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: GENERAL 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 2-2-1 FORMATION Teams will use the 3-3 formation. 2 defenders 2 midfielders 1 attacker. 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. GOAL KEEPERS All goal keepers are only allowed to play the ball to the team mate by rolling, throwing, or passing the ball. No Punting allowed. This is so the team can keep possession and play from the defense and work the ball up 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 11. No Punting from the Goal Keeper: this is so the team can keep possession and not give the ball away. 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 & Receiving..11 Dribbling & Turning...12 Shooting. 13 Shielding..14 Passing & control...15 Dribbling. 16 Shooting...17 Control....18 Dribbling & Turning 19 Shooting.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: Early Touches (age 6-8): At this young age the players must work to improve their technical ability, this guide of sessions will look at primarily improving the player s technical ability and improve their understanding of the game. 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 WINTHROP - TEAM/PLAYER PROGRESSION Ages: 8 Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 PASSING SHIELDING CONTROL DRIBBLING MOVING WITH THE BALL TURNING SHOOTING 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 Passing: Passing and Receiving Opposed Passing: Passing and Receiving Fun Game Passing: Passing and Receiving Players are split into 2 groups with 1 group inside small grid within the box. Other group on the outside of the box with a ball. Players on the inside must move to a feeder to receive a pass and then pass the ball to the feeder Players are encouraged to pass the ball with the inside of their feet Avoid Queuing for a pass by moving to open feeder Placement of non kicking foot Pass is made with communication Weight of pass and control 1 Defender is now in place to place the players in the middle under pressure Number of defenders is changed upon coaches request Players in the middle must look and listen for the defender Run towards feeder with no defender present Control ball to create angle for pass, get ball out from under feet Relax with pass and have correct weight Eye contact when receiving pass and call their persons name when making the pass Players are set into 2 teams each player has a ball except 2 from each team who are behind a coned off area Each team must pass the ball and hit the other team below the knee with their ball If hit the player must kneel down and wait for the doctor to come out of coned area and tag them back in If doctor is hit whilst out then it becomes an elimination to the end Players have to keep the ball down by using the side foot and getting body over the ball Being aware of surroundings by having head up 11 P a g e
WEEK 2 Unopposed Dribbling: Feinting & Moves Opposed Dribbling: Feinting & Moves Fun Game Dribbling: Feinting & Moves Players partner off and one set face off 10 yards apart Players with the ball dribble towards their partner who jogs backwards always watching the ball The Players change over after reaching the other side Encouraging moves, feints and shoulder dips as they move with the ball Keeping their head up Going at a pace in which they can control the ball Having the ball out from under their feet Same as before only defenders now challenge for the ball upon the coaches call Players score points for going past the defender and again they change at the other side Players must now have close control of the ball Encouraged to go at speed to put defender off balance Perform different moves Each player has a ball and attempts to dribble past the defender and get to the other side. Defenders can be made to hop or act like crabs etc to increase fun and help players success rate Moving with ball into space Use of moves e.g stop and start to go round defenders Keep the ball close when dribbling Have head up at all times 12 P a g e
WEEK 3 Unopposed Shooting Opposed Shooting Fun Game Shooting Players are with a partner and stand facing each other. One ball between two the players have to shoot the ball through the gates and score Once ball is on the other side the partner has a chance to try and score Angle of approach to striking the ball Preparation, contact and follow through Head over the ball Knee over the ball Target Work on moving with ball before hitting Same exercise as before only the players now have a goalkeeper to shoot past Positions are rotated on the coaches request Preparation, contact and follow through Accuracy of shot into corners Head over the ball Knee over the ball Players are split into 2 teams Several Goals are laid out on the field Team with the ball have to run round and score as many goals as they can in 30 seconds Other team have to move around and try and stop their shots by becoming a goalkeeper. (but they must keep moving round Head up and look for the open goal Drive towards space and open goal Have ball out from under your feet Preparation, contact and follow through Aim for corners 13 P a g e
WEEK 4 Unopposed Shielding: Protecting the ball Opposed Shielding: Protecting the ball Fun Game Shielding: Protecting the ball Each player has a ball and is allowed to dribble around the grid. The coach calls out instructions for players to get into a shielding position Coach can change the call to a certain buzz word for the children e.g shark attack Players should keep the ball close to them Must have their body side on to the ball and with on open stance Knees bent with a low centre of gravity Arm up and bent at the elbow to help balance and provide additional protection Encourage players to nudge the ball whilst in the position Each player has a ball except a designated number of defenders/ sharks Players have to dribble with ball and avoid defender/ Sharks if approached they must stop the ball with their feet and get into a shielding position. The defending player can try and get the ball for 3 seconds before moving on to another player Players should keep the ball close to them and be in a shielding position Keep their head up be aware of where the defenders are Nudge the ball to the side to keep control and away from the defender Players are in 2 teams with each team having a designated defender/shark who does not have a ball Players must shield the ball when approached by a defender/ shark. Defender has 3 seconds to get the ball, if he does player goes to jail, if not the attacking player gets a point Players in jail can be broke out with a tag Moving with ball into space Strong shielding stance to protect ball Keep the ball close when dribbling Have head up at all times 14 P a g e
WEEK 5 Unopposed Passing Opposed Passing Fun Game Passing Players are set with a partner and a triangle of cones Players have to pass the ball through to their partner who must touch the ball round and pass through a different gap Good first touch to the side Pass with inside of the foot Strike through the ball, don t stab at it Eye contact with other player Same exercise as before only 1 defender is placed inside the triangle They cannot challenge for the ball but can try and stop it passing through to other player Size of triangle can be adjusted Repeat coaching points in previous drill Emphasis on touching ball to the side to create angle of pass Short sharp passes to keep defender thinking Head up Players are with a partner and must move around grid and attempt to pass the ball through a gate to score a point Set number of Defenders have to try and stop the passes by blocking the gates Same as before Look for open space 15 P a g e
WEEK 6 Unopposed Dribbling: Step over with Shot Opposed Dribbling: Step over with Shot Fun Game Dribbling: Step over with Shot Players dribble towards the middle cone before performing a step over and the shooting Player follows shot and returns back to the start Keeping their head up Going at a pace in which they can control the ball Big step over the ball and drop the shoulder Push off with the outside of the foot Strike through the ball with laces Head over the ball Knee over the ball Same as before only a defenders in placed of the cone Defender begins passive and can progress to challenging for the ball Player now strikes a shot at goal after going round the defender Keeping their head up Keeping ball out on front of them Using step over at correct point Big step over and drop over the shoulder Pushing off and away from the defender Reiterate striking points Players are separated into 2 teams Players have to score as many goals as the can in the various goals Team with most goals wins Goalkeepers are optional Moving with ball into space Use of step over to go past defender Attack open space with the ball Use step over where appropriate Shot on goal when they have a chance 16 P a g e
WEEK 7 Unopposed Control: Receiving the pass Opposed Passing: Passing and Receiving Fun Game Control: Receiving the pass Players are with a partner and stand facing each other. One ball between two the player with the ball gentle throw the ball underarm for his partner to stop then pass back. Pass should be light and to the players feet Progress practice, player follow the pass and runs around partner and back to the start Encourage players to move to meet the ball. Encouraged players to pass the ball with the inside of their feet Placement of non kicking foot Relax Weight of pass and control Face where you want the ball to go 17 P a g e Players are now in a group of 3 with an additional player standing at a cone to the left/ right of the play Once the ball is thrown to the player controlling the ball the 3 rd player steps out from behind the cone to put them under pressure Coach can adjust the practice to suit each skill level e.g delay defender Use the inside of the feet to pass Relax with pass and have correct weight Placement of non kicking foot Strike through the ball Eye contact when receiving pass Players are set into 2 teams 1 team in a defined area the other team surrounding them Players are eliminated if hit below the waist with the ball 1 ball is used at first with others being introduced at the coaches discretions Players have to keep the ball down by using the side foot and getting body over the ball Being aware of surroundings by having head up
Unopposed WEEK 8 Opposed Fun Game Dribbling: Step over with Shot Dribbling: Step over with Shot Dribbling: Step over with Shot Players dribble towards the middle cone before performing a step over and then turning to shooting Player follows shot, move on to the 2 nd line It is important to step up several goals and only 3 per line to avoid waiting Keeping their head up Going at a pace to keep ball under control Big step over the ball and drop the shoulder Push off with the outside of the foot Strike through the ball with laces Head over the ball Knee over the ball Same as before only a defenders in placed of the cone Defender begins passive and can progress to challenging for the ball Player now strikes a shot at goal after going round the defender Keeping their head up Keeping ball out on front of them Using step over at correct point Big step over and drop over the shoulder Pushing off and away from the defender Reiterate striking points Players are separated into 2 teams and have to score as many goals as they can into the various goals Team with the most goals wins Moving with ball into space Use of step over to go past defender Attack open space with the ball Use step over where appropriate Shot on goal when they have a chance 18 P a g e
WEEK 9 Unopposed Passing: Passing and Receiving Opposed Passing: Passing and Receiving Fun Game Passing: Passing and Receiving Players are split into 2 groups with 1 group inside small grid within the box. Other group on the outside of the box with a ball. Players on the inside must move to a feeder to receive a pass and then pass the ball to the feeder Players are encouraged to pass the ball with the inside of their feet Avoid Queuing for a pass by moving to open feeder Placement of non kicking foot Pass is made with communication Weight of pass and control 1 Defender is now in place to place the players in the middle under pressure Number of defenders is changed upon coaches request Players in the middle must look and listen for the defender Run towards feeder with no defender present Control ball to create angle for pass, get ball out from under feet Relax with pass and have correct weight Eye contact when receiving pass and call their persons name when making the pass Players are set into 2 teams each player has a ball except 2 for each team who are behind a coned off area Each team must pass the ball and hit the other team below the knee with their ball If hit the player must kneel down and wait for the doctor to come out of coned area and tag them back in If doctor is hit whilst out then it becomes an elimination to the end Players have to keep the ball down by using the side foot and getting body over the ball Being aware of surroundings by having head up 19 P a g e
WEEK 10 Unopposed Dribbling: Step over with Shot Opposed Dribbling: Step over with Shot Fun Game Dribbling: Step over with Shot Players dribble towards the middle cone before performing a step over and the shooting Player follows shot and returns back to the start Keeping their head up Going at a pace in which they can control the ball Big step over the ball and drop the shoulder Push off with the outside of the foot Strike through the ball with laces Head over the ball Knee over the ball Same as before only a defenders in placed of the cone Defender begins passive and can progress to challenging for the ball Player now strikes a shot at goal after going round the defender Keeping their head up Keeping ball out on front of them Using step over at correct point Big step over and drop over the shoulder Pushing off and away from the defender Reiterate striking points Players are separated into 2 teams Players have to score as many goals as the can in the various goals Team with most goals wins Goalkeepers are optional Moving with ball into space Use of step over to go past defender Attack open space with the ball Use step over where appropriate Shot on goal when they have a chance 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. 18. 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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