TRSA OUTDOOR U-5 / U-6. COACHES MANUAL and INFORMATION PACKAGE. Introduction and General Information Page 01

Transcription

1 TRSA OUTDOOR U-5 / U-6 COACHES MANUAL and INFORMATION PACKAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction and General Information Page 01 TRSA Rules for U5/U6 Soccer (Modified from EMSA) Page 08 Drills and Activities Page 12

2 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION Welcome! Welcome to the TRSA outdoor soccer season! Thank you for volunteering as a soccer coach. This package has been prepared with you in mind as we wish to provide as much useful and practical information as possible for your use to get started. Warning and Tips! Read this Section Before Proceeding: Mini Soccer (U4 thru U10) is a completely different game than that of the U12 thru U18 in that it involves smaller fields, smaller goals, smaller balls, and most importantly smaller players that need to be treated and coached much differently that older children. The player is not only small but he or she is also very young and sometimes this fact gets overlooked as many coaches treat their players as miniature version of a grown up. Children are involved in organized sports for their own enjoyment and not to satisfy the needs of others. Their enjoyment is jeopardized if adults have unrealistic expectations and attitude. Soccer is successful in Canada at the Mini Soccer level for the following reasons: Soccer is activity oriented. Soccer is less expensive than others. Soccer is less violent. Soccer fits into the family and community lifestyle easier than others. Enjoyable and fun activities at these age groups is top priority. The children at this age group are still very dependent on parents and parents must be influential and encouraging their children s activity by being present at games/practices. Parents participation will form the foundation of their children s interest in soccer. Parents and coaches do represent a role model (coach, teacher, mentor, and counselor) and will leave more often a life long impression with the children. Fun usually comes with activity. Short spells of activity followed by short rest periods (i.e. water break) should be followed as the concentration level at this age is very short. At these age groups the children are very egocentric and the ball is their very own possession and it will very unwillingly be relinquished. At the Mini Soccer age groups children enjoy physical activity that involves: Running, Jumping, Leaping, Hopping, Rolling, Turning, Bouncing, Kicking, Catching, and Trapping. It is very questionable to label a child at these age groups as a talent or star. The extra talent in soccer is the same exception as a child being perfect in reading and writing.

3 There is also the advantage that physically strong children do have in this age which gives them the edge in play for a short period of time. What is proven is that soccer coaching applied correctly will produce a very good player in the same manner that good teaching allows students to more easily learn their ABC s in school. The Mini Soccer coach needs to transform his/her knowledge about soccer to the level of the age group. Simple exercise. Small steps. This includes language. Phrases such as attack the ball, cover or make space, play the ball deep ; will be unrecognizable (with the exception of possibly U-10). Be creative, children at these ages really enjoy games that reference animals (i.e. sharks and minnows, british bulldog, etc.) and are coaxed into activities than they are coached. The more creative and entertaining you are the more you ll engage the children to participate in the activities you ve laid out to work on soccer knowledge and skills. It is very easy to volunteer and do everything with very little formal knowledge of soccer. Don t be afraid to ask for help from either the TRSA age directors and even from player parent and do not hesitate to delegate tasks to player parents whether it s roles to play during practice or more formal tasks like team manager or photographer or equipment delivery. Characteristics of Children at this Age: Interest in gymnastic type activity. Short attention span. Desires to repeat activities that are known and can perform well. Teamwork is just beginning to be understood. Sensitive, individualistic, and seek individual attention. Impatient when waiting his/her turn. Enjoy doing well and being admired for it. Want to please and share results. Objectives: The primary objective for TRSA s U5/U6 program is for the children to have as much FUN playing soccer as possible. Players will be exposed to and start to learn the basic skills of DRIBBLING, PASSING, and SHOOTING. Emphasis should be placed on dribbling. Shooting is secondary and passing is the lowest priority. TRSA has also suggested that players need to learn that the field has dimensions. This differs from some of the other programs in the Edmonton area but we have found that after the 1 st or 2 nd session the players become accustomed to this fact.

4 First Steps: Once you have received your team contact list please immediately contact your assistant coach(es) and manager and any other noted volunteer for introductions and setting up an initial meeting to divide the tasks. Please do not forget that all parents should be encouraged to participate and you can also delegate further roles as you and the parents can work out. Please make the initial contacts to all the players as soon as practically possible as many parents will be wanting to know that their child is on a team and will be wanting to know what is happening. The role of the assistant coach will be to assist you in anyway necessary with equipment, running drills, and general support. Regardless All parents/guardians should be encouraged to participate in practice drills with their players. The manager at this age is responsible to contact the team and provide information as necessary throughout the season, but if you cannot get a parent to take on this role it is not too much more work. We suggest you make the initial contact by telephone (your manager can perform this duty if you choose). Whoever makes initial contact at the start of the season they should verify the addresses as it has happened in the past that addresses are incorrectly entered onto the TRSA database. If is the preferred method of communication during the season this should be explained at the initial contact with the parents and unless you have universal agreement on cc ing please bcc s. A team meeting should be coordinated before the start of the season (or before or after the first practice/game session). It is suggested that the meeting be a short session of between 30 to 60 minutes at one of the fields in the Terwillegar Riverbend area. At this session the following can be accomplished: Distribute jersey (this gets the children very excited to immediately get to wear their new jersey!). Introduction of coaches, players, and parents and exchange of information. Coach to communicate to parents any specific goals of the season and expectations for players and parents. Selection of a team name. Run a few fun practice drills/games. Address delegation of tasks to parents.

5 Additionally, you or your manager can either have ALL the parents sign up for a snack day(s) or the snack schedule can be set up assigning snack days. Expectations of Parents: Attend all sessions and positively encourage your child, intercede when child is misbehaving or disrupting the team (the coach will not be expected to discipline the children). Ensure their child is listening to the coaches and following their instructions. Communicate to team manager or coach if their child cannot attend a session. If parent cannot attend they must designate someone in a guardian role. Cheering and positive encouragement from sidelines is allowed but negative yelling or shouting instructions (i.e. Johnny get in the open, pass the ball, why didn t you score) should be avoided. The coach will provide any necessary instructions. Ensure child arrives at field with proper equipment and is ready to play including uniforms and shoes properly tied (double-tie if necessary). Equipment: TRSA will advise you when to pick up your team s equipment bag. It includes: Jerseys Balls (just a few, all players should bring their own ball to any practice or game) Pylons / Discs Goalie Uniform First Aid Kit Two(2) Pop-Up Nets Pump Schedule, Sessions and Season Duration: The U5 sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday (U6 is held every Monday and Wednesday) evenings starting at 18:15 (6:15 P.M.) and will be sixty (60) minutes in length ending at 19:15 (7:15 P.M.). Formal schedules will be distributed by the TRSA age group coordinator and the TRSA formal sessions are scheduled to start on the last Tuesday in April (U5) and the last Monday in April (U6) (subject to City of Edmonton opening the fields) and concludes the second full week in June. The season will conclude with the annual with EMSA s Tim Horton's Timbits U5/U6 Soccer Jamboree the Saturday after the last soccer sessions (around June 15 th ). All TRSA teams must attend this event as Tim Horton s provides support to our program with uniform support. This event is open to U5 teams as well (please designate this information on the application form). The event will be held at the Soccer

6 Centre South Outdoor Complex (6520 Roper Road). The registration fee will be paid by TRSA. We will send out the formal registration form later in May with instructions on where to send them. When completing the registration form please ensure that you note TRSA and your team name (i.e. TRSA Green Lizards). Your team will play one (1) game in a scheduled time period against another team not from TRSA, but is free to participate in the fun activities, like jumpy castles, face painting and other amusing activities, before or after your game time. This event is traditionally very fun for the children. All children will receive medals at the conclusion of their game. Please arrive to the complex well before your game time start as parking can be difficult to find. Regular Season Scheduling: When you arrive at the field of play for the regular TRSA sessions please check the fields for broken glass or any other debris that may cause injury. TRSA sessions will be divided into a 30 minute period of fun drills and activities (the team you will be playing in the game/scrimmage portion will be practicing on the field adjacent yours) followed by a 30 minute game/scrimmage session. After the initial 30 minutes of fun drills and activities, teams will be divided by the coach equally into two (2) groups and the assistant coach will take half the team to the scheduled adjacent field to play another team. The other team will bring their other half of team to play your team on the field you were practicing on. Snack should always follow the 45 minute session. Based on experience it is best to have the snack at the end of the session as once the snacks have been passed out the children often instantly lose interest in the soccer. In summary (see diagrams below): 18:00 18:15 Players arrive at the designated field. 18:15 18:45 30 minute practice session. 18:45 Coach divides team into two (2). One half proceeds to adjacent field with assistant coach. 18:45 19:15 30 minute game session. 19:15 Snack Time!

7 Practice Session (6:15 6:45) Team #1 Team #2 Game Session (6:45 7:15) ½ Team #1 vs. ½ Team #2 ½ Team #1 vs. ½ Team #2

8 Please note the following pertaining to the game sessions and helpful hints: One coach or assistant from each team should be on the field guiding the play. Coaches to help referee the game and keep the game flowing. Although fouls and misconducts are often accidental and not really relevant at this age, there may be the odd occurrence where a child is doing something on purpose against another player or teammate that would be looked upon as a foul. The coach should stop the player and explain in a voice of instruction (not anger) that the act was wrong. Some common things that may occur include: Pushing Kicking Hitting Body Checking Holding Hand balls If a certain player is scoring many goals for your team or scoring on your team, do not try and discourage them from continuing to score. Praise and encourage their efforts. You will do more damage to their skill development if you try and get them to pass or hold back. Do not keep track of score, there are no winners or losers, all players are the winners. If your team (although we do not keep track of the score) has experienced a game where the other team scored substantial more goals than your team, please ensure you tell the players immediately after the game that they played great, you are proud of them, you saw many super runners and kickers, give them all high fives, etc. Keep it positive and fun! Once the snacks are served they ll forget the score. Children s Equipment Requirements: Children at this age level are required to wear the following equipment: Jersey (supplied by TRSA) Shorts Children should wear a comfortable pair of shorts. Specific colours are not mandatory or a concern at this age. Soccer Ball (Size 3) Each child should bring their own soccer ball. Not all sports stores carry size 3 balls. Please call stores in advance to ensure they have stock. Shin Pads Soccer shin pads are mandatory. Most sports stores carry this item. Socks A comfortable pair that will fit over the child s shin pads. Shoes Running shoes or cleats. Soccer cleats are not mandatory at this age level. Water Bottle Frequent water breaks occur at this age group.

9 Team Photos There will be no TRSA organized team photos this season. A good suggestion is to pick one(1) date during the season as a photo day and advise the parents to bring cameras to take a team photo that day or get a parent to volunteer as team photographer. Rainout Days: The City of Edmonton determines whether fields are open or closed. There are two ways to determine whether fields are open or closed: 1. Telephone: Ext.1 2. Website: The phone message indicates that fields will be updated at 4:00 P.M. daily should conditions change but we have found that they at times update the status of the fields even later so please keep checking. Please determine with your team what the best way to inform parents if games are proceeding or not. Many teams leave the responsibility to check up to the parents. If fields are open and when you arrive at the field there is heavy rain or inclement weather the coaches should use their practical judgment at this point. If there is any lightning whatsoever the session should NOT proceed under any circumstances (please refer to SWEMSA Lightning Guideline noted on their website under the Outdoor tab:. ). For the very young age groups U-4, U-5, and U-6; a light rain will be too much for the young children to bear so it is suggested if it is still raining (even though the City of Edmonton field status is OPEN) that the session should not proceed. Sessions lost as a result of rain will not be rescheduled. Drills and Activities: The drills and activities described on the following pages are simple drills which have been used successfully for this age group over many years. Please take the time to study the planned drills. Feel free to improvise and innovate to cater to your team depending on how they are responding to the drill. Some useful tips to help in any session: Emphasize the importance that each player has his/her own ball for each practice. Praise every effort ALL the time. Be enthusiastic and creative with the exercises and practices.

10 Variety is a must. Establish a pattern of play-rest-play-rest. Be satisfied with very small progression. Be Punctual and request the same of the players. Look and behave like a coach. Communicate well with parents and encourage them to communicate with you. Have fun, fun and more fun! Good luck in the rest of your season and don t hesitate to the TRSA age coordinator if you have any questions!

11 REVISED APR. 5, 2010 MODIFIED EMSA LAWS FOR (U 5/U6) Law I The Field: TRSA U4, U5 and U6 Fields (100 x 50 ) 10 yd dia. Semi Circular Goal Area in front of pop-up nets (typ.). 100 feet A. Dimensions: The field of play will be rectangular (50ft X 100ft). The field markings will be close to these dimensions, however field space may be slightly smaller or larger depending on paint markings and availability of fields. B. Markings: 1. Distinctive lines are necessary, sidelines and end-lines. If there are no field markings or they have faded feel free to outline the field with disc pylons. 2. A halfway line can be marked out across the field or otherwise indicated.

12 3. Other marks are possible but not necessary for the enjoyment and C. Goals: 6 foot pop-up net development of the youngsters. a. A center circle with a five yard radius b. Four corner arcs with a two foot radius c. Semi-circle arcs in front of pop-up nets to define crease. Law II- The Ball: Size 3 ball should be used in practice and games Law III- Number of Players: A. Number of players on the field at any time will be 6. Each team with 3. B. Substitutions: During any stoppage of play. Suggested every 3 minutes. C. Playing time: each player SHALL play a minimum of 50% of the total playing time. (whenever possible) D. Teams and games will be co-ed. E. For TRSA, there shall be no goalkeepers at this age group. Law IV Players equipment: A. Footwear: Running shoes or cleated soccer shoes are permitted. (use common sense.) B. Shin-guards and socks covering- Mandatory C. Jersey- Supplied by organization.

13 Law V- Referee: The referee should be 1 coach or assistant coach from each team on the field of play. Their duties would include encouraging and directing the players to proper movements. Coaches should encourage not only their own team but the opposite team in the spirit of fair play. Law VI Linesmen: Not applicable. Law VII- Duration of Game: A. Duration of the game shall be 30 minutes (after the initial 30 minute practice session). B. There shall be a snack after the game. Law VIII The Start of play: A. The start of play shall consist of the visiting team starting with the ball at center. B. The defending team shall be outside the center circle on their own half at any start from center. C. The ball may be played forward or backward at the start of any play. Law IX Ball in and out of play: A. Any ball played out of bounds, shall be awarded to the opposite team that put it out of the field of play. The ball shall be kicked-in (no throw-ins at this age level). B. Any ball that goes out of the end lines shall be given to the defender (no corner kicks).

14 Law X Method of Scoring: Goals shall be scored from anywhere on the field, and must cross the goal line. Law XI Off-Side: There shall be no off-sides. Law XII Fouls and misconduct: No pushing, hitting, kicking or holding an opponent and no hand balls. A. All fouls will result in an indirect free kick with the opponents 10 feet away. B. The referee or parent shall explain all infractions Law XIII Free Kick: A. Shall be classified under one heading - INDIRECT B. A goal shall not be scored until the ball has been played or touched by a second player of either team. C. No kicks shall be taken by the attacking team within the defending teams semicircular goal box. Law XIV Penalty Kicks: No penalty kicks shall be taken during these games Law XV Throw-in: Should be replaced by kick-in. Kick-in considered as an indirect free kick with opponents 10 feet away from the ball.

15 Law XVI- Goal Kick: A. Goal kicks may be taken within the marked semi-circle of the goal. B. Opponents must be at least 10 feet away from the ball. Law XVII- Corner kick: No corner kicks. The ball goes to the defender. Recommendations: - Opposing coaches and players should shake hands after each game. - No alcoholic beverages will be consumed or allowed near the playing area.