U4/5 practice plan May 1 & 3

Stations 
2 sets of 6 stations will be set up.  Each Coach will run one station for the entire time.  Teams 1-6 will be one set of stations and teams 7-12 will be the second set of stations.  Please arrive with enough time to set up your station.  At start of session I will give you 5-7 minutes to introduce yourself, give a brief overview of what we are doing, tell kids what to do upon arrival each day (pass with parents, shooting etc...) and where to put their stuff etc...  Remember kids of this age need routine!  I will switch the stations every 7 minutes.  Use parents to help move kids to next station and participate where necessary.  If you are coaching your child and they don't feel they can move through stations with another parent or the other coach on your team, just keep them with you until they are comfortable to move on.  Also it is okay if kids pick up the ball, don't worry about this too much, they can roll the ball instead of passing with feet encourage to use feet where more appropriate, but this is not a big deal at this point.  Also remember to walk or jog the boundary of your area/drill with kids.  Have players partner up with their caregiver for any partner activities.  At end of session we will have snack and social and you can remind parents and players of the expectations.  Thinking of having "Pirate Day" on Thursday May 10th, where we will all dress like pirates. This Thursday we will do coaches crazy soccer outfits day...so start finding some crazy duds to put on for Thursday!!  Wanted to give you time to whip up some outfits for the next two weeks!
Stations will be the same on Tuesday and Thursday (I will switch the coaches up though see below)


Agility Station:  Donkey Tails  (Danica & Brit)  (Dave M)

15x15 grid

Half the players/parents are given a pinni/flagging tape to tuck into the back of their shorts as a tail. Coach shouts “Go!” players/parents without a tail attempt to grab a tail from the players with one. Once players/parents get a tail they must now avoid having it taken by those who don't have tails.

Indy 500   (Helen & Keith)  (Lil & Alei)
(can be found in Active Start plan 2)

Creat an oval race track that kids&parents can run/drive around, with your cones and a square "pit" on one side with all the balls. "Start your engines"

Players start from “Pit row” with parents. Player starts by exiting the pits and dribbling the ball in a clockwise direction around the track following their parent. If the ball exits the track they must make 3 toe taps on the ball to restart the engine. Parent and player can switch roles with child following parents. Encourage players to make “Vroom! Vroom!” car sounds while driving!

Alternatives

**Easier – run the track first with no balls.**good idea so they understand the boundary and then make the next lap with balls. Easier – players carry ball in hands and run around track Harder – Have players drive the truck on their own. Harder – Switch directions and have drivers go counter-clockwise. Harder – Change direction before completing circuit on coaches’ command

Nuts and Squirrels  (Kim & Chris)  (Melonie & Kristine)
(can be found in Active Start plans session 1)

15 x 15 grid - 4 small goals or "hoarding areas/trees" on sides or corners of grid.....all balls (nuts) in middle of grid.  Kids (squirrels) in pairs or 3's depending on numbers in each goal/hoarding area.  Coach shouts "go" players take turns running into the middle and dribbling back a ball back hoarding area (trying to get as many nuts as they can), when there are no balls left in the middle coach yells "steal" or something else appropriate and then they may try and steal nuts from anywhere (other hoarding areas).  No defending the nuts!  

Red light, Green light   (Jordan E & Jill)   (Heather & Anna)

Players move around the grid dribbling the ball – when coach shouts red light players stop. Green light players go. Go speeding – players go faster. Crash - players dive on their ball.  Be creative, yellow light slow down etc...

Make friends with the ball   (Tami)  (Jordan C)
(can be found in Active Start plan 1)

Players partner with their parents and find space in the area. Game starts with parents rolling the ball back and forth with their player. Parent and children take turns tossing and catching the ball back and forth to one another. Parents then hold the ball out (quite low to start) and drop it letting the child control it with the bottom of the foot. Have the child shout “Ole!” when successful in controlling the ball. Parents can play a pass 5-6 yards away and have child run and get the ball and bring it back. Parents stand with legs shoulder width apart and child kicks the ball between their legs – child then goes through and dives on the ball on the other side. Repeat with child retrieving the ball with feet. Switch role to have child play a pass and parent retrieving the ball. Coaches be creative, just want players to get used to playing with a ball in different ways

Scrimmage  (Blake & Alicia)  (Jamie & Stephanie)
Create a small field with a goal on each end.  Play 3v3.  Ensure to go over the boundaries and the purpose of the game and the goals etc.  Put a parent in goal (tell them to be dramatic).  Don't worry about throw ins...if the ball goes out just kick a new one into space on the field.  If kids pick up the ball just encourage them to kick it instead.


Thursday
Scrimmage (Tami)  (Jordan C)
Make friends with the Ball  (Jordan E & Jill)  (Heather & Anna)
Red Light, Green Light  (Kim & Chris)  (Mel & Kristine)
Nuts and Squirrels  (Helen & Keith)  (Lili & Alei)
Indy 500 (Danica & Britt)  (Dave M)
Donkey Tails (Blake & Alicia) (Jamie & Stephanie)


New stations next week!

U13 practice - Thursday May 3

Theme: Dribbling

I will be running mass practice with all the U13 teams, using roughly the practice plan below.  I will do a warm up and agility session with all the players together and then use one team to demo the first drill. I will be setting the pace of practice (demoing each new drill with one team and then sending you off to work with your teams). I will spend time with each squad during the practice.  Meet with your team at start (if you have not already done so, introduce yourself, let them know what we're doing etc...) once ready send your players with a ball into the dribble grid for warm up.

Warm up - Dribble Grid - inside, outside, storks, tic-tocs, fakes, turns etc...
                   Dynamic stretching

Agility- ladders, hurdles and cones

Skill focus:  dribble, shoot, score  

Mark out a goal or use nets with targets in corners.  About 20-25yards out two lines (mark with cones), staggered, offence (with balls) line in front, defence line about 2ft behind Coach shouts go (or play is initiated as soon as attacker makes first touch), offence/attacking player dribbles towards goal trying to get in as many touches on ball (keep it close!) as possible before shooting on net trying not to let defending players catch up to them and take their ball.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5KzkwC8uQE 

for technique tips on dribbling or attacking at pace

Focus: Ball Literacy- Dribble to Shoot

Divide players into two teams. Players dribble through the cones  when they get to the target cone, players take a touch with the outside of the foot and strike at the empty goal. Players retrieve their ball and the next player goes. Players are encouraged to use left and right foot to strike at goal. Player encouraged to use inside and outside of foot. Coach can keep score for fun.

Variations:

1. Player try different 1 v 1 moves to get by the target 

2. Add a defender or goalkeeper

Ball Literacy  - King/Queen of the Ring

15x15 grid

Game of knock out (while dribbling around try to knock other players balls out while maintaining control of your ball, if your ball is knocked out, 5 storks and then back in the game)  - working on keeping ball close and shielding

Alternatives

Progress to last man standing (King/Queen of the ring). When a player gets their ball knocked out of the square they are now “out” and are not allowed to return to the grid. They remain outside the grid cheering for their teammates. Continue this until everybody is knocked out and there is only one player left. This player becomes the King/Queen of the Ring.

Game:  4 goals - to scrimmage

15x15 grid (or 20x20depending on numbers), with four goals, one on each side.  Coach has all balls in one corner.  Two teams, coach feeds ball into grid (either to space or to a calling open player.  Aim of game is to attack goals (by dribbling) and score by stopping ball dead on the line in the goal. Encourage attacking the space or the goal, using team mates to gain a better scoring opportunity at any of the four goals.  

Progress to a scrimmage (using only two goals) coach only attacking space with the ball.  Teams will pass but when there is opportunity to dribble to space encourage this.  Keep scoring as stop dead on the line? 


Brief Cool down.

Coaching points:

-lots of touches on the ball

-keep ball close (1 step away) and in control

-use all parts of foot when dribbling

-keep head up

-shield so you can see player and the ball...be big

       

Blog updates for practices

Coaches,
I know some of you have been looking for practice plans on the blog.  On Sundays I will post the plan for the week, including where I will be and the practice plans.  For this coming week Rory Luxmoore will be working with the U8 & U10 girls on Tuesday and with the U6's on Thursday.  I can only be in so many places at once so Rory has generously offered to help us out so we get off to a good start!  Rory and I have spent a lot of time coaching together and I know he will do a fantastic job.  He will use the practice plan off the blog, and will help you to facilitate these. U8's and U10's will be mass practice and U6's will be stations.  Stay tuned!
Looking forward to start up!
Kendra

Principles of Play

I spoke this week about the principles of play, or principles of attack and defence.  Here is a link to some definitions.  Remember keep it simple, like width and depth, and make it a goal for the end of season to try and accomplish a couple.

http://www.worldofsoccer.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=450&Itemid=2

If you scroll down in this article until you find the box with the 5 principles of attack and defence you will find definitions of each after.

I will add more to this post later.

Season Start

May 1st...new start date...check RYSA website for scheduling info.

Coaching Clinic rescheduled

Active Start Clinic U4/5/6 (put on by BC soccer, facilitated by David Broadhurst, head coach Vernon Whitecaps)
confirmed for Monday April 23 5-8:30 at Mountain View.  You will receive certification for this course as well as a wealth of information & access to online drills, video and theory.  This will be the only U4/5/6 specific clinic held at this time.  Be ready to participate outside.

U8 clinic is now on April 19th Thursday, 6-8pm at Mountain View.  This clinic would be appropriate for the U6 age group if you absolutely can not attend Monday's clinic.  Drills done at this clinic can be used at a variety of age groups.  I will have a different focus skill than the U10/13 clinic that I did on Monday for those who are choosing to attend both clinics.




Monday April 16   6-8pm Mountain View School     **U10 & U13 coaches**
Thursday April 19  6-8pm Mountain View School    **U4/5 coaches**  NOW ACTIVE START CLINIC ON MONDAY APRIL 23
Monday April 23 6-8pm Mountain View School       **U6 & U8 coaches**  RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 19 6-8 AT MOUNTAIN VIEW

Bring both outdoor and indoor clothing & footwear, something to write with and on AND a soccer ball for yourself!  We will be outside if at all possible.  As soon as I know when the BC Soccer Active Start Clinic and Grassroots Clinics are I will let you know.

Focus will be on role of the coach and a wee bit of background and theory on your age group.  Structure of practices.  How to use the new agility training equipment and how to run an agility session as part of your practice.  Drills for the tool box, from basic to more advanced.  How to advance a basic drill. How the season will look etc...  See you either on the field or in the gym.  If I'm not out on the field with stuff already set up, head to the gym!

U 4/5 Pre Season

This is the first year Revelstoke is running a U4/5 program.  The basic premise of the program is players come with their parents and play soccer in a somewhat structured environment.
Just some reminders for coaches (and parents- coaches please pass along at first meeting).  Players should come dressed in athletic clothing/uniform, shin guards with socks on top and cleats.  Hats and sunscreen if necessary (not the coaches job to be sunscreening kids, players need to come prepared...that being said it is a good thing to have in your soccer kit bag incase a parent forgets and then you have a lender....also good to have an extra water in there!).  Remind parents to feed kids a good healthy snack prior to arrival at the field and that kids should go to the bathroom before soccer starts if at all possible.  Each player needs to have their own water bottle available to them and it is important as coaches to remind them to drink from it.
There are no formal games at this level, there will be scrimmages and we will try getting a game field going later on in the season and rotate through.  Parents are expected to participate with their kids.  Some drills they will be the cheer leader, some they will be playing.  Whatever the situation, a parent/guardian/babysitter etc... must be present (bathroom, snack, kid on strike etc...).  Remind parents that kids may not be into it 100% all the time and that is okay.  Encourage kids to participate, but if it's not happening it's okay to take a break and rejoin the group when ready.
The players will be going through a series of agility and technique drills to develop basic movement skills and basic soccer skills.  These will be delivered in a fun game type setting.  Get ready for some funny theme days and most of all to have fun!  

Preseason Preparation!

Hello coaches!  Welcome too the von Bremen soccer blog.  It's purpose is to help you prepare for the season and to prepare your practice plans.  RYSA is trying to cut down on paper waste and therefore things like the schedule, the newsletter and also some pre-practice communication are all going to be found on the RYSA website and this blog!

I am super excited about the changes RYSA is making this season and really happy to be a part of it.  Soccer has long been a passion of mine, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge of the game with you and your players!  I started playing formal league soccer when I was seven but played hours and hours prior to that in our house and backyard with both family members and neighbours.  I started coaching when I was 15, and have since pursued an Education degree majoring in Physical Education.  I had many a field hockey coach try to convince me to stop playing soccer and focus on field hockey but I couldn't give up what I loved!  And now I am here to help you and share my passion of the game!  So let's get started and have some serious fun....goal number one always...have fun!

In your coaches package you will receive a schedule of when I will be working with you and your teams. This schedule was made on the premise that all fields are good to go from the day league starts....well this is Revelstoke and we know fields are often not good to go, so we will have to work through that and I'll do my best to be at as many practices as possible.  My hope is that by the end of the season everyone will be comfortable running a 45minute to 1 hour practice on their own....that's goal number two!  You will also receive information on fair play, I can not stress enough how important this information is.  I will post more information on this for parents as well, that you can direct them to.  We are all role models to these kids, so goal number three is to uphold the fair play policy 100% by coaches, athletes and parents!

I would also like all of you to try and form a parent & player management plan.  I am hoping that you all will  have a quick parent player meeting after your first game or practice to lay out your expectations for the season and perhaps enlist some of the keener parents to help you with basic tasks.  Some examples of expectations: arriving on time with snack in stomach so players can perform at their best.  Shin guards with socks overtop and cleats on and in athletic clothing/uniforms.  Parents should watch from the opposite sideline that you are coaching from during games....have a parent to manage subs, they sit in a designated area.  Water at games and practices in a water bottle is mandatory!  Cheer for all the kids not just your own and that only you the coach should be providing technical advice (or it is very confusing for players).  Stress the importance of fair play and having fun!  Maybe something on your coaching philosophy?  I'm sure you will have a few more things to add.

I will be running some coaching clinics that are age appropriate, stay tuned for dates and times.  Looking forward to working with you all!
Kendra von Bremen