ADC BOYS COACHING HANDBOOK

IntroductionThis handbook was developed in order to be a sort of “cheat sheet” for coaches. Every coach is expected to teach their players specific lessons throughout the year, and also expected to use specific teaching tools to achieve these things. The directors expect our coaches to embrace our philosophies, so we developed this handbook to make it easier for our coaches to “buy in”. Thank you for all you do as coaches, and good luck with your season.

Overview of Player Development Pathway in ADC….1

Coaching Points for Each Age Group … 2

ADC 20/25 Practice Format …. 3

ADC Advanced Practice Format …. 4

List of Teaching Topics … 5

Training Activities Defined ….

Systems of Play in ADC ….

End of Season Skill Goals ….

Player Development Pathway

Player Development PhasesTechnical & SAQ development: Typical Ages U5-U9. This phase focuses on building individual skill on the ball because no other attributes can make up for technical ability. Also, this is a critical age for building speed, agility, and quickness, so we introduce SAQ activities.

Learning 1v1, 2v2 principles: Typical Ages U5-U9. Here, the basic principles of attack and defense are taught. This helps improve small group decision making for young players, and lays the foundation for understanding soccer in larger formats.

Technical application: Typical Ages U10. This phase focuses on developing technical ability by training players in game scenarios in order for them to understand why technique is important, and how and when to use it.

Technical & SAQ

development

Learning 1v1,2v2

principles

Technical application

Learning team

principles

Techincal refinement,

physical & mental training

Learning possession style of play

11v11competitivesoccer

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Learning team principles: Typical Ages U10. At this stage, the team/large group principles of attack and defense are taught. This builds upon small group decision-making, and introduces concepts important for team play.

Technical refinement, physical & mental training: Typical Ages u11-U12. Players at this age can now, from a physiological and psychological standpoint, benefit from fitness and mental training. Also, it is vital that players refine their technical abilities as they experience rapid growth, and get ready for 11v11.

Learning possession style of play: Typical ages U11-U12. The final stage allows teams and players to focus on learning to play the game in a manner that allows for dominance at the highest levels. Teams and players that have successfully developed through the pathway will be highly competitive at 11v11.

Coaching Guidelines for Player Development Pathway

The player development pathway is designed to develop players who will be ready to compete at the state, regional, and national levels at 11v11. Not only is each phase a key period in the player’s development, but also each phase progressively prepares players for the next period of development. The following provides the types of coaching points, lesson plans, and teaching focuses that should take place at each age group.

U5-U7: Teaching Focuses: Basic touches, ball striking, funPractices: 20/25 format, but use fun games at beginning and endKey Phase: Technical skill developmentGoals: To have kids love soccer, and want to play competitive soccer

U8-U9: Teaching Focuses: Mastering our moves, turns, and ball striking. Develop speed, power, and quickness. Introduce small group decision-making. Practices: 20/25 format, advanced teams use advanced format, but all emphasize high-speed coerver every practiceKey Phase: Technical & SAQ development, Learning 1v1, 2v2 principlesGoals: Develop a team that is technically superior and more creative than any other team in the region

U10: Teaching Focuses: Executing moves, turns, proper ball striking technique, and 1v1 and 2v2 tactics in games. Introduce team principles. Practices: Advanced format, emphasize high-speed coerver activities, and also use game-like activities to show players why, when, and how to use the technical foundation they have started to build (i.e. pattern play, and functional activities)Key Phase: Technical application, and Learning team principles

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Goals: To develop a team that is technically advanced, can execute technique under pressure, and is beginning to implement the principles of the game

U11-U12:Teaching Focuses: Refining technique, ensure teams are gaining fitness throughout sessions, teach mental toughness, and implement a possession-oriented style of playPractices: Advanced format, emphasize high-speed coerver, use possession rondos in most every practice, and constantly reinforce team principles in attackKey Phase: Technical refinement, physical & mental training, and Learning possession style of playGoals: Develop a team capable of dominating games in NPL, RPL, and TNSLD1 through team possession and individual skill.

ADC 20/25 Practice FormatTo be used with teams u8 down, and with developmental teams.

20/25 FormatThis 20/25 practice format is used for teams in the process of developing high-level skills. in order to effectively apply the curriculum and keep a consistent development path for all players. The 20/25 format breaks each practice into four segments of 20, 25, 20, and 25 minutes. The goal is to keep a consistency in skill development, flexibility for curriculum topics, and dedicated time for games and scrimmaging.

Segment 1 (20 minutes)Individual ball skills. Every player has a ball at their feet. First ten minutes includes root touches and warming up. Second ten minutes focuses on specific moves.

root touches: boxing, inside/outside, inside1/outside2, outside foot only, rakesspecific moves include: scissor, Kruyff, L-turn, hook, rake-take, Garrincha, stepover turn, fake shot, shimmy, stop-go, pull-take, rake-stepover, elastico, Beckenbauer

Segment 2 (25 minutes)Coerver packages. Coerver packages consist of receiving, dribbling and passing in smaller spaces with an emphasis on quickness and first touch. Players typically use all three skills and incorporate steady movement and changes of direction in each package. For example, a package may include receiving a pass from a teammate, dribbling in a specified manner to a spot, and then passing to another teammate. Coerver packages also include the same root touches and specific moves delineated in segment one. Segment 1 and 2 should generally tie together.

Segment 3 (20 minutes)

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Curriculum topic. The curriculum topic consists of a 5 minute lesson which includes: (1) a short explanation of the topic with detailed modeling, (2) specific and clear coaching points, and (c) the opportunity for players for ask questions. The next 15 minutes are spent on an exercise learning and reinforcing the curriculum topic.

Segment 4 (25 minutes)Games and scrimmaging. Players play games which allow them to score points and be declared winner or loser. Ideally, Segment 4 ties directly to Segment 3 and there is a seamless transition. Segment 4 can also incorporate a game to reinforce Segment 3 and then transition to standard games. There should be a heavy emphasis on 2v2 and 3v3 games for the developing soccer player and 4v4 for the advanced player.

ADC Advanced Practice Format

FormatThe following practice format will be used for advanced ADC teams. Teams at this level should focus mainly on two things: 1) refinement of individual skill on the ball, 2) and training to play possession-oriented soccer.

Technical Warm Up/Repetition (30 minutes)1) Individual touches and warm up (5-10 minutes)Coaches and players in the advanced format should know our root touches (e.g. boxing, rakes, etc.), specific moves (e.g. L-turn, Cruyff, etc.), and how to incorporate dynamic stretching into this warm up. Please see the ADC Skill video for more. 2) Coerver packages (20-25 minutes) Coerver packages consist of receiving, dribbling, passing, and using moves from above in smaller spaces with an emphasis on quickness and first touch. Players typically use all these skills and incorporate steady movement and changes of direction in each package. Please see the ADC Coerver Packages for more.

Segment 1 of Curriculum Topic (20 minutes) *Please see note on curriculum belowExplanation of topic• Clearly and quickly explain lesson plan, identify and model coaching points.Small-sided activity• A small (referring to field space and number of players in each space) activity that offers repeated learning opportunities for engaging the topic.

Segment 2 of Curriculum Topic (20 minutes) *Please see note on curriculum belowExpanded activity• A larger activity that looks more like a real game of soccer (has direction and goals), but contains specific limitations, rules, etc. that bring out the topic.

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Segment 3, The Game (20 minutes)Unrestricted game. Identify key teaching moments, but limit stoppages.

*Note on activities for curriculum topicsFCA is known for developing individual skill. Let’s continue that with well-planned activities in the Technical Warm up. However, I also want our advanced teams to be known for having a dominant, possession-oriented style of play. Thus, in Segments 1 and 2, implement games that train possession. Ask for resources if needed (rondos, patterns of play, shadow play, etc. are great at training this).

Teaching TopicsBroken down by level of players and team.

Entry Level Technical SessionsPassing and receiving with inside of feetDribbling with laces for speed, distanceBall striking with laces - driven and lofted ballsFinishing with laces and inside of feetIndividual ability to keep possession - turns, cuts, shielding1v1 moves at speed to beat opponent1v1 defending - body shape, movement of feet

Competitive Level Technical SessionsDealing with balls out of the air - head, chest, thigh, feetFinishing - laces, bending balls, inside of footImproving the first touch - for close control and for beating opponent

Advanced Technical SessionsLong range passing and receiving for switching point of attack - driven, lofted Serving crosses - driven, bent, cut backFinishing crosses - timing runs, head, volley, half volley

Entry Level Tactical Sessions 1v1, 2v1 attacking - 1st attacker (penetration, when to pass/dribble), 2nd (support)Dribbling and passing out of pressure1v1, 2v2 defending - pressure or delay for 1st def, and depth of cover for 2nd

Movement off ball in possession - separate from defender, open body position

Competitive Level Tactical SessionsPossession with purpose (penetration, depth/width in support, speed of play)Defending using high pressureBuilding from the back - including the gk

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Creating and scoring through wide areas - overlapping runs, crossesCreating and scoring chances through middle - combinations, diagonal runs

Functional Tactical SessionsAttacking patterns in system of play (e.g. how to move the ball and team shape in a 1-2-1-2 or 1-2-3-2)Defending shadow play in system of play (i.e. how team moves together to defend in different areas in a 1-2-1-2 or 1-2-3-2)

Set PlaysRehearsing attacking set plays (i.e. corner kicks, free kicks, building possession out of a goal kick, attacking third throw ins)Rehearsing defending set plays

Training activities defined

Coerver packagesCoerver packages consist of receiving, dribbling and passing in smaller spaces with an emphasis on quickness and first touch. Players typically use all three skills and incorporate steady movement and changes of direction in each package. For example, a package may include receiving a pass from a teammate, dribbling in a specified manner to a spot, and then passing to another teammate.

Rondos or Possession Oriented ActivitiesRondos are activities or games that train teams to improve possession. The activities can vary in size, numbers of players, and even focus on several aspects of play. For example, a rondo could be 6v6 in a 35x45 grid with the only instruction to try to out possess the other team. Or, a rondo could be 3v1 with 2-touch limit, and the player who gives the ball away switches to become the defender. Also, a rondo could be 5 attackers versus 2 defenders in a grid that includes a goal. The idea here could be to use possession to create goal-scoring opportunities in the final third. The idea behind rondos is that you can manipulate these activities to fit nicely with almost any lesson you need to teach, while still training the entire team to improve possession.

Pattern PlayPattern play is an activity with no defenders, or very limited defending, in which the players move their bodies and the ball in prearranged ‘patterns’. For example, a pattern play that is focused on improving crossing and finishing may have a center mid play the ball to an outside back, who then plays in a cross to two on rushing center forwards. The idea is to show the team the ‘patterns’ you want them to create in a game, and for them to rehearse these patterns over and over.

SAQ (Speed, Agility, Quickness) Activities

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SAQ activities focus on improving our players’ athletic ability without the ball. These activities should be kept 5-15 minutes long, and can be incorporated at the warm up or at the end of practices. Examples include: having players zig zag through cones, hurdle cones, run quickly through a speed ladder, or do short sprints.

Shadow PlayShadow play is much like pattern play, except the focus is on team defending. In shadow play, there should be 2-4 attackers who move the ball across the field while the defending team reacts by moving into a good team defending shape. The idea is not to win the ball, but to instead for the entire team to practice how to move together to defend the ball in certain areas of the field.

Systems of Playin 6v6 and 8v8 Formats

6v6 Format: System of Play: 1-2-1-2

*team in blue depicts the 1-2-1-2 shape

Philosophy:The 1-2-1-2:• Helps young players learn to play possession soccer because it offers width, height, and depth in attacking team shape• Thus, helps coaches teach center backs to build from the back, center mids to facilitate build up play and switch point of attack, and teaches our center forwards how move off the ball and connect with the midfield and defense• Helps young players understand how to apply the principles of small group defending in pairs (i.e. center forwards and center backs learn to work together to pressure and cover)• Often places players in 1v1 situations encouraging them to use skill and be aggressive • It transitions well to our 8v8 formation

*All coaches can argue at times that they should change their formation for their specific team. At the 6v6 level, we ask that you adhere to this formation the

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majority of the time. Rarely, there may be a good reason to change formation in a game, and that is acceptable (e.g. a team has a chance to win a championship final, and the coach decides to switch to a 1-3-2 to preserve the lead with a few minutes left). However, no team should change their system of play on a regular basis at the 6v6 level without presenting their case to the director first.

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8v8 Format: System of Play: 1-2-3-2

* Note that the team would obviously not be restricted to their own half.

PhilosophyThe 1-2-3-2:• Allows our teams to transition from 6v6, reinforces the prior years of teaching• Provides natural width (outside mids), depth (center backs), height (forwards) in attacking team shape that allows for teaching possession-oriented soccer• Trains our players to defend in pairs and reinforces the principles of defense• Allows our teams to play with two strikers, thus making us dynamic in attack and allowing us to be aggressive in defending high up the field• Develops very capable, and intelligent center backs• Trains center mids to build up play, switch the point of attack, play possession oriented soccer as they are surrounded by passing options on all sides• Develops dynamic wide players who attack and defend well, and understand their role in creating and exploiting the width on the field. • Lastly, this system forces players to perform well individually. Players will often be put in 1v1 situations, thus players cannot ‘hide’. This demands players to be competitive, technical, and apply the principles.*Important NotesHaving only 2 players in defense is difficult at first, but this system allows for great attacking shape and ability to win the ball back quickly when defending. If you have defending issues, remember these points:• Defending starts up front, strikers must defend and press high when possible• Wide players must track back, and at times they will form a back 3• Center backs must be well trained in 1st and 2nd defending (when to delay or when to pressure, and how to apply great cover as 2nd defender)

*When other systems are acceptableWe ask all of our high-level teams to try implementing this system. However, some of developing teams may get too exposed to play this way against quality opposition. So, in those cases we suggest a 1-3-3-1. To be clear, any team not playing our preferred system must first get permission from the director.

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End of Season Skill Goals

End of Spring Season Skill Goals for U8

Root Touches Specific Moves Ball Striking

Weak Foot Ball Striking

Juggling Alternating Laces Only

Juggling Total

perform all root touches correctly 10 times each in under 2 minutes

be able to perform scissors, L-turn, Hook, stepover turn, pull-take, Cruyff on stationary object (cone, dummy defender) in under 120 seconds

Strike ball with inside of foot 25 yards on ground at pace, and with laces in air for 25 yards

strike ball with inside of foot on ground at pace for 15 yards, with laces in air for 10 yards

6 juggles without drop

10 juggles without drop

End of Spring Season Skill Goals U9

Root TouchesSpecific Moves Ball Striking

Weak Foot Ball Striking

Juggling Alternating Laces Only

Juggling Total

Perform each root touch 10 times in under 90 seconds, while alternating after each touch (outside foot only is 10 times each foot)

Perform all moves correctly on a stationary object (cone, dummy defender) in under 120 seconds

Strike ball with inside of foot 30 yards on ground at pace, with laces in air for 30 yards lofted, with laces 15 yards driven, with instep bending ball for 15 yards

strike ball with inside of foot same as strong foot, strike with laces 20 yards in air, strike bending ball with instep in air for 10 yards

10 juggles without drop

20 juggles without drop

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End of Season Skill Goals

End of Spring Season Skill Goals U10

Root TouchesSpecific Moves Ball Striking

Weak Foot Ball Striking

Juggling Alternating Laces Only

Juggling Total

Perform each root touch 10 times in under 60 seconds, while alternating after each touch (outside foot only is 10 times each foot)

Perform all moves correctly on a stationary object (cone, dummy defender) in under 90 seconds

Strike the ball with inside of foot = 40 yards on ground at pace, laces = 30 yards in air driven, laces = 40 yards in air lofted, instep = 20 yards bending ball in air

Inside of foot = 30 yards on the ground at pace, laces = 20 yards in air driven, laces = 30 yards in the air lofted, Instep = 10 yard bending ball in air

20 juggles without drop

40 juggles without drop

End of Spring Season Skill Goals U11

Root TouchesSpecific Moves Ball Striking

Weak Foot Ball Striking

Juggling Alternating Laces Only

Juggling Total

Perform each root touch 10 times in under 45 seconds, while alternating after each touch (outside foot only is 10 times each foot)

Perform all moves correctly on a stationary object (cone, dummy defender) in under 60 seconds

Strike ball with Inside of foot = 50 yards on ground at pace, laces = 35 yards in air driven laces = 50 yards in air lofted, instep = 30 yards bending ball in air

Equal to strong foot

30 juggles without drop

40 juggles without drop

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