Kirkwood Soccer Club

Coaches HandbookAges 14 and above

US Soccer HierarchyUnited States Soccer Federation

USSFNational and Olympic Teams

United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA)

55 State Associations, 4 Regions5 Million Registered Players

Kirkwood Soccer ClubKSC

- Registration - Coaches Association

- Insurance (player, league, tournament) - Coaches Education

- Top Soccer - Olympic Development

- State run Tournaments - Risk Management

US Club Soccer-Super Y

American Youth SoccerOrganization

(AYSO)

Soccer Association for Youth(SAY)

Why Coach?

1- Former Player2- Parent getting Involved3- Passion for Soccer4- Default

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

Purpose of HandbookPlayer Development Philosophy

Resource for Coaching Education

Motivate YOU to continue your coaching education

Empower YOU with resources for future self-education

KSC Coaching Principles Respect the Sport Respect the Club Respect the Player, the

individual Encourage individual

responsibility Create an challenging

environment

Promote Fair Play Follow a code of

player/coach conduct Ensure safety at all times Provide constant

communication with both player and parent in terms of education and development

Always seek to learn from and within the game of SOCCER

Role of the Coach• Positive Role Model

– Treat all players with respect– Treat each player as a unique

individual– Encourage players to ask

questions and express feelings

– Have patience and understanding

– Demonstrate responsibility to the game, opponents, officials etc

• Empathy & Understanding– Players participate for different

reasons• Age/Maturity differences• Serve as a Facilitator

– Control conditions and environment for learning

– Enthusiastic, demanding, motivating, and positive!

– Sandwich technique = PRAISE / CRITICISM / PRAISE

– Appropriate activities – challenging and exciting/fun

– Objective – passes, spacing, goals, movement etc

The 4 Pillars of the GameTechnical Ability to consistently manipulate the ball successfully. What the player is able to do with the ball.

Physical a) Speed.b) Endurance.c) Strength.d) Flexibility.e) Agility.f) Aerobic – with oxygen.g) Anaerobic – with oxygen.

Tactical Game Insight or Game Instinct. Decision-making.

a) Individual (1 v 1). b) Group (2 v 2 ) or (7 v

7). c) Team (8 v 8) or (11 v

11).

Psychologicala) Age specific.b) Sex.c) Training rhythm.d) Motivation,

enthusiasm, determination, ability to deal with set-back, etc.

e) Individual vs. team.

How Do Players Learn?

They receive information and process it in order of importance.(LISTEN)

They block out unnecessary cues – attend to the most important.(FOCUS)

They concentrate on the execution of decisions they have made.(DECIDE)

They initiate the execution of mechanics from that decision. (DO IT)

Coaches should talk to players in a language that players will understand.

INSTRUCTING

The communication of knowledge is the sole purpose of education.

Our method of translating knowledge needs to be effective and attuned to the PLAYER and the TEAM.

INSTRUCTING• Provide clearly defined goals (objectives, targets, rules, etc.).

– Overriding – Generalized or total application, i.e., the transition to a positive mentality towards shooting.

– Specific – Play of pressuring defender. When you win the ball can you play it forward immediately?

• Provide information in a logical progression.– Correct sequence – simple to complex – general to specific.

• Feedback about performance.– Should be specific and address what is happening in game and in

practice.– Corrections – addressing the group as well as the individual.

Training Progression

1. Warm-up - Lack of pressure from opponent. Pressure from ball and imposed demands.

2. Small Sided Activity - Introduce pressure / some elements may not be realistic. Does not have to be directional.

3. Expanded Small Sided Activity – close to the “big picture.” Directional.

4. Match Conditions – Game, with all rules (5v5 includes GK’s).

Economical Training and SAID Principle

Economical Training: combining as many of the pillars of soccer in one activity as possible.

Specificity of Training

S – SpecificA – AdaptationsI – ImposedD – Demands

• All training should be specific to the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game and the principles of the game.

• Soccer training must replicate the game – what is done in training must be what happens in the game.

• To be fit to play soccer, training must be specific to the needs and demands of actual competition.

Methods• Preview

– What are you going to coach?

– Why? Purpose?• Time

– When? Frequency? Weekly/Seasonal?

• Explanation– Explain why– Explain

rules/organization– Paint a Picture = “Show

it – Talk it – Do it”

• Elements of Practice– Organization – size,

space, numbers, equipment, realistic to game?

– Create a “Transition Zone” – blocks distractions, fun, creates a positive tone for practice

The Freeze Method• A technical freeze

– allows the coach to correct incorrect technique and is coach directed.

– demonstrate proper technique and have the player rehearse the technique.

• A tactical freeze – is often coach directed, but

can benefit from guided questions as well. e.g., “we are giving the ball away coming out of the back, how can we prevent that from happening?”

– The tactical freeze should be reserved for “big picture” situations involving several players. Optimally, the play should be “frozen” just as the situation presents itself. e.g., as the defenders should be “stepping” to the ball.

– Technique should still be addressed when appropriate.

Phase Coaching• First Phase

– Identify coaching moment– Address technical breakdown

or positive execution– Demonstrate proper

technique and have the player rehearse the technique

– Rehearse technique with player

– Re-Start

• Second Phase Coaching – The second phase is reserved

for “big picture” situations involving several players

– Address First Phase Element– Address Decision of individual

player– Demonstrate options, eg

switch fields, overlaps et al.– Rehearse “big picture”– Re-Start

Are today’s coaches empowering our players, or are they encouraging a coaching dependency?

Over-coaching is when your players look at you for every move.

Under-coaching is when your players can’t find you.

Dr. Ron Quinn

Training FormatIn an effort to improve our Technical Speed, it is imperative WE

begin to teach our players how to handle the ball under pressure.

Begin with teaching technique in a dynamic fashion. • Dynamic Technical Training is defined by learning the aspects/

intricacies of passing/receiving/dribbling while in motion. NO static standing!!!

Training Format

Fundamentals of Coaching Preparation Organization- Pre-planned. What is the topic/ theme of the

session?How players are active?How many balls, cones, vests, &

field space?What is the player setup?What are the dimensions of the

field?Where is the best coaching

position?What are the rules of the exercise?What are the coaching points of

the session?

Fundamentals of Coaching Preparation

• When coaching we must:PlanPrepareOrganizeCoachEvaluate

This process needs to occur with long-term development as our goal. Two questions we need to ask ourselves, where are they now? Where do we want to take them?

Training Format• Individual/ Group Technical

Warm-upThis is the first stage of the training

session:

• It should carry some common thread to the overall theme of training. The idea behind this stage is to get the body warm and the mind prepared to perform the desired techniques necessary for the session. It is imperative to include functional technical exercises into the warm-up. Look to develop the technical speed of your players.

What is Technical Speed can be defined in two ways:

Speed of mental acquisition – choosing the surface of reception/ pass before the ball arrives based upon the surroundings

Speed of technical execution – the application of mental acquisition. The speed by which a player can execute his/her thoughts.

Training FormatIn an effort to improve our Technical

Speed, it is imperative WE begin to teach our players how to handle the ball under pressure.

Begin with teaching technique in a dynamic fashion.

• Dynamic Technical Training is

defined by learning the aspects/ intricacies of passing/receiving/dribbling while in motion. NO static standing!!!

• Small/ Large Group Functional Exercise(s)

This is the middle of the session, the “meat”, the “substance”. The theme of the session is expressed and instructed.

The format can be two forms:1. Small to Large Group functional

exercises- defined as groups of 4-6 players then to 8 or more.

2. Large Group functional exercises- defined as 8 or more players.

Training Format• Shadow/ Pattern Training• This is the final stage of the

session. This is where the Coach needs to translate the Functional Theme into the 11-a-side game.

How do we attack wide areas of the field in the final 1/3, middle 1/3, defending 1/3?

How do we attack wide areas when the opposition is playing with 4-4-2, with two standard blocks to eliminate width?

How do we attack wide areas when the opposition is playing high pressure against our back 4?

• Shadow/ Pattern Training takes three formats:

1. 8 v. 4: 8 players are the teaching team and the 4 players are used as opposition. Move the 4 players around the 1/3s and width of the field to create scenarios.

2. 11 v. 5: 11 players are the teaching team and the 5 players are used as opposition. Move the 5 players around the 1/3s and width of the field to create scenarios.

3. Pattern Training is small/large group of players placed on the field by position to script scenarios without opposition.

Training Format• Keys to Functional Exercises

The exercises should include some form of opposition (players, time, touches)

The exercises should be specific to functions/roles of players as well as areas of the field, ie attacking wide areas (wide defenders/ wide midfielders).

There is an element of technical functional training, ie attacking wide areas (crossing/serving balls).

An element of scenario training is necessary. Scenario Training is a concept by which the Coach creates a problem for the players to re-solve, ie attacking wide areas (must score off a cross; switch fields with a diagonal).

Principles of CoachingKeep in mind, “words”.Some terms to remember and use:

Shape: The positioning of fellow players in relation to each other, the goal, and the ball. Good shape relates to good soccer. Look for angles that involve triangles.

Technical Speed: The speed by which an individual player can perform the technique under pressure.

Speed of execution/ Decisions: The speed and quality of decisions to maintain possession or score.

Speed of Play: The overall speed of the team to perform the technical and tactical requirements necessary to maintain possession or score.

Compress: When defending, make the field smaller by moving players in positions to deny penetration.

Principles of Coaching Transition: Gain control

immediately and apply the attacking principles necessary. If control is not gained, quickly apply the defending principles. The key to transition is field sense.

Field Sense is knowing where you are on the field, where is your help, where is your opposition, how much time is left and of courses where is the ball in relation to your goal versus the opposing goal.

Principles of Play

The game of soccer can be broken down into two (2) basic concepts:

• SPACE• TIME When in possession of the ball, WE want to create

more space and time on the ball. When not in possession, WE want to deny space and

time on the ball for the opposition.

Principles of PlayWhen in Possession: Create more

space and time!

• Look to score. Utilize combination plays to maintain possession. Player movement is crucial. Be creative.

• Attacking principles for an attack-oriented style:

• Attack with Pace.• Immediately after winning the

ball, look forward first.

• Utilize possession to probe with quick accurate passing.

• Create 2 versus 1 situations, numbers up.

• Transition from defense to attack needs to be quick.

• Define player roles and objectives when in possession.

Principles of PlayWhen NOT in Possession: Deny space and time for the

opposition.• Pressure the ball. Apply cover

and balance according to the goal, opposition, and the ball.

• Defensive Principles in an attack-oriented style:

• Transition from attacking to defending needs to be quick.

• Pressurize opponent immediately.

• Defend up field.• Deny space by keeping the field

compact.• Define the player roles and

objectives when defending.

Principles of PlayRoles of Attackers:• 1st Attacker: Player with the ball.

Look to score first, then penetrate with a pass or dribble. Look to maintain possession.

• 2nd Attacker: Player(s) in immediate support of the 1st Attacker. Look to combine with the 1st Attacker to help maintain possession.

• 3rd Attacker: Player(s) whom provide length and width. Their runs create space and opportunities for penetration.

Roles of Defenders:• 1st Defender: Player whom

applies immediate pressure on the ball, closest to the ball.

• 2nd Defender: Player(s) whom provide cover and depth for the 1st defender. Position self at an appropriate angle to deny penetration on the dribble and by a forward pass.

• 3rd Defender: Player(s) who are providing balance across the field to deny penetration from long balls. Look to track players away from the ball.

Principles of Play SAFETY v RISK- Thirds of the field

Safety – decisions to insure safety is maintained (no chances)

Risk – decisions allow for a degree of risk to gain an advantage

Attacking 1/3 (More Risk – Less Safety)

Move Receive Finish

Middle 1/3 (Even Risk & Safety)Build Connect

Support

Defensive 1/3 (More Safety – Little Risk)Deny Destroy

Develop

SimpleIs the exercise game related?Is the exercise soccer specific?

InstructionBriefSimpleSoccer specific

DemandsDemands/ Goals/ ObjectivesIt is imperative that the Coach

sets the tone for the season, session, and game.

Coaches are expected to create a learning environment that is challenging. This requires certain expectations:

Shirts tucked in, socks pulled up

NO foul language

NO talking when the coach is talking

Coaches must look PROFESSIONAL

Demand Quality and you will get QUALITY

Mistakes will happen, STOP, REPLAY, RESTART

DO NOT let the STANDARD DROP!!!

Use tone and inflection to maintain the standard.

Training Topics, ex.

Zonal DefendingDefending Wide AreasTeam PressingSpeed of Play, Rhythm of PlayAttacking Wide AreasAttacking out of the BackCounter Attacks

Targets, ex.U13 U14 U15, U16 U17, U18

Ball competence Ball competenceTechnical Ball

SpeedTechnical Ball

Speed

Receiving air balls into space, add fake/ feint

Receiving air balls into space

Functional games

Functional games

Serve balls over 20-25 yards, both

feet

Serve balls off the dribble

Serving balls over 35yds

Technical Composure

Strive for personal

excellence

Strive for advancement to

RED Team

Strive for higher levels

Strive for higher levels

Knowledge of structured

games, 6:4, 7:5

Introduction to structured games,

6:4

Functional games, 9:5

Functional games, 8:8

Introduction to Zonal Defending

Fundamentals of Defending- 1st,2nd,3rd

Understand System and

Positional Roles

Knowledge of Attacking and

Defending Scenarios

Introduction to Speed of Play

Introduction to Technical Speed

Recognizing Attacking and

Defending Scenarios

Knowledge of Transitional Play

Introduction to Pattern Play

Introduction to Passing Patterns

Knowledge of Pattern Play

Changing Rhythm of Game

Game Management• What is Game Management?

– risk management, first aid– coach presence: appearance, voice, tone– analysis

• Pre-Game – warm-up– review goals/ objectives

• motivate

Game Management• First Half

– What is our focus for the game? How does it relate to previous training?

– Questions to ask throughout the first half: • What system are we playing? Our opponent? • How is our team performing on the focused items from the

previous week?• How is our opposition causing us problems? Where and why?• Are WE meeting our objectives for the game?• Do WE need to make an adjustment? How can we address the

issue?– .

Game Management• Half Time

– Review- What were OUR objectives for the first half?– Adjustments- What can be done to fix the problems or raise the level?

• Limit to three points to consider– Motivate- What can WE do to get them “hyped” for the second half?– Challenges to consider:

• injuries• weather• game importance – league versus tournament, relegation versus

promotion• age appropriate information

Game Management• Second Half

– What is our focus for the game? How does it relate to previous training?

– Questions to ask throughout the first half: • What system are we playing? Our opponent? • How is our team performing on the focused items from

the previous week?• How is our opposition causing us problems? Where

and why?• Are WE meeting our objectives for the game?• Do WE need to make an adjustment? How can we

address the issue?

Game Management

• Post Game Wrap- up:– Three things the team did well– Three things to improve on– Training focus for the upcoming week.– Always end on a positive.