grassroots soccer: small sided games coaches...

Grassroots Soccer: Small Sided Games Coaches Technical Guide

2013 Spring

LUYSA provides this guide to Coaches in age groups U6 through U10 to clarify questions and/or concerns. Copies are emailed to Club Age Group Coordinators and Coaches before

the commencement of league play. Should there be a question/concern that is not addressed in this Guide, please contact your Club Age Group Coordinator.

The guide may be downloaded from the LUYSA website located at www.LUYSA.com

Table of Contents

Welcome to LANGLEY UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION ............................................................. 3

KEY LUYSA GRASSROOTS & Executive CONTACTS – 2013/14 ............................................. 4

Calendar of Events ................................................................................................................ 5

Guidebook Overview ................................................................................................................ 6

CSA - Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) ..................................................................... 7

What is Long Term Player Development? ....................................................................... 8

What are Small Sided Games? ............................................................................................. 9

Benefits of Small-Sided Soccer ............................................................................................. 9

Rules & Guidelines .............................................................................................................. 10

Roles and Responsibilities for Coaches .............................................................................. 11

Spring Program Overview ....................................................................................................... 12

Spring Program Technical Guide ............................................................................................. 14

Coaching Small Sided Games ............................................................................................. 14

Grassroots Stages of Development ................................................................................... 16

From 5 to 6 Years old ...................................................................................................... 16

From 7 to 8 Years old ...................................................................................................... 17

From 9 to 10 Years old .................................................................................................... 18

From 11 to 12 Years old .................................................................................................. 19

How Players Learn - The Challenge ................................................................................... 20

Standard U5-U8 LUSA Warm-up Session Plan................................................................... 22

Standard U9-U12 LUSA Warm-up Session Plan ................................................................ 23

Key Technique Coaching Points ......................................................................................... 27

U5 to U7 Fun Drills & Games .............................................................................................. 28

U8 to U10 Drills & Games................................................................................................... 30

U9 to U11 Technique and Tactical Drills & Games ............................................................ 32

Conditional Small-sided Games (SSG)................................................................................ 35

LUYSA RESPECT Program ........................................................................................................ 40

Medical Consent Form ............................................................................................................ 41

Welcome to LANGLEY UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Our Mission: The Mission of the Langley United Soccer Association is to foster, promote, and develop the

skills, knowledge, and enjoyment of the game of soccer.

Our Vision: Langley United Soccer Association envisions a future where soccer continues to be the

number one participatory sport in the community. It is our vision that Langley United Youth Soccer Association is recognized nationally as a model organization, providing the best in soccer developmental programs for all skill levels from grassroots to recreational to the elite high performance player.

Our Values: In carrying out the work of the organization and in all its relationships, Langley United

Soccer Association will: 1) Demonstrate respect, honesty, and integrity 2) Conduct itself in a fair, credible, and trustworthy manner 3) Be responsive to the needs of those it serves 4) Pursue excellence in its programs and operations 5) Promote safety for all its participants 6) Reflect democratic principle and practices in all its activities

KEY LUYSA GRASSROOTS & Executive CONTACTS – 2013/14

Director of Grassroots Soccer [email protected] Scott Moye Technical Director/Head Coach [email protected] Mark Parker Director of Coaching [email protected] Arnout Stams Registrar/Administration [email protected] Nicole Reid U5 Coordinator [email protected] Scott Moye U6 Coordinator [email protected] Dave Kilby U7 Coordinator [email protected] Melinda Di Lorenzo U8 Coordinator [email protected] Monica Jodrey U9 Coordinator [email protected] James Stumph U10 Coordinator [email protected] Andrew Wilson U11 Coordinator [email protected] Laurel Horn U12 Coordinator [email protected] Melonie Stewart Whitecaps Ticket Coordinator [email protected] James Stumph Other Executives: President [email protected] Betty Boucas 1st Vice President [email protected] Dave Kasper 2nd Vice President [email protected] Roger Gilbert 3rd Vice President [email protected] Brian Leonard Treasurer [email protected] Doedy Reisler Director of Equipment [email protected] Martin Buehler Director of Fields [email protected] Candiss Thavonesouk Director of Referees [email protected] Joe Lee Director of Communications [email protected] Steve Campbell Director of Volunteers [email protected] Vacant Director of Youth (U13-U18) [email protected] Shelly Chandra

mailto:[email protected]
























Calendar of Events

The follow is a rough guide as to important dates and events that occur throughout the Fall Soccer Season:

Mid March - Registration closes, and age group coordinators begin to assign coaches, build teams, set preliminary schedules, and other preparations. End of March/Early April - Rosters are released to coaches;

Early April - equipment & kit pickup occurs; coaches are allowed to begin training; Coaches meeting is held;

2nd weekend of April – First game weekend. 2nd & 3rd week of April – Player movement (if necessary) is facilitated by Staff coaches. Late June – Equipment return dates are released to coaches. Season winds down.

Guidebook Overview

The Langley United Soccer Association would like to thank you for volunteering to coach within your soccer community! LUSA is built upon the effort of our volunteers like you, and our success in fostering the game of soccer, and developing young boys and girls of Langley is directly related to that dedication.

LUSA, is considered a leader in player development across BC and Canada. Our programming is based upon the Canadian Soccer Association’s (CSA) LTPD (Long Term Player Development) program. On the following pages, you’ll find a description of the CSA’s LTPD program, and its benefits, as well as an overview of the Spring Player Development Program. The LTPD model is designed to optimize Canadian excellence and lifelong wellness through soccer. By ensuring fun playing experiences for children, a suitable player development pathway for youth and opportunities for lifelong participation for all players regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, LTPD provides a framework for the growth of the beautiful game in Canada. Further along the manual, you’ll find many other resources that will assist you in coaching and managing our children soccer experiences, as well as enhancing your own abilities as a coach and a leader in our community. Please take the time to read through this informative coaching manual, and take advantage of some (or all) of the resources we provide to our coaches. The game of soccer is constantly changing. If all of the coaches in our club can have the most current and up to date support and information, then every athlete will have the opportunity to have maximum enjoyment of the game of soccer. Good Luck & have fun out there!!! Scott Moye Director of Grassroots Soccer Langley United Soccer Association [email protected]


CSA - Long-Term Player Development (LTPD)

Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) is a CSA soccer-specific adaptation of the Long-Term Athlete Development model (LTAD) developed by Canadian Sport Centres. LTAD is a scientific model for periodized athlete training and development that respects and utilizes the natural stages of physical, mental, and emotional growth in athletes, and it has already been adopted by major sports organizations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada. Like the LTAD program, LTPD is designed to: 1. Promote lifelong enjoyment of physical activity. 2. Provide a structured player development pathway. 3. Describe best practices for elite player development. 4. Create long-term excellence.

Benefits of Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) LTPD is a program for soccer player development, training, competition, and recovery based on biological age (i.e. physical maturity) rather than chronological age. It is player centred, coach driven, and administration, sport science, and sponsor supported. LTPD: • Eliminates gaps in the player development system. • Guides planning for optimal athlete performance at all stages. • Provides a framework for program alignment and integration, from volunteer club coaches to national and professional teams. • Follows scientific principles and practical coaching experiences.

Benefits for players & parents: • Better understanding of what makes a good soccer program. • More players learning at their level and having fun. • Appropriate game and league structures (e.g. size of balls, goals, field etc.). • More opportunity for players to realize their athletic potential. • More coaches who are knowledgeable in leading safe, effective practices.

Benefits for coaches & clubs: • Information and education on effective coaching and practice methods. • Guidelines for appropriate game structures. • Guidelines on appropriate competition levels. • Established pathways for player development for all levels of ability and ambition. • Affirmation of best practices for coaches and club administrators.

Benefits for all: • Competitive behaviour is fostered in players, while over-competitive behaviour is discouraged in adults (e.g. coaches and parents). • Players, parents, coaches, and administrators understand that players are unique and therefore different in interest and aptitude. • Players stay involved in the sport throughout their lives (as players, coaches, referees or club administrators). • Soccer grows, and lifelong wellness is promoted for players of all ages, genders, and levels of ability and disability.

What is Long Term Player Development?

LTPD is an acronym that stands for Long Term Player Development SO WHAT IS LTPD? - LTPD is a framework used to describe the evolution of development of a player. In more layman’s terms, LTPD is a model that clubs must adopt to implement development program that is age specific and must be implemented in the most appropriate time of a child’s life in terms of chronological age, physical attributes and technical development. WHAT IS LTPD NOT? - There has been plenty of misstated facts about LTPD, usually by those not really understanding LTPD. First and foremost, LTPD is NOT about taking competition or the desire to win away from players. The game has goals on either end of the field, these are there for a specific reason, to defend and score. LTPD is NOT about turning our youngsters into a "play nice" generation and LTPD is NOT about lumping all players together into one big happy family. WHAT DOES LTPD DO? - LTPD is about treating each player as an individual and giving each individual an opportunity to develop at their own pace, in an environment that fosters development. It is also about how the individual adapts to specific technical demands and challenges the game of soccer exerts upon an individual. LTPD is about putting the developmental building steps in place for a player to be able to reach their individual pinnacle in the game as soccer. We have to take a horse before the cart approach such that players may grow and develop at their own natural pace. We would never consider teaching a child algebra prior to them learning to add single digits together. Soccer is no different, players must first learn to run, jump, balance and coordinate before we expect them to kick a soccer ball and once they are ready to learn to play with a soccer ball they need to be given an opportunity to learn the technical aspects of the game. WHY THE CHANGE to LTPD? Soccer nations around the world have long practiced LTPD principles (for example, in Brazil and Spain, players do not compete for standings until Under15). LTPD is nothing new; it’s just about doing the right thing at the right time.

What are Small Sided Games?

Small Sided Games Soccer embraces the concept of fun and enjoyment, which is vital if children are to develop a lifelong love for soccer. The principles and rules of Small Sided Games are similar to those in 11 aside Soccer, except that the pitches are smaller and there are fewer players on each team. Depending on the age group, number of players, size of pitch, and goal size the game can vary from 3v3 for the youngest to 8v8 for the oldest groups at the age of 12.

Benefits of Small-Sided Soccer

The opportunity to repeatedly touch the ball

Repeatedly experience basic tactical challenges

The ability to actively participate is fun, we know players develop when they enjoy themselves

Player retention should be the number one priority of all youth coaches

Tactical awareness from a positioning point of view is easier communicated

The game is not as complicated as the adult 11 v 11 and easier to understand

Players have fun and personal growth within and outside of the game due to enjoyment, as a result of smaller fields and simplified rules

Individual participation and development is fostered due to the players receiving more playing time

Due to individual involvement the general health and fitness increases

Confidence and self-esteem is promoted as a result of responsibly presented to players from scoring or attempting to stop the opponents from scoring

Playing small sided games players are encouraged to use freedom of expression

By playing and exploring the game, children will find gravitate to positions they prefer and feel comfortable with.

Due to the limited numbers and small field a player can rotate to being a forward, midfielder and defender during the course of the game

The focus is on the PLAYER and PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, not team success.

The so called “dominant” player is prevented from holding onto the ball due to the smaller area of play

Contrary to belief, Small Sided Games increase participation numbers

Eight to ten 4v4 fields can be accommodated on a full sized field.

The shift to small sided games for is based on educational research on the way children learn best

Children’s academic education is progressive, so should their soccer education be

Rules & Guidelines

The following charts illustrate the Small Sided Games structure within the LUSA:

Game Format:

Age Group # Players Tiers

U6 3 aside None

U7 3 aside (*+GK) Prospects & Development Streams

U8 4 aside (*+GK) Prospects & Development Streams

U9 7 aside (includes goalkeeper) Prospects & Development Streams




(*+GK) - Goalkeeper is optional, if no goalkeeper then smaller goal is recommended – for specific guidelines consult www.bcsoccer.net , under the “Grassroots Development” tab view Official Small Side Rules.

Field sizes should conform to the table as set out below:

Age Group Min Length Min Width Max Length Max Width

U6 25 meters 18 meters 30 meters 22 meters

U7/U8 30 meters 20 meters 36 meters 25 meters



Goal sizes should conform to the table as set out below:

Age Group Goal Height Goal Length Option

U6 5 ft / 1.524m 8 ft / 2.438m Anything smaller

U7/U8 5 ft / 1.524m 8 ft / 2.438m Anything smaller

U9/U10 6 ft / 1.83m 12 ft / 3.657m none

U11/U12 6 ft / 1.83m 18 ft / 5.486m none

Ball sizes must conform to the table as set out below:

Age Group U6 U7/U8 U9/U10 U11/U12

Ball Size 3 3 4 4

http://www.bcsoccer.net/

Roles and Responsibilities for Coaches

The intent of this document is to give the coaches an awareness of what is required to be a successful coach. Aside from the basic coaching of the players, there are many items that your club asks you to be aware of and to commit to before taking on the job as coach. To be a successful soccer coach you will:

Have read and understand the LUSA RESPECT/Code of Conduct.

Have read and understand your clubs Policy and Procedures.

Have read and understand the Rules and Regulations specific to the age group they are coaching.

Have the ability to communicate (or have a designated parent) with team players/families via e-mail, and phone.

Have a team manager to assist with league and parent communications.

Have equipment, as provided by LUSA, in good condition (i.e., soccer balls, cones) at all practices and games.

Thoroughly read and be prepared to reply to all club correspondence within 48 hours of receiving.

Carry to games (or have a designated parent) a cellular phone to communicate last second changes. (most changes are released via email and LUSA website)

Support and follow the direction of the Player and Coach Development Program.

Attend, or have a team representative attend all coaches meetings.

Attend, or have a team representative attend LUSA’s Annual General Meeting.

Ensure that each player is given an awareness of, and exposure to development programs that are available to their teams’ age group. (Academy, etc.)

Abide by the clubs allotted practice times and locations.

Spring Program Overview

LUSA are pleased to present the 2013 Spring Player Development Program. The development program will meet and exceed the Long Term Player Development requirements as set out by the Canadian Soccer Association and the BC Soccer Association. The development program will be a 10-week program commencing in the second week of April 2013, and concluding during the first week June 2013. With over 850 players registered, we have a full support staff of age group coordinators to assist in the organization and execution of the program. These coordinators are responsible for initial team forming; distributing schedules, and they are your primary communication contact in the club. The coordinators assist the technical staff in managing the day to day operations of each division. This year, we have added more professional staff coaches to oversee each age group. The staff coaches will rotate around each training day and work with each team a number of times over the span of the season.

Our staff coaches will assist on game-days in various capacities (dependant on age group). In addition to this guidebook, they are your primary resource for session ideas and skill development guidance. Equipment and full kit is provided to all coaches to distribute prior to the first training session. Equipment should include (varies by age group), cones, portable pugnets, pinnies, and full set of soccer balls. Players keep the kit, and coaches return all equipment at the conclusion of the season.

The U5-U7 age groups (boys and girls divisions) will be playing in-house, playing out of the Willoughby Turf field complex. U5: 3v3, no keepers, kick-ins, 10 min warm-up + 35 min rotating games U6: 3v3 w/keepers, kick-ins, 3x15min matches + 5 min between matches U7: 4v4 w/keepers, throw-ins, 3x15min marches + 5 min between matches *LUSA/Staff coaches may adjust these formats early in season to ensure an organized gameday

For the U8-U11 BOYS divisions we will be running 2 streams, PROSPECTS AND DEVELOPMENT. Both will be playing interlocked home and away schedules involving teams from the following clubs:

PROSPECTS:

DEVELOPMENT:

For the U8-U11 GIRLS divisions we will be running a single DEVELOPMENT stream. All teams will be playing interlocked home and away schedules involving teams from the following clubs:

Spring Program Technical Guide

Coaching Small Sided Games

Keeping Small Sided Games Soccer Simple

Small Sided Games Soccer provides the best environment for youth players to develop soccer skills and techniques. When coaching remember to keep the game simple, over- complicating things can lose the flow of the game which can in turn inhibit a player’s development. Encourage the players to discover the love of the game through the game. Performance on game-days is less important than encouraging players to experiment with the skills they practice, and having fun. Mistakes will be made and kids will fall in the mud and trip over the ball. Focus on building confidence and accent the positives at all opportunities.

OK, I have a team, now what do I do?

The first thing you should do is to read through the rest of this manual. You should then contact your team as soon as possible. This first phone call or email is a good time to let the parents know that you will need some help in the way of assistant coaches, a team manager, a phone person or two, a first aid person, someone to help put up and take down nets and someone to bring refreshments to the games etc.... (and anything else you can think of!) Don’t try to do all these tasks yourself – the season will be much more enjoyable if you can concentrate on coaching the kids. You’ll find that most parents love to be involved in their children’s team in some capacity. Your Age Group Coordinator or the Director of Grassroots is also a good source of information for anything that you are not sure of. His/her name and contact information can be found on LUSA’s website.

Build your Support Team Once you’ve contacted and met with your team. Decided how much of the team management you would like to do, how much on field support you will need, etc. Your parent group is your source of support in the roles of Assistant Coach, Team Manager, Equipment Dad, and anything else you want to delegate. It’s takes a team to coach a team….. You are the Head Coach, but can’t be expected to do everything.

Risk Management

Due to the risk of incidents involving adults and youth under their direct supervision, the BCSA has devised a procedure under the risk management policy whereby all volunteers are required to complete and submit two (2) RCMP Criminal Record check forms. The intent of this procedure is to ensure protection of our volunteers and our youth. RISK MANAGEMENT FORMS can be obtained by contacting your age group coordinator, or visiting www.luysa.com Please be assured that maximum confidentiality will be maintained. You are not authorized to coach until you have submitted the completed Risk Management Forms. The BCSA recently mandated that record check only need to be done every two (2) years. All new coaches, managers, and volunteers must submit these forms.

http://www.luysa.com/

Equipment

Before your first practice you will be supplied with soccer balls, cones, and a set of colored pinnies. Portable Pug nets may be distributed at the U6/7 level. Jerseys, shorts and socks will be available from LUSA’s Director of Equipment. Your age group coordinator will let you know when you can go to pick them up.

Inform parents that it is mandatory to wear cleats and shin pads to all practices and games. For insurance reasons, you cannot allow a child to play or practice without them. Before games, a referee will check to make sure that cleats are in good condition (no jagged studs) and that shin pads are being worn. If you have a spare pair of shin pads, keep them in your car (you can bet on it that someone will forget their shin pads at some point in the season.)

Team Meeting

At your first practice let all parents know that you are going to have a team meeting (some people do this at their house with hot dogs and snacks for the kids, and a few pops for the parents too).

Make sure you introduce yourself and tell them a little bit about yourself (soccer or coaching background, game philosophies, etc…). If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to get volunteers for assistant coaches, manager, phone persons, etc…

Handout copies of LUSA RESPECT Pledge to each player and parent. Go over each point in these and ask for parents help to teach their kids these values. Let them know how you plan to coach their children – stressing the importance of Fair Play, Good Sportsmanship, equal playing time, fun before winning, etc… You can talk a little about your goals for the season. Keep it simple; teaching the rules of the game, teaching and improving basic soccer skills and teaching values of Fair Play and Good Sportsmanship are examples.

Talk about your expectations of the children’s behavior (respect for teammates, coaches, opponents. officials and abiding by the rules of the game) and what to do if problems occur. Getting some input from parents is a good idea- let them offer suggestions for disciplinary action and make sure everybody agrees.

It is important that you talk to them about attendance and lateness. Ask the parents for a quick phone call or e-mail to let you know if their child will not attend the game or practice. Let your parents know that your practice will start on time and the kids are expected to be there and ready to go at that time. It is best to ask them to be there 5 to 10 minutes early – even then some will still be late. Also, ask them to be there 15 minutes before practice ends or you may end up waiting for them to show up long after practice is over.

Your best means of communication will be through e-mail, have a list ready and collect all of the contact info. Tell the parents that most of your correspondence will be through e-mail, and that they will be required to check for messages before practices and games for last minute updates.

Grassroots Stages of Development

From 5 to 6 Years old

Social Development

Usually like to help, listen and behave. They will have moments where they will “test” authority, some more than others.

Need consistent enforcement of rules They will respond well to clear and simple expectations Self-centered, need consistent praise and recognition Like to be first Enjoys group play when groups are small

Cognitive Development

Rarely see more than one way to doing things Creative and imaginative (i.e. will believe the soccer ball is a planet, cones are

mountains, etc) Unembellished thinkers, they will believe what you tell them Like to copy and repeat Think out loud before doing Like to explore, see, feel, touch, attempt

Physical Development

Good control of running, jumping and other large movements Want to be physically active, enjoys free play Have a hard time with refined motor skills Will tire quickly Legs lengthening rapidly


Social Development

Wants to be recognized, expects praise when achieving a goal/objective Can be a sore loser Begins to stand up for him/herself Starts to enjoy group play more May show signs of nervous habits (i.e. nail biting, thumb sucking, etc) Likes to have friends


Are creative and curious Do not take criticism well Want to be independent Can obsess on achieving goals given by parent/coach Sensitive to failure Able to focus for longer periods Reaction time is slow Becoming more realistic, have more difficulty believing the ball is a rocket ship


Hand-eye coordination improving Easily gets tired Reaction time is slow Low level of endurance Coordination is improving, able to catch a ball, shoot on goal, etc. Body movements are more controlled


Social Development

Wants to be like others, wants to “fit in” Able to be on his/her own Begins to develop firm and loyal friendships Shows interest in being challenged Enjoys being with peers Team loyalties begin to develop


May be outspoken and critical about certain adults, although he/she has a genuine liking for them

Responds best when treated as an individual and like to be spoken to in an adult manner

Likes to be praised, appreciates recognition when merited Understands punishment when it is fair, will be resentful towards it if he/she feels it is

not fair Beginning to develop true interests Understands what is right and wrong Attention span is greatly increased Able to make his/her own decisions May give up trying when unsuccessful


Increasing strength Endurance beginning to improve Like to be active Tendency to over-exercise Reaction time improving


Social Development

Anxious for social approval from adults Needs social companionship from children their age Team spirit is high Engages in silly behavior Begins to make the transition to adolescence


Tends to withdraw from group games in which he/she is unskilled at Boys will be concerned if they feel they are underdeveloped Will have sudden mood change Needs approval in order to feel secure Attention span is higher, can concentrate for longer periods Able to problem solve May lack maturity of judgment May be easily hurt when criticized


Easily fatigued Some will begin to show rapid growth Uneven growth of various body parts Works hard to acquire physical skills Games become more “rough” Hand-eye coordination is well developed Lungs are not fully developed

How Players Learn - The Challenge

- People learn through solving a challenge/problem (overcoming the struggle) *68% of people remember more from doing and solving challenges themselves - When a challenge is presented, then solved, learning takes place - The more challenges we can solve, the more we will learn Challenge = the ongoing obstacles that are presented in the football match

Players learn by continuously solving the ongoing obstacles presented to them in the game

the more obstacles they continue to solve, the more learning that takes place How do we present more of these challenges?

The use of small sided (conditioned) games Small sided games allow players to solve problems that arise in the match on a

continuous basis. It takes the many obstacles that are present in the 11v11 game and places it onto a condensed format which allows them to become more frequent.

Presenting the Challenge – Progressing the Challenge

An age appropriate challenge should be presented, once the challenge is solved, it should then be progressed. This way we continue to challenge players, pushing them to the next level all the time.

Easy to medium to difficult, becomes easy to medium to difficult (Start off slow, then progress)

4v1 in a 15x10 grid = easy = solved Progress = 4v2 in a 15x10 grid = medium = solved Progress = 4v2 in a 15x10 grid using 3 touch maximum = difficult = solved Progress = 4v1 in a 12x8 grid using 2 touch maximum = solved Progress = 4v2 in a 12x8 grid using 2 touch maximum = solved Progress

*Above is an example of a simple possession game that can continuously be progressed to become more challenging for the players. As the players are able to maintain possession they then move on to the next, more difficult progression. Let the Players Solve the Problems The less you hear of the coach, the more the players are learning. If the challenge is age appropriate, the players will be able to solve it. Example: If you ask a 10 year old child to put together a 20 piece puzzle, they can solve the puzzle. The same goes for a 14 year old and a 100 piece puzzle. This is because the puzzle is age appropriate, they are able to solve it without the help of an adult, they are able to learn which piece goes where by using trial and error.

The role of the coach = You are simply the guide on the side. There to assist the players towards solving the problem, you are not there to solve it for them. Appreciate mistakes, without them we wouldn't have jobs

Players, people, learn by making mistakes When you put your hand on the stove as a young child, you learned that it is hot, and

that you should not put your hand there again. When a player shoots on goal, directly at the keeper who saves it, he/she learns that the

next time they should look to shoot away from the keeper. When a player makes a mistake, stay calm and help guide that player towards solving the problem. “Don't answer questions, instead, ask them”

Asking questions, the right ones, gains the right answers, which helps the players solve the problems themselves, which allows the players to think and to learn.

Development over Winning As people, naturally we are competitive and have a strong desire to win. As coaches we must learn to control that desire. Horst Wein - “Players need time to develop and grow. If you look at a fruit for example, you would allow it to grow, mature and ripen before it would be considered ready, the same goes for a player.” As coaches we can expect too much too soon, we fall into the trap of results = success. We have to separate ourselves from that type of thinking, to win all the time would be setting the wrong age specific targets/goals. As coaches, we need to focus on our age specific development targets and aim to achieve those, when those are achieved we can consider ourselves successful. Setting Targets/Goals and Making the Plan to Achieve Them As a coach you are responsible for setting the season plan. The plan should be a progression from start to end. Use the beginning of the year to set your teams standard, then design your plan to work towards goals that will improve each player, and the overall team. The season plan should be age appropriate and you should set targets/goals that are realistic and achievable.

Standard U5-U8 LUSA Warm-up Session Plan

*many more session plans are available upon request from LUSA’s technical director, director of grassroots, or staff coaches. Players are all spread out in a 30m x 25m rectangle, each with a ball.

A. While jogging around box, on command, throw the ball in the air and • catch it • knee it & catch (can progress to multiple juggles) • trap it with feet • head it (can progress to multiple juggles)

B. While jogging bounce ball high with both hands and • spin 360 and catch • drop to ground sitting and catch • running fast/slow (on command)

C. Dribble the ball around box while using • one or both feet • inside and outside of both feet • change speed (red light, yellow light, green light) • perform turns (pullbacks, inside/outside cut) • machine-guns (tap top of ball with ball of feet repeatedly) • machine-guns while moving (forwards, backwards, sideways) • perform advanced turns (scissors, cruff, maradona, etc.) *Encourage and play with each progression for 2-3 minutes, until you observe success and/or player interest waning

*Coaches MUST use judgement when using progressions. Select options that are age and skill appropriate. The players must be allowed to achieve success before progressing.

X X X X X X X X X X

Standard U9-U12 LUSA Warm-up Session Plan

Set-up:

Set One: Light jog

Two identical setups 5 yards away from each other

Each setup has 5 cones on one side (one colour) 2 yards away from each other and 4 cones (another colour) that are 2 yards away from the original 5 cones and 2 yards apart from each other.

Split players into 2 equal groups and place them at the bottom by the highlighted cones (starting position for all exercises)

Players run around the last cone and come back to the 1st cone completing the circuit twice. They perform it as a group, staggered starts from players.

Set Two: High Knees

Set Three: Butt Kickers

Players perform knee-ups (high knees) going around each cone. When they reach the top cone they jog back normally.

The second player goes when the last player has gone around the first cone.

Perform circuit 2 times per player

Players perform heels-up (butt kickers) around each cone, when player has reached last cone, they jog back normally.

The second player goes when the first player has gone around the first cone.


Set Four: Side Shuffles

Set Five: Open the Gate

Players side shuffle out to each cone (do not go around cone) and back across.

Ensure heels aren’t hitting each other, knees bent slightly, backs are straight

When player has reached last cone, they jog back normally.



Players skip sideways toward the cone and open up the inside leg (dynamic stretch)

When player has reached last cone, they jog back normally.



Set Six: Close the Gate

Set Seven: Backpeddle Sprints

Players work up the middle in between the two cone setups

Players skip sideways two times and close the leg (dynamic stretch) as they close the leg they turn so they are facing the other direction and perform again. Skip twice and close the leg turning to face the other way.

When player has reached last cone, they jog back normally. Perform circuit twice



Players sprint towards the first cones. Back peddle back to the start and then sprint to the last cone.

The second player goes when the first player has back peddled to the start and is beginning their sprint to the second cone.

When player has reached last cone, they jog back normally. Perform circuit three times


Key Technique Coaching Points

Dribbling -On balls of feet. -Knees bent, Body over ball -Head up -Keep ball under control and close to feet

Running with the ball -Run with the ball using laces -Keep ball close enough to avoid breaking running stride. -Cover ground as quickly as possible. -Look up after each touch on the ball

Turning -Keep ball under control close to feet -Quality of disguise and execution of turn (Change of direction) -Knees bent for balance and speed out of turn -Accelerate away lifting head up (Change of speed)

Passing -Head up to observe intended target -Plant non kicking foot to the side of the ball -Look at the ball when striking the ball -Kicking Foot – Strike through ball using one motion keeping ankle locked & foot firm -Follow through target keeping the ankle locked and foot firm for power and accuracy -Use both feet and different surfaces

Receiving -On the balls of the feet ready to receive the ball -Move into line with the ball -Select surface to control the ball -Control the ball with the selected surface ensuring a good 1st touch out of feet to set up next action and to enable the head to look up

Shooting -Head up observe goalkeeper -Plant non kicking foot to the side of the ball -Look at the ball when striking the ball -Kicking Foot – Strike through ball using one motion keeping ankle locked and foot firm -Follow through towards target keeping the ankle locked & foot firm for power and accuracy -Use both feet and different surfaces

*Note: to teach & correct technique, proper methodology should be used; coaches should participate in BCSA Coaching Clinics as offered by LUSA.

U5 to U7 Fun Drills & Games

Fish Fingers Fish (Blue) have a ball each and try to dribble across the water – they will need to look out for the sharks though. Encourage players to be creative, how can they get away from the sharks quickly and effectively. (using demonstrated ball turns and tricks)

Follow the Leader Players pair up and number themselves 1 and 2. To start with 1 tries to get away from 2 and then vice versa. Progression: Add a ball to each player, can they get away now?

Messi Dribble (Bulldog) Ask players who is their favourite dribbler.. Most will say Messi, Ronaldo. One defender is nominated while everyone else has a ball each. Players with the ball must try to use Messi’s skill’s (quick turns, ball is close, creative) to get to the opposite side of the area.

Other common and popular games: Traffic Lights – in a grid, all players dribble around and on the coaches’ command (red, yellow, green), the players change their dribble speed. Progression: Coach acts as a “Policeman” and on command chases the kids to a safe-zone, making siren noise and trying to take ball away. Kick the Coach – in a grid, players dribble around performing ball tricks/turns, on command (SHOOT! or BLAST AWAY! or OUCH!) coach drops to ground covering head, and all the players stop where they are and kick ball as hard as they can at the coach. Hit the coach, get a point, one shot. Players retrieve their ball and continue dribbling around. Continue as long as you have the courage to…. Progression: have other parents join in as targets! Parent Pyramid – in a grid, parents stand around with feet about shoulder-width apart (creating a “pyramid”, players dribble around and on command, stop ball and go crawl through a “pyramid” then retrieve their ball and continue dribbling. Progression: on command, players pass the ball through the “pyramid” and retrieve from other side continuing dribbling. Numbers Game – Players split into 2 teams and stand in opposite corners. Each player gets a number that pairs them VS a player on the opposing side. Coaches yell out a number and those 2 players run around their goal and out onto the playing area, 1v1 till someone scores or 1min elapses. Progression: call out 2 numbers at a time (2v2); have players run a lap around area before entering play; have players perform a cartwheel, somersault behind goal prior.

U8 to U10 Drills & Games

Dribbling & changing direction Players with a ball each dribble in one side of triangle and leave through another. Progress by adding a defender to increase pressure. Or add players without a ball inside the triangles to play a bounce pass off. Pass in one side and receive from another side of the triangle.

Passing Circle A simple follow your pass game. A passes to B and follows ball in. B passes to C and follows ball out. C then passes to A who has replaced C in the middle. The game continues around the circle. Progress by asking players to use one touch.

Hands & Feet White team pass and receive on the floor using both feet, different surfaces etc. Blue team pass ball in hands but receiver must control the ball with a part of the body – then catch it.

Servers Game Players work for 30 secs. Whites leave centre square to find a server, receive the ball then return to square before finding a new server. Servers vary delivery each time the players switch roles. For example, in air to head, chest, thigh or foot .

U9 to U11 Technique and Tactical Drills & Games

Conditional Small-sided Games (SSG)

FIRST TIME FINISH

DESCRIPTION: 4v4 plus Goalkeepers, both teams play a normal SSG game but a goal can only

be scored from a first time shot or finish.

http://thecoachingfamily.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/one-touch-finish.png

ENCOURAGING DRIBBLERS

DESCRIPTION: 4v4 plus Goalkeepers. Condition the game so players must dribble to attack or

move the ball forward. No forward passes allowed but both teams can pass sideways or

backwards. The goalkeeper can pass, dribble or roll the ball out. He/She cannot drop kick or

throw the ball over-arm.

http://thecoachingfamily.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/rugby-rules.png

SCENARIOS

DESCRIPTION: 4v4 plus Goalkeepers. Provide both teams with a real life or an imagined

scenario. For example, “AC Milan 3 v 0 Liverpool – 10 minutes left. How will both teams set up

and play?” An imagined scenario could be, “You’re 2-1 up with 5 minutes to play in the FA Cup

Final”. If you have odd numbers in your session, one team have had a player sent off how do they

respond? – Both teams will have to set up and play in different ways exposing them to different

types of “pressures” and tactical challenges.

http://thecoachingfamily.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/scenarios.png

DEFENDING AGAINST OVERLOADS

DESCRIPTION: 4v4 plus Goalkeepers. The defending side must always have two attackers in

the opposing half of the pitch (Whites in the diagram). This creates overloads in the attacking half.

The attacking side must decide whether they want to commit everyone forward or leave one

player holding.

http://thecoachingfamily.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/defending-vs-overloads.png

Session Plan and Trainin NOTES:

LUYSA RESPECT Program

“Children need strong values to grow up with, and football, being a team sport, makes them realise how essential discipline, respect, team spirit and fair play are for the game and for life," - Fifa President Joseph Blatter

Langley United Youth Soccer Association's RESPECT program is based upon the FIFA program under the same name. We are the first club in Canada to implement such a program and has received numerous accolades from local & provincial government representatives and sports organizations. (see links below) LUYSA's RESPECT Program is based on the idea that RESPECT is the collective responsibility of everyone in soccer to create a fair, safe, and enjoyable environment in which the game can take place. This not only includes players, but also parents, coaches, referees, spectators and everyone else involved in "The Beautiful Game". From encouraging our kids from the sidelines, recognizing the officials authority on the pitch, to shaking your opponent's hand after a match. RESPECT is the basis that we encourage out players and members to enjoy the game. All players, coaches, and parents are encouraged to read and sign our

LUYSA RESPECT PLEDGE

(click to download or visit www.luysa.com) The RESPECT program can be explained to young children with one simple golden rule.... "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". As coaches and parents, we can not only remind our children of this simple rule, but also keep it in mind ourselves when on the sidelines and communicating with other parents, players, coaches and officials. The RESPECT Pledge can be easily printed on stuck up on a child wall, or attached to the family refrigerator for a continual reminder of the "golden rule". Judi Vankevich - The Manners Lady, participated in LUYSA's season kick-off bbq in 2010, and brought her unique and entertaining program to our club and demonstrated to our kids that RESPECT and good manners can and SHOULD be a part of all our lives. Please visit her website for more info on Judi and her programs The Manners Club.

http://fs1.rampinteractive.com/langleyunitedyouthsoccer/files/association/luysa%20manners%20poster2.pdf

http://themannersclub.com/main.htm?page_id=1

Medical Consent Form

This form must be completed by a parent or guardian, before your child can participate in a LUYSA club activity. This form should be completed for each child every year. Coaches are to have these on file at the field/facility at all games and practices.

Child’s name:

Date of Birth:

Address:

City:

Post Code:

Telephone Number:

Name of Doctor:

Doctor’s Address: City:

Doctor’s Telephone No:

Child’s Medical Number:

Any specific medical conditions requiring medical treatment and/or medication?

Any allergies? Yes No If Yes, give details: Any medical information that you feel we need to know about your child?

Parental Consent (to be signed for competitors under 18 years) I, being the parent / guardian of the above named child hereby give permission for the LUYSA Team Manager, LUYSA Team Coach or any other LUYSA representative to treat and give the immediate necessary authority on my behalf for any medical or surgical treatment recommended by competent medical authority.

Name: Signature:

COACHES NOTES:

grassroots soccer: small sided games coaches...

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