Tuesday, April 30, 2013

U10 & U13 practice plans for practice #2

***Make sure your balls are pumped up!!!  They should be pretty firm.

Theme/focus skill:  passing

Passing cues:
-strike ball with side of the foot with firm ankle
-planting foot next to the ball pointing at target
-nice follow through with open hips
(athletic stance...on balls of feet)

(talk about appropriate weight of pass, follow through and what happens when planting foot is behind ball)

Really have them work on opening up for the pass as they receive it so that they can see more of the field of play...this can be coached throughout.  Often this requires the ball going across their body as they open up.

Warm up:  5-10min
15x15 grid
-donkey tails for a few minutes give 2/3 of group pinnies to make tails hanging out of shorts.  People that don't have tails chase trying to get a tail, which they then put in their shorts.
-pairs passing in grid, pass and then do dynamic stretches for 3 or 4 count and then receive the ball back (dribbling around while waiting for partner) while other partner does dynamic stretches for 3 or 4 count.  Also work on calling.  Move to passing and then cutting around a cone on the outside of grid and then receiving pass from partner.  Work on change of pace and nice firm passes around grid.  (Work on both feet!!)

Agility:  5 min especially if you didn't play donkey tails

Game: 10min Either four goals or two end zones that you have to complete a pass to score a point

Activities/Skill session:  20-25min

Gates/Arches Drills:
Put up 4/5 arches or gates in your grid.
start with this: do two touch and one touch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGD0lmAkJGg&feature=related
move to this:
In pairs, playing follow the leader, person without ball is in front but twisting and turning making their pair dribble following them (must stay within 4 feet of each other), coach shouts gates or passing:  two touch and an odd number 5, 7, 9, 11 etc...so automatic switches....when command given the pairs must find a gate/arch and do two touch passes to the number, move to one touch.  Can play that when you say passes they must find a different arch each time and complete as many passes in the allotted time as possible.
move to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_Yv2XBE5oA
see how many passes through gates in one minute, different goal each time

(move quickly through this series if they are getting it and doing a good job)

Passing under pressure.  15x15 grid, one player at each corner, one offence and defence in the middle, the offensive player must receive and play a pass to each player on the outside while keeping from being intercepted b defender, as in video but all service is on the ground.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHcYyw01aZI
need to take it back a notch, play 3v1 in a grid, if D gets ball, then two of their team mates come in and play 3 v 1 against the other D, or play 4v1 continuous, where if D intercepts or gets the ball they pass to their team mates in the other grid or the coach plays ball into grid two for that D's team mates to play and one of the opposing team comes in as the defender, always switching the defender.  Goal of game is to maintain possession!
need even more basic:
passing around square working on opening up and good first touch play where players are on outside of cones in grid, the cones being defenders...gradually add a live defender and move inside the square.

Tennis!  
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/65_3v1_tennis.php
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGnEQ9yxqKA
Sick of Garry White yet?? ;)


Passing & Support – Square to Sqaure  (this is the drill we did at the end of the session that Rory and I put on....a bit more advanced but an excellent drill!

Organization:
Set-up area 20x10m as shown.
Divide players into groups of four.
One group in possession against one opponent in one 10x10m square.
One square vacant to begin with.
Coaching Points:
Accurate passes with good ball speed.
Open your body to the play when receiving a pass.
Support in triangles – wide and deep.
Don’t support too close to the ball. Remember: distance = time.
Description:
1. Two groups compete against one another as follows: Four red players v 1 white player in a one square, with three white players resting outside the square at the halfway line. The coach serves the ball to the red team and they must make at least three passes after which they can pass the ball into the next square for one of the group to run onto. If successful all four red players move into the next square and, again try to get at least three passes and play back into the original square. If the red team is successful the defending white player steps out and a new defender enters the next square attempting to win the ball. If the red team should pass the ball out of bounds, or the defender wins the ball, the coach serves the next ball into the other square to the white players and one of the reds becomes a defender, while the other rest outside the area. Every successful movement from one square to the next = 1 point. First team to 10 points is the winner.
Progression: As above but 3v1 in one square, with fourth player in other square. Switch squares with a pass to the fourth player.

Game:  focus on passing and coach passing in the intersquad scrimmage.  Two goals, two teams, regular rules of soccer


Sunday, April 28, 2013

First practice reminders

Just some reminders about your first practice:
-introduce yourself
-get to know everyone's name
-remind players and parents of the code of conduct and fair play including issues around equipment and jewelery
-use the scrimmage at the end to review some of the rules around the kick off (it must go forward) and throw ins:  two feet on the ground, all the way behind your head, must throw the way you're facing, use both hands equally to throw the ball in


Running a session:
1) Get their full attention
2) Do a quick demonstration
3) Get them playing

To access Byte Sized Soccer Curriculum
Username: revelstoke
Password: coach


***Remind parents of U8, U10 & U13's that at games they must sit on the opposite sideline from where you and the opposing team are doing substitutions and that they are to cheer for all players not just their child AND finally parents are not to give technical advice only you the coach is!

U4/5's practice week #1 - May 1

Find your number on the field and set up shop!  Ensure you grab a pop up net and figure out where the team you are playing at the end is located for a quick transition.
Don't forget to introduce yourself.
Remember to give water breaks between drills.
Remember that the 3 year olds may be done after 30 minutes.
It's okay if kids carry the ball around, instead of kick it, keep encouraging them to kick it.
Remember for many of these kids this is their first time participating in an organized sport, there will be different abilities to comprehend and do the drills.  Don't forget to demo, demo, demo what you want to see and have fun, because if you're having fun, they will have fun!  Be animated!!!

At 4:30ish the horn will go, indicating it is time to move to your games.  It is supposed to be 3v3, so you may want to have two games going with the other team (you can play 4v4 with one of the 4 being a goalie too).  Set up two appropriate sized fields and have a coach leading each game.  They won't know where the boundaries are, help them out by running around the perimeter with them and help them to understand what they are supposed to do.  If it goes out, just kick a new ball in, we'll introduce throw ins later on.  The game is not the best use of time at this age but it is good to begin to play and it is the expectation of the parents that they play the beautiful game.  It's okay to have more than one ball going to encourage more people to play and touch the ball.  At 4:45 the horn will go again indicating the end of the session & snack time.  **Don't forget to have a big cheer at the end of your game for your team and the other team and then go and high 5 the other team!!  VERY important....cheer & high 5's then Snack and social.

*Don't feel you need to do all the drills below
*Enthusiasm goes a  long way!

1.  Warm up - freeze tag no balls to start, if you get tagged, freeze until someone comes and unfreezes you (show them how to freeze, legs apart, arms up and out)....then move to playing with balls, if you get tagged person unfreezes them by passing the ball between your legs (demo this).  You are dribbling around until you get tagged.

2.  Superheros
Have all kids dribble (show them) around the grid and when you shout superman/woman, everyone dives on the ball (lie on ball so it's under chest) and puts arm up like superman/woman, when you shout batman, they put foot on ball and pretend to fly, when you shout Spiderman they put foot on ball and pretend to spin a web (spidyhands), when you shout Hulk, they pick up ball and squeeze it and roar like the hulk.

3.  Shark/British Bull Dog
15 x 15 grid or so.  Have players (fish/pirates) with balls on one end of the grid and coach (shark) in the middle, the players need to get to the other side of grid to get to the sunken ship/pirate ship or to safety.  If the shark tags you before you reach the other side (then you become a shark/it too).  First round play no balls just running, second round play that the players need to dribble the ball to the other side.
http://www.coachingsoccer101.com/tag1.htm

4.  Topple me Coconuts
(Active Start session 8 and there is video too)

Split players into 2 teams and have them line-up as shown below. Place balls on top of cones like coconuts. Ask players to alternate making passes/shots to try and knock the ball off of a cone. If a player is successful they can go and retrieve both balls and bring them back to their side. Encourage celebrations!
Alternatives
Easier (U4): Start with rolling the ball across a smaller distance.

5.  Jungle Run
see byte sized coaching under games or follow link below:
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/204_jungle_run_u46.php

Game time, cheer, snack


U6 - May 1

Don't forget to:
Introduce yourself and get to know players names.
Review player code of conduct (remind about equipment & jewellery & fair play)
You will practice until 5:40 when the horn will go and you will then play your game.
Don't forget to give lots of water breaks.
Don't feel you have to get through all the drills!

Theme/Focus:  Dribbling (and fun)

Warm up/Agility - Donkey tails
15x15 grid
Half the players are given a pinni to tuck into the back of their shorts as a tail. Coach shouts “Go!” players without a tail attempt to grab a tail from the players with one. Once players get a tail they must now avoid having it taken.  Get parents to play if you need more people.


Optional Quick scrimmage with just own team (review rules: when it goes out it is the other teams ball, throw ins (all the way behind  head, throw the way you are facing, feet must stay on the ground, use two hands) and goal kicks etc)
             
Dribble Grid/Square Dance (review that when dribbling with defenders keep the ball close with lots of touches) get them using all parts of their feet including the sole to roll it back and forth, toe taps (storks), stopping and turning etc..
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/227_square_dance_u46.php

Shark (where if they have their ball taken away by you they become a shark with you) play it British Bull dog style where all the fish have to get to the reef on the other side without the shark getting their ball...if you the shark gets their ball then they become a shark with you.  Fish swim when the sharks call out SHARK!!

or
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/22_square_dance_w_sharks.php

Indy 500/Race track
Focus - Ball Literacy
Players start from “Pit row” with parents. Player starts by exiting the pits and dribbling the ball in a clockwise direction around the track following their parent. If the ball exits the track they must make 3 toe taps on the ball to restart the engine. Parent and player can switch roles with child following parents. Encourage players to make “Vroom! Vroom!” car sounds while driving!
Alternatives
Easier – run the track first with no balls. Easier – layers carry ball in hands and run around track Harder – Have players drive the truck on their own. Harder – Switch directions and have drivers go counter-clockwise. Harder – Change direction before completing circuit on coaches’ command


Optional if you need more....
Numbers Game
Focus – Small Sided Game 
Set up a small grid, depending on number of players. Separate players into 2 teams on either side of goal. Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. That numbered player on each team must race around the cones into the field where a ball is placed. Players must attempt to score on their opponent’s goal while defending their own. Encourage celebrations after a goal!
Alternatives
Easier: have them just run it as a race with a ball in their hand and have them throw the ball in goal Easier (U4): Put two balls so each can score goals Harder (U6) – Increase number of players to 2 or 3 to encourage teamwork (grid size may need to increase to accommodate this.)

Horn for matches.
Don't forget to cheer and shake hands post game!
Snack!









U8 Boys & Girls - Week1 (April 30 & May 2)

Don't forget to:
Introduce yourself & Get to know players names
Review Players code of conduct (stressing Fair play, equipment & no jewellery)

Theme/Focus:  Dribbling

Dribbling cues
(with defender):
-ball close, lots of touches, use all parts of foot
-keep body/hip between you and defender ensure you can see ball and defender
-head up
(fast, break away style dribbling)
-ball still in control but pushed further ahead
-ball pushed forward with laces, toe pointed down
-head up

for technique tips on dribbling in a fast break situation


Warm up:  Dribble Grid (about 5-10min)
Focus – Physical Literacy
Mark a 15 x 15 m square. The size may vary according to numbers. Players form pairs and find some space inside the square with one ball between two. (Or every player has a ball and set up 4/5 arches or small goals with cones in grid) One player in each pair starts with the ball, while the other rests. Players trade places on the coach’s command. The activity begins with the first player in each pair moving the soccer ball around the playing area using his/her feet and reacting to the coach’s commands:
1. Guide the ball with your feet as you weave in and out of the resting players/arches.
2. As above but on the coach’s signal run to the nearest cone on outside (ensure you have enough cones on outside as players) and take the ball in a circle around it using the inside/outside (your command) of your foot. Keep alternating from right foot to left foot.
3. “change”, players stop the ball, leave it and quickly go and get another’s ball and continue dribbling around the area.
4. “legs”, players try to pass the ball through the legs of as many resting partners/arches as they can before the coach says stop (Coach ask all resting players to stand with their feet apart).
5.  try commands like stop, turn (180 degree turn), toe taps on the ball etc...

Agility:  Ladders, cones, hurdles (5min)

GAME:  Intersquad scrimmage (two teams) with 4 goals and to score you must dribble the ball through the goal (10min max)

Activities to focus on skill of dribbling: (20-25min)
Dribbling to shoot (cones are defenders)
Focus – Ball Familiarity
Divide players into two teams. Create two different patterns of cones to dribble around/through.  Players dribble through the cones, when they get to the last cone, players take a touch with the outside of the foot and strike at the empty goal. Players retrieve their ball and the next player goes. Players are encouraged to use left and right foot to strike at goal. Player encourage d to use different types of finishing i.e., laces, side of foot. Coach can keep score on success of each team.  Switch lines so that they get to dribble around different pattern of cones.

Fast break on goal -with live defender
Two lines, staggered so attacker has about a 3 foot/1 metre advantage (or whatever is appropriate).  Coach has balls between the two lines.  Coach yells go and attacker dribbles (ensure you coach the different style of dribbling here) towards goal attempting to shoot and score before defender catches them.  If defender gets ball, play is dead.

Numbers Game - One Goal
Two teams, each player gets a number, so that there is a number 1, 2, 3 etc on each team
Each team lines up on one side of the goal.
Cone in line with goal post about 15 yards out that players must run around before attempting to play the ball.
Coach calls out number 2 (for example) and then 2's run out around cone and play the ball that the coach has served onto field, players attempting to score on goal.  Coach can serve from whatever location seems best for yourself (side of field, between two cones, one side of net etc...)

GAME:  Intersquad Scrimmage, two teams, two goals, normal rules of soccer.  Use the scrimmage to coach dribbling and any rules you may need to review eg. Throw ins (all the way behind the head, throw the way you're facing, use two hands, feet must stay on the ground), goal kicks etc... (10-15min)



U10 boys & girls - week 1 (April 30 & May 2)

Don't forget to:
Introduce yourself
Get to know players names
Review players code of conduct (stress fair play, equipment, no jewellery)
:)

Theme/Focus:  Dribbling


Dribbling cues
(with defender):
-ball close, lots of touches, use all parts of foot
-keep body/hip between you and defender(shield so you can see player and the ball...be big)
-head up
(fast, break away style dribbling)
-ball still in control but pushed further ahead
-ball pushed forward with laces, toe pointed down
-head up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5KzkwC8uQE 
for technique tips on dribbling in a fast break situation

Warm up:  (5-10min)

 Dribble Grid (square dance in bytesized coaching or warm up demoed at coaching clinic)
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/2_sqare_dance.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MruolJWE9FQ
(use stop, go, turn, fake, storks/toe taps etc....as commands) ADD SOME DYNAMIC STRETCHES
-play a fun game of shark, where coaches or a few players are the sharks(without balls) and try and knock the other players balls out of the grid, if your ball is knocked out 5 storks and back into the game OR if your ball is knocked out the player who knocked it out gets your ball and you become a shark.

Agility:  ladders or hurdles and cones (5min)

GAME: intersquad scrimmage two teams, 4 goals (situated one on each side of field/grid OR two on each end, a per corner.  To score must dribble through the goal (10 min max)

Activity:  drills/activities to focus on skill of dribbling (20-25min)
Turn & Burn

Focus – Ball Literacy
Divide players into two teams – put one team in pinnies. One team starts on one end of the grid with a ball each. Objective is for players with the ball to dribble towards the players without, who remain stationary. The coach shouts “Turn” and the players with the ball turn and try to dribble back to their starting line before their partner. Move to when coach yells turn, that the defender or player without the ball can try and steal the ball before getting to the "safe line".  Take turns having both teams being attackers/defenders. Do not eliminate players who lose their ball. Let them have another go.  (Coach can keep score for fun if you want and make the winning team sing???)


Dribble, shoot, score  
Mark out a goal.  About 20-30yards out two lines (mark with cones), staggered, offence (with balls) line in front, defence line about 2ft behind Coach shouts go, offence/attacking player dribbles towards goal trying to get in as many touches on ball (keep it close!) as possible before shooting on net trying not to let defending players catch up to them and take their ball.


1v1 Dribbling Attack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EadxBPmQvtg

GAME: Intersquad scrimmage: **just your team divided into Two teams, two goals, regular rules of soccer.  Coach the dribbling techniques practiced in the game.  Also use this game to review rules eg. throw ins (all the way behind the head, throw the way your facing, both feet on the ground, two hands on the ball), goal kicks etc...



U13 Girls & Boys practice Week 1: (April 30/May 2)

Don't forget to:
Introduce yourself
Get to know players names
Review players code of conduct (stress fair play, equipment, no jewellery)
:)

Theme/Focus:  Dribbling

Dribbling cues
(with defender):
-ball close, lots of touches, use all parts of foot
-shield so you can see player and the ball...be big (keep body/hip between you and defender)
-head up

(fast, break away style dribbling)
-ball still in control but pushed further ahead
-ball pushed forward with laces, toe pointed down
-head up

for technique tips on dribbling in a fast break situation


Warm up:  (5-10min)
 Dribble Grid (square dance in bytesized coaching or warm up demoed at coaching clinic)
(use stop, go, turn, fake, storks/toe taps etc....as commands) ADD SOME DYNAMIC STRETCHES
-play a fun game of shark, where coaches or a few players are the sharks(without balls) and try and knock the other players balls out of the grid, if your ball is knocked out 5 storks and back into the game OR if your ball is knocked out the player who knocked it out gets your ball and you become a shark.

Agility:  ladders or hurdles and cones (5min)

GAME: intersquad scrimmage two teams, 4 goals (situated one on each side of field/grid OR two on each end, a per corner.  To score must dribble through the goal (10 min max)
or Zone game 4v4
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/83_zone_game_4v4.php

Activity/Skills session focussing on dribbling (20-25min)
Focus – Ball Literacy – Turn & Burn
Divide players into two teams – put one team in pinnies. One team starts on one end of the grid with a ball each. Objective is for players with the ball to dribble towards the players without, who remain stationary. The coach shouts “Turn” and the players with the ball turn and try to dribble back to their starting line before their partner. Move to when coach yells turn, that the defender or player without the ball can try and steal the ball before getting to the "safe line".  Take turns having both teams being attackers/defenders. Do not eliminate players who lose their ball. Let them have another go.  (Coach can keep score for fun if you want and make the winning team sing???)


1v1 dribbling focus on attacking (can turn this drill into Kings court so that they play different players or just rotate as you see fit.
OR

Dribble, shoot, score  
Mark out a goal.  About 20-30yards out two lines (mark with cones), staggered, offence (with balls) line in front, defence line about 2ft behind Coach shouts go, offence/attacking player dribbles towards goal trying to get in as many touches on ball (keep it close!) as possible before shooting on net trying not to let defending players catch up to them and take their ball.  

GAME: Intersquad scrimmage: **just your team divided into Two teams, two goals, regular rules of soccer.  Coach the dribbling techniques practiced in the game.  Also use this game to review rules eg. throw ins (all the way behind the head, throw the way your facing, both feet on the ground, two hands on the ball), goal kicks etc...