S t o u g h t o n A r e a Y o u t h S o c c e r A s s o c i a t i o n Page 9
STYLES OF PLAY: SPECIFIC MATCH OFFENSIVE STYLE All teams will be encouraged to display an offensive style of play based on keeping possession and quick movement of the ball. QUICK TRANSITIONS AND FINISHING Speed of play, avoiding over-dribbling, looking for an organized and quick movement of the ball and finishing will be encouraged in all age groups. POSITION SPECIFIC A team must be organized defensively, keeping their specific positions in the formation. However, players will look for space and movement to support the forward when attacking by moving away from their original positions. FORMATIONS 4-3-3 FORMATION Teams will use the 4-3-3 formation, either in its 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-2-3 variations. Teams in the advanced stage (U15 onwards) can also use a 4-4-2 formation with a diamond in the middle. This system (4-4-2 diamond) provides more space in the wide areas of the field for the outside backs to move forward and join the attack. BACK 4 All formations used by the teams in 11-a-side games must keep a back 4 line. The back 4 provides consist- ency in defense and allows space for the outside backs to move forward when attacking. 9v9 Teams playing 9v9 soccer are strongly encouraged to use the 3-2-3 formation. This formation helps play- ers express the principles of play specified in this document. This system allows for better adaptation to a 4-3-3 formation as the players progress to 11v11. This is the 4-3-3 formation in its 4-2-3-1 variation. This is a well balanced formation in attack and defense with two holding midfield players and one attacking midfielder. 1 P a g e
STYLES OF PLAY: SPECIFIC TECHNICAL PASSING & RECEIVING: Passing the ball on the ground with pace from different distances and receiving the ball while keeping it moving will be encouraged in all age groups. SHOOTING Players must develop the ability to shoot from different distances. All players Should be encouraged to shoot around the goal keeper box. BALL CONTROL AND TURNING Players will be encouraged to keep close control of the ball and use different turning techniques to move away from the defender. TACTICAL PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK All teams must feel comfortable playing the ball from the back through the midfield and from there to the final quarter of the field. POSSESSION & TRANSITION All teams must try to keep possession of the ball playing a one-two touch game. Players will be encouraged to support and move, thus creating passing options. Once the possession game is consolidated the team must learn how to transfer the ball in the most efficient way from one area of the field to another. PHYSICAL SPEED & AGILITY These qualities will be evident in the game from the early ages. ENDURANCE Individual players and teams will train to be resilient to high-intensity action. STRENGTH & POWER Strong players develop their speed more quickly, prevent injuries and are more competitive in games. 2 P a g e
PRINCIPLES OF PLAY TEAM 1. All players attack and all players defend: All players must be involved in the as a 2. Numerical advantage: Soccer is a game of where we try to create a in attack and avoid being in a in 3. Flow of the ball: The ball should flow from inside (of the space) to and outside to inside. Balls out wide are more secure and the ball in the the options of 4. principle and passing options: The player in of the must receive support and have at least two passing 5. Speed of play: Quick movement of the ball 2v1 6. Movement off the ball: Find the best available space to create passing for the player in of the 7. Pressure as a unit: Organized forces the to commit 8. Improve by reducing the number of to at the target area or the opponent s 9. Direction of the game: The game flows in two Keep the of the game in the majority of your 10. initiative during the game: Team breakdowns will occur. The team must be of to new and imposing its own style of play during the 3 P a g e
STRUCTURE OF A TRAINING SESSION BASIC STAGE Sessions per week 3 or 4 Duration of the session 60 min Players per session 16 Duration of the match 60 min WARM-UP (10 min) Fun & dynamic games, passing & possession practices, stretching & dynamic movement TRAINING SESSION STRUCTURE CORE TOPIC Techinal (10 min) Physical (15 min) Exercises based on agility, speed, coordination & balance Unopposed practices to develop quality and opposed practices to develop competitiveness. Opposed practices are more realistic and force players to make decisions as they would in the game Tactical Complex (15 min) Practice games based on basic understanding of the game (attacking principles), possession, combination play, playing out from the back & finishing SCRIMMAGE (10 min) Games based on position specific, quick movement of the ball and distribution of space 4 P a g e
STRUCTURE OF A TRAINING SESSION SPACE TIME INTENSITY RULES NUMBER OF PLAYERS Keep the organization of the space simple. The initial set up, with small changes, should be maintained throughout the whole session. Resetting cones during a session can easily disturb the flow of training. Attention during the session should be Focused on making the coaching points. Time is flexible. Let the practice flow and make the coaching points at the right time, using breaks to give feedback to the group. Use short periods of time at high-intensity and utilize resting periods to explain the practices or make coaching points. Use different rules to adapt the practices to the characteristics of the players and make the exercises age-appropriate. Practice should progress from smaller to bigger groups of players. Use support players to create superiority in numbers and to make the exercises easier for the attackers. 5 P a g e
SESSION PLANS Schedule 7 Coaching Sessions Passing 1-2..11 Crossing & finishing..12 Defending Corners... 13 Shooting.14 Tackling......15 Heading & shooting.... 16 Corners.....17 Running into Space.....18 Shooting..... 19 Tackling & passing...20 Player Evaluations 21 Conclusion..22 6 P a g e
SCHEDULE Format for 10 week Team Training Session The following is a guide for the for an eight-week team training-coaching block. The guide is split into three stages as follows: Within the foundation level a 5-session cycle system is used. This method of development is used to improve the players technical ability. For example: Wk 1 Passing, Turning and Control Wk 2 Dribbling, Running with the ball and Defending. Wk 3 Shooting Wk 4 Shielding/ Protecting the ball Wk 5 Passing, Turning and Control Wk 6 Dribbling, Running with the ball and Defending. Wk 7 Shooting Wk 8 Receiving the ball Wk 9 Dribbling, Running with the ball and Defending Wk 10 Shooting The process of this cycle is continued using different sessions each week on all the above aspects. Also each week the players will learn a new move to take home & practice Wk 1 Inside Hook Wk 2 Drag Back Turn Wk 3 Scissors Wk 4 Maradona Wk 5 Outside Hook Wk 6 Spin Turn Wk 7 Dribble fake dribble Wk 8 Dribble stop dribble Wk 9 Reflection on all turns Wk 10 Reflection on all Skill Moves 7 P a g e
SCHEDULE CHALLENGER - TEAM/PLAYER PROGRESSION Ages - U13/ Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 PASSING WITH INSTEP CROSSING SHOOTING WITH INSTEP SHOOTING ON VOLLEY SHOOTING WITH CHIP SHOT HEAD AT GOAL (LOW CROSS) TRAPPING WITH CHEST FIENTING, DRIBBLING RUNNING WITH BALL INTO SPACE BALL CONTROL TACKLING 1-2 PASSING CROSSING (FRONT & BACK POST) CORNER KICKS (PRACTICE) DEFENDING (LONG FREE KICKS) DEFENDING (SHORT FREE KICKS) MARKING IN DEFENCE/ MIDFIELD 8 P a g e
Week 1: INSIDE HOOK 1 Begin by dribbling the ball forward about 10 yards. 2 Slow down and shorten your strides as your approach your turning point. 3 Reach around the furthest side of the ball with the inside of your foot. 4 Using 1 sharp cut with the inside of your right foot; turn your body 180 degrees. 5 Pivot on your standing foot to face back in the direction from which you came. 6 Make sure to coordinate the cut and the pivot to achieve the sharpest turn. 7 Go in to the turn slow and come out quickly. Week 2: DRAG BACK TURN 1. Begin by dribbling the ball 10 yards forward 2. The slow down as you approach the cone 3. Plant your left foot next to the ball and place your right foot directly on top of it 4. Move the ball with the sole of your right foot with enough force that it rolls at least 2 yards back 5. Be sure to open your shoulder to allow the ball to roll across in front of your feet 6. Then turn keeping your eye on the ball at all times 7. Push the ball away from your feet & accelerate away Week 3: The SCISSORS 1 Stand with both feet to the right of the ball. 2 Then lift your left foot over the top of the ball and plant it 12 inches to the left.* 3 As you do this, dip your shoulders to the left to fake a move in that direction 4 Then quickly bring your right foot around behind the ball so that you can play it away with the outside of that foot. 5 The ball should be played at a forty-five degree forward angle. 6 Explode for 5 yards to the right to finish. Week: 4: The MARADONA TURN 1 First, place both feet behind the ball. 2 Then gently step on the top of the ball with the sole of your right foot. 3 Hop over the ball by pushing off from your left foot, turning in the air to face the opposite direction.* 4 Land with your left foot on top of the ball and your right foot planted. 5 Next, roll the ball backwards with your left foot, opening your body so it rolls across of you 6 Complete this move by turning as the ball rolls in front of you and then dribble away. 9 P a g e
Week 5: OUTSIDE HOOK 1 Begin by dribbling the ball 10 yards forward. 2 Slow down and shorten your strides. 3 Plant your left foot and reach around the furthest side of the ball with the outside of your right foot. 4 Next, pull your toes up and turn your right foot as far to the right as possible. 5 Using 1 sharp cut with the outside of your foot; flick the ball 180 degrees in the opposite direction. 6 Then turn your whole body back toward the ball, and remember to lean your body into the turn. 7 Finally, make sure that you go into the turn slow and out fast. Week 6: SPIN TURN 1 First, dribble 10 yards. 2 Then slow down and shorten your strides. 3 Swing your left foot over ball to fake a kick to the right. Be sure to make the fake convincing so the defender moves to the right. You can do this by exaggerating your body movement in fake. 4 Next, plant your foot a few inches beyond the right side of the ball. 5 Swivel 180 degrees back to the left and using the inside of your right foot, push the ball forward. 6 Accelerate away as you complete this move. 7 Finally, remember to go in slow and out fast. Week 7: DRIBBLE FAKE STOP DRIBBLE 1 To start, dribble the ball 5 yards forward. 2 Pretend to stop by pushing your right foot over the ball.* 3 Be sure to hop on your left foot as you do this. 4 Bring the right foot back quickly behind the ball. 5 Then push the ball forward and accelerate away. 6 Practice this move slowly at first and then increase the speed at which your foot moves over the ball. Week 8: DRIBBLE STOP DRIBBLE 1 Begin by dribbling the ball 5 yards forward. 2 Stop dead by planting your non kicking foot along side the ball, place your other foot on the ball. 3 After a momentary pause, continue by pushing the ball forward with your instep or laces, and continue dribbling. 4 Avoid falling over the ball by controlling your speed until you master the skill. 10 P a g e
WEEK 1 Unopposed Control & Passing Game Related Control & Passing Conditioned Game Control & Passing Passes being with a player on the outside into the middle player. The middle player must control the ball and turn to pass to the following outside player Passes can be varied from chipped to driven Early decision of which part of the body to control the ball with Move to meet the ball with correct body position Control the ball to provide an angle for the pass Relax the body when controlling the ball 4v 4 To score points the team must provide a chipped pass into the box area which must be controlled Communication Quality of first touch Chipped or driven pass Game is played like a regular game only players have a limit of two touches per player First touch into space and out from under feet First touch away from the defender Correct decision of body part to control the ball with Identify options before receiving the ball 11 P a g e
WEEK 2 Unopposed Crossing & Finishing Game Related Crossing & Finishing Conditioned Game Crossing & Finishing Players alternate crosses from each side Two attackers make bent runs to attack cross Vary angle and distance of crosses Prepare ball 2 yards ahead before crossing Rotate hips into cross Look up at player making run and then back at ball before crossing. In teams of 3 player with the ball passes out wide for player to attack and puss the ball forward The ball is then crossed into the box Attacking players make cross over runs into the box Defender is present and is allowed to challenge the cross when it comes into the area Timing of run and cross Angle of runs Communication Vary types of cross, driven, deep, short Create a wide field to allow crosses and allow for a lane on either side which only designated player can enter Team attacks opposition goal and can only score from a cross No goalkeepers Both wide players are natural (wide players can be taken out and any team in possession can then break into the area) Speed of play Utilize channels Stress quality of crosses 12 P a g e
WEEK 3 Unopposed Defending Corners/ Free kicks Game Related Defending Corners/ Free kicks Conditioned Game Defending Corners/ Free kicks Players in white each start with a ball and a number, upon the coaches call they knock the ball into the area Players in black are to attack the ball when it comes into the area and clear the ball back out to the wide areas Quality of balls into the box Defending area by attacking ball Cover for player attacking the ball Clearing the ball out of danger area Exercise is same as before only there are attacking players in the box looking to score Rotate each team of players so they get a chance at each position Quality of balls into the box Defending area and attacking ball Awareness of attackers and following their runs Covering player attacking the ball Clearing the ball out of danger area Have attackers move around the box to make it hard to mark Both teams have 2 players who must remain in their 18yard box Other players are allowed to enter the box to help defend Defending area by attacking ball 2 nd Player provides cover Awareness of players coming into the box Clearing of ball out of danger area 13 P a g e
WEEK 4 Unopposed Shooting Game Related Shooting Conditioned Game Shooting Ball is played to player on cone who lays the ball off for the player to follow up and shoot Player who shoots then goes to the cone and the person on the cone follows the shoot and joins the other line Good first touch into space to shoot Timing run to not break stride Shooting into corners Area of half pitch with attacking team on the halfway line Attacking team tries to score as many goals as possible Defenders behind the goals have a number which the coach calls they then move out to defend Running with the ball into space and forcing defender to come to the ball Staying onside Creating space when attacking Shooting when opportunity is right Aiming for the corners also correct choice of shot Both teams have 2 players in opposition box who must remain in their 18yard box Other players are allowed to enter to help the attack Creating space in the box First touch to create space for a shot Correct choice of shot Follow up shot 14 P a g e
WEEK 5 Unopposed Passing & Moving Game Related Passing & Moving Conditioned Game Passing & Moving Players can only pass the ball across or down. Once the players makes the pass they must move to the open cone Stay on your toes and look to receive the ball with your head up. Take a touch into the area you wish to play the ball Do not move until you are sure the ball is going to the opposite player Use both feet There is now a defender who is placed into the box Defender can be adjusted to allow for ability of group e.g has to hop, cant tackle Players must now actively be aware of where the defender is and take their first touch away from pressure and toward the pass they want to make Move the ball quickly Players play a regular game except they can t run with the ball or tackle for the ball. Teams must intercept the pass to gain possession Players cannot crowd 1 man and 5 yard space rule is applied. Making runs into space Keep ball moving Passing into space for players to run onto 15 P a g e
WEEK 6 Unopposed Crossing & Finishing Game Related Crossing & Finishing Conditioned Game Crossing & Finishing Players in groups of 3 make short passes then a long pass into the corner 1 Player makes run into corner to cross Two attackers make bent runs to attack cross Vary angle and distance of crosses Prepare ball 2 yards ahead before crossing Rotate hips into cross Look up at player making run and then back at ball before crossing. In teams of 3 player with the ball passes out wide for player to attack and puss the ball forward The ball is then crossed into the box Attacking players make cross over runs into the box Defender is present and is allowed to challenge the cross when it comes into the area Timing of run and cross Angle of runs Communication Vary types of cross, driven, deep, short Players separated into 2 teams Create a wide field with 4 corner boxes To attack the ball must be played into corner box for attacking player to move into and cross from No goalkeepers Both wide players are natural Only attacking players allowed in the box Stress quality of crosses Look up to view where the attackers are Angle of runs Communication 16 P a g e
WEEK 7 Unopposed Defending Corners/ Free kicks Game Related Defending Corners/ Free kicks Conditioned Game Defending Corners/ Free kicks Players in white each start with a ball and a number, upon the coaches call they knock the ball into the area Players in black are to attack the ball when it comes into the area and clear the ball back out to the wide areas 2 wide men are in place to receive the ball and carry forward to goals on the half way line Quality of balls into the box Defending area by attacking ball Cover for player attacking the ball Clearing the ball out of danger area 17 P a g e Exercise is same as before only once the ball hits the area it becomes live Players in white must now try and win the ball back and start an attack on goal Defenders in area can leave box to help support wide men Rotate each team of players so they get a chance at each position Quality of balls into the box Defending area and attacking ball Awareness of attackers,following their runs Covering player attacking the ball Clearing the ball out of danger area attackers movement to make it hard to mark Both teams must only have 2 players in the attacking half When attacking only 2 additional players can leave their half to support the attack Emphasis on overloading the defending area Defending area by attacking ball Covering defending player Communication Awareness of runs from attacking players Passing players over
WEEK 8 Unopposed Finishing: 1v1 Game Related Finishing: 1v1 Conditioned Game Finishing: 1v1 Players are set behind a cone 30 yards from goal Players dribble towards cone and accelerate once leaving the cone toward the goal to shoot Coach can progress practice and only allow 2 touches after the cone Burst of pace at cone Length of stride Creation of angle for the shot Decision of shot Same as before only there is a defender in place of the cone This defender can be passive at first but should turn to put attacker under pressure once the attacker has gone past them Coach can change placement of defender to allow for skill level in attackers Acceleration past defender Taking shot at correct time Composure on goal Cut across defender to create angle/hold off Regular game is played with zoned off area containing 1 attack and 1 defender Goalkeeper optional Get the ball into the attacker as soon as possible Attacker should look to create space and angle for the shot Make correct decision on shot and with composure 18 P a g e
WEEK 9 Unopposed Crossing & Finishing Game Related Crossing & Finishing Conditioned Game Crossing & Finishing Players alternate crosses from each side Two attackers make bent runs to attack cross Vary angle and distance of crosses Prepare ball 2 yards ahead before crossing Rotate hips into cross Look up at player making run and then back at ball before crossing. In teams of 3 player with the ball passes out wide for player to attack and puss the ball forward The ball is then crossed into the box Attacking players make cross over runs into the box Defender is present and is allowed to challenge the cross when it comes into the area Timing of run and cross Angle of runs Communication Vary types of cross, driven, deep, short Create a wide field to allow crosses and allow for a lane on either side which only designated player can enter Team attacks opposition goal and can only score from a cross No goalkeepers Both wide players are natural (wide players can be taken out and any team in possession can then break into the area) Speed of play Utilize channels Stress quality of crosses 19 P a g e
WEEK 10 Unopposed Control & Passing Game Related Control & Passing Conditioned Game Control & Passing Passes being with a player on the outside into the middle player. The middle player must control the ball and turn to pass to the following outside player Passes can be varied from chipped to driven Early decision of which part of the body to control the ball with Move to meet the ball with correct body position Control the ball to provide an angle for the pass Relax the body when controlling the ball 4v 4 To score points the team must provide a chipped pass into the box area which must be controlled Communication Quality of first touch Chipped or driven pass Game is played like a regular game only players have a limit of two touches per player First touch into space and out from under feet First touch away from the defender Correct decision of body part to control the ball with Identify options before receiving the ball 20 P a g e
PLAYER EVALUATION PLAYER EVALUATION Microcycle Week #: Age Group: Date: Number of Games: Sessions: PLAYER S NAME (#) POSITION EVALUATION (1 to 5) Tactical Technical Physical Psychosocial Total STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 21 P a g e
CONCLUSION The following booklet guide has been provided as a base for the coach to then go and implement. It must not be underestimated the role the coach will now play for each of players he or she works with. The most important person involved in a player s soccer life is the coach and I would hope that you follow this guide in structuring your sessions and in developing the key areas for the young players you will work with. I hope that you use the information provided and your own knowledge to help make this a positive experience for all the players and for yourself. 22 P a g e
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