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Be it the internet connection, the car or something else, it’s not uncommon to hear kids say, “it’s too slow, can’t you make it faster?!” And they say it when referring to matters on the football pitch as well.

Getting to the ball fast isn’t all about pace; it’s to do with concentration, anticipation plus one- and two-touch feet as well.

If you can get your team sliding the ball around quicker and anticipating the pass, they will be harder to beat and much more able to control matches.

Here are three exercises that make up a fast passing session.

How to set it up:• The first is passing between two groups of four players. The two lines should be around six metres apart, and facing one another.

Getting started:• Player A passes to player B then runs to the back of the queue. When each subsequent player receives the ball, he plays it first time to the next player and then runs to the back of his queue.

• Players in these practices must play the ball first time whenever possible, and should be encouraged to use both feet. Younger players can be allowed to control the ball first if necessary, then pass with their second touch.

Developing the session:• Advance the first exercise by adding a player and start passing with three teams in the same way, albeit this time with each line acting as a point on a triangle. This time the players run to the back of the line on their right after they have delivered the pass.

• Players have a lot to focus on, and their minds have to be quick to deal with the quick exchange of passes and the number of players moving around in front of them.

How an academy team would play it:• To step this up again, set up like the diagram with a five-yard square in the middle. Players are six yards away.

• The outside player starts with the ball and passes to the player in the middle. He passes back in, before the ball is played wide and back again into the middle. The ‘control and pass’ nature of this continues until the grey team get around to the white team and the sequence progresses.

• It’s technical and may take some practice, but relies on the basics of passing and movement, and is a fantastic way to get your players linking up.

Why this works:When the ball comes to a player he has to be a quick thinker, both

when communicating with his team mate and anticipating where that next player will run to.

This technical link-up play can earn youngsters valuable space on the pitch.

September 7 2011 Issue 228Under 4s - Under 16s weekly

Quick feet, quick mindsA classic ‘passing and movement’ session for your side

Quick feet, quick minds

WELCOME…

Soccer Coach Weekly 1

...to Soccer Coach Weekly. In this issue, we’re delighted to

have an interview with Tom Byer, the man who, over 25 years, has inspired Japan’s football youth

development model. He explains the techniques he employed that have had such a profound effect on that part of Asia, and offers advice for aspiring coaches the world over. Enjoy the issue and we’ll see you again next week.

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Players begin by making simple one-twos

Bringing in a third

team makes passing more

intricate

Complex one-twos around

a square rehearse

technique and movement

TOOLS, TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

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Soccer Coach Weekly 2

SAID LIKE A PROWARM-UP

Go left or go rightSAID LIKE A PROa WARM-UP

Dribbling gatesHow to set it up:• Create a playing area measuring 18x18 yards.

• This practice is for six players.

• Within the area, scatter six gates – each measuring three yards wide – in various places within the space.

Getting started:• Give each player a ball.

• The players must attempt to dribble through as many gates as possible in the space of 90 seconds.

• They aren’t allowed to repeatedly go in and out of the same gate.

• To step this up, the players must now dribble through a gate then make a turn back through it.

Why this works:This warm-up rehearses players in keeping the ball close, using

both feet and changing direction in a confined area. Players will also need to be aware of team mates around them.

dribble

Dribbling gates

KEy

ELEM

ENTS • Dribbling

• Mobility

• Awareness

• Stamina

In the development players go in and out of the same gate

Stepping it upof the ball instead. It doesn’t matter if they use their left or right foot.

• By not making contact with the ball this movement should confuse their opponent.

• Show them how they must have both feet to one side of the ball, depending which way they’re intending to move.

• Step-overs sound easy, but require practice!

Fine-tuning• Begin practising the move while standing still, exaggerating the movements until players feel completely comfortable.

• Then try to perfect the move whilst on the run, or combining several step-overs in a row.

Key coaching tip: Tell your players to remember balance, speed, and ball control are essential and have to be practised until they can do it without thinking.

Step-overs have been a technical feature of the game for many decades

now – they’re entertaining, cunning, and can really provide options for players in 1v1 situations.

Like any soccer skill, they require a lot of practice, so if your players are looking to master this trick, make sure they go home ready to have a ball stuck to their foot all week!

Making space and time• Here’s the aim - your players can send an opponent in the opposite direction by using a step-over turn.

• This skill immediately produces two precious assets: space and time.

• Coach your players to begin with the simplest step-over.

The mechanics• Tell them to shape as if they are going to strike the ball, but lift that foot over the top

dribble

Teaching your kids the art of the step-over

movement of foot

Get your players doing step-overs

place your left foot to the left side of the ball

fake to go right by stepping over the ballwith the right foot

place your left foot to the bottom right side of the ball

immediately fake to go toleft by stepping over the ball with your left foot

place your left foot nextto your right

quickly, change direction to your right by using the outside of your right foot, accelerating as you go

Faking right

Faking left

Moving away(example givenfor the right)

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I often think that what has been achieved here in Japan should give faith and confidence to any soccer coach. It has taken over two decades of hard work and perseverance, and has been helped by the support of federations and authorities, but it does show what passionate people can produce.

The Coerver Coaching programme

When I first introduced the Coerver Coaching programme into Japan, it took private investment to educate a mass audience. At the time, we had no support from the national federation or sponsors or government. We had adidas, the worldwide supporter of Coerver at the time, but nothing on a direct practical level.

But despite that, the reason that the programme took off was due to the existing sub-standard level of coaching at Under-12 level in Japan. It changed the idea of football being taught as an individual pursuit rather than as a team game. And that’s still the leading principle.

SpecificsThere are basics that every

player should learn to master – techniques like stopping and starting with the ball, changing direction, cutting, passing and receiving; skills that will give a player a certain amount of comfort with the ball at his or her feet. A player needs to be able to use both feet as if they are team mates, with one foot following the other without hesitation. It’s what we call ‘ball feeling’.

Also, 1v1 duels are a huge part of the game and my speciality. There are basically three different variations of 1v1 - when the defender is in front of you, behind you or alongside you. And if you break it down further, there are three other parts that become important with 1v1. You have to have a good first touch, you have to have speed, and of course technical ability. Marry the three together, and voila!

The fact we’re such passionate disciples of Coerver Coaching has led us to be labelled ‘the Dutch of the Far East’! But the results are that we’ll have five-year-olds who are completely two-footed, such as my son. And if you give young kids that foundation from the start then it takes away fear later on.

THE ART OF COACHING CHILDREN

Of course, Japan is smaller and much easier to organise than the United States, but I cannot emphasise how organised our federation is – and that reflects most things are in this country. The challenge here, just as it should be in any country, is to ensure that grass roots football is viewed as an open choice rather than a privileged opportunity.

I introduced Coerver’s technical teaching programme into Japan about 17 years ago. At first we weren’t really sure how to use it, then I came up with the idea of creating soccer schools throughout the country. We’ve got 100 of these schools now, but we don’t operate as a club team; instead the players just come here and we function purely on technical skills.

Japanese valuesWe have had to overcome challenges along

the way, obviously. There is a Japanese motto: “the nail that sticks up you hammer down”. In other words, the team is first, the individual is second.

This is great in one sense because it encourages team thinking. But at the same time we have players here who are so good technically, they won’t take any risks. The young players are afraid to shoot, or afraid to dribble the ball too much. Gradually we’re seeing a change in that mindset, and with that, we’re creating better players.

But Japan really is the benchmark in Asia. Other countries in the region look to

Japan first because there are such strong common cultural values to link to.

Japan, in turn, takes influences from Europe because our young players are growing up with satellite television, and are watching the best of the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga every week.

It follows then that it’s only normal to see heading to Europe as their stepping stone for realising their dream, which is to play for the teams they have been watching since they were little kids.

The national teamAs far as the bigger picture goes, the

major difference between youth soccer in Japan and, say, America, is that from the Under-12 programme in the States it’s purely a recreational project. Over here in Japan it is recreational to a point, but the Japanese FA is already starting to identify the best players for their national team pool, and those players are being given specialised training.

Land of the rising sons

TOM byER PROFILE

The role that Tom Byer (or ‘Tomsan’ as he is affectionately known by natives) has played in Japan’s success cannot be overstated. He has devoted 25 years to educating Japanese players, coaches and parents and is the most respected figure in Asian Football Development, responsible for over 2,000 football events. He advises the country’s national team and his passion for the game has tutored over 500,000 kids, many of whom have gone on to play at international level.

How Japan’s soccer sensibilities have been influenced by one man, Tom Byer

“but Japan really is the benchmark in Asia. Other countries in the

region look to Japan first because there are such strong common

cultural values to link to.”

SCW SURGERy

Q Should I introduce a selection policy to my team? Jaro Finlay, Stoke.

A Most coaches will insist that players all get the same amount of time on the

pitch as each other. Not only is this good for development, but it eliminates the idea that some are recognised as being significantly better than others, since youth football is, in theory, about opportunity not rank.

That said, if you’re desperate to give your team the best chance of success, there are ways in which coaches will still use a rotation system while offering game time to everyone, albeit over a period of a few weeks. Essentially, the best players will play against the strongest opponents, while matches that the club should win quite easily are the ones in which the ‘weaker’ squad members will start.

What remains important is to use substitutions well so as to involve as many players as possible each week.

In general, the subject of selection policies will split opinion. You have to do what you feel is right for you and, more importantly, your players.

Got a question for SCW Surgery?Email it to us at james.evans@coach-soccer.com

Q Our league is organising a weekend to raise awareness of homophobia in the

game. Is this really relevant to a bunch of 14-year-olds? Tom Brain, New York, US.

A At the age of 14, you’d imagine that kids are, for the first time, starting to get a grip

on the social issues that flood our society. It’s not a bad thing if a subject like this is being raised and debated, because your kids are at the age where they can form rational ideas and opinions.

Last season, here in Yorkshire, UK, we were made aware of the Justin Campaign (www.thejustincampaign.co.uk), which was also linked to raising awareness of homophobia with the focus being late gay footballer Justin Fashanu.

For adults and for kids, sport is arguably the best medium through which we can convey society’s issues and talking points. And the incredible reach of football means that it spans all ages and social classes. In my opinion, it should be used even more to promote these sorts of campaigns and initiatives.

As for the age of your kids, if they don’t understand or aren’t interested then you are no worse off than if the campaign hadn’t been raised. But if they listen and show interest, then that must be a step in the right direction, surely?

Q I’ve recently started coaching kids from a deprived area but, hindered I suspect

by my middle class accent, I can’t seem to get on their level. Any advice? Michael West, Swindon.

A I think the most important thing here is to not expect this to happen overnight.

Familiarity is a big thing in any new relationship and the players maybe have to trust, like and believe in you a bit more before they fully subscribe to what it is you’re trying to do.

You mention your accent, and maybe if you feel this is a barrier then reference it through humour and take away the stigma that it carries. Joking and laughing are fantastic levellers no matter who you are or where you’re from. And if you can have a laugh at your own expense, to a point, I’m sure you’ll find them believing in you.

Obviously you still need to retain that sense of authority, but if you do it in a way that is respectful towards them you’ll be changing some of their preconceived ideas.

Of course, the other thing you have that can unite any group is the common bond of football. And winning matches will help you move mountains, so remember to focus first and foremost on what you’re there for!

This week’s coach: Frankie Phillips Group: 12 to 15-year-oldsFrankie is a qualified sports psychologist from Harrogate

Soccer Coach Weekly is published by Green Star Media Ltd, Meadow View, Tannery Lane, Bramley, Guildford, GU5 0AB, UK. Email: james.evans@coach-soccer.com Tel: +44 (0)1483 892894 Fax: +44 (0)1483 894148 Editor: James Evans Publisher: Kevin Barrow Managing Director: Andrew Griffiths

Customer Service: Duncan Heard Designer: Steve Southern Contributors: David Clarke, Paul Dargan, Chris Galea © Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Soccer Coach Weekly 4

This is a great game for angles of defence and changing roles in attack.DAVID CLARKE’S TOUCHLINE TALES

A matter of timingOne of the more frustrating aspects of being a coach is having players not

turn up on time for training or matches. More often than not, it’s the fault of the parents who don’t feel that their kids’ punctuality is hugely important. But it is...

Sometimes I wonder if parents realise the consequences of their child arriving late to a session where everyone else is already up and running.

Recently, one of my players rolled along late three times in two weeks. On one occasion he was so delayed I had already split the squad into groups and they were playing a passing game.

I told the player to join one of the groups and to get involved in the action, but the other players were well into their routines and the lad struggled to get up to speed or understand the principles of the game properly. He called for passes but wasn’t sure of his next move because he had missed my coaching points at the beginning of the session.

I kept an eye on him. Although he wasn’t being left out by his team mates they became reluctant to pass him the ball because his indecision was spoiling their session.

At the end of the training session his dad arrived to pick him up, and asked how the lad had done. I told him it was tough going at first – something that no parent wants to hear – because he wasn’t there at the beginning of the session to hear what he was supposed to do.

The player, in earshot, was relieved it wasn’t his fault, and said that he hated being late because he often didn’t know what to do.

The dad mumbled an apology, but explained there were other brothers and sisters who all needed taking places.

Wind forward, and it seems now that the family has sorted things out because the lad hasn’t been late since. He joins in much more now because he knows what to do, and a big part of that is being there at the start, chatting and getting into the spirit of training.

I’ve been guilty myself of not being punctual. We all have busy schedules, and it took for me to realise that my son hated turning up late for school, to make an effort to be on time for him. My son wasn’t worried about missing lessons – instead it was the fact he lost out on playground time at the beginning of the day; it is there, after all, where friendships are forged.

It’s always worth remembering that getting kids to training on time puts them in a great position where mind and body is properly prepared for soccer.

“The dad mumbled an apology, but explained there were other

brothers and sisters who all needed taking places.”

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How to set it up:• For this small-sided game, you’ll need to create a playing area measuring 35x25 yards.

• Place a goal midway along each touchline.

• There are two teams of four players.

Getting started:• To start the game, give each team a goal to defend so that they play end to end.

• The nearest player to the goal can act as the team’s goalkeeper.

• After a couple of minutes call out “switch”, so that both teams quickly switch to defending the goals to their left.

• The game is played until both teams have defended all four goals.

• If the ball leaves play, you have a few restart options:

1. Pass a new ball onto the pitch2. The players take a roll in3. The players take a throw in4. The players make a pass in5. The players dribble in

• There are no offsides.

Why this game works:In the course of a match players will find themselves facing all

directions. This small-sided game increases their awareness of changing attacking or defending angles. If they fail to react to instructions, they either run the risk of conceding a goal, or of failing to capitalise on goalscoring opportunities.

SMALL-SIDED GAME

Switch goals

The players pass the ball

back and forth

Switch goalsplayer movement

player movement

player movement

On your instruction, the players should

all adjust to attack/defend the next goal

to the left

Again, on your instruction, the players should

all adjust to attack/defend the next goal

to the left

An attacking game that’s big on positioning and reactions

Attack or defend 4v4 (no

keepers) in one of the four goals

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This game was taken from 64 Small-Sided Soccer Games by Michael beale. The manual contains a vast range of competitive scenarios to develop

attacking and defending skill. Get your copy here: www.coach-soccer.com/64ssgs

SKIL

LS

• Attacking

• Defending

• Teamwork

• Versatility

player movement