IR Academy U8-U11 Coaching Curriculum Created by: Kyle Crist - President Zack Masters - Director of Coaching Mike Peters V.P. /Girls Technical Director Pete O Donnell - Boys Technical Director
Table of Contents 1.) The Club p. 4 2.) Mission p. 5 3.) Flow Chart p. 6 4.) IR Academy Terminology p. 7 5.) Player Development Philosophy p. 8-9 6.) Team Development Philosophy p. 10 7.) Game Field and Rules p. 11-12 8.) Roles and Responsibilities of an IR Coach p. 13-14 9.) Training and Match p. 15-16 10.) Styles and Principles of Play p. 17-19 11.) Age Group Organizational Chart p. 20 12.) U8-U10 IR Player Profile p. 21-22 13.) U11 IR Player Profile p. 23-24 14.) Schedule p. 25-28 15.) Appendix I p. 29-30 2
1. Club The IR Academy of Soccer Development is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and proud member of both US Club Soccer and Nor Cal Premier Soccer League. IR Academy provides the opportunity for teams to play competitive level soccer without many of the costs typically associated with this level of play. This is a strong family-based organization that provides development and a higher level of play for those players that otherwise might not pursue competitive soccer because they cannot afford the expense. The competitive level of soccer is not for everyone, as it requires a commitment to soccer and demands a dedication to training and development from every player and their parents. For those who want to focus on soccer, and desire continuous improvement of their skills, the IR Academy is a great step in their playing future. Our coaches are dedicated to their teams, and our trainers are committed to providing advanced training, so that teams can successfully participate at the competitive level of soccer. Players' skills will be challenged and developed through play at the highest level. The coaches and trainers will be working together to continually encourage players to reach their highest potential. We strongly support both individual and team development in an environment that is fun and enjoyable for the players and their families. The IR Academy was created to provide a unique soccer experience for those who have a passion for the game, and have the desire and the potential to play at the competitive level. Our Academy promotes enjoyment of the game through the spirit of sportsmanship and the excitement of competition. We believe in teaching life lessons to our athletes to further their development, both on the field and off. We welcome players from all of the Sacramento metropolitan areas. 3
2. Mission IR Academy of Soccer Development is dedicated to promoting the sport of soccer among the local youth and providing an outlet for players to train and compete. Our non-profit organization is community based and committed to the individual player's development. In order to do so, we place emphasis on training that is appropriate for each player's age and ability level regardless of financial background. Our primary goal is the development of players from diverse backgrounds, into motivated performers. The Academy would like to instill the awareness that success can be achieved with hard work, discipline and dedication. 4
3. Flow Chart Board Director of Coaching Boys Coordinator Girls Coordinator Coaches Coaches Players/Parents Players/Parents 5
4. Terminology Tactic-Individual or collective actions performed by a player or group of players to take advantage of an opponent, group of opponents or a team System: A formation with specifications in the shape and/or roles for one or more players. WE- Our team has the ball. Phase 1- Build up from the back, pass from the goalkeeper, no risk/safe passes, move the ball to the next phase by playing diagonally or vertically Phase 2-Patient possession of the ball through accurate ball circulation, moving into spaces, proper support, looking for the time to create a chance in Phase 3 Phase 3- The final pass or action to create a goal scoring chance Phase 4- Finishing, scoring THEY- The other team has the ball and your team is defending Phase 4- Prevent keeper/opponent from building up by pressing close to their goal Phase 3- Defend against possession; prevent long ball and/or pass leading up to Phase 2 Phase 2- Prevent final pass or final action Phase 1- Keep from scoring Playing through the lines: Moving the ball up the field from the GK, to defenders, to midfielders, to forwards. Skip a line: means moving the ball by skipping one of the lines, either defender to forwards, GK to midfielders/forwards Positions: #1- Goalkeeper #2 -Outside back #3 -Outside back #5- Center back Or #4-Center Back #10- Player maker #7- Wide forward or outside midfielder # 11- Wide forwards or outside midfielder #9- Center forward or striker 6
5. Player Development The most important duty we have as a club is to impart a love of the game to our players. We want soccer to become part of their identity and lifestyle that they carry with them for their lives. We want an IR Academy player to be a problem solver. They need to develop a connection to the realities of an ever-evolving world. In the process of being a problem solver the IR Academy player must identify the following process: 1. Know yourself a. Strengths/Weaknesses b. Where am I in the learning process? c. What am I doing to improve today? d. What am I capable of? 2. Know your goal (SMART goals) a. Specific b. Measurable c. Adjustable d. Realistic e. Time-Based 3. Read the situation a. Comprehend the current situation b. Opponents i. Identify strengths/weaknesses c. Identify anything else that affects the situation d. External vs. internal obstacles 4. Choose your route a. How am I going to get there? b. Which available tools am I going to use to get there? c. Being realistic in matching my skills with my goals d. What if there are obstacles to my goal? What are other ways to get there? 5. Performance a. Being able to execute the plan under pressure b. Ability to recognize success or failure in the moment and adapt to it 6. Self -assessment a. Constantly re-evaluating where you are in the process b. Adjusting your goals c. Finding the correct tools to reach your goals 7
Core Values of an IR Academy Player Confidence & Bravery Sportsmanship Humilty & Respect Creativity Leadership Teamwork Coachability Commitment & Sacrifice Toughness & Determination 8
6. Team Development The team is part of a bigger family. The IR Academy family, Once part of IR Academy always part of IR Academy. We welcome all players and will find a role for everyone on an IR Academy team and a way to contribute. The team values will match the core individual values in a positive team culture. Teams will be organized and professional. Wearing the proper uniforms for players and coaches at training and games. Being prepared with the proper gear. Showing respect for your teammates, coaches and opponents at all times. Using team-building activities as part of the team success. Getting to know each other and building trust and communication are keys to a successful team. Parents play a key role in the development of the team. They must be positive before, during and after games. Their conduct is essential to the team success. They need to be with the team, but not in the team. Be open to communication with the coach and players. 9
7. U8-U11 Field and Game Rules Field of Play Dimensions: The field of play shall be rectangular, its length being not more than 80 yards nor less than 70 yards and its width not more than 50 yards nor less than 35 yards. The length in all cases shall exceed the width. (Recommend size is 80x50). Markings: Distinctive lines not more than (5) inches wide. A halfway line shall be marked out across the field. A center circle with an eight (8) yard radius. Four corner arcs each with a two (2) foot radius. Goal Area: Six (6) yards from each goal post and six (6) yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. Penalty Area: Fourteen (14) yards from each goal post and fourteen (14) yards into the field of play joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. Penalty Spot: Ten (10) yards from the midpoint between the goal posts and equidistant to them. Penalty Arc: Arc of a circle with a radius of eight (8) yards from the center of the Penalty Spot drawn outside the Penalty Area. Goals: Between six (6) feet high and eighteen (18) feet wide up to seven (7) feet high and twenty-one (21) feet wide (Recommend size 7x21). Number of players: The maximum of 8 players on the field (one being the goal keeper). Teams will play with a minimum of 5 players. Size Ball: U8-U11 size 4 Ball Game Length: U8-U10-25 mins x 2 halves U11-30 mins x 2 halves Restart of Game Free Kicks: Opponents must be eight (8) yards away before kick is allowed. Corner Kick: Opponents must be eight (8) yards away from the ball Goal Kick: All goal kicks will be per FIFA, and taken from within the Goal Area 10
All U8 matches ONLY will follow standard FIFA rules with the following additional modifications. (U9- U11 will not have these additional modifications) Throw-In: One re-throw allowed per restart. Slide tackles: Will not be permitted. Goal Kicks: Goal Kicks may be taken from anywhere within the Penalty area. Opponents must be eight (8) yards away before kick is allowed. Substitutions: Any stoppage of play. This includes the following: 1. When the ball has gone out of play including goal kicks and corner kicks 2. After a goal has been scored 3. When play has stopped due to an injury 4. Prior to either teams throw-in Uniform: Each player must be wearing an IR Academy uniform and the GK must be wearing either a bib or GK jersey to distinguish them from the other players on the field. Each player must wear appropriate soccer shoes. Each IR Academy player must wear age appropriate shin guards. 11
8. Roles and Responsibilities of a U8-U11 IR Academy Coach Games and trainings are developmentally appropriate. This challenges the coach to examine the appropriateness of the activity. The requirements or demands of the activity should fall within the range of the player s abilities while also challenging them. Trainings For U8-U10 trainings will focus on 3v1 in both WE and THEY phases of the game. For U11, 4v2 in WE and THEY. An IR Academy player should, by the end of the season, be able to understand the roles and responsibilities. An IR Academy coach must give clear, concise, and correct information. How instructions are given is crucial when dealing with young children. To much information overwhelms them and too little information doesn t give them enough to get started. Provide enough to get them started and then add new challenges. Use Socratic questioning to foster critical thinking. Work Simple to Complex Present activities in a way to allow for early success and then new modifications and challenges can be added to meet the player s interest and abilities. Safe and Appropriate Training Area The area should be free of hazardous materials and be safe from traffic or other environmental dangers. The training environment should be psychologically safe. An IR Academy player should feel emotionally secure at training. The player should be encouraged to take risks and not have a fear of failure. Decision Making IR Academy player should be given opportunities to make decisions. The decisions may be spatial (where to run or pass), temporal (when do I run or pass) or kinesthetic (how do I run or pass). These always need to be present in all exercises for learning to occur. Implications to the Game Every activity an IR Academy player does should relate to the game in some way. The activities need to reflect the demands a player is going to face in games. For U8-U10 s this may not seem clear but U11 and older it becomes more clear to them. 12
Cont Coaching Style An IR Academy coach will be a player-centered coach. They will be a twoway communicator with both the players and the parents so that there is a clear vision from the coach on where the player and team are going. The IR Academy coach is more focused on the process than on the outcome for U8- U11. They are structured but flexible in their training model. 13
9. Trainings and Matches Training Planning Have a theme for the day with emphasis on Phases of the Game Have an idea of how many players are going to be there Know what equipment is needed (each player has a ball at every practice) Organizing Warm-up Activities- No long lines of players, everything is related to the big game Game Cool Down/ Recap Delivery Topic introduction Smooth transition Make coaching points Post Training Have a self assessment- how did the training go Did the players understand what we were doing Was there a flow to my practice? Did my theme run throughout my training Break Down of a training Session Section % of time Key Points Arrival 15-20 mins prior session start Inspect area to ensure a safe playing environment Set up session in advance of player arrival Players check in Small Sided game as players arrive Warm Up 20% Main focus is to maximize contact with the ball Dynamic activity to prepare mind and body for training session Coordination and Agility Main Activity 50% Focus on one main theme per session Technical application to skill mastery High frequency of repetition and variety Techniques introduced on a scale from low pressure to full pressure Conditioned Play 10% Small sided group play Conditions added to reinforce the application of skill Directional activities featuring an element of transition with numerous attacking and defending opportunities Match 20% Session ends with a competitive scrimmage Reduced coach interactions to encourage learning through play Debrief N/A Review of daily topic and homework assignment 14
The Match Pre-Game Have players arrive at an appropriate time Have a clear warm-up Know where the bench area is During the Game Positive reinforcement of what happens during training Manage subs during the game. Make sure players are playing Manage parents- parents know the expectations of the team and goals and themselves. Have a parent meeting prior to the start of the season to set these. Post Game Recap the game Parents 15
10. Style of Play Match Offensive Style IR Academy teams will be encouraged to play an offensive or attacking style of play based on keeping possession of the ball and using quick short passes to move the ball up the field. The players will use quick movements off the ball. Language IR Academy players will learn the same terminology used by all teams throughout the club. Transitions and Finishing Speed of play, avoiding over dribbling at the inappropriate times, looking for an organized attack with finishing will be encouraged in all age groups and at all levels. Position Specific An IR Academy team must be organized defensively, keeping their specific in the formation when THEY have the ball. When WE have the ball, IR Academy players will look for spaces and movements to support forward when attacking by moving away from their original positions. 8v8 IR Academy teams playing 8v8 will be strongly encouraged to play a 1-3-1-3, or 1-3-3-1 formation (see Appendix I) with the emphasis being placed on moving to 11v11. This formation helps players express the principles of play specified for an IR Academy player. **For 11 a-side play** Formations 11v11 teams as a base system will play a 1-4-3-3 formation, either point forward, 1-4-2-3-1 or point back, 1-4-1-2-3. Teams in the advanced ages, U15 upwards can also play a 1-4-4-2 with a diamond in the middle. Back 4 All formations used by an IR Academy team in 11 a-side games must keep a back 4 line. The back 4 provides consistency in defense and allows space for the outside backs to move forward when attacking. 16
Style of Play: Specific Technical -Passing and Receiving: IR Academy player will develop the skill to pass and receive the ball with the proper foot and ball rotation. They must pass the ball on the ground with pace from different distances and receive the ball with the proper part of the foot. -Shooting: IR Academy player will develop the ability to shoot from different distances using the different parts of their feet. They will be encouraged to shoot from any distance during games. -Ball Control and Turning: IR Academy player will be encouraged to be comfortable with the ball at their feet and collecting the ball out of the air using the different parts of their bodies. They will be encouraged to use different techniques to turn with the ball to move away from a defender. Tactical -Playing out from the Back: All IR Academy teams will be encouraged to play out from the back and through the lines using short to mid range passing to move the ball up the field. -Possession: All IR Academy teams must try to keep possession of the ball playing one and two touch. Players will be encouraged to support and move thus creating different triangles around the field and passing options. -Transition from WE-THEY and THEY WE: When possession is lost an IR Academy player must react quickly and apply immediate pressure on the ball to regain possession. If possession can not be regained then an IR Academy player must get behind the ball to not allow the other team to move the ball in THEY phase 3 or 4. Physical -Speed and Agility: IR Academy player will learn Psychomotor and Coordination skills. -Endurance: Very little endurance training will be done at U9-U11 s. All movements should be based on making the IR Academy player a better athlete. 17
Psychosocial -Respect and Discipline An IR Academy player will show respect to teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and their families at all times. -Cooperation Each player will be part of a unit and part of a bigger unit which is IR Academy and will cooperate with teammates to achieve the objectives for a given task, session or game, as well as for the entire season. -Competitiveness IR Academy players will be rewarded for their competitiveness based on their effort, focus and moral character. 18
11. Age Group Chart 19
12. U8-U10 IR Academy Player Technical: -Dribble with all sides of both feet (inside, outside, sole) -Dribble away from pressure and into space -Dribble past an opponent (feints, fakes, etc.) -Change direction and turn with the ball (pullback, Cruyff, inside/outside) -First touch using both feet -Using the proper part of the foot to receive the ball -Shielding the ball -Proper technique for striking a ball over distance with both feet -Proper technique for shooting with both feet -Passing with inside of both feet -Juggling with both feet -Basic throw in technique -Introduce basic individual defending techniques -Introduce how to block tackle -Introduce proper heading techniques (attacking and defending) -Introduce basic goalkeeping techniques Goalkeeping: -Introduce proper positioning (hands and body) -Ball distribution (using feet and hands) -Catching the ball -Collecting balls from an attacking players feet Tactical -WE/THEY Phase 1 -Basic wall pass or give and go -Importance of directional first touch away from pressure -Transition from WE-THEY and THEY WE -Role of 2 nd defender -Width in the attack -Player movement on throw-ins -Restarts -Positions Tactical Progressions for the Year: -1v1 (WE and THEY) -2v1 (WE and THEY) -3v1 (WE and THEY) -4v2 (WE and THEY) 20
Goalkeeping: -Communication -When and where to pass out of the back or clear the ball -Closing down space on attacking players Psychological -Enjoyment of the Game -Sportsmanship -Competitiveness and will to win -Ideas of Standards -Confidence -Imagination and Creativity -Being a part of a team -Independent decision-making -Finding solutions to the soccer problems that are presented -Becoming a life long learner of the game -Identifying with IR Academy -Think critically Physical -Introduce dynamic stretching -Coordination, balance, proper running technique, agility -Importance of diet on play -Importance of rest -Importance of hydration Strength Strength endurance Explosive strength Maximal strength Endurance Aerobic capacity Aerobic power Anaerobic lactic Anaerobic alactic Speed Reaction Acceleration Maximal speed Speed endurance Acyclic speed Flexibility and Mobility Coordination and Balance Agility Basic Motor Skills Perception and Awareness 21
13. U11 IR Academy Player At this age group players should be put under pressure and made to perform the required skills that are necessary. Technical Skills: Juggling with all parts of the body Dribble with all sides of both feet (inside, outside and sole) Dribble out of pressure Learn at least 1 move to dribble past an opponent Change of direction and turns Be able to execute the turn to get themselves out of trouble First touch away from pressure using the correct part of their foot Receiving ball with all parts of the body Receiving ball out of the air Proper technique to head the ball (attacking and defending) Shooting techniques Introducing proper form to volley a ball Passing with inside of both feet Passing to a teammates feet and into space Learn to chip a ball Introduce playing a driven ball with the laces Shielding in both WE and THEY Defending position and techniques Block tackles Goalkeeping: Positioning of hands and body Body position around goal Ball distribution (throwing, rolling, punting, passing) Basic diving from ready position 22
Tactical Skills: Playing give and go s at the proper times and in the proper parts of the field Transition from WE to THEY and THEY to WE Attacking concepts in 4v2 WE phase 3 Build out of the back, WE phase 1 Role of 2 nd and 3 rd defender (pressure and cover) Understand THEY 1 and 2 Understand WE and THEY in 3v1, 4v2 up to 5v3 Goalkeeping: Communicating with the players in front of you Organizing your teammates in THEY 3 Physical Skills Strength Strength endurance Explosive strength Maximal strength Endurance Aerobic capacity Aerobic power Anaerobic lactic Anaerobic alactic Speed Reaction Acceleration Maximal speed Speed endurance Acyclic speed Flexibility and Mobility Coordination and Balance Agility Basic Motor Skills Perception and Awareness Psychological Motivation Self Confidence Cooperation Decision-determination Competitiveness Concentration Commitment Self Control Communication Respect and Discipline 23
14. Schedule The season will start in approximately March/April and go until December/January. The season will be comprised of the following: U8: 4-6 Play Dates around the greater Sacramento Area. Nor Cal playing League and Nor Cal State Cup if so desired. U9-U11: Nor Cal Spring and Fall league, along with 4-6 tournaments as agreed upon by the coach and club. Nor Cal State Cup if so desired! During the season: Each player will receive 2 written evaluations from their coach, one at the middle of the season and one at the end of the season. Each evaluation will focus on the player s strengths, areas of improvement, and social development. By midseason the players should understand the following: U8-U10: By the middle of the season: Technical: 1. Each player should be able to dribble using multiple parts of his or her feet. 2. Each player should be able to pass a soccer ball at least 10 yards using the correct passing technique and part of the foot. 3. Each player should be able to juggle the ball at least 10 times without it hitting the ground using multiple parts of his or her body. 4. Each player should be able to understand all the numbers associated with positions on the field. 5. Each player should be able to successfully complete a throw in. 6. Importance of the first touch and which part of their body they should use. Tactical: 1. Understand WE and THEY 2. Be able to play 3v1, 4v2 in WE and THEY 3. Restarts 4. Transition from WE to THEY and THEY to WE Physical: 1. Learn basic coordination movements 2. Learn basic agility movements 3. Proper running techniques 24
Psychological: 1. Understand their role on a team 2. Be able to be a good teammate and friend By the end of the Season: Technical: 1. Be able to dribble past an opponent using a move 2. Be able to 1v1 defend 3. Be able to pass the ball 10 yards to a teammates feet using the proper passing technique 4. Juggle the ball at least 30 times using multiple body parts with out the ball hitting the ground. 5. Be able to turn with the ball out of pressure. 6. Be able to shield the ball 7. Take a directional first touch. Tactical: 1. Be able to play in WE 1 2. Defend in THEY 1 3. Understand the role of the 2 nd defender 4. Understand all the positions on the field and their importance Physical: 1. Importance of dynamic stretching 2. Increased flexibility and mobility 3. Coordination and Balance 4. Perception and Awareness Psychological: 1. Sportsmanship 2. Competiveness 3. Playing to a standard 4. Imagination and creativity 5. Independent decision maker U11 IR Academy Player By the middle of the season: Technical: 1. Juggle minimum 50 times using all parts of his or her body 2. Dribble with all sides of their feet 3. Use the proper part of their foot for a directional first touch 4. Proper form for shooting 25
Tactical: 1. Combination play 2. Roles in WE 1 and 2 3. Roles in THEY 1 and 2 4. Role of 2 nd defender 5. Introduction of 3 rd defender 6. Pressure, Cover, Balance 7. All the positions on the field 8. Understand moments of the game 9. Play 4v2 in Phases 1 and 2 both WE and THEY Physical: 1. Flexibility and Mobility 2. Coordination and Agility 3. Importance of diet 4. Importance of hydration 5. Psychological: 1. Sportsmanship 2. Self motivation 3. Cooperation 4. Desire 5. Decision making 6. Competitiveness 7. Standards 8. Self Control By the end of the season: Technical: 1. Juggle over 50 times using all parts of his or her body 2. Have 1 1v1 move that they are comfortable using at any given time 3. Be able to turn with the ball using both feet 4. First touch away from pressure using the proper part of the foot 5. Be able to head a ball for distance and on goal 6. Be able to strike a ball with his or her laces 7. Defending 1v1 8. Be able to collect the ball out of the air using multiple parts of his or her body Tactical: 1. WE 1 and 2 2. THEY 1 and 2 3. Combination play 4. Role of 2 nd, 3 rd and 4 th defender 5. Pressure, Cover, Balance, Depth 6. Play 5v3 in Phases 1 and 2 both WE and THEY 7. Moments of the Game 8. Game management 26
Physical: 1. Strength 2. Endurance 3. Power 4. Agility 5. Flexibility and Mobility 6. Coordination and Balance Psychological: 1. Sportsmanship 2. Cooperation 3. Self motivation 4. Decision making 5. Creativity 6. Competiveness 7. Respect 8. Discipline 27
Appendix I 28
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