NATICK SOCCER CLUB 03 CURRICULUM U0 COMPETITIVE 0 WEEK TRAINING PROGRAM
GPS CURRICULUM METHODOLOGY U4 - U8 JUNIORS U9-U JUNIOR PREMIER U3-U8 PREMIER 8+ PREMIER Player Evaluation & Assessment FUN-Damental Practice to develop PRACTICE TO COMPETE PRACTICE TO WIN AIM: To allow players of all ages and abilities, to develop to their full potential, in an ENJOYABLE, CHALLENGING and POSITIVE environment. OBJECTIVES: Create a clear and simple pathway for player development. Always keep the player at the centre of the development process. Allow players as much active time with a ball each as possible. Teach the principles of the game. Teach roles not positions. Acknowledge that players will learn and develop at different speeds. To keep a fresh and current outlook on the changes in young player development. Create a deep and underlying passion for the sport of soccer at all ages.
SCORE METHODOLOGY GPS recommends that all practice sessions follow the S.C.O.R.E. method: SIMPLE. Stick to one theme during your practice session. Choose or 3 core coaching points and reinforce them throughout the session. CHALLENGING. Ensure that the players are posed problems that they need to find solutions to. Provide guidance and help when they need it. ORGANISED. Plan every detail of your session - how many players, space and equipment. Ensure that your sessions have the appropriate pace and progression to challenge all of your players. RELEVANT. Ensure that the exercises in your session are relevant to the game. ENJOYABLE. The players should walk away from every practice having thoroughly enjoyed the session and learning at least one new aspect of the game.
GPS CURRICULUM LEARNS AT U0 TECHNICAL 3 R S OF PASSING - RECOGNITION, RANGE, RELEASE PUSH PASS WITH BOTH FEET OUTSIDE OF THE FOOT (BOTH FEET) COMBINATION PLAY - GIVE AND GO USE OF GOALKEEPER IN BUILD UP PLAY ABC S - AWARENESS, BODY SHAPE, CONTROL RECEIVING WITH BOTH FEET USING THE SOLE RECEIVING TO ATTACK RECEIVING IN TIGHT AREAS DRIBBLING IN TIGHT AREAS BREAKAWAYS RUNNING WITH THE BALL IN v ATTACKING SITUATIONS RUNNING WITH THE BALL IN COUNTER ATTACKS ATTACKING v, v, 3v FINISHING ATTACKING MOVES COMBINING AROUND THE PENALTY AREA SHOOTING WITH THE INSIDE OF THE FOOT DEFENDING v, v, v TACTICAL PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK UNDERSTANDS PLAYER ROLES AT 6v6 RECEIVING ABC S (AWARENESS, BODY SHAPE, CONTROL) MOVEMENT OFF THE BALL (OVERLAP) PSYCHOLOGICAL GIVES A SENSE OF BELONGING AND BEING OF VALUE POSITIVE APPROACH TO PERFORMANCE MAKING BETTER DECISIONS DEVELOPING THE SKILL OF ANTICIPATION DEVELOPING A BETTER AWARENESS OF TEAM PLAY PHYSICAL ALL PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IS DONE WITH THE BALL.
GPS CURRICULUM METHODOLOGY SESSION STRUCTURE FOR U0 SESSION LENGTH - 75 MINUTES TYPICAL PRACTICE SESSION STRUCTURE: WARM UP - 5 MINUTES ACTIVITY - 5 MINUTES DRINK BREAK - 3 MINUTES ACTIVITY - 5 MINUTES DRINK BREAK - 3 MINUTES SMALL SIDED GAME (4 v 4-6 v 6) - 5 MINUTES DEBRIEF AND EQUIPMENT COLLECTION - 4 MINUTES All sessions will end with a small manifestation of the game. At U0 this game should be 6 v 6. Encourage players to form a diamond shape to the team (--). Use various methods of scoring: - Stop the ball on the endline - Dribble through corner gates - Knock a ball of a cone Ensure that players experience attack and defensive roles during the game. Avoid playing teams with larger numbers (i.e. 8 v 8) in order to increase player exposure to the ball. Ensure to have a supply of balls so that your exercises flow. CURRICULUM KEY PLAYER MOVEMENT (RUN OFF THE BALL) BALL MOVEMENT PLAYER WITH BALL MOVEMENT
U0 WEEK ONE: RUNNING WITH THE BALL ACTIVITY : TOUCHES Create a playing area of 5 x 5 yards. Spread a number of balls around the area (ensure there are more balls than players). On coach s call, players have 60 seconds to touch as many soccer balls with the sole of the foot. Players do 0 toe-taps at each ball. Players do a scissors / double scissors at a ball. Head up to see the next ball. Can players look up while doing toe taps and see the next ball the plan to go to. Move on the balls of the feet. Keep knees bent for balance. TOE-TAPS - head up, heels never touch the ground. Use arms to generate power. 3 Players do a scissors and then accelerate away with a ball. Players stop the ball after a few touches, find new ball & repeat. SCISSORS - plant left foot on the ground, right foot stays low and goes around the ball. ACTIVITY : CONTINUOUS v Create a 0 x 0 yard playing area. Split the area into half (, 0 x 0 yard areas). Place a goal with a goalkeeper at one end. Split players into teams and place at the opposite end. Player from Team dribbles towards goal - once into the nd 0 x 0 yard area, Player can shoot. Player now defends against Player from Team. Players attack once, defend once then rejoin their team. The game is continuous, Time limit to score (8 seconds, 5 seconds). Must beat the defender with a specified move before scoring. v. players attack but only remains to defend. Attack the defender at speed. Head up to identify space. Use body and moves to draw the defender. Accelerate into the space behind the defender after using a move / feint. Take shots with the nearest foot. SMALL SIDED GAME: 4 v 4 WITH TARGET Create a playing area of 30 x 40 yards. Split players into teams of 4 players. Place player from Team at the end of the playing area. Do the same for Team at the opposite end. Team score by passing to their target player at the end line. Team score by passing to their target player at the opposite end line. Change the target player every minutes. Team has a target player at each end - to score a point Team must get the ball from one end to the other without Team touching the ball. Create a diamond to team shape. Create overloads (v). Movement from the target player. Don t force the issue - pass to the target player when ready. Create a 60 x 40 yard area and play 6 v 6 to goal.
U0 WEEK TWO: RUNNING WITH THE BALL ACTIVITY : KNOCKDOWN RELAY Create multiple lanes of 0 x 5 yards. At one end of each lane, balance 3 balls on top of cones. Split players into teams of three - player stands behind the balanced balls, the other players start at the opposite end with a ball. On coaches call, Player dribbles towards the balancing balls. Once close enough, Player tries to knock down a ball by passing a ball. Player collects the ball and dribbles back to the other end. Player passes to Player 3 who repeats (Player replaces Player behind the balancing balls). The first team to knock down all of their balls wins. Players muse perform a move or skill before knocking down a ball. Dribble with the head up. Ankle locked, toe pointed down and touch the ball with the laces. Larger touches when moving quickly, smaller touches when approaching the balancing balls. Play with head up. Pick your target before trying to knock down a ball. P3 ACTIVITY : v 4 GOAL GAME Create a 30 yard playing area. Place a number of balls in the center of the playing area. Place 4 pop up goals (or use cones 5 yards apart) around the outside of the playing area. player defends each goal. Attackers start in the middle - attackers take a ball from the middle and choose a goal to attack in a v. Attack at speed. Head up to see the defender. Look to beat the defender with speed first. Use move and fakes to create space. D A3 D3 A A D4 If the defender wins the ball they swap roles with attacker, gets a new ball and attacks a new goal. Accelerate away from defender once beaten. D SMALL SIDED GAME: END ZONES NORTH Create a playing area of 30 x 5 yards. Using cones, create an end zone of 5 yards along each side of the playing area. Split players into teams. Players score for their team by dribbling and stopping the ball in any of the end zones. Create a diamond to the team shape. Look for the end zone with the most space. Create overloads (v). WEST EAST Team can only score in the NORTH and SOUTH ends, Team in EAST and WEST. Create a 60 x 40 yard play area and play 6 v 6 to goal. SOUTH
U0 WEEK THREE: DRIBBLING ACTIVITY : TEAM CONVEYOR BELT Split players into teams of 4 players. Each team has a server (Player ). Player throws the ball to Player. Player throws it back to Player and then runs to the back of their team. The exercise continues with Player passing to Player 3. The first team to have Player back at the front of their line wins. Change the server after every race. Player throws it to Player. Player drops the ball to the ground and dribbles it to Player. Player runs to the back of their team. Speed of pass - throw the ball under arm to improve accuracy. Communication - ask for the ball when you are ready. Gentle touches on the ball when dribbling. P3 ACTIVITY : CONTINUOUS v, v, v Create a 0 x 0 yard playing area. Split the area into half (, 0 x 0 yard areas). Place a goal with a goalkeeper at one end. Split players into teams and place at the opposite end. Player from Team dribbles towards goal - once into the nd 0 x 0 yard area, Player can shoot. Player now defends against Player from Team. Players attack once, defend once then rejoin their team. The game is continuous, v. players attack but only remains to defend. Tempo - attack at speed or wait for support (v)? Decision - dribble or pass? Dribble if there is space, pass to a team mate who is open in a dangerous position. Overlap - can the supporting player overlap in order to get the ball in an open part of the area. v. Players defend and attack in pairs. SMALL SIDED GAME: MULTIPLE v s Create multiple playing areas of 0 x 5 yards. In each area have teams of players. Have a different way to score in each area: - Dribble through cones. Score in a goal. Stop the ball at the end line. Play 3 minute games and then rotate the teams. The team that has scored the most goals after playing all teams are the winners. Play with the head up. Encourage players to get open for a team mate who has the ball. WEST NORTH EAST Create a 60 x 40 yard area. Place goals at each end and play a 6 v 6. SOUTH
U0 WEEK FOUR: DRIBBLING ACTIVITY : PINNIE GRAB Create a playing area of 30 x 30 yards. Using cones, create 6 yard gates on the outside of the area. Each player has a ball and a pinnie tucked into the back of the shorts. player is the defender - if the defender grabs a tail, the two players swap roles. If the attacker can dribble out of gate they are safe and the defender must target another player. S Players can only stay outside of the gate for 5 seconds. Reduce the number of gates. Place a defender on the gates. If players perform a scissors, the defender can not grab their tail for 0 seconds. Play with the head up. Use moves and feints to escape pressure. Stay as far away from defender as possible. Always know where the escape routes are. ACTIVITY : 4v4 MULTIBALL GAME Create a 30 yard playing area. Place 4 pop up goals (or use cones 5 yards apart) around the area. Place a number of balls in the centre of the playing area. Split players into teams of 4 players. Team attacks, Team defend the goals. Team can attack in v situations, as the balls decrease, players in Team attack in v, v, v, 3v and then 4v4 with the last ball. S Competition - how many goals can each team score. Attack at speed. Identify a goal where the defender has been taken out of position by another defender. Create overload situations - v / 3v. Time limit - how many goals can be scored within 60 seconds. SMALL SIDED GAME: 4 CORNERS Create a playing area of 5 x 5 yards. Using cones, create a 5 x 5 yard square in each corner of the playing area. Split players into teams of 4 players. Players score for their team by dribbling and stopping a ball into any of the corners. Attack the corner with the most space. Create a diamond shape to the team. Create overloads (v). B C Team can only score in A and B, Team in C and D. Team can only score in A and C. A D Create a 60 x 40 yard area and play 6 v 6 to goal.
U0 WEEK FIVE: PASSING ACTIVITY : PASSING CIRCLE Create a 30 yard playing area. Split players into teams. Number players -4 (adjust based on group size). Player passes to Player, to 3 and so on. Last player passes to Player and the exercise continues. Know where you are receiving a ball from and where it needs to go to once received. Communication - always let your team mates know where you are. P4 S Player in reverse. Each team has balls (Player and Player 3 start with a ball). First touch in the direction of the pass you want to play. P3 ACTIVITY : v CAROUSEL Create a 30 x 30 yard playing area. Split players into 3 teams of 4 players. Team can score in the Goal or. Team can score in the Goal 3 or. Team 3 can score in the Goal or 3. Always be ready to play. Attack the goal with the most space at speed. Create overloads (v) with movement (overlap). 3 TEAM TEAM 3 The game is a continuous v - Team attacks Team, Team attacks Team 3, Team 3 attacks Team. Decision - dribble to goal or pass to a team mate in space. S 3 players now come in from each team to make a 3v3. TEAM SMALL SIDED GAME: MULTIPLE v s Create multiple playing areas of 0 x 5 yards. In each area have teams of players. Have a different way to score in each area: - Dribble through cones. Score in a goal. Stop the ball at the end line. Play 3 minute games and then rotate the teams. The team that has scored the most goals after playing all teams are the winners. Create a 60 x 40 yard area and play 6 v 6 to goal. Attack the goal with the most space at speed. Create overloads (v) with movement (overlap). Decision - dribble to goal or pass to a team mate in space.
U0 WEEK SIX: ATTACKING ACTIVITY : LEFT AND RIGHT Create a number of 4 x 4 yards area using cones. Balance a ball on a cone in the centre of the area. players per box - players have a cone to their left and right and face the ball in the middle. If coach calls Left players touch the ball to their left, then the ball to their right before stealing the ball in the middle. point is awarded every time you steal the ball first. Rotate players so that they play a different person. Players run diagonally and touch the cones on the opposite side before stealing the ball. Balance a ball in each corner - players must perform a scissors at the ball to their left then right before stealing the ball. Players balanced, on the balls of the feet. Players alert, waiting for coach s command. Try to shuffle sideways rather than crossing their feet. Low, quick scissors. ACTIVITY : TURN TO SCORE Split players into teams (set up goals for larger groups). Place team either side of a goal (ensure the players are at least 6 yards away from the goal). Place a cone 6 yards away from the players. On coach s call, Player from each team dribbles forward and around the cone. Once around the cone it is a race to score in the goal. Rotate teams that are competing - the team to score the most goals at the end of play wins. Head up to see the cone and then the goal. Decision - laces or instep? Ankle locked when connecting with the ball. Strike through the middle of the ball to keep it down. Players must perform a scissors before taking their shot (either before ore after turning at the cone. All shots must be with the inside of the foot. Add a goalkeeper. SMALL SIDED GAME: 4 GOALS Create a playing area of 5 x 0 yards (create multiple areas for larger groups). Using pop up goals (or cones) create a goal in each corner of the playing area. Split players into teams of 4 players. Players score by shooting in any of the corner goals. Encourage players to for a diamond in team shape. Look for the corner with the most space. Encourage the use of v moves to beat an opponent. Nominate goals that each team can only score through. Create a 60 x 40 yard playing area and play 6 v 6 to goal.
U0 WEEK SEVEN: SHOOTING ACTIVITY : SHOOTING RACES Create goals 0 yards apart with a cone in the middle 0 yards from each goal. Players now dribble round middle cone and shoot towards own goal Players split into two teams and line up to the right of each goal. First player in each line dribbles ball towards opposite goal, once past the middle cone players shoot. First ball to go in the goal wins. Add GK s Look for GK position Shoot for open space in the goal Kick ball with shoe laces ACTIVITY : Shooting 60 second challenge 36x44 yard area. Create a 0x0 box 36 yards from goal. Split into even teams. team in the box, team next to the goal. Team in the box attack and can take as many players into the attack as they choose. Only defender may come out to defend. Attacking team has 60 seconds to score as many goals as possible returning to the box each time for new ball. Hit the target Follow up shots Laces for power/inside of foot for placement Quick shot or beat defender SMALL SIDED GAME - 3v3-4 goal game 30x0 yard field (multiple for large numbers) with 4 goals Play 3v3, 3 min games or the first team to score stays on. Have large supply of balls to make quick re-starts After 60 seconds defending team can send out defenders Another 60 seconds 3 defenders can go out. M.O.D.E - Movement- Good first touch to allow shot - Observe - Goal keeper position - Decision - Where and how to shoot - Execute - correct technique to shoot Reds can only score in goals, whites in the other goals Create a 60 x 40 yard area and play 6v6 to goal. Hit the target Follow up shots Laces for power/inside of foot for placement Quick shot or beat defender
U0 WEEK EIGHT: DEFENDING ACTIVITY : v DEFENDING Create a playing area of 30 x 40 yards. At one end have a goal with a goalkeeper. Split players into teams. Place the attackers either side of the goal. Defenders start at the opposite end of the area. The game starts with the goalkeeper passing to an attacker. The attacker scores a point by dribbling through the cone gates opposite them. The defender comes in to stop the attacker. If the defender wins the ball, they can score in the goal. Time limit - defenders have 8 seconds to score in the gate. Defenders have 5 seconds to take a shot after winning the ball. Body shape - low and of the balls of the feet. Pressure - apply pressure on the ball quickly. Begin to slow down as you approach the ball. Positioning - run on a curve in order to cut off the path to the gate. Stay on your feet - don t dive in. Wait for a mistake from the attacker before taking the ball (a bad touch). ATTACKER DEFENDER ACTIVITY : v DEFENDING Set up as above. Two defenders and attackers come into the area of play. Attackers can score by dribbling through either gate. Defenders score in the goal. Angles and distance of support. Don t be too far away or too close to your defensive partner. Nearest defender to the ball applies pressure - don t chase the ball around the area of play. ATTACKER DEFENDER Competition. See how many goals can be scored. Restrict attackers to scoring in one gate. Patience - wait for a mistake before taking the ball. Don t dive in. ATTACKER DEFENDER SMALL SIDED GAME: 4 GOALS Create a playing area of 30 x 5 yards. Using pop up goals (or cones) create a goal in each corner of the playing area. Split players into teams of 4 players. Players score by dribbling through any of the corner goals. Players to keep diamond shape to team. Encourage team out of possession to move as a unit to win back the ball. Nominate goals that each team can only score through. Create a playing area of 60 x 40 yards and play 6v6 to goal.
U0 WEEK NINE: SMALL SIDED GAMES SMALL SIDED GAME - 4v4 30x0 yard field (create multiple fields for large numbers) Play 4v4 3 min games (or the first team to score stays on). Have large supply of balls to make quick re-starts Keep ball close to feet Head up to see what s in front of you Pass or dribble SMALL SIDED GAME - 6v6 Game 40 x 30 yard field Play 6v6 3 min games or the first team to score stays on. Have large supply of balls to make quick re-starts Team can score a goal with 5 passes. Range of restarts: - If the ball goes out of play, restart with a throw-in. If the ball goes out of play, restart with an attacking freekick. If the ball goes out of play, restart with an attacking corner kick. Keep ball close to feet Head up to see what s in front of you SMALL SIDED GAME - 6v6 Game 60 x 40 yard field Play 6v6 Keep ball close to feet Head up to see what s in front of you Pass or dribble Play a number of restricted time games (i.e. 4 minutes). Set scenarios for each game: - Team are winning -0, challenge Team to still be winning at the end of 4 minute game. Team are winning 3-0. Challenge Team to not conceed a goal in 4 minutes. Team are winning -0. They are not allowed to score until Team tie the game at -. Challenge Team to keep possession of the ball and win -0.
U0 WEEK TEN: TOURNAMENT ACTIVITY : PLAYER S SELECTION ALLOW THE PLAYERS TO CHOOSE THEIR FAVORITE GAME FROM THE PREVIOUS 9 WEEKS. ACTIVITY : PLAYER S SELECTION # ALLOW THE PLAYERS TO CHOOSE ANOTHER FAVORITE GAME FROM THE PREVIOUS 9 WEEKS. SMALL SIDED GAME: TOURNAMENT Split players into equal numbered teams (no more than 4 players per team). Set up multiple fields and allow the players to play 4 v 4 to goal. All teams play each other once - the team that has scored the most goals at the end of practice is the winner. Finish with a game of 6 v 6 to goal. Remember the emphasis is fun and participation. Provide praise when you see good play. Give players other ways to score points than just scoring in the goal: - Point for a pass. Point for a cool move. Point for a player moving into space to receive a pass from a team mate.