  Form four squares in a 20 yard by 20 yard grid.  Give the following names to each square: Mountain supply store, Woodworks, Hunting and Fishing supplies, and Toys ‘R’ Us.  Have the player dribble around the valley until they here a store name.  When the store name is called by the coach all of the valley shoppers dribble their ball to that store.
Mountain Raid The players return to their mountain homes.  Form to squares to serve as mountain homes at in the corners of the 20 yard by 2 yard grid.  Now tell the players they must raid the other mountain of their supplies.  They leave their soccer ball in their home and go take soccer balls from the other mountain home.  This continues as in the pirates raid activity.
Mountain Raid with Ball Same as above but now the players can defend their supplies.
Name Game Set up a small field with a five yard goal at the each end line.  Place half of the players in each goal.  The coach stands off the field at the midline with the soccer balls.  The coach then calls one player from each team’s name while rolling out a ball.  Players who hear their name called come out and play one vs one to goal.  You can have more than one vs. one going on simultaneously..

Your group now meets with another group and plays 3v3 or 4v4 games.  At the conclusion congratulate your players on successfully completing the Ocean adventures and let them know that next week will feature adventures in the country.  In the country they will play with play in a barn, work farm jobs, race cars, and buck broncos. 

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

Week 6
Adventures in the Country

Greet the players and let them know that today’s adventure will take them to the country.  In the country there will be opportunities to criss cross a barn, share farm jobs, race cars, and buck a bronco. 

Criss/Cross the Barn Players are divided into two groups and placed in a joining lines in a ten yard by ten yard barn.  On the coaches command the players run across the barn.
Criss/Cross the Barn with ball Same as previous but ball is added.
Sharing Farm Jobs Players dribble around the farm and change soccer balls(farm jobs) on the coaches command.
Race Track Set up a  looped course for the players to dribble (race) around.  The course does not need to be symmetrical .  The players then dribble their ball around the course.  Have the players go clockwise and counterclockwise.
Bucking Bronco Each player brings their ball (bronco) into the grid and attempts to keep possession while trying to kick other player’s bronco away from its owner.  When a bronco is disposed the owner retrieves the ball and resumes play.  A player can only kick a bronco when they have possession of their own bronco.
You Are Out of Here The group is split in two and each half line up near the midfield line with the coach separating the two groups.  The coach has a supply of balls.  The coach rolls a ball out and the first player in each group attempts to score a goal in the direction they are attacking under pressure from the opposing player.

Your group now meets with another group and plays 3v3 or 4v4 games.  At the conclusion congratulate your players on successfully completing the desert adventures and let them know that next week will feature adventures in the mountains where they will have take a hike on a mountain path, go shopping in the valley, and go on a mountain raid.

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

Everyone has seen a goalkeeper determine the outcome of a game.  Sure, it’s always easy to cheer for your goalkeeper when he/she makes a game winning save.  But, how should coaches react when a goalkeeper drops a cross or lets a ball slip through his or her hands?

The goalkeeper is the last line of defense.  A mistake will either end up in the back of the net or very close to it.  The million dollar question is whether coaches should treat them like any other player or treat them like their own breed.

You might have guessed it, there is really no one correct way to react towards a goalkeeper’s costly mistake.  Some goalkeepers see right through the positive just to be positive talk and feel embarassed when they are told nice try when they have a blopper like Dida’s above.  On the other hand, there are goalkeepers that hate to be scolded and when they are they can’t get over the mistake and it becomes a snowball effect.  Then there are some that thrive when they are held accountable.  So the new million dollar question is what would your goalkeeper prefer?  You can ask your goalkeeper or you can just watch how the goalkeeper reacts to your coaching during practice and games.

In this week’s newsletter we address spatial awareness and passing options.  

Spatial Awareness
While watching high level soccer games, we sometimes notice a player looking over their shoulder before they receive the ball.  This player is trying to gain information to allow him/her to make a good decision in regards to playing the ball.  Checking while the ball is almost in possession is late.  The player needs to be aware of the space around him/her prior to the ball being played.  Scanning the field needs to be a constant at the highest level throughout the entire game.  The demands of the playing at a high level require players scan the entire field.

When players are aware of their position on the field relative to the ball, opposition, team mates, and the goal they have all of the information in hand to put themselves in a position to help their team.  Developing spatial awareness can start at the U8 age level by adding simple conditions to your activities.  We can be satisfied with U8 players if they can scan a five yard radius around themselves.  As players move develop and graduate to higher age levels they will need to be able to be aware of larger amounts of space.

Coaching with conditions:  Activity or game has an objective but players are required to meet the demands of an additional rule within the game or activit 

Conditions to use to develop spatial awareness

• Stop activities and ask players ‘Who is behind you’ while they are looking at you.
• Require players point to the closest opponent while in opposition games.
• Require players point to open space during games.
• Require players to talk out loud during play by announcing how much space they have prior to receiving the ball.

*Note:  Each condition allows the coach to see or hear part of the spatial awareness of the player. 

Suggestions

• Require players to open hips to the field whenever possible.
• Ask players to glance around continuously during play.
• Use Conditions above.
• Follow the animated progression below.

Only Coaches with a membership to the Animated Coach’s Library can view the activities in animation.  If you like any of these activities we have over 1000 animated in are member’s only site.

Who is behind you? Players dribble and pass the ball throughout a 15 yard by 15 yard grid and stop and look at the coach on command.  The coach then asks some of the players ‘Who is behind them’.
Where is the opposition? Players play 3v3 possession with the condition that each attacking player must point to the closest opponent.
Where is the open space?  Same as above, but the attacking players now point to open space close by.
3v3 talk aloud Players now play 3v3 with the condition that before receiving a ball the player must state aloud if the have no, little, some, or a lot of space.
6v6 You can use the condition from above to start, but by sure to take the condition off before ending the session.

Finding the best passing option
Coaches need to demand players make quick decisions when developing players passing ability.  Technique and tactics need to be combined for true development to occur. 

Suggestions

• Use dynamic activities that require players to make decisions while maximizing repetition. 
• Use the phrase ‘find the free player’.
• Make sure players understand the difference between passes to feet and passes to space. 
• Recognize coaching moments on technical issues of accuracy and correct pace.
• Recognize coaching moments on tactical issues of timing and options.
• Follow the animated progression below.

Only Coaches with a membership to the Animated Coach’s Library can view the activities in animation.  If you like any of these activities we have over 1000 animated in are member’s only site.

 Animated Coaching Progression

Find the free player Players are divided into groups of four and placed in a 10 yard by 10 yard grid.  Three take a position in an open corner, leaving one corner unoccupied (two of the players begin with a ball).  The remaining player starts in the middle of the grid and receives a ball and passes to the player in a corner without a ball.  When a player on the outside passes a ball they then run to the unoccupied corner.  The activity continues for 45 seconds and then roles change.
Find the right option Groups of four are combined to form a group of eight. In the same grid from above groups to two begin in each corner with one player starting with a ball.  The player passes to another line and moves to any line.  The restriction given is that the ball can’t be played to a corner with only one player.  How quick can the players play?
Find the space A 15 yard by 15 yard grid is divided in quadrants.  Players play 4v2 in this space and score by playing a ball into a different section of the quadrant for a player to receive on the move.  The ball must be played before the receiver enters the new quadrant.
6v6 with no square passes Player play 6v6 with the restriction of no square passes.
7v7 with only angled passing We now continue to restrict square passes but also restrict balls played straight up the field.

 Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

Soccer Communication
By John Dingle

To focus on communication with soccer players; the coach must first have some understanding on why, who, where and when the soccer talk is needed.  Communication on the soccer field is often a sign of confidence; that is, if the player wants the ball or believes he/she reads the game well, communication will follow.  When players are not sure of the situation, they are reluctant to talk the game.  As a coach, we need players who communicate with each other on both sides of the ball: attack and defense.  Communication is needed to allow players with and without the ball to play as a collective unit. 

Soccer talk can be broken down into three types.  The first type of soccer talk is information given to an individual to help that player make a decision.  This type of communication can be given to a player with or without the ball.  Man on, shoot, take him/her on, I am in support, drop, turn, cut off the sideline, you can tackle are examples of this form of soccer talk.  Every team also needs group talk to play effectively during a soccer game.  Recover, get wide, push out, frame the goal, and squeeze the field are examples of group soccer talk.  Identification of numbers up and numbers down situations also can be communicated to groups of players to help the collective group recognize the situation.

The last form of communication is often overlooked by coaches and can be just as critical.  Emotional talk can refocus a team, raise the level of play, and pick up players who are down.  Coaches need to empower their players to recognize the small successes and build upon these positives.  When watching professional matches we often see emotional communication.  A team that has been on the defense wins a ball, gets on the attack, and has a player make a cross that does not find a team mate will often have player’s giving each other visual signs such as waves and clapping to signify this almost worked out.  Emotional talk can also be used to pick players up after a mistake or breakdown.  During a youth game a player was crying after receiving a yellow card. A team mate approached her and told her that she knew she was gifted player and know had the opportunity to show her ability to the entire field since everyone has recognized her.  This player now played with a renewed confidence. 

Every player on the field needs to have the ability to communicate with their teammates, but each team also needs leaders who assume the task of doing the majority of the team talking.  We must make sure these players only give information that is needed.  If a player is talking continuously during the game teammates will stop listening. 

As players develop and mature we can also expose the players to the concept of noise runs to create space and quiet runs to exploit space.  The phrase ‘one run for the defense and one run for the ball’ can be used to get this point across.  The run for the defense is obviously the noise run.

When focusing on soccer talk with your team, you will also need to understand that players need to play within their personality and introverted players can’t be expected to talk as much as extroverted players. 

I recommend the following session to show players, how, when, where, why, and what soccer talk can do to improve the team.  This session will also give the coach an insight into individual player’s ability to communicate the game. 

Warm Up
Groups of three or four players passing and moving in a 15 by 20 yard grid concentrating on combination play: coaching point to include is give the ball, give information

Game 1 6v6
The first game begins with the restriction that talking is prohibited. The coach must make sure the players appreciate how soccer talk helps their play.

Game 2 6v6
One player is chosen from each team to be the team talker. This is the only player that can speak. The coach must recognize positive coaching moments for each player and give feedback on how this lead to better play while at the same time give the player information on opportunities to talk were lost or poorly used.

Rotate each player through the role of team talker.

Game 3 6v6
Unrestricted play. The coach now must evaluate the team talking and continue to recognize opportunities to make corrections and give positive feedback. Ask yourself the question: Has the session improved the area of soccer talk?

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2007

Week 5
Adventures in the Ocean

 Greet the players and let them know that today’s adventure will take them into the ocean.  In the ocean they will have to swim like fish, work with a team of pirates, and avoid the crabs, lobsters, and sharks. 

Fish Game The group of players is divided in half.  Each group is assigned a fish home.  The players then run around the entire space but must return to their home when a storm occurs.  The coach acts like a fisherman during the storm.  When a player is tagged by the fisherman he must go into the fish bucket in the middle of the space.  Players then continue the game on the command of swim fish’s.  During storms players from a team that has a fish in the bucket can save the fish by tagging this fish.  The saved fish then returns to the fish home.  The game continues with fish being caught and saved.
Fish Game w/ball Add a ball to the previous activity.
Pirate’s Raid Each team of fish become pirates and leave their soccer ball in their pirate ship and go take a ball from the opponents pirate ship and dribble it back to their pirate ship and then go back to their opponents ship and continue the activity.
Crabs and Lobsters The group stays divided with one group getting on their hands and feet with their stomach up in a 10 yard by 15 yard grid and is able to move like a crab or lobster.  The other group attempts to dribble the ball through the grid to the opposite side.  Change roles frequently.
Sharks and Minnows Same as above but the defenders are now sharks and stand up when defending.
Name Game Set up a small field with a five yard goal at the each end line.  Place half of the players in each goal.  The coach stands off the field at the midline with the soccer balls.  The coach then calls one player from each team’s name while rolling out a ball.  Players who hear their name called come out and play one vs one to goal.  You can have more than one vs. one going on simultaneously..

Your group now meets with another group and plays 3v3 or 4v4 games.  At the conclusion congratulate your players on successfully completing the Ocean adventures and let them know that next week will feature adventures in the country.  In the country they will play with play in a barn, work farm jobs, race cars, and buck broncos.  

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

Club Coaching Vocabulary

 Most youth clubs offer soccer to players age 4-19.  Once players reach the soccer age of U9, different levels of play are often offered.  Players move throughout each level throughout their soccer career as well as experience different coaches.  Playing for a different coach benefits the players as they are forced to adapt to differing personalities, coaching methods, as well as communication methods. 

We recommend the use of a common coaching vocabulary throughout each club to allow players to move from one level to another and one coach to another with out having to adapt to different soccer terminology. 

At each age level we will introduce a group of terms that need to be used throughout the club.  This new list will build upon the group of terms the players have already been exposed to. 

Terms for U7/8

Push- Move towards the goal your team is attacking

Drop- Move towards the goal your team is defending

Shift- Move across the field closer to the ball

Dribble- Advance the ball with short kicks

Goal Side: Positioning body between the opponent and goal your team is defending

Recover:  Get back in a position to help your team gain possession of the ball.

Splitting: A defender against two opponents

Each player needs to be introduced to the terms and concepts.  We do not expect all players to understand or master the terms, but by introducing the concepts with common terminology the player will be more prepared to learn in future soccer seasons.

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

Coaching in a Game

 
Coaching during the league games is the most difficult challenge you will face.  Your expectation combined with parent and player expectations often conflict with the developmental approach that is needed for players to thrive and play in a risk free environment.  Many of the issues addressed in the Problems of Youth Coaching section are found in game coaching.

Over coaching is a major problem.  The game of soccer is different than most American sports in the fact that the role of the coach is extremely limited.  You will not have time to call plays and do not have the option of calling a time out.  Soccer is a game for the players.  The players need to be able to play in the game with out directions on the decisions they face.  Do not tell the player to pass, dribble or shoot.  By the time they have received the information the situation has changed.  As a general rule, coach within your personality.  Some may sit and watch the game without giving any directions.  Some may coach over the top.  Be careful not to coach over the top constantly as the players will turn your voice off.  When coaching over the top limit the information to directing players on staying involved in the game.  You will need to go over soccer vocabulary. 

Restarts
Prior to the first game you will need to rehearse restarts.  Restarts occur every time the ball goes out of play and when the referee blows the whistle to make a call.  You need to encourage your players to get the ball back into play as quickly as possible.  Restarts are usually lost possessions as the defensive has time to get in position.  Instruct the player closest to the ball when the restart occurs to get the ball back into play immediately.  

You can show the players the correct method of throwing the ball back into play.  A throw in occurs every time the ball goes over a sideline.  The ball is always kicked back into play when it goes over an end line.  When the attacking team plays the ball over an end line a goal kick is taken by the defending team from inside the goal box.  When the defensive team plays the ball over the end line a corner kick is taken by the attacking team from the corner of the side the ball was played over. 

Your team will gain an advantage by getting the ball back into play as quickly as possible and the players will develop the habit of not resting mentally during stoppages.  This also keeps the ball in play longer which allows the players to play more and develop their soccer abilities. 

Pre-Game Warm up
The purpose of the warm up is to prepare the players physically and mentally for the game.  It is not advisable to have your players stand in line waiting to take a shot during the warm up.  The demands of the game are that players are moving while the ball is in play.  Standing does not prepare the players for the match. 

A proper warm up puts players in situations similar to the game.  You can use directional possession games or even a small sided game. 

During Play
Be calm, respect the referee, and measure your words.  Each player must play half of each game, and you should prepare a substitution pattern before the game.  This pattern may have to be adjusted for players that you planned on attending that failed to show.  It is appropriate to give players information on improving their play when they come off the field, but keep in mind they have a short memory and may not be able to relate to the specific situation you refer to.  This brief conversation can establish a good relationship between player and coach when the information is positive in nature. 

Half Time
Make sure all the players have had time to get a drink.  Ask the players on their thoughts on the game.  The first few times these questions are asked you will not receive much feedback, but as the season progresses the players will get better at communicating their thoughts.  It is also a good idea to ask specific questions to help in the dialog.  Limit your feedback to one or two areas that can be improved and be sure to be positive.

Post Game
Focus on the process and not the result.  Give your team a positive greeting after the game regardless of the outcome.  Focus on positives and areas the team can improve upon.  Keep the team talk brief as the children have a very short attention span. 

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

In this week’s newsletter we address the topics of developing your player’s ability to counter attack and attacking heading.

Developing Your Player’s Ability to Counter Attack
When observing youth, high school, and college games it is obvious the overwhelming majority of goals come out of transition.  Free kicks account for the next largest percentage of goals; while, attacks out of a build up rarely lead to goals.  A team that is trained to attack cohesively out of transition can increase their number of goals scored dramatically. 
Suggestions:

• Make sure your players understand the opposite shapes in soccer.  The attacking shape attempts to get as big as possible to stretch out a compact defense.
• Show your players that at the time of transition, the defending team is still in attacking shape. 
• Make sure your players understand the implication to numbers up in attack.  Attack quickly before the defense recovers and restores defensive shape.
• Show your players that at the time of transition, the defending team is still in attacking shape. 
  Make sure your players understand the implication to numbers up in attack.  Attack quickly before the defense recovers and restores defensive shape.
• Have your players look to make the longest forward pass possible. 
  Once this is completed, demand at least one player gets in advance of the ball to allow for continuous forward progression.
• Show players how to create and exploit space with diagonal and curled runs.
• Follow the animated progression below.

Animated Progression
Only Coaches with a membership to the Animated Coach’s Library can view the activities in animation.  If you like any of these activities we have over 1000 animated in are member’s only site.

3v3v3 Three groups of three are placed in different colors and placed on a 40 yard by 30 yard field with goals on each end.  Teams are assigned to defend each goal, placing one player in goal.  The remaining team starts with the ball and attacks one of the teams.  Once a goal is scored or possession is lost the team that was defending counter attacks the team that was resting.  Can they have constant forward progression.
3v2 out of a 5v5 Extend this same field to 50 yards by 40 yards with a distinct midfield line.  Assign two defenders and three forward to each side of the midfield line.  Demand your defenders find the highest forward as quickly as possible when transition occurs.  Now can get a chance at goal within five seconds.
3v3 out of transition Two boxes are set up near midfield with a 2v2 in each.  Three players on each team are placed in the middle of the field.  When transition occurs in a 2v2 the team that gained possession plays the ball to one of the three players who then go to goal in a counter attack.
6v6 timed Teams play 6v6 and must score a goal within 6 seconds of gaining possession.
8v8 Has your session had an impact on the players.

Attacking Heading
We have observed numerous crosses headed over the goal this year.  We have also observed many players heading the ball up and to no one when not in a dangerous situation.   Players need to be trained to head the ball down when attempting to score or keep possession.  The goalkeeper raises their hands when the ball is in the air.  Team mates would prefer a ball played to their feet instead of their chest or head. 

Suggestions

• Explain to your players the concept of heading the ball down.
• Show your players how a goalkeeper reacts to a ball crossed in the air.
• Ask your players if they would prefer a ball passed to their feet or their chest.
• Demand players get above the ball while heading the ball for a shot or pass.
• Follow the animated progression below.

Only Coaches with a membership to the Animated Coach’s Library can view the activities in animation.  If you like any of these activities we have over 1000 animated in are member’s only site.

Cone Knock Down Divide player into groups of four.  Have one player serve balls behind three nine inch cones.  The remaining three players run to a serve and attempt to knock down a cone by heading the ball down.
Heading at Goal Divide the team in half and have each group stand in line facing the other line with 15 yards between the two groups.  Place a goal in the middle.  One player starts in goal as the opposite team has a player run to the goal and head a served ball.  After each player heads to goal, they become the goalkeeper as the teams alternate between roles.
World Cup Heading Divide the team into groups of two.  Each group of two partners with another group of two.  Set up fields that have a 8 yard goal facing another 8 yard goal with about 6 yards between the two goals.  One player from the attacking team moves to the side and serves a ball to their team mate.  The team mate attempts to head the ball past the two goalkeepers and into the goal.  Roles then change.
2v2 + keepers and servers Groups of four are formed and placed on a 20 yard long by 15 yard wide field.  Each team supplies a server that plays outside the field and placed a goalkeeper in goal.  Goals can only be scored off of a head ball played from a server.  Allow the servers to throw the ball if they can not play an accurate ball with their feet over the short distance.
6v6 Play 6v6 with a distinct crossing lane.  Allow one defender to go into the crossing lane once the ball is possessed in the lane.  You can restrict chances to goal coming off of a cross from the crossing lane.

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

Week 4
Adventures in the Desert
by John Dingle

Greet the players and let them know that today’s adventure will take them to the Desert.  In the Desert there will challenges with cactus, exploring, avoiding a dangerous hawk and protecting your pet lizard.

Ouch Cactus Touch Players move around the grid and attempt to touch as many cactus as they can in a limited amount of time.  Players then attempt to beat their own record.
Ouch Cactus Touch with ball Same as previous but ball is added.
Ball Exploration Each player brings the coach the ball and the coach throws the ball out for the players to retrieve the ball.  Ask the player to tell you what they see in the desert.
Protect Your Pet Lizard  Each player has a pet lizard(ball)  and must attempt to protect it from their partner while attempting to kick their partners pet lizard.
Don’t Let the Hawk Steal Your Food Players dribble their ball (food around the grid) one or more players then attempt to kick their ball outside of the grid.  When the ball is kicked out the player chases it down and brings it back into the game.
You are Out of Here The group is split in two and each half line up near the midfield line with the coach separating the two groups.  The coach has a supply of balls.  The coach rolls a ball out and the first player in each group attempts to score a goal in the direction they are attacking under pressure from the opposing player.

Your group now meets with another group and plays 3v3 or 4v4 games.  At the conclusion congratulate your players on successfully completing the desert adventures and let them know that next week will feature adventures in the ocean where they will have swim like fish and avoid fishermen, raid like pirates, and stay clear crabs, lobsters, and sharks. 

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

Reflex Drills are great to do for a light practice.  Whether your goalkeeper is coming off an injury or it’s the day before a big game, reflex drills keep the goalkeeper sharp.  You shouldn’t only rely on reflex drills for any training session.  However, they are upbeat, fun, and can serve as a nice change of pace in a training session.

Reflex Drills

By John Dingle

Week 3
Adventures in the City

Greet the players and let them know that today’s adventure will take them to the city.  In the city they will have to drive cars through in traffic, obey all traffic signals, listen to the policeman and avoid the car thieves.

Red Light/Green Light Players line up on one end of a 10 yard by 15 yard grid.  The coach (policeman) stands on the opposite end.  The players must attempt to get to the policeman’s side without being seen by the policeman.  The policeman turns away and then turns to face the players.  Can the players stand on one foot while the policeman is looking.
Red Light/Green Light with ball Add a ball to the previous activity.
Tractor Trailer Each player gets a partner.  One player in each group of two becomes the tractor and leads the trailer around the grid.  The trailer attempts to stay as close to the tractor as possible.  When the coach calls switch the roles change.
City Driving The grid becomes a road and all of the drivers get a driver’s license.  They drive their cars around and the policeman gives tickets for crashes, driving off the road, and not obeying traffic signals.  Have the drivers drive in different gears to incorporate change of speeds.  Stop signs can be called out.
Avoid the Car Thieves Have one player begin the activity above without a gall (car).  He/she then attempts to steal a ball (car) from another player.  When a ball is taken the player who lost possession becomes the car thief.  Add additional car thieves to make the game more challenging.
Name Game Set up a small field with a five yard goal at the each end line.  Place half of the players in each goal.  The coach stands off the field at the midline with the soccer balls.  The coach then calls one player from each team’s name while rolling out a ball.  Players who hear their name called come out and play one vs one to goal.  You can have more than one vs. one going on simultaneously..

Your group now meets with another group and plays 3v3 or 4v4 games.  At the conclusion congratulate your players on successfully completing the city adventures and let them know that next week will feature adventures in the desert.  In the desert they will play with cactus, explore, protect their pet lizard, and avoid a Hawk.

Copyright, Soccer Source 360, 2009

I need to take this moment, since today is the first time I have had over 100 posts in one day, to thank you all for being here…for reading my “stuff” , for leaving me nice comments and those of you that know me have sent me emails too and I love you for it.
I also thank all of you “invisibles” the people I don’t know who have just come and read and I hope enjoyed. Please come back again and let me know you were here and what you think. Your words keep my words coming and I really want to keep doing this for me and for you.

I love to cook, I love being a wife and mom, I love to coach soccer, I love to create and I am really loving the writing and sharing of it all. This is one of my dreams coming true…

Thank you again and I look forward to continuing to share with you. Please don’t think I’m a sap if I send out these little dorky notes every few weeks!!! haha!

MONSTER HUGS AND KISSES TO YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE, DORINA <3

I am such a “soccer person” that I think some people are surprised I haven’t written something about soccer yet besides a few small mentions in my previous posts.

I am not going to sit here and post my soccer resume but briefly…this is my “soccer history”….

I started playing when I was a kid when I found my dad’s old high school soccer cleats and his ball in our wine cellar as I was helping my mom clean it out.  I took the old crusty ball and pumped it up and surprisingly, it still held air and I started to play with it.  I decided to play soccer “like Papa”! 

First you have to understand my desire for wanting to play like him.  I am the oldest of 4 girls in an Italian family.  Need I say more?  I know my dad really wanted to have a son.  He never said so out loud, but I knew it.  So I guess I was trying to be the son he didn’t have by playing soccer like him. 

I’m still not so sure if it mattered too much to him but in his funny little way I guess he was proud since he did have my soccer picture hanging up on his mirror at his barber shop.

Anyway, I played all thru school, 4 years of varsity in high school and then on to college.  I started coaching right out of high school while I was playing in college and am still coaching today.

Supposedly I am a professional since I have coaching licenses and diplomas from the USSF (United States Soccer Federation) and the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Assoc. of America) and have attended numerous clinics and courses and National Conventions just to add to my knowledge of the game and how to coach the kids who want to play it. Oh yeah…and I am PAID to do this work!
I am also a super- huge proponent of injury prevention training especially ACL injury prevention. (Anterior Cruciate Ligament of the knee) The ACL stuff is a pet issue of mine since I have had ACL reconstructions on both of my knees.  One in 1983 and one in 2003.  20 years apart….WHAT A DIFFERENCE in the surgery, the recovery and the pain!

SO….I love coaching.  I am NOT a parent-coach…I am a coach-parent.  There IS a difference.  You see parent coaches become coaches after they have kids and want to ensure they get their kids on the team.   A coach parent (like me!) was already a coach before having their own kids.
Get it?

I started out coaching girls and then after about 7 or 8 years, I decided I wanted to try my hand at a boys team. I had a friend who was leaving a position as a boys JV high school coach and told me he would recommend me for the job. Well, I went, and the Head Coach and the AD spent the whole interview asking me how I was going to deal with the boys because I was a woman.

Needless to say I didn’t get that job. BUT shortly thereafter I found out I was pregnant, then I found out I was having twins and then I found out they were both boys! So ….HA!!! I thought…I’ll make my OWN team!! And that is how I started coaching boys…as soon as the twins were able to play, I was coaching them…and the rest of my 5 boys!!! Now Nico and Enzo are playing in college! I showed them!!! ….OW!!!…my arm hurts from patting myself on the back a bit too hard!!! haha!

Of course…who’d have thought I would go on to have 5 boys before I got my girl?!?! Now, after about 13 years of coaching boys up to rather high levels, I am once again coaching a girls team…of 8 year olds!!! Holy Cow!!! I LOVE the girls…they are amazing…as is of course my own daughter who with a Mom like me and 5 older brothers isn’t too bad a player!!! {note the pride trying to burst thru the page! } But I have to say the rest of the girls are all very good also! (LOVE my team)

BUT……..after coaching big kids whose parents show up less and less over the years…I am back in the realm of the screaming parents and opposing coaches on the sidelines!!!! (not my parents of course!!!  they listen to me!!  LOL!)
AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am REALLY considering taking my IPOD to games and hiding the headphones under my hair!!!
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY STUPID PEOPLE OUT THERE????

Well, I am going to be addressing STUPID PEOPLE in future posts…but right now it is time for my lunch and this is long enough!!! At least going forward as I write about soccer I hope you will understand I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!!

Thank you for reading my pseudo resume’ and I so look forward to sharing all my STUPID PEOPLE experiences with you….well maybe not ALL because that would mean that I would be writing 24/7 for the next 10 years straight just to catch up to today!!!
(don’t know emoticon for “TONGUE IN CHEEK”–SO I WILL “STICK TONGUE OUT” INSTEAD!!!)
hee hee…

<3 D

Coaching youth players can be the most frustrating experience or it can be bliss. When young players misbehave chances are your soccer drills are too easy or possibly a little too advanced.

In order for your team to train and listen, the drills need to be physically demanding and keep all the players involved. The drills need to be short and performed at a pace that involves the whole group.

If you notice your team misbehaving the drills might be too easy and it’s a good indication that the players are bored. On the other hand, if the drills are too advanced, the players will surrender and start to play up. As a coach you must remember that young kids attention spans are very short and they need to be stimulated to keep them from misbehaving.

Soccer drills are a great way to combat this problem during training. Drills allow you to develop one or two aspects of the game at once. For example, simple passing drills allow the players to practice passing the ball and receiving the ball while having fun. If the drills are executed properly, the players will not even realise their training a certain aspect of the game. They will mistake it for having fun.

Watching soccer drills is also a great way to monitor your players. Through the use of drills you can identify a player's strengths and weaknesses.

The most important aspect of soccer drills is teaching the players certain skills. Demonstrate the drill with a live example. If you can't demonstrate the exercise, how do you expect the kids to?

Also the playing area or the grids should be constructed before training begins. You want your training sessions to flow from one exercise to another. The last thing you want on your hands are ten young kids waiting for you with every opportunity to misbehave.

Last but not least, encourage all players while performing the drills. Cheer good movement while correcting errors with friendly advice.

Training sessions constructed around soccer drills benefit the players the most. What better way to teach your players the basics of the soccer? Incorporate fun into the drills and you never know you might unearth tomorrow’s superstar.

Soccer has become a mass phenomenon. Kids as young as five years old are gracing the green pasture. When young kids play soccer its always about fun and meeting new friends. So what changes, as they grow older?

To be honest, the kids don’t change at all. They may be a little older but they still play soccer because it’s fun. Then you might ask why do so many youth players quit the game before they become teenagers?

With every new season come new pressures and difficulties. Pressure stems from parents, the coaches and to some extent teammates. Players are showered with abuse in the form of screaming and yelling. If you're the coach or parent you must protect your players from this sort of abuse and torment.

Soccer parents and coaches need to understand that yelling instructions does not improve their performance but only aids in depleting their confidence and love for the game. A player can never improve or develop away from the game. The player needs to attend all training sessions and needs to enjoy the game. Simply yelling at players is a great way to add to the ever-growing statistics of kids quitting soccer.

Yelling and shouting should be replaced with praise. Instead of yelling instructions and trying to coach every move, try cheering and encouragement. Children that receive praise and encouragement are more likely to repeat the desired actions again and again. I’ve never met anyone that puts in a greater effort under a cloud of criticism than under a cloud of praise. Have you? Then why do most coaches and parents expect a different a result.

Another great way to reduce certain pressures in youth soccer is to create a supportive team. Coaches and parents should develop a team with Great Spirit. Develop an atmosphere that is friendly and full of encouragement.

The soccer coach should aim to build a team, not individual players. A team that works together and supports each other will always beat teams with a few stars that try and steal the spotlight.

Do you want to build a winning girls’ soccer program, on the field and off?  In Coaching Girls’ Soccer Successfully, one of the nation’s top high school coaches, Debra LaPrath, shares her expertise on all aspects of coaching. From establishing a coaching philosophy to making decisions during a game, this is the approach that has made her program a perennial powerhouse.

The author clearly outlines the importance of defining your coaching philosophy. It zeroes-in on your values and beliefs, the individual and team’s goals, keeps you focused on what’s best for the girls, and emphasizes being true to your own personality. At the core of her approach to coaching, is developing the character of individual players and team cohesiveness.

Coaching girls soccer is extremely rewarding. They are more open to new ideas, able to adapt quickly,  and willing to work hard. Coaching Girls’ Soccer Successfully is a “must-read” if you are searching for motivational tips, coaching guidelines, and specific strategies for working with female soccer players.

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