Soccer Coach Clinic Outline

Intro-

1. Associations Present? Participants Name & League? Coach Certification Signatures2. Expectations; Stakeholders; Developing Kids; Communication; Winning, Tips & Drills; Q & A

Expectations-

1. Expectations greatly influence how much we enjoy something-- Roller Coaster vs Library2. Expectations differ-- Kids/Parents/Siblings/Opposition/Coaches3. Perceptions of skills and job are skewed. Perception seldom matches reality4. Expectations vary and change in different leagues (Charts)5. Set expectations for your team & require participation/cooperation

Who are the Stake Holders-

1. Bedford Countya. Department of Park and Recreationb. Code of Conductc. Certificationd. ~ 11 Different Associations in Bedford County

2. CVRSAa. Coordinates and schedules the counties and citiesb. Schedules Refc. Has a website for game cancellations and field directions. http://www.cvrsa.com/

3. FYAAa. Admin and website: http://forestyouth.org/b. Coaches / Parents / Kids all have various expectations

4. Coaching Impacta. RE-CREATIONb. Role Model to kids, Ambassador to oppositionc. Community Building; Make friends and lifelong acquaintancesd. Player Development A+ vs D players & getting bettere. Fun versus World Class Players

5. Communicationa. League Athletic Software / Team Page / Scheduling & Changesb. Build Trust and Cooperation between you and your parents

6. Winninga. #1 factor- Practice time and effectiveness; a great coach and enough time makes ‘em look like stars.b. # 2 factor- Returning Teams; Time together pays tangible dividends in Teamwork.c. # 3 factor- A+ player; Winning teams have one or more A+ and ride ‘em to victory. d. # 4 factor- Weakest Players; Weak player(s) are like holes in a boat… it won’t float for long. e. # 5 factor- Average Players; Somebody “steps up!”

7. Tipsa. Develop Love for the game, the rest takes care of itself.b. Remember the term RE-CREATION and build that joy into your workout plans.c. Create a joyous community—you will see these parents and kids for a decade or more! The kid you

impact will be an adult someday… and better pay taxes so you and I can retire! d. Drills vary by age & skill. There is no need for complex plays in Rec soccer. Develop sound individual skills

and general teamwork. e. Use drills that allow each player to feel some success during a practice. Make them feel that they

accomplished something and did something right.f. When you see problems-- don’t try to correct all at once. Help a kid fix one weakness at a time.g. The game is the biggest teacher. A kid that plays will develop skills in a short period of time and attain

their peak performance. Kids that don’t play when they’re at home won’t get better very quickly. h. In soccer footwork is a huge factor. Help the kids so they don’t lose the ball right away and you’ll give

them the confidence to play the game. i. Do less sprints and more running with a ball in drills. Kid will run and not realize they’re working out! j. Success Cycle; PLAN – DO – CHECK – ACT… NOTICE CUES & REPEAT (Practice Planner Spreadsheets)k. A great coach can do a lot in one field or part of a field. A bad coach accomplishes little regardless.l. Enjoy this opportunity. Learn from library books. ; Checkout on-line, library, other coaches and DVD

resourcesm. Attend a game at the next older league. Know what excellence looks like at the next level so you can

prepare them to hold their own when they move up.8. Drills-- If you expect players to do something in a game… you have to run it in practice enough times so they “get

it” and can repeat it during the very different energy that exists during a game. Develop fun exercise for that situation. Use your creativity to break down complex situations into smaller drills you can work on so the kids can have success on small things and build into larger movements.

9. Monkey in the Middle Drill- (DOA = Depending on Age)

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) 4 to 8 players in a circle2) Give the circle one ball and put a few outside the perimeter

* Passing* Receiving* Communication* Defensive Poaching* Dealing with defeat

Keep Away-* Pass ball but don’t let Monkey in the Middle get it.* If defender controls or knocks it out of the circle he takes the place of the passer.* If passer sends it far from receiver or circle he is in the middle

1) Widen circle & put two Monkeys in the Middle

2) Run with 2 balls

Two Ball Dribbling-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Locate lines ~ 20 – 40 yds apart DOA2) Divide kids into squads of 3 and arrange along one end line.3) Send one player to other end line directly across field.4) Give each squad 2 balls.

* Dribbling with both feet and keeping control* recovering from mistakes* Dealing with defeat* Celebrate success

Relay Race-* One player from each squad starts with both balls.* Dribbles across field with close touches* At other end passes/leaves balls for teammate.* Waits there for returning balls while teammate dribbles back to original starting point.

1) Add chatter and commentary2) Encourage kids to check down field and ensure they are staying on line.3) Change goal- Require kids to kick the ball about 5 yards each time and touch balls with kicks from both feet.

Square Passes-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Put two cones 3 to 8 yds apart- DOA inside touch line on one end line.2) Put two cones catty corner at other endline.3) Arrange players behind cones.4) Give players on inside lanes one ball each.

* Passing control and strength “touch”* teamwork* recovering from mistakes* celebrate success

Oval Circuit Passing-* Players make square passes as they run the field.* Stay in formation best they can. * Shoot at far end.* Change inside/outside positions to work both left and right feet.*Pass back to starting point.

1) Encourage kids to change partners on each circuit so they get used to different players and one isn’t stuck with another that cannot pass.

Throw ins, Headers & All Stops-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Two lines facing each other 5 to 15 yards apart DOA.2) Lots of space between players.3) 1-2 balls for each group.

* Proper Technique and 1st Touches.* You can focus on one at a time… then as they develop they’ll work on passing and stopping.

TALK/SHOW/ACT/REPEAT* Talk through proper form.* Display form you expect.* Let kids work on exchanging Throw-ins, Headers & Stopping the ball.

1) Work on Throwing In to people on the move.2) Work on fakes.3) Receiving line tries to do “all stops” as they move.

Lightning / Thunder-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Players in a line 5 to 20 yds DOA in front of the goal with one person at the front near goal2) One person in goal.3) Two or three cones in a tight line 3 to 12 yards in front of goal DOA.4) Coach and balls outside front corner of goal box.

* Receiving pass and finishing quickly with minimal touches.* Develop both feet.* Speed, motion, staying focused* Playing Keeper* (Entry passes with variation)

* Coach passes ball ahead of 1st recipient.* Player approaches and can touch the ball 1, 2, 3 times DOA before shooting.* Ball must be shot before reaching the line of cones.* Keeper stops ball if possible.* If ball goes in goal keeper goes behind goal and waits.* Shooter takes keeper spot.* Game progresses until one player remains.

1) Have players behind goal shagging balls and feeding coach who is passing.2) Give kids the job of making passes, alternate passers every few minutes so each takes a turn.3) Players “behind goal” can become alive again and join shooting if they catch a ball OR if the ball hits the top bar of the goal.

World Cup-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Allow players to form squads of 3. Issues pennies if you have enough colors.2) Squads pick their name.3) Place one ball in play.

* Working as a team.* Learn where to be to stop balls and score.* Just have fun and celebrate success.

* Place one ball in play by throwing it to ~ mid field.* Squads vie to score a goal.* When a squad scores they “win” and move to another area to pass, shoot, away from World Cup.

1) Players must call their “team name” before they shoot to have their shot count.2) Allow 1 player or coach to play keeper.

One on One Defense-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Arrange cones in a few gauntlets ~ three cones per line 2 to 4 yards wide 6 to 8 yards deep DOA.)2) Kids in single rows @ starting points of each line.

* Dribbling in tight confines.* Defense and poking the ball.

* Player with ball must move from the starting end to the other end while keeping the ball inside the cones.* Defender “wins” if he takes ball or kicks it out of the cones.

1) Set up “gauntlets” so they cycle. Kids end one and then wait at the starting point of the other.2) Rotate defenders every few minutes.

Two on Two Defense-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Arrange cones in a few gauntlets ~ three cones per line 3 to 6 yards wide 8 to 15 deep DOA.)2) 2 kids in defensive gauntlet, two kids ready to cross the rectangle.

* Dribbling in tight confines.* Defense and poking the ball.* Teamwork O & D

* Players with ball must move from the starting end to the other end while keeping the ball inside the cones.* Defender “wins” if he takes ball or kicks it out of the cones.

1) Set up “gauntlets” so they cycle. Kids end one and then wait at the starting point of the other.2) Rotate defenders every few minutes.

Half Field O vs D-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Identify which positions you want kids to play.2) Penny our offense in one color and defense in another.3) Line up defense in their half of the field.4) Overlay offense.5) One ball in play at a time, rest near midfield.

* Offense & Defensive Teamwork

Half Field Exercises * Give offense ball near midfield. They attack and try and score while defense prevents them.* Play goes on until defense puts ball in other half of the field.* Reset and repeat for about 10 minutes.* Change O with D and Repeat.

1) Coach as the game progresses, but don’t stop it so much that they don’t get a flow going.2) After a flub, discuss what you prefer happen.3) Stop action; let players see the field and situations as you see them then continue.

Small Size “Matches”-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Arrange players in various “snapshot” situations you want them to get better at.2) Penny O & D.3) Put the ball in play.

* Repetitive and rapid exposure to game-like situations to reinforce player position and teamwork in specific situations.* O & D Teamwork* Individual skills in specific positions.

*Run Corners, goal offensive strikes with and without defense, etc.* Instruct and repeat.* Minimize standing around and maximize exposing the kids to handling that situation well.

1) Rotate the players taking the corners, or doing the throw ins, etc.2) Swap O & D regularly so everyone gets a chance to get better at both.3) As you identify positions, maximize those kids time in those places in “matches.”

Four Goal-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Mark a field using cones and existing lines define field ~ 1/3 your normal playing size.2) Divide into two teams and put pennies on3) Put 4 pug goals or cone in center of your 4 side/ end lines.4) Hang two pennies on adjacent goals matching one team’s color and two pennies on the other goals to match the other team’s color.

* Learn to switch from offense to defense quickly.* Learn to pass and look up to see opportunities.

* Put one ball in play.* Players score in either of their goals and they must defend the opposing team’s goals.* Throw ins all out of bounds and after scores.

1) Put two balls in play.

Long Ball-

Arrange Skill Development Action1) Truncate your field… Use about half of it.2) Mark a center line and two “end lines.” These end lines are how teams “score.”3) Put half the kids on one color and the rest in another.4) Divide both teams in half and assign each half ONE SIDE of the playing area. Players must stay on their side.

* Learn to switch from side to side and play with your head up.* Learn to kick the ball long.

* Put one ball in play.* One squad plays defense while the other tries to kick it long past the end line.* Change which side is kicking long after ~ 8 min.

Passes Drop, Square, Through, Cross & Long-

Arrange Skill Development Action1) Create micro versions of the passes you want the kids to execute and repeat them.2) Mark areas and starting points with cones to give players a chance to keep running the same drill without out drifting all over the field.

* Learn to Pass and Receive without defensive pressure* Same… but with defensive pressure.

* Each player may need ~ 1,000 touches before they have a sense of the ball and their strength.* Repeat passing drills you like and give your players lots of touches.

Goal Keeper Development-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Form three lines about five yards apart.2) Keep about 10 yards between players down each line. 3) Give one line all the balls.4) Player in middle line will work on Goal Keeping, Have Player KNEEL to start.

* Confidence and ability stopping balls as a Keeper.

* Player with balls tosses balls to Kneeling Keeper. Keeper gently dives and rolls learning basic technique to hold and cover up loose balls.

1) Alternate players through the middle line.2) Have Keepers stand and repeat tosses.3) More work with willing keepers.

Strikes One-on-One-

Arrange Skill Development Action1) Place players in four lines starting a few yards shy of mid-line.2) Two “middle lines” should be a few yards from field’s center line.3) Outside lines should be a few yard outside the posts.4) Give players in outside lines the balls.

* Dribbling and striking with a single defender to beat.* Stopping attacks on goal.

* O makes eye contact and dribbles toward goal. D must stop him or kick ball out of play.* After shot is taken or ball stopped opposite outside line makes eye contact and starts.*Players return alternating O & D/ Left and Right strikes.

Strikes, Multiple Players-

Arrange Skill Development Action Variations1) Form players in offensive lines a little shy of mid field.2) Give one line the ball. Have the players pass and dribble and shoot.

* Striking as a Team* Getting in good position to create shots on goal

* Players dribble in and pass as you desire.* Stick with the strike and put back “rebounds” and misses that stay in play.* Next group of players stars as soon as others conclude.* Route returning players out of the middle of play to avoid injury, etc.

1) Add goal keeper2) Add defenders3) Direct where the last “cross pass” should come from.

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Soccer's Advanced Expectations

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Charts convey that Coach, Player, and

Parents have different

EXPECTATIONS.

None is “right.”

“Cultures” present among participants are quite different depending on the

league.

Older leagues expectations and

experiences change as games begins to

resemble “real soccer.”

CVU U12 Spring Soccer

Hello,

My name is Greg Slominski and I’m the head coach for our U12 team. I’ve coached many soccer teams, but this is my first U12. XXX$$$%%% will assist. If any other parents would like to help on the field, we’ll put you to good use!

We also need a team mom to coordinate snacks, etc.

ATTITUDEKeep a very enjoyable spirit on and off the field. Rec League is supposed to be fun. We’ll push the kids hard, expect them to work and do their best, but keep it real.

We will not coach to keep parents happy or win games by leaving only our best kids on the field. Your son will experience each position during practices and games. Hopefully every player will score at least one goal during the season; have each make great offense and defense plays; and as a team win more than we lose.

The purpose of the League:

Introduce the game of soccer and develop skills commensurate with their age

Engrain a since of sportsmanship Provide a healthy and enjoyable recreation experience

Notice how the purpose is all about the children’s experience. In light of this purpose, I submit to you the goals we will accomplish this year.

Our Goals:

Learn basic and advanced soccer skills Create a positive experience-- one that encourages each player to play organized sports again

Make new friends Build self-confidence and a sense of teamwork

PRACTICESWe seem to be blessed with two practice slots. Tuesday and Thursday at Armstrong Field. Practice starts Tuesday 3/14. Our practice time is 5:00 – 6:30. We may move the starting time back for commuting schedules when we get enough daylight. That will push the end of practice back accordingly.

Example

“Welcome” Letter

The best way to improve is through focused coaching and by playing strong teams. As coaches, we’ll do our best during practices. As for good competition, the LUS Travel team is willing to scrimmage us. This will expose our kids to a high caliber of play. These scrimmages will occur on our regular practice nights, but fields may vary.

GAMESAs soon as I get a schedule, I’ll pass it on.

(Directions to all fields are enclosed).

OUR TEAM-- COLORS & EQUIPMENTWe asked for something lively, but no word on team color. We’ll coordinate game day shorts and socks once we know.

Shop where you like, I’ve enclosed a discount coupon for Dicks Sporting Goods. Players need soccer cleats with plastic cleats, no metal cleats. Cups, goalkeeper gloves, mouthpieces are all optional.

CONTACTWhen in doubt, check out the LUS website. For cancellations, call 846-6544.

My contact information:

phone # , e-mail

BRYA U10 Spring Soccer

Hello,

My name is Greg Slominski. I am the head coach for our U10 team. XXX&&&%% is assisting. We invite you to help during practice! Coaching is fun and your boy will delight in you joining us on the field. Each year parents pitch in. Often find they like and become a head coach of their own team down the road.

Let’s make this a great season! Do what you can as parents and spectators. We’ll do what we can as coaches to create lots of fun AND develop the kids.

We’ll push the kids and expect them to work hard and do their best. We’ll develop strength and endurance in addition to skills.

The purpose of the League:

Introduce the game of soccer and develop skills Engrain a since of sportsmanship Provide a healthy and enjoyable recreation experience

It is all about the children learning. We’ll accomplish these goals:

Learn basic and advanced soccer skills End the season in better physical shape and instill a sense of hard work. Have a positive experience so each child want to play organized sports again Make new friends Build self-confidence and a sense of teamwork

Example “Welcome”

Letter

PRACTICEWe have two practice slots, Tuesdays and Thursdays. We’ll run two practices a week for the first few weeks and see how it goes. Once baseball starts, practice time may be in short supply.

GAMESAll games will be on Saturdays. Tentative schedule shows games start March 17 and end in May. You’ll get the final schedule as soon as it is available.

Directions to fields are attached.

CANCELLATIONSEach Association that hosts games has their own cancellation procedure. We’ll sort it out and get you the information if games are cancelled.

My contact information:

phone # , e-mail

Hello Parents! Welcome to U15 Soccer

First Impressions— Get ready to have fun. Bring smiling faces and let’s have a blast!

We have a great mix of boys and girls. We’ll work hard in practices and try and win games. We don’t start with the attitude we’ll “Release the Kraken” every Saturday. We’ll be focused, play hard, and let the scoreboard take care of itself.

Our objectives are simple. We want your child to get better, have fun, create fantastic memories and make friends. We need you to pitch in and help make this happen.

Team— We’re fielding three U15 teams. Teams practice together. The coaches did their best forming teams based on initial workouts and friend requests. Each team should be competitive in league play.

Communication— FYAA website is our communicate hub. You’ll have a team page. We’ll post interesting updates along with our schedule & contact info. Save the team page to your favorites and check it regularly.

If you want TEXT messages and team e-mails ensure your profile is set up accordingly.

Team Colors— North American MLS is the theme. Selected teams are shown below. We may not get these colors… it depends on inventory.

TEAM A NEW YORK TEAM B KANSAS CITY TEAM C SEATTLE

Effort and Expectations--

Getting better takes repetition, focus and effort. We expect your child to work hard and push himself. Your son or daughter will develop in relation to their effort.

We expect each player to give their best, be respectful of coaches and all adults. This goes for teammates, competitors and referees too. Tempers could flair and voices rise in hotly contested games—but we expect each player to act with noble sportsmanship. Similar behavior is expected of adults.

Example

“Welcome” Letter

Realistic Scoring Expectations—

Help your child feel good about his progress as a member of this team.

Scoring isn’t the ultimate measure of success

It shouldn’t be yours or your child’s

If your child lit up younger leagues, chances are it isn’t going to happen again. Those days are gone. Get used to it. Help your child adapt.

The game at older level is usually defensive with a few situations that lead to scores. Games are low scoring. That means few players net the ball.

Don’t be surprised if your child doesn’t score the whole season. About a third of the kids will score this year IF the team does real well.

EMPHASIZE AND CELEBRATE contributions of non-scorers!

Competition--

We play teams from Central Virginia. You’ll see how your child stacks up against varied talent and size. The best kids can and may play on JV squads. The weakest would be average U12s. This creates “interesting” matchups and you’ll see how your child does in these situations.

Equipment—

Each player needs hard plastic soccer cleats and shin guards. No steel tip cleats. Referees recommend tall guards that extend to the shin’s growth plate. Cups are highly recommended for boys. Custom fit mouth guards are a good idea-- though few heed the advice.

Each player needs a size five soccer ball. Your child will not improve much if they don’t kick a ball outside of practice and games. Don’t fret if you don’t have a ball the first week. We have a few of last year’s game balls. One can be yours for $15 while they last.

If parent help… we can provide drinks for the team. This is easier and less expensive than buying Gatorades at a $1.50 each. We’ll have more on this at the Parent Meeting.

Attendance--

Let me know if you cannot make a game. The earlier in the week we know about absences the better we prepare and the better we’ll adapt to holes in the lineup.

Practices and Games—

The full schedule will be posted on-line ASAP.

Tuesday & Thursday; March Saturdays

Games start Saturday March 29. Make-up on Sunday or mid-week TBD.