Westlake Youth Soccer Association: U5&U6 Coaching Manual

Westlake Youth Soccer Association
U5&U6 Coaching Manual
By: Stephen Ferguson WYSA Director of Coaching & Player Development
Section I Association Coaching Information

4. About this Manual Welcome to Coaching 5. WYSA Philosophy 6. Coaching Certification Program 11. Develop your Coaching Philosophy 12. Develop your Coaching Philosophy Questionnaire 13. Building a Training Session 15. Age Appropriate Coaching 16. Coaching Without Playing Experience 19. The Game within the Child 20. Principles of Youth Coaching 21. Characteristics of U9 & U10 Soccer Players 22. Truths about Children and Sports 23. Players Rights 24. Reasons for Participating in and Dropping out of Youth Sports 26. Dos and Donts for Parents 27. Guidelines to being a Soccer Mom/Dad 28. Soccer Outside of Soccer 29. Team Administration & Risk Management 30. Soccer Injuries: Prevention & Care
Section II Technical Descriptions & Diagrams

35. 36. 37. 38. 39. U5 & U6 Training Season Structure & Checklist Training Plans Kicking the Ball Running with the Ball
Weekly Training Plans

40. 41. 43. 45. 47. 49. 51. 53. 55. 57. 59. 61. 63. 65. 67. 69. 71. Blank Coaching Outline Game One Candy Store Soccer Game Two Body Brakes Game Three Cone-man Game Four Story Book Soccer Game Five British Bulldog Game Six Hospital Tag Game Seven Pinball Soccer Game Eight The Numbers Game Game Nine Stuck in the Mud Game Ten Star Wars Game Eleven Ghostbusters Game Twelve Captain Planet Game Thirteen Sleeping Giant Game Fourteen Crocodile Alley Game Fifteen Marbles Additional Games
Tactical Aspects
74. Tactical Aspects for U5 & U6 75. Coaching in the Game
Section I
Association Coaching Information
About This Manual Welcome To Coaching

Everyone involved in the Westlake Youth Soccer Association is delighted with your decision to become a coach this season. You are entering into a privileged role as both coach and mentor to these young budding soccer players. Your enthusiasm and character combined with this manual and the information and support from WYSA and their Director of Coaching and Player Development will provide you with all the tools for a successful experience. The intent of this manual is to provide the basic information required to coach youth soccer in an easy to follow format. This manual represents the philosophy of WYSA and US Youth Soccer in its content and teachings. There is also a substantial amount of information for your reading which will truly open your eyes to the way 5&6-year-olds think and act. As a WYSA coach we expect you to stay within the parameters of this manual and follow its structure and teachings very closely. It has been written and compiled by WYSAS Director of Coaching and Player Development Stephen Ferguson with additions from other top US Youth Soccer experts. The manual also provides information on how to improve your soccer knowledge and how to expose your players to higher levels of the game in your homes and right here in Austin. If you have any questions whatsoever please contact me! ***GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON AND ENJOY COACHING***
Westlake Youth Soccer Association Philosophy

To nurture our youth in their development as athletes and children, within the sphere of the world's most popular sport. To provide a supportive environment that teaches and improves the appropriate athletic skills, while enhancing selfesteem. To see our soccer players mature through age appropriate coaching into teenagers ready to enjoy the social and economic lives in their community. Promote self-learning thorough our unique open-book approach to coaching and player development.
Coaching Certification Program

As a volunteer WYSA coach or assistant coach you are required to obtain a coaching license within 12 months of joining the association. WYSA provides all the relevant modules and licenses twice a year on our own fields. The modules and licenses are also available through other local associations registered to STYSA. The following is a brief breakdown of the licensing process and available modules/licenses; U6&U8 Module U10 Module U12 Module USSF State E License The following further education modules are available on a limited basis through STYSA and the National Coaching Schools; USSF State D License National Youth License USSF National C License USSF National B License USSF National A License
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this school is to educate youth coaches, stimulate their interest in coaching, and promote youth soccer. Clinics are intended to provide information that will improve general knowledge of the game as well as coaching and teaching methods that will contribute to the development of youth soccer players. STYSA offers several levels of training. The following clinics are administered through the STYSA State Office.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS As of September 1999, the "G" and "F" License courses were replaced with Youth Modules. There are three modules being offered: Under-6 / Under-8, Under-10 and Under-12. Each course is six (6) hours in length and is designed to be agespecific.
Under-6 / Under-8 Module This course is designed specifically for the Under-6 and Under-8 coach. During 6 hours of classroom and field instruction, coaches are taught the proper techniques for these age groups. Topics:

Philosophy of coaching Under-6 and Under-8 players Characteristics of Under-6 and Under-8 players Team administration and risk management Prevention and care of soccer injuries Appropriate activities for Under-6 and Under-8 players Organizing a youth training session Laws of the Game: modified
Prerequisites:

AN OPEN MIND Minimum age 14 years old
Course Length: 6 hours (3 hours classroom, 3 hours field) Testing: None Under-10 Module This course is designed specifically for the Under-10 coach. The 6-hour course of classroom and field instruction offers the proper coaching techniques for Under-10 players. Topics:

Philosophy of coaching Under-10 players Characteristics of Under-10 players Team administration and risk management Prevention and care of soccer injuries Appropriate activities for Under-10 players Organizing a youth training session Laws of the Game: modified
Prerequisites:
Minimum age 14 years old
Course Length: 6 hours (3 hours classroom, 3 hours field) Testing: None Under-12 Module This 9-hour course is designed specifically for the Under12 coach. It includes field and classroom instruction on technical and tactical techniques for this age group. Topics:

Philosophy of coaching Under-12 players Characteristics of Under-12 players Team administration and risk management Prevention and care of soccer injuries Appropriate activities for Under-12 players Organizing a youth training session Laws of the Game
Prerequisites:
Minimum age 14 years old
Course Length: 6 hours (3 hours classroom, 3 hours field)) Testing: None "E" License Course This 18-hour course combines field and classroom instruction in intermediate coaching and teaching methodology. Topics:

Methods of coaching Team administration and risk management Prevention and care of injuries Coaching technique
Coaching tactics Laws of the Game Principles of attack and defense Small-sided games
Course Length: 18 hours of instruction (5 hours classroom, 13 hours field) Prerequisites:
Completed one Youth Module (must hold for 6 months prior to taking "E" Course) Minimum age 15 years old
Testing: None National Coaching Schools The U.S. Soccer National Coaching School Program provides: 1. Courses in which coaches can earn nationally certified credentials and take advantage of the opportunities and recognition inherent in the attainment of various levels of coaching expertise. 2. A proven curriculum, which improves a coachs knowledge of the game. 3. Valuable information on current coaching trends and international developments in the game. Certification Process Coaching certification begins at the state level with introductory courses, which cover the elementary principles of coaching and prepare interested coaches for the 36-hour D license course. All state licenses are non-expiring. Please contact your state association for information on these courses. National A, B and C courses consist of seven days of instruction and two days of extensive oral, written, and practical examinations. The A License is valid for a period of four (4) years. A Licensed coaches must participate in the USSF Continuing Education Program (CEP) in order to keep their license current. The B and C Licenses are non-expiring licenses. Coaches with expired A Licenses must re-take the A course and pass the examinations in order to be awarded the A License.
The National Youth License course consists of five days of classroom and field instruction and one day of written and practical examinations. The instruction for the course is age-specific. Each day of the course is devoted to the physical, psychological and social characteristics displayed by children of specific age, i.e. Under-6, Under-8, and Under-10. Course Eligibility YOUTH LICENSE Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and have earned a National D License or have permission from their State Director of Coaching. C LICENSE Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and have earned a National D License certification held for a minimum of 12 months (attach a copy to application). D License certification may be waived under one of the following conditions: 1. Applicant received the NSCAA National Diploma and has held it for a minimum of 12 months. 2. Applicant has three (3) years coaching experience AND three years playing experience with U.S. National Teams or three (3) years professional playing experience. B LICENSE 19 years of age and C License held for a minimum of 12 months, and meets 3.2 rule requirement. C License requirement may be waived under one of the following conditions: 1. Applicant received the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and has held it for a minimum of 12 months. 2. Applicant has five (5) years coaching experience AND five years playing experience with U.S. National Teams or five (5) years professional playing experience. A LICENSE 21 years of age and B License held for a minimum of 12 months, and meets 3.2-rule requirement. Absolutely no waivers will be considered for entrance into the A License course. WAITING PERIOD: There is a mandatory waiting period of one (1) year between each level of license (D through A).
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Developing Your Coaching Philosophy
Philosophy
Decision
Action
Belief
Motivation
Experiences
Methods
Any coaching action you take is preceded by a certain decision. Any decision you make is based on your philosophy. A persons philosophy encompasses your personal beliefs, motivation, experiences, and methods To develop your own personal coaching philosophy, complete the questions within this framework. It will provide you a philosophical function as well as act as a sounding board before, during, and after the season. Coaching is a profession and an ongoing process. This is the beginning of that exciting process.
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Developing Your Coaching Philosophy

Questionnaire Beliefs: A. Why do you want to be a youth coach? B. Why do we have youth soccer? C. What are your responsibilities? To each player, to the team, to yourself, And to the Community D. Define a successful season? Motivations: A. I am interested in coaching because B. What do you least like about coaching? Experiences: A. Past What are you own childhood experiences in sport? Was it enriching or inhibiting? B. Present self-evaluation. What are you doing now? C. Future What experiences will I seek to improve in my coaching? Methods: A. What is my coaching style? B. At what point will I involve the players in the decision making process? Pre-During-Post Practice?
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Building a Training Session

DETERMINE YOUR TOPIC: Observe the previous game and decide what areas need the most improvement. PREPARE FOR TRAINING: Teach your players to set up a soccer game before training starts. Often it will be prior to your arrival. This is their game - no coaching from you let them play. Instruct them to set up goals to attack and defend and make two teams. The first two players to arrive at the field play 1v1. They add players to both teams as more players arrive. Let them decide how long the field is and do not worry about the width. Also, let them decide how you score (by hitting the goal, the ball must pass between two objects, etc.). Finally, as more players arrive, leave it to them to decide whether to lengthen the field, widen the goals, and so on. BEGIN TRAINING: This is a very brief introduction and demonstration of what we are going to do today. If the players are inactive for more than one minute in this portion, it is too long!! WARM-UP ACTIVITY: This should be a fun activity or game that relates to the topic of the training session. The purpose of the warm-up is to prepare the body and the mind for what is coming next. The warm-up also sets the tone for the ensuing session. Would you be all fired up for training knowing that you get to run five laps around the field first thing? Lets say that your topic is dribbling. Play a game that requires lots of dribbling! Hey, what a concept! Coaching is not necessary in the warm-up. Lets say that kicking on goal is your topic. Does standing in a circle doing calisthenics get those players enthused about playing soccer? Does it prepare them (physically or mentally) to control a soccer ball? How often do you stand still in a soccer game? Stretching can be incorporated into your fun warm-up activity simply by stopping the game every couple of minutes and doing your stretches. Frankly, for the youngest players, stretching is not required. If you desire to install this habit at an early age, make certain that it does not dominate the warm-up. A five-minute warm-up is plenty. FUNDAMENTAL ACTIVITY: This stage requires specific demonstration of the technique that pertains to the topic. Keep it slow and break it down into small parts (the players can speed it up). The fundamental activity follows your explanation and demonstration. It allows each player to perform the technique with NO pressure from an active opponent. In other words, no one is trying to steal the ball, allowing the individual to execute.
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At this stage, each player that has a ball can learn the technique at his or her own pace. Distances between partners can be adjusted to promote success. The speed, in which a player executes a movement, can be determined by that player. It also allows for experimentation. Once you see a lot of success. GAME-RELATED ACTIVITY: This activity challenges the players to perform the technique with limited pressure, under slightly more game-like conditions. For example, players may be grouped into pairs, threes, or fours; opponents are limited to jogging; players attack one or several small goals. The fundamental activity did not really look like a soccer game. The game-related activity may look like several small-sided soccer games going on at the same time. Again, many soccer balls will be in use, though perhaps not one for each player. With success, then go to: GAME-CONDITION ACTIVITY: The players are challenged fully now, with opponents at full speed and the activity looks even more like a soccer game. Special conditions, imposed by you, are typically still used to emphasize the top of the session. Also, the activity is still typically small-sided. However, it will be played between two or more goals with larger groups. Most likely, success at this stage will be limited. CONTROLLED SCRIMMAGE: It is imperative that the players play the game they will play on Saturday (Under 5/6 3 a side and Under 7/8 4 a side) each training session. Specific conditions may be imposed (i.e., score with your left foot only) which relate to your topic!! This is also a great time to teach the laws (or rules) of soccer. Stop the game to deliver coaching points and information about the laws as you see fit. After a few minutes, then go to: FREE GAME: You have coached this entire session now it is time for the players to play on their own, with only encouragement coming from you. You are observing the players to see if anything that you have worked on the past fortyfive minute has sunk in! Can the players kick with their instep without you prodding them? Will the players try the dribbling move you worked on the entire session in the real game? More often than not, it is well, we have got more work to do. Hey, that is why they are paying you the big bucks, right? But, every so often, Suzy will use that left foot and score a great goal. That is why you are out there each practice! COOL-DOWN: This should relieve physical and emotional tension. Players should not go and sit down in a hot car immediately following an hour of training. Light jogging and stretching are very appropriate here. Any announcements you need to make regarding the next training session or game can be done at this time. Encouraging statements should also be made to the team.
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Age Appropriate Coaching

This manual provides you with all the information that is required for your coming seasons as a soccer coach. However, you will be providing the enthusiasm and guidance required to make this soccer experience work to its fullest potential. You are the special person entrusted with the challenge of bringing the game out of the child. The construction of this manual and its content, expectations, and literature has been devised very specifically for U5 & U6 soccer players. It is what we call age appropriateness and is the foundation of our club philosophies and those of youth soccer in the US and the world over. Youth coaches on a whole have a tendency to provide players with information and possess expectations that surpass the realistic capabilities of young children. To use an analogy in learning to read: If a five year old was given the Financial Times to read, can they read it? No, because they simply have not mastered or understand the phonetics, sentence structure, or language rules. Similarly, when young soccer players are presented with the real soccer game (11v11), they cannot play it. They have not yet mastered the fundamental techniques, group tactics, or the rules of the game. We hope that you now have clearer understanding of how children learn to play soccer, it is similar to the way they learn to read one word at a time. It is a very lengthy process with infinite answers and decisions, and it must be taught one step at a time and in an environment that is fun and enjoyable and in an order that will promote growth. The good news for you coaches is that everything you will need whilst coaching U5&U6 players is in this manual. The test for you is how do I transfer this to the players in the most appropriate way. I will show you on the field and in the classroom how to do this, but in the end when you are on the field with the players its down to you. My advice as always is to follow the Coaching Principles outlined in this manual. Keep it simple and let your personality shine. If the kids love you then they will love the game too.
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Coaching Without Playing Experience

One major problem that typically faces the volunteer Coach of today is the lack of an extensive playing background. Most individuals who are beginner Coaches, feel that the absence of playing experience is a severe handicap when coaching a team. They often feel inadequate to handle the job at hand. The lack of playing experience is a liability when related to the coaching of highly competitive, mature players. In relation to young players (U10, U8, & U6), however, a playing background is not a necessity. The philosophy of this manual calls for patient, interested, fun-loving people who have time to spend assisting the overall development of youngsters. A key to being a successful (and I dont mean winning) youth soccer Coach, is to draw upon your experience. If you grew up playing sports of any kind, you possess some knowledge of good and bad coaching techniques. DONT: DO: Keep players active with a ball, Very the activities based on attention span, Enjoy yourself, Spread positive reinforcement to all players, not just the stars. Become frustrated, Yell and intimidate, Be afraid to adjust your training activities if the children are not enjoying them.
Use the general education you received from school and life to help develop your players minds, bodies, values, etc. Do not place yourself above your players or you will never be approached for assistance. Be organized, but be aware of the problem related to over-organization, (i.e. boredom). Follow general human nature concepts related to dealing with the attitudes and habits of your players. We must understand that every child has needs, which become apparent over a period of time during practice. The needs range from attention to the development of self-confidence. They include love, discipline, the desire to improve, friendship, etc. Try to determine each childs need, and then attempt to fill at least part of it. Your discipline problems will be greatly reduced as these needs are taken care of.
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The area of childrearing sheds a lot of light on proper youth coaching. Many of the general techniques used in guiding children into adulthood can be used successfully. Use what worked for you in this area and lose what did not work. To get the most out of your soccer experience, utilize all of your assets. The characteristics that make you a success in relationships in business or with people are all useful. If you are going to put some time into the development of young soccer players, you are also going to have to put some time into developing yourself. You will have to gain insight into teaching methods, dealing with children, coaching developments, etc. The following are some suggestions: Attend Coaching Clinics: Learn from Coaches who you know how to teach, take part in the coaching courses that your State Association offers, or attend coaching clinics that occur in your area. There is no better learning experience than this. You learn to develop skills, improve fitness, organize, and handle players, and how to teach tactical aspects to various age groups. Read Soccer Books: The more opinions and methods you come across, the better off you will be. Watch Higher Levels of Play: Go see the best college games in your area, view U-19 and High School soccer, and take your players to see a professional team. The better the picture you provide to your players, the better they will be able to learn what you teach. Ask and Take Advice of Experienced Coaches: Realize that we do not teach 19 year olds the same as a 16-year-old, but there are similar principles that can be applied. We have talked about some of the areas where you need to improve as a Coach. Now, lets talk about some of the methods that will help improve your players over the years. It is very easy to let time go by and not accomplish our maximum in most areas of life. Related to player development, here are some suggestions to insure that your players are always moving forward. Set goals for your players. All of us tend to stagnate unless we pursue both short and long term goals. Assist your players in setting soccer development goals. This idea will help them become better soccer players as well as more responsible people. Young players should be given specific attainable goals (e.g. Billy, I would like to see you win the ball five times today; Susan, I would like to see you get three shots on goal today). As the initiator of these goals, you must know when they have been achieved and when to go on to other goals. Keep
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track of the goals you have established in written form, and update them regularly. The gals you set for players should fall somewhere in the range between attainable and challenging. Be careful to match the difficulty of the goal to the ability of the individual. Also, be sure to give important feedback to small and large achievers alike. A second area of concern is the giving of praise. Too much can be as harmful as nothing. At times, we tend to overdo the building up of superior players and give nothing to the less developed ones. Players who constantly hear, good shot, great move, etc. may lose the motivation to continue the hard training on their own. If they receive too much reinforcement, they might not have the need to reach their full potential. Ration praise. It can help, but it can also hurt. Finally, and this may be the most important concept to grasp as a novice Coach, improve at what we practice. This is not a profound statement, but it is fact. Therefore, lets all accept that the game itself is the best teacher of all and when we rehearse the game in a fun filled environment, we will improve. If you have any doubts about being an effective Coach, you must realize that if you put a ball between a dozen youngsters and let them play, you will in fact develop many players. Consider the children that grow up in countries without a Coach until the age of twelve. Typically, they play in-groups of four, six, or ten, in backyards, on beaches, and any place near their home. They make their own rules and play until they fall over. This is where the love of the game begins. As they approach maturity, they have all of the tools necessary to go on to higher levels of play. In the back streets, these young players do not learn about positions, restarts, and systems, they learn about dribbling, shooting, passing, and Fun! Give these children the game, and you will be a fine Coach.
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The Game Within The Child

Player Development Model
PLAYER
COACH
ORGANIZATION
Attributes & Qualities
Attributes & Qualities
Culture & Context
GAME
CHILD
LEARNING
PLAYING
The United States Soccer Federation National Youth License Mission

It is the mission of the National Youth License to provide the most current and advanced information on the growth and development of the youth soccer player. The youth soccer player is defined as any child playing soccer from pre-school through adolescence. It takes the approach that THE GAME WITHIN EACH CHILD is at the center of all beliefs, decisions, and actions taken by the child, coach, and organization. It is the ultimate goal of youth soccer development within the United States to unlock the game within each child to reach full soccer potential
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Principles of Youth Coaching

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Developmentally Appropriate Activities Clear, Concise, and Correct Information Brevity Clarity Relevance Training sessions should build from Simple to Complex Safe and Appropriate Training Area Decision making by Players Implications for the Game
6.
Coaching Activity Checklist 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Are the activities fun? Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No
Are the activities organized?
Are the players involved in the activities?
Is creativity and decision making being used? Yes/No Are the spaces used appropriate? Yes/No Is the coachs feedback appropriate? Are their implications for the game? Yes/No Yes/No
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Characteristics of U5 & U6 Soccer Player

Psychomotor Development 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Movement education approach. Body segments grow at different rates Differences between boys and girls are minimal Weight range for boys and girls is approximately 30-50 pounds Height range for boys is approximately 35-45, girls approximately 37-45 Progress in motor development starts with the head and moves downward to the feet and from the center of the body outward 7. Easy fatigue, rapid recovery, heart rate around 90bpm for boys and girls 8. Emphasis of fundamental movement skills A. Loco motor walking, running, leaping, hopping B. Non-loco motor bending, stretching, twisting, pulling, pushing C. Basic manipulative throwing, catching, striking 9. Increased use of all body parts 10. Need to explore qualities of rolling and bouncing ball Cognitive Development 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Preoperational stage of cognitive development (Piaget) Play consists of a high degree of imagination and pretend activities Beginning to use symbols to represent objects in environment Tend to only one problem at a time in problem solving situations Process small bits of information at a time, long sequential instructions are not processed 6. Simple rules 7. Immature understanding of time and space relations 8. Very ego centered
Psychosocial Development 1. Development of self-concept, body awareness, self-image through Movement 2. Egocentric, see world only from their perspective, demonstrated through Parallel Play 3. Need generous praise, play without pressure 4. Influential person in their life is most likely mother or significant parent 5. May verbalize team, but does not understand group or collective play
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Truths about Children and Sports

This study underlines a number of truths about children and sports that have been identified in other research 1. Fun is pivotal; if its not fun, young people wont play sports 2. Skill development is a crucial aspect of fun; it is more important than winning even among the best athletes 3. The most rewarding challenges of sport are those that lead towards selfknowledge 4. Intrinsic rewards (self-knowledge that grow out of self-competition) are more Important in creating life time athletes than are extrinsic rewards (victory or Attention from others)
WE MUST ELIMINATE GAMES OF ELIMINATION AT THE YOUTH LEVEL
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Players Rights
1. The right to decide when to participate in soccer. 2. The right to play in every game. At younger ages, every child should have an opportunity to play at least 50% of each game. No child should ever have to stand and watch at practice. 3. The right to participate at a level that corresponds to each childs maturity and ability. 4. The right to be taught the fundamentals of soccer. 5. The right to participate in a safe and healthy environment.
6. The right to play as a child and enjoy participation in sport.
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Reasons for Participating In and Dropping out of American Youth Soccer

By Vern Seefeldt, Martha Ewing, Steve Walk, Tim Hylka and Charles Trevor Ten most frequently listed reason for participating in Soccer, for boys and girls BOYS 1. To have fun 2. For the excitement of competition 3. To improve my skills 4. To get exercise 5. For the challenges of competition 6. To stay in shape 7. To do something Im good at 8. To play as part of team 9. To win 10. To learn new skills GIRLS 1. To stay in shape 2. To have fun 3. For the excitement of competition 4. To get exercise 5. To do something Im good at 6. To go to a higher level of competition 7. To play as part of a team 8.To improve my skills 9. For the team spirit 10. To meet new friends
Ten most frequently listed reasons for dropping out of soccer BOYS 1. I was no longer interested 2. It was no longer fun GIRLS 1. I was no longer interested 2. It was no longer fun Activities 4. It conflicted with other sports 5. Practices and games were boring 6. My coach was a poor teacher 7. I wanted to do other non-sport Activities 4. It conflicted with other sports 5. I was tired of playing and practicing 6. It required too much time 7.Practices and games were boring
3. I was tired of playing and practicing 3. I wanted to do other non-school
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8. Coach only played his/her favorites 9. I did not like the coach Winning
8. My coach was a poor teacher 9. There was too much pressure Team
10. Too much emphasis was placed on 10. I never felt like I belonged with the
Ten most requested changes that would induce them to play soccer again BOYS 1. Practices were more fun 2. Coaches understood players better 3. I could play more 4. Coach understood the sport better 5. The coach was a better teacher Differently 7. Coach didnt yell as much 7. The coach understood the sport Better 8. There was less emphasis on winning 8. Games and practices were scheduled Differently 9. The players were matched closer to 9. The sport did not take so much time My ability 10. The sport didnt take so much time 10. There was less emphasis on winning GIRLS 1. Practices were more fun 2. Fewer conflicts with social life 3. Fewer conflicts with studies 4. Coaches understood players better 5. I could play more
6. Games and practices were scheduled 6. The coach were a better teacher
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Dos and Donts For Parents

1. Stay in spectator area during games 2. Do Not advise coach on how to coach 3. Do Not coach your child or other players from the sidelines during games or practice 4. Do Not make derogatory remarks to officials, coaches, players, or opposition 5. Cheers for both teams 6. Provide positive feedback to the players at all times 7. Control your emotions 8. Thank coaches, officials and volunteers who conduct events Are you asking the right questions? When your child returns home from a soccer game what is the first question you ask them about the game? If you have ever asked, what was the score today Johnny? Or, Did you win Johnny? Then you are asking the WRONG questions. The first question when a child tells you they have been playing soccer should always be.
Did you have FUN today?
Followed by
What did you do? What did you learn? Can you show me? Can you tell me about it?
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Guidelines to Being A Soccer Mon/Dad

1. In competition, someone always has to lose. If you win do it gracefully, not boastfully. If you lose do not allow yourselves or your children to become negative. 2. Too much competition and too many expectations at an early age will slow your childs progression down. 3. Make fun and development of technique your first priority and keep it simple. 4. Be available to help your teams coach in any way, they will need your support. Make yourself available as a volunteer whenever possible. 5. Disagreements with coaches and officials do NOT belong on the soccer field. Questions, input, feedback, and opinions can all be voiced through the associations representatives or the Director of Coaching. Never in front of the players! 6. Remember why you are here!
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Soccer Outside of Soccer

In the United States of America we differ from many countries throughout the world. When it comes to soccer our biggest difference is that we just dont have a soccer culture or tradition in society. Our young players do not grow up with soccer around them 24/7. For the most part our children grow up with Baseball, Basketball, Football and Hockey dominating TV airtime, newspapers, school programs and many other entertainment mediums. In the rest of the world you will do well to find a country that does not have soccer as their leading sport and form of sporting entertainment. Therefore what can we do to expose our young budding soccer players to more soccer! Firstly, I would like to see encouragement from the coaches and parents to increase voluntary soccer exercises, form pick-up games to playing with a friend in the yard to juggling the ball or kicking it against a wall on your own. They must want to do this however and any organized or structured time is not what we are looking for. I want the players to pick up a soccer ball out of their back, walk into the garden and start playing with it however they choose. Secondly, as coaches and parents we can help provide exposure to higher levels of soccer in your own home and city. In Austin the number one TV station for soccer is Fox Sports World This station is loaded with soccer from all over the world 8-12 hours a day! The Spanish channels are also an excellent source for soccer, you dont even need to understand what the commentators are saying to know what is happening, and thats the beauty of soccer. On top of all that soccer you guys will be watching on the TV, get in the car and drive to the local fields any Saturday or Sunday and watch the older select players. Clubs like Austin United, Capitals, Thunder, T&C Warriors, and CC United all have high quality Division One programs. During January through March wrap up warm and support your local High School Team, they play almost every Tuesday and Friday night. Finally get on the Internet and look for the University of Texas Womens Soccer Schedule. Take the whole team to Mike Myers Stadium and watch one of the best Womens teams in the country. Its even free for teams to go there almost every week!!! You will be amazed at what is right here on your doorstep, get out there and start to form a soccer culture for your players and families.
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Team Administration and Risk Management

Developing A Philosophy 1. Player Development 2. Fun and Purpose Pre-Season Parent Coach Meeting 1. Discuss coaching philosophy 2. Discuss team goals 3. Discuss what is expected of parents; i.e., transportation, communication, general program support, good sportsmanship 4. Ask for information; i.e., medical history, parent skills inventory 5. Consider Coach player meetings on both an individual and group basis as appropriate Equipment Needs 1. For Players ball, shin guards, proper shoes, clothing appropriate for training and conditions, water bottles, sun-screen, and care for equipment 2. For Coach/Team cones, bibs or vests, extra balls, air pump, nets, portable goals, first aid kit, ice, water, adequate playing surface Risk management and Coaching Acceptance of a coaching position = Acceptance of an obligation of duty to the player Concept of In Loco Prentiss when the players are minor 1. Responsibilities owed to the players include: A. To provide proper instructions for the activity B. To provide proper equipment for the activity C. To make reasonable selection of player D. To provide proper supervision of practice and games E. To take proper precautions for practice and games 2. Element of Negligence: A. A duty exists B. A breach of duty occurred C. The breach of duty is the proximate or legal cause of the injury D. There was actual damage (defined differently in different states)
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Soccer Injuries: Prevention and Care

Prevention The first line of defense in athletic injuries is to prevent them. This is accomplished by having a well-planned program, competition among equal ability and sized groups, proper warm-up and adherence to the laws of the game. Other factors that can lead to the prevention of injuries include: Proper use of equipment (shin-guards, no jewelry, uniforms designed for climate). Continuous upkeep of the playing surface and facilities. Proper fitting shoes, proper type of shoes for surface. Ample water supply and plenty of water breaks to rest players. Avoid training during periods of extreme heat and other adverse weather conditions. Full rehabilitation of original injury prior to returning to play. Professional pre-screening by a local doctor before season begins.
It is suggested that the coach or someone from the team be responsible for assisting with injuries, especially if you have any Red Cross certified adults. It is recommended that the coach should follow up with a phone call immediately after the practice or game to the players parents, should they not have been present. Each team should have and know how to use a first aid kit. Care The care of the injured athlete will begin the moment that the injury occurs. Immediate care will reduce the severity of the injury and the possibility of longterm disability. The coach upon seeing an injured player on the field should: Make sure that the airway is clear Determine if the player is conscious and breathing Ask how the injury occurred: Where did you get hit, did you twist, did you leg give out? Ask the player where it hurts If the player is unable to continue, he should be checked to determine the extent of the injury
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After determining that the injury IS NOT life threatening, the nature of the injury can be further determined: Note the position of the injured part Look for swelling and deformity Compare with the opposite side if applicable Ask the player and/or teammates what happened if you did not see. Treatment should be as follows remembering R.I.C.E.
Rest remove the athlete from the contest Ice apply ice to the injured part Compression apply compression bandage Elevation elevate the injured body part The R.I.C.E. treatment is the only first aid treatment that is safe treatment for a sports injury without professional advice. The R.I.C.E. treatment helps in three different ways: Applying ice chills the injured area causing the blood vessels to contract, closing circulation to the injured area. Applying pressure with an elastic bandage inhibits the accumulation of blood and fluids in the area, thereby minimizing pain and swelling. Elevating the injured area decreases fluid accumulation to the injured area, puts the area to rest and helps reduce painful muscle spasms. R.I.C.E. treatments can do no harm to any type of injury. Almost anything else, including heat applications, can cause harm in some instances. After evaluation of the injured athlete, follow-up should be considered if: Gross swelling or deformity is present. The player is unable to bear weight on the injured part. Severe pain or discomfort is present.
Some familiar terms that you should know in dealing with athletic injuries: SPRAIN: Ligaments are bands of tissue that attach bone to bone and stabilize joints. A sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments. Use R.I.C.E. principle. STRAIN: A tearing injury to a muscle or a tendon (tendons attach muscles to bone, except Achilles tendon). Athlete may experience a hearing of the
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muscle tearing, muscle fatigue and spasm before occurrences, severe weakness or loss of function of muscle, sharp pain upon occurrence, spasmodic contraction (flexion of body part), extreme tenderness to touch and/or indentation of the body part. CONTUSION: A crushing injury to a muscle or tendon caused by an outside force, which causes hemorrhaging to surrounding tissue. Immediate care R.I.C.E. ABRASION: A loss of surface area of the skin caused by sliding on synthetic surface or bare grass field. CARE FOR AN ABRASION: The area should be cleaned with an antiseptic to prevent infection. An antibiotic ointment should be applied to keep the wound moist and to destroy bacteria present. BLISTER: The collection of fluid under the skin usually caused by friction (improperly fitting shoes). CARE FOR A BLISTER: If the blister is open, it should be cleaned as an abrasion. If the blister is closed with the fluid under the surface, a qualified person should only drain it. HEAT EXHAUSTION: Surface temperature approximately normal, skin pale and clammy, profuse perspiration, tired and weak, headache perhaps cramps, nausea, dizziness, possible vomiting, and possible fainting (the player will probably regain consciousness as the head is lowered). IMMEDIATE CARE: Move to cool area, air-conditioning best, have player lie down with feet elevated, remove restrictive apparel as appropriate, cool with wet cloths or by fanning, if alert water may be given (1/2 glass per 15 minutes), if player vomits take to hospital immediately and always refer to physician for further diagnosis, treatment and return to activity. HEAT STROKE: Body temperature is high, skin is hot, red and dry, sweating mechanism is blocked, pulse is rapid, player may lose consciousness. IMMEDIATE CARE: Seek immediate medical care (call 911), while waiting, treat as above for heat exhaustion keeping in mind that if you reduce the body temperature too rapidly it can cause internal bleeding. CRAMPS: An involuntary contraction of a muscle group that is repetitive and rapid in nature. CARE: Hydrate with water and stretching. CONCUSSION: Head injuries most injuries to the head are the result of direct or indirect blows causing dizziness, dull to severe headache, ringing in the ears, loss of consciousness, failure to relate to events before receiving the blow, disorientation, neurological signs (eyes dilation of pupils or irregularity of pupils, blurred vision, poor light accommodation by pupils, involuntary movement of the eyeballs) convulsions, coma, vomiting and
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possible loss of muscle control. IMMEDIATE CARE: Seek immediate medical attention. Rules of thumb when handling an injured player: Avoid Panic. Check for breathing, bleeding, consciousness, deformity, discoloration and shock. Dependent upon nature of injury, avoid moving the patient. Inspire confidence and reassure patient. Use common sense. Seek professional help. Check to see how the injury occurred (history of).
Use certified athletic trainers when available. Always ERR on the side of caution. It is recommended that if a player has had medical attention, he/she must have written permission from the doctor to return to activity. RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY FOLLOWING AN INJURY: The athlete should not be able to return to play in practice or game conditions until the following criteria have been met: The player should be able to run straight without pain, run and turn in a figure eight without a sign of a limp. He should be able to support weight with the injured part. If the injury is an ankle or knee, he should be able to do a toe raise on the injured side without being supported. The player should have practiced with the team prior to entering competition. There should be no pain or swelling or disability following activity.
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Section II
Technical Descriptions & Diagrams Weekly Training Plans Tactical Aspects
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U5 & U6 Training
Your primary objective as a recreational youth soccer coach is to provide players with the proper environment and training that will help them to become technically proficient by the time they reach the age of 12. At the U5 & U6 level this objective can be achieved by several means. 1. Teaching the correct techniques utilizing a fun game environment. 2. Provide situations that promote self-learning and build players self-esteem. 3. Continued education on you part, and self-assessment throughout the season. 4. Follow the Principles of Youth Coaching and the Coaching Activity Checklist Principles of Youth Coaching 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Developmentally Appropriate Activities Clear, Concise, and Correct Information Brevity Clarity Relevance Training sessions should build from Simple to Complex Safe and Appropriate Training Area Decision making by Players Implications for the Game Coaching Activity Checklist 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Are the activities fun? Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No
Are the activities organized?
Are the players involved in the activities?
Is creativity and decision making being used? Yes/No Are the spaces used appropriate? Yes/No Is the coachs feedback appropriate? Are their implications for the game? Yes/No Yes/No
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Season Structure and Checklist

In accordance with the WYSA Player Development Philosophy and US Youth Soccer our approach to coaching and the season structure will be as follows. For players in the U5 & U6 age brackets we will teach 2 techniques: 1. Kicking 2. Dribbling For players in the U5 & U6 age bracket we will teach 2 tactical aspects: 1. Which goal to attack 2. Which goal to defend Firstly this manual will provide you with a detailed yet simple technical breakdown of Kicking and Dribbling, with clear illustrations and instructions on how to teach them. Secondly it will provide 15 fun games, including some progressions that will allow for maximum kicking and Dribbling from all players. Finally it will provide you with a blank session outline and guidance on how to build and conduct a training session from scratch.
DID YOU KNOW WE RETAIN

10% 20% 30% 50% 70% 80% 95% of of of of of of of what what what what what what what we we we we we we we read hear see see and hear discuss personally experience teach someone
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Training Plans
Section I Technical Descriptions & Diagrams 1. Kicking with the Instep/Inside of the Foot 2. Running with the Soccer Ball (Dribbling) Section II Weekly Training Plans 1. Candy Store Soccer 2. Body Brakes 3. Cone-man 4. Story Book Soccer 5. British Bulldog 6. Hospital Tag 7. Pinball Soccer 8. The Numbers Game 9. Stuck in the Mud 10. Star Wars 11. Ghostbusters 12. Captain Planet 13. Sleeping Giant 14. Crocodile Alley 15. Marbles 16. Additional Games Section III Tactical Awareness 1. Tactical Aspects for U5 & U6 2. Coaching in the Game
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Kicking with the Instep/Inside of the Foot

The push-pass is the most reliable technique for passing the ball on the ground over short distances with accuracy. The Kicking Foot: 1. 2. 3. 4. Toes turned outward and tightened. Ankle locked. Sole of foot parallel to ground. Strike through the middle of the ball with the arch of the foot. (1a, 1c) The Push Pass: 1a. The part of the foot used to make contact with the ball. 1b. Placement of the nonkicking foot. Note also, head down. 1c. Kicking foot strikes through middle of ball.
The Non-Kicking Foot: 1. To the side and slightly behind the ball, far enough away to allow a freeswinging movement of the kicking leg. (1b) 2. Toes are pointed in the direction of the kick. 3. Ankle is slightly bent. Position Of The Head:
1. The eyes should be looking down at the ball and the head steady.
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Running with the Soccer Ball (Dribbling)

Technique: One of the most spectacular skills in soccer is the art of Dribbling. The area around the player with the ball is often filled with opponents and teammates, and sometimes the only way to get out is to maneuver the ball with both feet quickly to create room to pass, shoot or continue to dribble. In order to keep possession the player must be able to protect the ball with their body and evade opponents with quick moves and trickery. Knees: Bent, Low center of gravity Arms: Use for balance
Head: Up looking around you, dont watch the ball
Ball: Close to body
Body: Between Ball and Opponent
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Coaching Outline Name: _________________________ Area: _________________________ Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Warm Up: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: ______________________________ Practice Objectives: ___________________
Coaching Points
Main Theme:
Game:
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Coaching Outline Name: Candy Store Soccer Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Dribbling Practice Objectives: Have Fun
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Boomerang Soccer Coach has player hand ball to them. Instruct players to bring ball back to you after you throw it away. When player returns ball is thrown again. Each time asking the player to bring it back in a different way from the last time. Encourage the players to think of new and creative ways to bring the ball back. Main Theme: Game One Candy Store Soccer The children play in a square approximately 20x30 steps. The coach names each of the four sides after a piece of candy. Each child has a soccer ball. When the coach shouts out the name of the candy bar the children dribble their soccer ball to the appropriate side. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. As a coach you should know the names of their favorite candy bars. 2. This practice needs to be up-beat it requires a dynamic character 3. When the children reach a particular candy store they should be encouraged not to stand still but to perform simple movements with the ball at all times, for example toe-taps 4. The game can be started without a ball if necessary to give the children a clear understanding of the game.
Game: Micro Soccer 3v3, 4v4, 3v4 etc. Play small-sided game in a small area to small goals. Emphasis on dribbling the ball toward the goal Emphasis on kicking the ball correctly
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Coaching Outline Diagrams
Boomerang Soccer: Open Field
X X
X C X
Candy Store Soccer: 20x30 steps

Gummy Bears X. Bubble Gum X. X. X. X. X. M&Ms
Snickers Micro Soccer 3v3: Small Area to Small Goals (No GKs)
X X X X Y
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Y Y
Coaching Outline Name: Body Brakes Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Dribbling Practice Objectives: Dribble & Control
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Cones Up Cones Down In an area no bigger than 20x30 steps (does not have to coned off) randomly place 10 disc cones facing down and 10 facing up. Split the group into 2 teams. On your command one team trys to turn all the cones down whilst the other team trys to turn them up. The team with the most turned their way after 90 seconds wins. Repeat, and add soccer balls. Main Theme Game Two Body Brakes The players work in an area approximately 20 by 30 steps. Each player dribbles around with one soccer ball. The coach calls out a body part, for example left elbow, the players must then stop the ball with their left elbow, and the fastest player to bring the ball to a stop wins a point. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. The coach should make the point that if a childs ball is running away from them and they are unable to stop it, they are dribbling too far away from their body or too fast. 2. When the players are stopped the coach should encourage them to be in an open space, as far away from the next player as possible/
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Cones Up Cones Down: Open Field Y X X Y X Y
Body Brakes: 20x30 steps

Coach X. X. X. X. X. X.
Micro Soccer 3v3: Small Area to Small Goals (No GKs)
X X X X Y
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Y Y
Coaching Outline Name: Cone Man Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Dribbling Practice Objectives: Dribble
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Flag Soccer In an area no bigger than 20x30 steps give every player a bib. The players place the bib in their shorts with the majority hanging out the front. The object is to collect as many bibs in 90 seconds as possible; the bibs must be hanging from your shorts. The player with the most wins. Play again with bib's hanging from side, then back. Main Theme: Game Three Cone Man The players work in a square approximately 20x30 steps. The coach is the cone man/woman who runs around the area attempting to cone the players. This is done by placing a cone on top of a players ball and shouting, Cone man has got you. Once a player has been coned they must perform 10 toe-taps to get back in the game. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. The coach should encourage the players to dribble with their heads up, looking for other players and trying to avoid collisions. 2. The coach should encourage the players to take as many touches of the ball as possible. 3. The coach should encourage the children to use both feet. 4. The coach should make it known that he/she is looking for a player to be the next cone man, then say, whos working the hardest?
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Flag Soccer: Open Field X

Y X X X Y Y
Cone Man: 20x30 steps
C xX
X X X
X X X X Y Y Y
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Coaching Outline Name: Story Book Soccer Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Dribbling Practice Objectives: Dribble Slow - fast
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Boomerang Soccer Coach has player hand ball to them. Instruct players to bring ball back to you after you throw it away. When player returns ball is thrown again. Each time asking the player to bring it back in a different way from the last time. Encourage the players to think of new and creative ways to bring the ball back. Main Theme: Game Four Story Book Soccer The players work in area approximately 20x30 steps. The coach tells a story of when he/she young and on their birthday along time ago they were given a magic car. The coach then asks the players if they want to play magic cars? The players, with a soccer ball each, dribble around the area and the coach introduces 3 gears. In 1st gear the players must dribble their soccer ball as slowly as possible. In second gear the players start to speed up a little. Then in 3rd gear is racing-car speed and the players are encouraged to go as fast as their engines will take them. Finally, every now and again the magic-car slips into reverse and they must dribble backwards. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. The coach can introduce additional coaching points: a) Traffic lights at which the players must stop. Remember when you are traveling really fast cars scream to a stop. b) Hills, the players are asked to climb the steepest hills by performing toe-taps as they climb the hill. c) Finally a Chicane is added and the players must tap the ball from left to right with the inside of their feet to pass through. Note: Not all progressions should be added into one practice. 2. The coach should encourage the players to dribble with their heads up, looking for other players and trying to avoid collisions. 3. The coach should encourage the players to take as many touches of the ball as possible. 4. The coach should encourage the children to use both feet. Game: Micro Soccer 3v3, 4v4, 3v4 etc. Play small-sided game in a small area to small goals. Emphasis on dribbling the ball toward the goal Emphasis on kicking the ball correctly
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X X
X C X
Story Book Soccer: 20x30 steps

Coach X. X. X. X. X. X.
X X X X Y
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Y Y
Coaching Outline Name: British Bulldog Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Dribbling Practice Objectives: Have Fun & Dribble
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Cones Up Cones Down In an area no bigger than 20x30 steps (does not have to coned off) randomly place 10 disc cones facing down and 10 facing up. Split the group into 2 teams. On your command one team trys to turn all the cones down whilst the other team trys to turn them up. The team with the most turned their way after 90 seconds wins. Repeat, and add soccer balls. Main Theme: Game Five British Bulldog The players work in an area approximately 20x30 steps. The players all start at one side of the area (which the children can call the street). The coach has told the story of a British Bulldog who will not let the children out to play. The players have to dribble their ball past the British Bulldog so that they can get out to play. The coach plays the part of the British Bulldog to begin with. The players can only attempt to cross the street and come out to play when the coach shouts British Bulldog. When the players get caught, i.e. the coach tackles their ball away then they also become Bulldogs and stay in the middle until there is one player left, he/she is then the new British Bulldog Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. The coach should encourage the players to dribble with their heads up, looking for other players and trying to avoid collisions. 2. The coach should encourage the players to take as many touches of the ball as possible. 3. The coach should encourage the children to use both feet. 4. The coach should always let the children have success, to begin with at least.
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British Bulldog: 20x30 steps
X. X. X. X. xX X. X. C
X X X X Y
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Y Y
Coaching Outline Name: Hospital Tag Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Dribbling Practice Objectives: Have Fun & Dribble
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Flag Soccer In an area no bigger than 20x30 steps give every player a bib. The players place the bib in their shorts with the majority hanging out the front. The object is to collect as many bibs in 90 seconds as possible; the bibs must be hanging from your shorts. The player with the most bibs wins. Play again with bib's hanging from side, then back. Main Theme: Game Six Hospital Tag The players work in an area approximately 20x30 steps. Each player has a ball and is dribbling around the area. When the coach shouts Hospital the players can try to tag one another. When they get tagged the first time they must then hold that part of their body, whilst continuing to dribble. When they get tagged a second time they must also hold that part of their body. At this stage they may be holding one leg and their shoulder! Finally when they tagged the third time they sent to Hospital, anywhere outside the area. To get back in the game they must perform 10 toe-taps. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. Be aware that the players may tag a little aggressively, the players will get excited and this does not want to be quashed by the coach but they must maintain control at all times. Try adding a rule of you can only tag from the shoulders down, nothing inn the head or face. 2. The coach should encourage the players to dribble with their heads up, looking for other players and trying to avoid collisions. 3. Encourage the players to take as many touches of the ball as possible. 4. The coach should encourage the children to use both feet. 5. If you feel certain players need to be more adventurous then adjust the game by having a winner i.e. the first player to tag six people wins.
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Y X X X Y Y
Hospital Tag: 20x30 steps

Coach .X X. X. (Hospital) X.
xX X. X. X.
X X X X Y Y Y
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Coaching Outline Name: Pinball Soccer Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Kicking (Push Pass) Practice Objectives: Improve Passing
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Boomerang Soccer Coach has player hand ball to them. Instruct players to bring ball back to you after you throw it away. When player returns ball is thrown again. Each time asking the player to bring it back in a different way from the last time. Encourage the players to think of new and creative ways to bring the ball back. Main Theme: Game Seven Pinball Soccer The players are in an area approximately 20x30 steps with 4 tall cones a few steps in from each end (see diagram below). Play a maximum of 3v3 micro soccer. Both teams are trying to knock down each others cones. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. The coach should stand with a supply of soccer balls, play with 2 or even 3 balls at a time. Once a ball leaves the area it is dead and can no longer be used. If all balls are dead before the cones are knocked over have the players dribble all the balls back to you and then continue the game. 2. The coach should encourage the players to knock the cones over using the correct kicking/push-pass technique.
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X X
X C X
Pinball Soccer: 20x30 steps

Coach
X X
Y Y
X X X X Y
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Y Y
Coaching Outline Name: The Numbers Game Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Dribbling & Communication Practice Objectives: Communication
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Cones Up Cones Down In an area no bigger than 20x30 steps (does not have to coned off) randomly place 10 disc cones facing down and 10 facing up. Split the group into 2 teams. On your command one team trys to turn all the cones down whilst the other team trys to turn them up. The team with the most turned their way after 90 seconds wins. Repeat, and add soccer balls. Main Theme: Game Eight The Numbers Game The children all dribble around in the open field with their soccer ball. The coach shouts out a number and the players must get into groups of that number. Any players that can not get into a group join the coach as part of his group. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. Encourage the players to communicate amongst themselves and help organize each other. 2. The coach should always add onto his game description the phrase If you cannot find a friend come to me and be my friend This keeps the game fun for all players and does not leave players feeling left out.
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The Numbers Game: 20x30 steps

Coach (example #3) X. X. X. X. xX .X .X
X X X X Y
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Y Y
Coaching Outline Name: Stuck In The Mud Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Kicking (The Push Pass) Practice Objectives: Passing
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Flag Soccer In an area no bigger than 20x30 steps give every player a bib. The players place the bib in their shorts with the majority hanging out the front. The object is to collect as many bibs in 90 seconds as possible; the bibs must be hanging from your shorts. The player with the most wins. Play again with bib's hanging from side, then back. Main Theme: Game Nine Stuck In The Mud The players dribble around the marshland, which is approximately 20x30 steps. Two marsh monsters attempt to freeze out the players. To do this they simply have to touch the players ball with their foot. Once the player is frozen he/she picks up their ball and stands with his/her legs open. Players can set each other free by passing their ball through frozen players legs. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. 2. 3. 4. Let every player be the marsh monster at some stage Encourage players to use the correct technique when setting players free. Encourage players to try freeing other players from as far away as possible For this to be an effective practice the coach needs to see players passing the ball to free other players. For this to happen the catcher must be freezing players all the time. If he/she is struggling to catch players then add a 2nd catcher. 5. The coach should be aware that youngsters at this age do not understand the concept of teammates and will therefore be more focused on themselves than trying to free other players. You must try and encourage the players; i.e. first player top free 3 players can be the marsh monster next.
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Y X X X Y Y
Stuck In The Mud: 20x30 steps

Coach .X M xX X. X. M .X X.
X X X X Y Y Y
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Coaching Outline Name: Star Wars Area: 20x15 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Kicking (The Push Pass) Practice Objectives: Passing
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Boomerang Soccer Coach has player hand ball to them. Instruct players to bring ball back to you after you throw it away. When player returns ball is thrown again. Each time asking the player to bring it back in a different way from the last time. Encourage the players to think of new and creative ways to bring the ball back. Main Theme: Game Ten Star Wars The coach organizes a small area of 10x15 steps. The soccer balls are placed down each length of the area. All the players to start with stand at one side of the area. This is one of the galaxies from star wars. On the other side of the area is another galaxy, the players must try and get from one galaxy to another. The problem is that Darth Vadar the coach to begin with, can shoot the players down with the soccer balls when they are in between the galaxies. To catch a player the ball must be passed using the push-pass and hit a crossing player from the knee down. Once caught you then become a Darth Vadar too. The crossing players, have a leader Luke Skywalker he/she must cross between the galaxies alone before any other players, when they get to the other galaxy they turn and shout may the force be with you this is the signal for the rest of the players to cross. If Luke is caught then a new Luke is picked from the remaining players. The final player standing is chosen as Darth Vadar for the next game/ Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. Make sure that all passes are below knee height, players should use the correct technique to do this. 2. Make sure all balls are back before Luke crosses
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X X
X C X
Star Wars: 10x15 steps

Coach Y X X X X X . . Y.. . . . Xx X .
X X X X Y
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Y Y
Coaching Outline Name: Ghostbusters Area: See Diagram Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Kicking (The Push Pass) Practice Objectives: Passing
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Cones Up Cones Down In an area no bigger than 20x30 steps (does not have to coned off) randomly place 10 disc cones facing down and 10 facing up. Split the group into 2 teams. On your command one team trys to turn all the cones down whilst the other team trys to turn them up. The team with the most turned their way after 90 seconds wins. Repeat, and add soccer balls. Main Theme: Game Eleven - Ghostbusters The players stand approximately 6 yards apart as shown in the diagram (over). The coach introduces the game as Ghostbusters, every time the player with ball can pass it through their partners legs they score a slimer first to five slimers wins. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. The coach should use the numbers game to get the players into groups 2. The coach should coach the puss-pass. Encourage players to use the correct technique Non Kicking foot by the side of the ball. Lock ankle and follow through in the direction you want the ball to go. Watch the foot make contact with the middle of the ball Encourage the correct weight of the pass 3. The coach should encourage the players to shout out slimer each time it goes through.
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Ghostbusters: 20x30 steps

Coach
xX
X X X X Y
62
Y Y
Coaching Outline Name: Captain Planet Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Kicking (The Push Pass) Practice Objectives: Passing
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Flag Soccer In an area no bigger than 20x30 steps give every player a bib. The players place the bib in their shorts with the majority hanging out the front. The object is to collect as many bibs in 90 seconds as possible; the bibs must be hanging from your shorts. The player with the most wins. Play again with bib's hanging from side, then back. Main Theme: Game Twelve Captain Planet The players work in an area approximately 20x30 steps. The coach sets out a series of randomly placed tall cones. Telling the story that the cones are deadly plants taking over the soccer field and the only way to stop them is by knocking them over. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. The coach should use this opportunity to teach the push pass. Encourage the correct technique. Non Kicking foot by the side of the ball. Lock ankle and follow through in the direction you want the ball to go. Watch the foot make contact with the middle of the ball Encourage the correct weight of the pass 2. The coach should keep putting the cones back up so the players are continuously working hard for 3-5mins at a time.
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Y X X X Y Y
Captain Planet: 20x30 steps

Coach .X xX X. .X X. .X .X X.
X X X X Y Y Y
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Coaching Outline Name: The Sleeping Giant Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Kicking (The Push Pass) Practice Objectives: Passing
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Boomerang Soccer Coach has player hand ball to them. Instruct players to bring ball back to you after you throw it away. When player returns ball is thrown again. Each time asking the player to bring it back in a different way from the last time. Encourage the players to think of new and creative ways to bring the ball back. Main Theme: Game Thirteen The Sleeping Giant In the darkest deepest reaches of the forest, there lived a giant! The giant had planted rows and rows of beanstalks. The only problem was that when the young soccer players were out playing soccer they kept knocking over the giants beanstalks. This made the giant really angry, so angry that he would chase the young soccer players. The giant sleeps until he hears the beanstalks being knocked down and when he awakens he chases the players. Can the players knock all the beanstalks down before the giant tags them? Once tagged the players become frozen in time. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. The puss-pass should be encouraged and coached with the proper technique. Non Kicking foot by the side of the ball. Lock ankle and follow through in the direction you want the ball to go. Watch the foot make contact with the middle of the ball Encourage the correct weight of the pass 2. The game should be played several times, so as every player can be the sleeping giant. 3. Players can also be unfrozen by performing 10 toe-taps.
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X X
X C X
The Sleeping Giant: 20x30 steps

Coach
Y Sleeping Giant
X X X X X X
X X X X Y
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Y Y
Coaching Outline Name: Crocodile Alley Area: 20x30 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Kicking (The Push Pass) Practice Objectives: Passing
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Cones Up Cones Down In an area no bigger than 20x30 steps (does not have to coned off) randomly place 10 disc cones facing down and 10 facing up. Split the group into 2 teams. On your command one team trys to turn all the cones down whilst the other team trys to turn them up. The team with the most turned their way after 90 seconds wins. Repeat, and add soccer balls. Main Theme: Game Fourteen Crocodile Alley The practice is set up as below in a 20x30 area. The players are lined up each side of the 2 cones, with the aim being to knock a cone over with a push-pass. The players work in pairs and the first to knock a cone over 3 times is the winner. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. The puss-pass should be encouraged and coached with the proper technique. Non-Kicking foot by the side of the ball. Lock ankle and follow through in the direction you want the ball to go. Watch the foot make contact with the middle of the ball Encourage the correct weight of the pass The game should be played alternating strong foot and weaker foot
2.
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Crocodile Alley: 20x30 steps

Coach
xX
X X X
X X X X Y
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Y Y
Coaching Outline Name: Marbles Area: 10x15 Steps Equipment: Players [ ] Phase: Activity Balls [ ] Cones [ ] Pinnies [ ] Organization/Diagram Topic: Kicking (The Push Pass) Practice Objectives: Passing
Coaching Points
Warm Up: Flag Soccer In an area no bigger than 20x30 steps give every player a bib. The players place the bib in their shorts with the majority hanging out the front. The object is to collect as many bibs in 90 seconds as possible; the bibs must be hanging from your shorts. The player with the most wins. Play again with bib's hanging from side, then back. Main Theme: Game Fifteen - Marbles In a small area 10x15, the players are dived into 2 teams. They line up along the longest sides of the area facing each other, each player with one ball each. The coachs ball or most colorful ball is then placed in the middle. This ball is the marble and can only be touched by the coach and nobody else. On the coachs command of marbles the players must kick their ball from behind the line and try to hit the marble knocking it over the other teams line. If the marble crosses the other teams line the team that hit it across gets one point. You can play first to five. Coaching/Organizational Points: 1. You may have to remind the players not to touch the marble, especially when it is rolling toward their line. 2. Once a player has kicked their soccer ball they can enter the area to pick up another ball and bring it back behind their line to try again. This game is therefore ongoing, but may require the coach to pass some balls back to players. 3. Use the opportunity to again coach the correct kicking technique Non Kicking foot by the side of the ball. Lock ankle and follow through in the direction you want the ball to go. Watch the foot make contact with the middle of the ball Encourage the correct weight of the pass
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Y X X X Y Y
Marbles: 10x15 steps

Y Y Y Y
. Coach xX X X . . X
X X X X Y Y Y
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Additional Games for End of Practice (Micro-Soccer)

From: Jim Reinhart
Jurassic Park U6's especially love to do *anything* that involves beating adults, especially their parents, in any way shape or form. One of my favorites is "Jurassic Park", in which you mark off a confined area to be the "Island of Jurassic Park", and the kids are the velociraptors and the parents are the scientists. The velociraptors try to catch the scientists by hitting them knees or below with a passed ball. Scientists may NOT run, but must walk (quickly, if they want to survive very long) and change directions quickly to avoid being caught. For U6's, you can also play that parents are caught if they have to jump over a ball to avoid being caughtreward the game related skill of an accurate pass or shot. (By U8 or U9, you have to allow the parents to jump over balls or the rounds get very short) Caught scientists exit the game area. ("To the freezer") It's a great practice starter, and lots of fun. Helps develop non-dominant foot skills too, if you mix in about 50% left (or non-dominant) foot only rounds. We usually do 45 rounds of 1-2 minutes each--"Breakfast time on the island! "Lunchtime!" ... "Midnight snack time!" Darndest thing, the scientists have YET to win a single round, even after hundreds of tries. There's a variation of this where the caught parents don't exit, but are "frozen" on the spot, and a couple other "search and rescue" kids dribble around "rescuing" parents by passing a ball between the parent's widespread feet. With some groups of U6's, a couple kids may try to insist on being search and rescue the whole time, which causes "fairness" problems in the minds of the other kids, so this activity may not work as well with some groups of kids, but work fabulously with others. Mileage varies on all U6 activities depending on how much sleep the kids got, the phase of the moon, whether there is a low pressure weather system in the area, how long it's been since they ate, whether or not recess got rained out at school, etc. It seems like at least once a season the whole group just comes out wild and unfocused (OK, even less focused than usual :-) and it has nothing to do with the coaching or the practice but rather a full moon, low pressure system, or something along that line. Thief - steal the ball by colors Form two or three teams each with different colored pinnies Form colored circles with pinnies, one circle for each team Each player has a ball
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On coach's 'start', the players try to get as many balls as they can Into their 'goal' area. Balls cannot be taken out of the goal area once it stops in the goal Time them for 1 minute. Count who has the most 'goals'. Play best three out of five. Can use cones marked by a single penny if needed Race to the goal Two team, two goals Every player with a ball Each team lines up beside their goal (the one they might defend in big soccer) When the coach says go, each team races across the field to see who can get all their balls in the opposite goal the soonest. Remind players to look up so they dont run into each other. Repeat Add variations: A troll in the center who must be avoided Face the goals away from the field of play (so they have to pass the goal, then turn,
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Race to the ball Normal small-side playing field Two teams, two goals Put all the balls in the center circle Each team lines up beside their goal (the one they might defend in big soccer) When coach says go, each team races to see who can get the most balls into their goal (sometimes helps to use pinnies to mark players and their goals) Count the balls when all are in goals and play again Add variations: Players have to run and high-five coach before racing for a new ball Encourage players to steal balls from the other team (but not once it goes into a goal) Make players Loose balls Normal small-side playing field Two teams, two goals Coach has all the soccer balls on the sidelines and serves (bowls) them in one (or more) at a time Coach looks for opportunity to create 1v1 play by serving to player pairs Within reason, 3 or 4 balls can be in play at once on different parts of the fields (dont worry too much about boundaries). When all the balls are gone, count which team has the most and play again Variations: Player who scores a goal gets to come to coach and serve the next ball in and then return to play Player who scores a goal comes to high-five the parents line Bounce the ball in (not too hard!) instead of rolling
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Tactical Aspects U5&U6

At the U5&U6 age group we identified 2 areas of focus for Tactics. Below is a brief description of tactics and a look into how we can use/teach these to our players. Tactics or Tactical play in soccer as in any sport, is decision making. It is choosing what to do in a game, or particular situation to give you or your team the advantage. However at the U5&U6 level we keep this extremely simple. At U5&U6 we teach the players quite simply which goal do we score on, and which goal do we defend. The starting formation to use with a team is this, however it will not last, and do not worry about it! 3v3; 1 defender, 1 left forward, 1 right forward
L. FWD DEF
R. FWD
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Coaching in the Game U5 & U6

The following comments are meant as suggestions for those coaches working with U5 & U6. Each coach is free to coach his or her team, however the following guidelines from Stephen Ferguson should be noted. Formations: players at this age need a basic shape to play from. 3-aside (1 defender 2 forwards) It is important at this age to teach the players which goal to attack and which to defend.
Defending: Young players must be taught that when a team has the ball everyone is an attacker and when a team does not have the ball everyone is a defender, no matter what your position on the team! As a priority teach the youngsters to mark players and NOT space. NO TEAM SHOULD EVER HAVE DEFENDERS MAROONED IN THEIR OWN HALF. Coach Soccer not winning and losing. Over Coaching: The most common problem in youth soccer is over coaching. Young players need to solve problems on their own; they do not need play-byplay directions. Two common situations where this occurs are;
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Westlake Youth Soccer Association: U5&U6 Coaching Manual

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Westlake Youth Soccer Association: U5&U6 Coaching Manual

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Westlake Youth Soccer Association

U5&U6 Coaching Manual

By: Stephen Ferguson WYSA Director of Coaching & Player Development

Section I Association Coaching Information

Section II Technical Descriptions & Diagrams

Weekly Training Plans

74. Tactical Aspects for U5 & U6 75. Coaching in the Game

About This Manual Welcome To Coaching

Westlake Youth Soccer Association Philosophy

Coaching Certification Program

AN OPEN MIND Minimum age 14 years old

Minimum age 14 years old

Minimum age 14 years old

Course Length: 18 hours of instruction (5 hours classroom, 13 hours field) Prerequisites:

Developing Your Coaching Philosophy

Developing Your Coaching Philosophy

Building a Training Session

Age Appropriate Coaching

Coaching Without Playing Experience

The Game Within The Child

Attributes & Qualities

Attributes & Qualities

Culture & Context

The United States Soccer Federation National Youth License Mission

Principles of Youth Coaching

Are the activities organized?

Are the players involved in the activities?

Characteristics of U5 & U6 Soccer Player

Truths about Children and Sports

WE MUST ELIMINATE GAMES OF ELIMINATION AT THE YOUTH LEVEL

Reasons for Participating In and Dropping out of American Youth Soccer

3. I was tired of playing and practicing 3. I wanted to do other non-school

Dos and Donts For Parents

Did you have FUN today?

Guidelines to Being A Soccer Mon/Dad

Soccer Outside of Soccer

Team Administration and Risk Management

Soccer Injuries: Prevention and Care

Are the activities organized?

Are the players involved in the activities?

Season Structure and Checklist

DID YOU KNOW WE RETAIN

Kicking with the Instep/Inside of the Foot

Running with the Soccer Ball (Dribbling)

Head: Up looking around you, dont watch the ball

Ball: Close to body

Body: Between Ball and Opponent

Coaching Outline Diagrams

Boomerang Soccer: Open Field

Candy Store Soccer: 20x30 steps

Coaching Outline Diagrams

Cones Up Cones Down: Open Field Y X X Y X Y

Body Brakes: 20x30 steps

Micro Soccer 3v3: Small Area to Small Goals (No GKs)

Coaching Outline Diagrams

Flag Soccer: Open Field X

Cone Man: 20x30 steps

Micro Soccer 3v3: Small Area to Small Goals (No GKs)

Coaching Outline Diagrams