U4/5 week 5 - May 28

Greetings coaches!  Thanks to those coaches who helped out at Super Soccer Saturday, a good time had by all! :)  We really appreciate your extra time spent to help on this day.

A gentle reminder to wear athletic clothing AND footwear (can be running shoes) to practice...look the part!

Teams 7-12 you have your photos this week.

Theme:  Goal tending

You know after all that telling the kids not to use their hands, now we are going to use them!!!  Preface it that one person on the pitch can use their hands...the goalie keeper!

We always pair goal keeping with shooting so this will continue to be part of our theme as well.


Warm up/Agility 
Play a game of donkey tails
Half have pinnies as tales in shorts, other half try and get as many pinnies as possible or some variation of this.

Introduce ready position. You may want to have them play a Simon Says game where you introduce this skill.

Ready position
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzDq4HlsZMY

In partners (parent partner?) have players bowl ball to each other working on proper bowling, scooping and hugging the ball technique. You may want each pair to bowl it between an arch (as an option).  Maybe have them move to passing it back to player on their knees who then attempts to dive on the ball.  (If kids are granny bowling it that is totally fine and age appropriate).

Bowling technique (non granny style)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xir3iUxCFfE

and scooping and locking the box  (stress this part)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w-WW5AkU5Q

(some of this may be above them, but they will get the idea and the videos are excellent so that you can demo the skills well!)

Soccer bowling in pairs (either use balls on top of cones or use the tall cones I will have more at the field) however this time they are bowling with hands not feet.

Swamps and Crocs: have a player go in goal if they want.
This time practice throwing it over the swamp to parent, parent rolls it back.  Players try and score on net defended by player.  (see last weeks post for more details on crocs and swamps)
or
4 goal shooting.  Except have kids go in goal, have parents and kids not in goal try to score on kids, then switch up goalies so everyone gets to shoot and everyone (who wants to) gets to go in goal. (see last week for more details)

Nuts and Squirrels:  play one round of passing with hands back to house and one round of passing back with feet.  Have parents help with each house.

(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!

Chain Soccer
Set up a small grid, depending on number of players. Separate players/parents into 2 teams. Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. That numbered player/parent combo from each team enters into the field to challenge for the ball. Players try to score on opposing side while defending their own side. Parents and players not called can act as goalies on their side.

Games, cheers & snacks!

U6 - week 5 - May 28

Hey coaches - you have all been doing a fantastic job coaching!  I'm really impressed with all your enthusiasm and getting the kids going and having a great time while learning some skills!
A bit thank you to those coaches who helped out at Super Soccer Saturday, you made it a great time!

A gentle reminder to wear athletic clothing AND footwear (can be running shoes) to practice...look the part!

I am going to take all the girls this week and run them through a session since there are only 8 in total when they are all there!  I will keep them for the game too I think, and they will play an all girls game in hope of getting some of the more timid ones involved!  An experiment, we'll see how it goes!


Ready position
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzDq4HlsZMY
Bowling technique and scooping and locking the box
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xir3iUxCFfE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w-WW5AkU5Q
Catching Grips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDySzyVfUtY
Punting technique
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MX34YKM5VM


Warm up:  Soccer Tag
Grid
Player who is it holds their ball and runs with it, tags other players who are dribbling the ball with their ball, can move to rolling it and hitting below the waist as a tag.  Once tagged, stay frozen with ball under foot, another player must dribble up and free you by passing their ball and hitting the frozen players ball, or dribbling up and tapping their ball to the frozen players ball.

Warm up part 2:
Players in grid with a ball each. Have each player do a series of activities with ball such as bounce ball then catch, throw ball into air and catch, roll ball through another's legs and retrieve, kick ball into air and catch.
Introduce goaltending skills such as ones shown above. Players practice in partners. You may want to focus on only a couple such as ready position, locking the box and catching grips. Use your imagination to make it fun and effective.

Arches game:
A fun game where players get the idea of rolling and throwing the ball and picking it up (work on scooping up technique ensuring the legs aren't to far apart that ball and go through them)
-20x30 yard grid with 5-8 arches inside (or create small goals with cones).
- players in partners. They see how many arches they can roll through and catch within a certain period of time. They must go to a different arch after each throw.
-may not run with ball
-5 secs with ball before must move it

Musical Balls/Coach says
In a 15x15 grid.  Spread balls around.  Coach says running around grid, shuffle, etc... when coach says ready position all players show appropriate ready position.  When coach says ball, all players jump/dive on a ball, last person on a ball gives their ball to coach or just play with all balls....or anyone who doesn't get a ball does 5 jumping jacks, toe taps, catches etc...  Throw in whatever fun commands you like.


4 goal shooting.  Except have kids go in goal, have parents and kids not in goal try to score on kids, then switch up goalies so everyone gets to shoot and everyone (who wants to) gets to go in goal. (see last week for more details)

Nuts and Squirrels:  play one round of passing with hands back to house and one round of passing back with feet.  Have parents help with each house.
(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!

Games, cheers, snacks!

U8 - week 5 - May 27 & 29

Hello coaches, you will start to see Kendra at your practices from now until the end of the season.
Thanks to all those coaches that helped out at Super Soccer Saturday, it is you the coaches who make soccer a huge success and we can't thank you enough for giving up your time to the kids!

Please note:  U8 boys your pictures are this Tuesday!

Theme this week:  Goal keeping


Ready position
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzDq4HlsZMY
Bowling technique and scooping and locking the box
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xir3iUxCFfE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w-WW5AkU5Q
Catching Grips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDySzyVfUtY
Punting technique
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MX34YKM5VM

Two part warm up tonight:
Skill review:
15x15 grid

Players in grid with a ball each. Have each player do a series of activities with ball such as bounce ball then catch, throw ball into air and catch, roll ball through another's legs and retrieve, kick ball into air and catch.
Introduce goaltending skills such as ones shown above. Players practice in partners. You may want to focus on only a couple such as ready position, locking the box and catching grips. Use your imagination to make it fun and effective.

Soccer tag goalie style warm up:
(in your byte sized coaching binder)  Play one or all versions of this tag game depending on your players.
15x15 grid
Start with a game of soccer tag - the players with the ball can only untag themselves by hitting the leg or foot (i.e., below the knee with the ball), but the ball must be kicked.
Then the game is changed. Just four players have a ball and the ball is picked up. The rule is now that to tag someone the player with the ball must hit another without a ball below the knee. This time the player without the ball can protect his/her lower legs with the hands and arms.
Finally, a more conventional game of tag, where the player who is "It!" can tag any player within the square -- except for those holding a ball.
The idea is for those with a ball to follow "It!" around and throw the ball to a friend who is about to be tagged.
Should a player just hang on to the ball and do nothing then that player becomes "It!" (at the direction and discretion of the coach).
Similarly, if a player runs out of the area in an attempt not to be tagged that player becomes "It!"

GAME:  GK ball
create small playing field, two even teams
goals = 3 arches in a row or 3 tall cones to knock over, or cones with balls on top
Teams can only move the ball by rolling or throwing it (no running or passing with feet).  In order to score they must get it through an arch, or knock cone or ball down.  Have an appropriate limit of time to hold onto the ball.  Work on using space to roll or throw ball to when people are covered.

Arches game:

A fun game where players get the idea of rolling and throwing the ball and picking it up (work on scooping up technique ensuring the legs aren't to far apart that ball and go through them)
-20x30 yard grid with 5-8 arches inside (or create small goals with cones).
- players in partners. They see how many arches they can roll through and catch within a certain period of time. They must go to a different arch after each throw.
-may not run with ball
-no tackling only interceptions
-3 secs with ball before must move it

Musical Balls/Coach says
In a 15x15 grid.  Spread balls around.  Coach says running around grid, shuffle, etc... when coach says ready position all players show appropriate ready position.  When coach says ball, all players jump/dive on a ball, last person on a ball gives their ball to coach or just play with all balls....or anyone who doesn't get a ball does 5 jumping jacks, toe taps, catches etc...  Throw in whatever fun commands you like.

Lay-off shooting drill, with rotating goalie (or lightening if you know it or any other favourite shooting drill with goalie)

Have one player start in goal and one player start as ball shagger (or two of each if you can run two lines)
Have players line up facing coach (or parent) so you can have two lines if possible (depending on numbers....just want to minimize line standing).
Players pass to coach who lays it off to player who runs onto it, and shoots on net.  Shooter goes to goalie, goalie goes to shagger, shagger gets ball and jumps in line.

Chain Soccer
Set up a small grid, depending on number of players. Separate players/parents into 2 teams. Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. That numbered player/parent combo from each team enters into the field to challenge for the ball. Players try to score on opposing side while defending their own side. Players not called can act as goalies on their side (encourage them to use their new skills).

Game:  just the beautiful game of soccer.  Small sided scrimmage with goalies.  I will make sure the pop up nets are available.

U10 - week 5

Hi coaches!  Rory will be with the girls from now to the end of the season.  Kendra will be with the boys from now until the end of the season.
Thanks to those of you who helped out at Super Soccer Saturday making it a huge success!

U10 boys: Your pictures are on Tuesday of this week.

Theme this week:  Goal keeping  ***However make sure you have done the practice plan on shooting before you move to Goal keeping!

Lots of drill options here:  pick a few that you like after you watch the following skill videos.
Take a bit of time to talk about positioning of goalie and role of goalie beyond just stopping the ball...ie they are like the quarterback on the field, they can see the game well from their position so start to help people with picking up checks etc...keep it brief but good to touch on.

Ready position
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzDq4HlsZMY
Bowling technique and scooping and locking the box
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xir3iUxCFfE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w-WW5AkU5Q
Catching Grips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDySzyVfUtY
Punting technique
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MX34YKM5VM

Warm up part 1: skills

Players in grid with a ball each. Have each player do a series of activities with ball such as bounce ball then catch, throw ball into air and catch, roll ball through another's legs and retrieve, kick ball into air and catch.
Introduce goaltending skills such as ones shown above. Players practice in partners. You may want to focus on only a couple such as ready position, locking the box and catching grips. Use your imagination to make it fun and effective.


Warm up part 2:  Crazy goal keeper tag.
(in your byte sized coaching binder)
Grid:  15x15
Start with a game of soccer tag - the players with the ball can only untag themselves by hitting the leg or foot (i.e., below the knee with the ball), but the ball must be kicked.
Then the game is changed. Just four players have a ball and the ball is picked up. The rule is now that to tag someone the player with the ball must hit another without a ball below the knee. This time the player without the ball can protect his/her lower legs with the hands and arms.
Finally, a more conventional game of tag, where the player who is "It!" can tag any player within the square -- except for those holding a ball.
The idea is for those with a ball to follow "It!" around and throw the ball to a friend who is about to be tagged.
Should a player just hang on to the ball and do nothing then that player becomes "It!" (at the direction and discretion of the coach).
Similarly, if a player runs out of the area in an attempt not to be tagged that player becomes "It!"

GAME:  GK ball
Organization: (in your byte sized coaching binder)
Create small playing field, instead of goals put tall cones (5) to knock over or disc cones with balls on top.
To score: a team has to knock a cone (or a ball off a cone) over with a throw to score.
Ball can only be moved by throwing to team-mate. Players cannot run with the ball. All passes must be caught before touching the ground.  (like ultimate frisbee)
Opposition gets possession if ball hits ground from a misplaced throw or a mishandled catch.
Interceptions can be made by opposition; everyone can use their hands.
Partial interceptions can be disputed and claimed by either side by diving on the ball.
No tackling allowed - only screening.
3-second rule. If one player is holding on to the ball the coach begins the count: "One, Two…" if the ball is not thrown before "Three" it is turned-over to the opposition.

Create small goals and in pairs practice diving.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-Gbj_unHvg&list=PLqvvsIDxQFrlJIWWk5uzML9NvBjIfycKy&index=14

Coach says/Musical balls
In a 15x15 grid.  Spread balls around.  Coach says running around grid, shuffle, etc... when coach says ready position all players show appropriate ready position.  When coach says ball, all players jump/dive on a ball, last person on a ball gives their ball to coach or just play with all balls....or anyone who doesn't get a ball does 5 jumping jacks, toe taps, catches etc...  Throw in whatever fun commands you like.

Here are a few optional fun drills if want:

Basket catch drill in pairs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjk94YHKU-g&feature=endscreen
Ladder drill - use cones as ladder rungs it progresses right through to diving, use what you like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-iJzPYHKAQ
Pick one or two drill from this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-e7BTphmCs


Triangle Goal Game 
This introduces more movement into the session and we add balls served off the ground. Place three cones or coaching sticks in an equilateral triangle with sides about 6 yards long. 10 yards from each side of the triangle is a server with balls; one keeper is in the triangle. The keeper moves out beyond the cones or sticks to face the first server, who strikes the ball at the keeper. The keeper then quickly moves to the next side of the triangle and saves a shot there, etc. You can do this as a timed activity (who can make the most saves in two minutes) or a counted activity (most saves per a fixed number of shots faced).
 The keeper needs to move quickly from one "goal" to the next, finding good position and being ready to face the shot as soon as possible. Ask servers to vary their shots -- on the ground, low or high (but not over the keeper's head). Don't let the fact that the keeper is moving keep them from using proper hand position and getting their body behind the ball.

World Cup style shooting with goalies
Shots on Goal
For the last part of the session, go to live fire. You can simply put shots on goal (could have the keepers come off one post, touch the middle of the 6-yard line or a cone in an equivalent spot, and then make the save). Or, you can put it into a more game-like situation (albeit with fewer shots) by playing 2v2 or 3v3 in a 35- to 40-yard field with two full-size goals. If you only have one frame, you can play "World Cup" style, with teams of two all attacking one goal against everybody else and the keeper. Rotate keepers every few shots.

OR of course you could play LIGHTNING!  Ask Rory or Kendra if you don't know how to play.

Don't forget to leave time for a scrimmage at the end.
Game:  two sides, one field, the beautiful game!

U -13 Week 5

Rory is excited about working with the U -13 teams this week and upcoming weeks. It was wonderful  seeing all the players at Super Soccer Saturday showing much enthusiasm and teamwork in the games and activities. 

Please note that your pictures have been delayed until June 3 (Tuesday) due to grade 7 school trips.

If you have not done Shooting session please do first (Week 4) before moving onto Goalkeeping (Week 5)

Theme this week:  Goal Keeping
If you have some good goal keeping activities you would like please do. 

Warm Up: 
Goalie Grid -  a few minutes
Each player with a ball. Players jogging in 20X30 grid following coaches commands that work on flexibility and goalie skills. Throw ball into air and catch, throw let bounce and catch, throw and catch in air landing on two feet, find partner and throw between their each other's legs and then turn and retrieve.  

Ultimate with a ball - 5-10 minutes
Same game as ultimate frisbee except with a ball. Two teams in 30X40 m sized field. Objective of game is to have team catch ball in end zone. Ball can only be moved by throwing and catching. Players cannot run with ball. Change of possession any time ball is not caught. Must pass ball within 5 seconds. Defenders must be one arm length way from player with possession.
You may want to introduce another ball to involve more players in the game. 
Key coaching points: movement off ball, provide support, demonstrate proper catching technique (keeping hands together and making a v or w with hands and remembering to "lock the box" when ball is caught). Have fun. 

Game: 5-10 minutes
6 vs 6 game. Adaptation - in middle of field mark out a 6 X 6 m2 grid. One goalie from each team in grid. No players can enter grid. Goalies are moving within their grid making themselves available for a pass from teammate. Goalie then throws/rolls ball to teammate to continue play. Note: only goalie receiving ball from teammate can play ball, other goalie must not interfere with play. 
Key coaching points for goalies - good delivery of ball, position towards play.

Technical Team Activities:

-please talk about and coach positioning of goalkeeper during the practice.
- Furthermore talk about the role of the goalkeeper. Not only are they there to stop the ball from entering the net, but they are in the best position to see what is unfolding on the field so they need to be strong communicators and not be afraid to communicate to players where they need to be, and also have good foot and hand skills to distribute the ball. 

Below a series of one minute videos on the techniques:

Ready position

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzDq4HlsZMY

Bowling technique and scooping and locking the box

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xir3iUxCFfE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w-WW5AkU5Q

Catching Grips

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

 Punting technique

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MX34YKM5VM

Skill work: 
Choose a few of the skills above and have players work on skills with partner. The players may like this challenge as well: Basket catch drill in pairs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjk94YHKU-g&feature=endscreen

Game:  Large grid, one goal made with cones in the middle with goalie (who is neutral) they always roll ball out.  To score must go through the cones and beat goalie.  Change goalie often.

The players can pass anywhere in the grid, attempting to get goalie to move and thus get best shooting angle

Lightning: I think all the players and coaches know this game.
Good drill for working on goalie technique. It would be a good opportunity to coach positioning (are they too far out of the net? too close to the net? cutting down the angle?)

Game: Usual rules. You may want to shorten the field and use larger nets to encourage more shooting. 
Coach goalie keeping skills and using the goalie as a player.

U4/5 week 4 - May 21

Hey coaches, great job on the stations last week.  The kids had a super fun time from the feedback I got!  This week it's just you and your kids at your little field!
Please note some teams have pictures this week.
Please note that this Saturday is super soccer Saturday!!!  Let your parents and kids know about it.  Lots of games and fun with mixed teams in a world cup format.  RYSA does snacks and it's just all about having fun.  The U4/5's will be from 9-10am.

Theme:  shooting
coaching points:

-non kicking/planting foot next to ball
-non kicking/planting foot pointing at target
-strike ball with laces, toe pointed down and ankle locked

Warm up:  coach says
...like Simon says.  Start with no balls and move to using balls.

Obstacle course:  because everyone loved it last week!
With your neighbours create an obstacle course that you can use/access (maybe in the middle of the field or between your two fields so more than one


Topple me Coconuts
(can be found in Active start program)
Split players into 2 teams and have them line-up as shown below. Place balls on top of cones like coconuts. Ask players to alternate making passes/shots to try and knock the ball off of a cone. If a player is successful they can go and retrieve both balls and bring them back to their side. Encourage celebrations!


Crocs and Swamps
This was featured in one of the videos in the Active Start curriculum, check your video section (I'm not sure if it is part of the 2014 package)
It is in your bytesized coaching binder that RYSA gave you.
http://www2.bytesizecoaching.com/WebPageDisplay.php?wpname=Swamps
and
make a line of cones heading towards the net, the kids need to pass to parent/coach and not hit the crocs (cones) and then shoot on net (use cones or grab a couple of arches which I will bring to the field).  Put parents/coaches in goals and then have the kids work on passing around/past the crocs/cones and shooting on each goal.  Count how many times you score!


4 goal shooting
Make 4 goals on each side of the grid (use goals, cones or grab a couple of arches which I will bring to the field).  Put parents/coaches in goals and then have the kids work on dribbling around and shooting on each goal.  Count how many times you score!  Encourage scoring on all goals.

numbers game-one net...focus shooting
(Active start plan 3)
Set up a small grid with goal at one end.  Separate players into 2 teams lined up on each side of goal.  Place two cones just a bit further than shooting distance even with corners of goal, and place yourself between with a stash of balls.  Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. That numbered player on each team must race around the cones into the field where a ball is played. Players are trying to both defend and score on the same net. Encourage celebrations after a goal! Progress to 2 or 3 players. Add a goalkeeper (might just keep it at one number (set of players) coming out at a time)

Games.

U6 week 4 - May 21

Hey coaches, great job on the stations last week.  The kids had a super fun time from the feedback I got!  This week it's just you and your kids at your little field!  Games as usual at the end.
Please note all teams have pictures this week.
Please note that this Saturday is super soccer Saturday!!!  Let your parents and kids know about it.  Lots of games and fun with mixed teams in a world cup format.  RYSA does snacks and it's just all about having fun.  The U6's will be from 9-10am.

Theme:  shooting
coaching points:

-non kicking/planting foot next to ball
-non kicking/planting foot pointing at target
-strike ball with laces, toe pointed down and ankle locked

Warm up:  Coach says 

...like Simon says.  toe taps, dribbling, tic tocs, knee to ball, head to ball etc...get creative

Obstacle Course....because they loved it last week!

I'll have the wagon filled with fun, pull out what you like.


4 goal shooting
Make 4 goals on each side of the grid (use goals, cones or grab a couple of arches which I will bring to the field).  Put parents/coaches in goals and then have the kids work on dribbling around and shooting on each goal.  Count how many times you score!  Encourage scoring on all goals.  Use this opportunity to work on some technique.

Clean your Room
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93-OnZ2xie0&feature=plcp&context=C386d87cUDOEgsToPDskLN5jd9KkoFwmFATwJfan2e
two teams
20x20 grid split in half
each team starts with same amount of balls, on go they must keep the balls (laundry) out of their room by kicking them into the other teams grid.  When coach says stop, players freeze count up the balls to see who wins (least amount of balls/laundry in grid wins).  Play again!

MOVING GOAL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC4-45TZpk8&feature=plcp&context=C34c3e74UDOEgsToPDskKaXIsKFRTQP6uQ1aiPr6kO

The coaches or two soccer buddies hold a foam noodle or rope or corner flag pole to make a ‘crossbar’ and they move as the goal around the grid (we will use pinnies). They should alternate the pace at which they move from time-to-time. The activity can be played with each player having a ball or in pairs or as small teams of four. The players try to score on the moving goal. If playing as teams then use one ball and the team in possession tries to score and the other team defends until they can get the ball.
Could have a couple of "moving goals" and then the other pairs/individuals try to score on those 2 "moving goals".  Then switch.
EMPHASIS/COACHING POINTS
Dribbling, passing, receiving and shooting are practiced in a realistic manner. All of the physical demands of soccer are met in the activity. In the team version of the activity transition occurs. In the
7 pairs and team version there may be changing the point of attack, combination play and communication. In all versions of the activity field vision is improved. This is a highly motivating activity.
GRID
Play in a designated grid or in one third or one half of the field. The grid size is dependent on the number of players in the activity and/or their abilities.


Lay off Drill
One or two (two lines if two coaches or use a parent) lines of kids facing you with the ball, the goal is behind you the coach.  Player passes ball to coach and then runs to receive a lay off/ wall/ give and go pass from the coach, they then shoot on net.  Retrieve ball and give it to goalie, the shooter then goes into goal.

numbers game-one net...focus shooting
(Active start plan 3)
Set up a small grid with goal at one end.  Separate players into 2 teams lined up on each side of goal.  Place two cones just a bit further than shooting distance even with corners of goal, and place yourself between with a stash of balls.  Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. That numbered player on each team must race around the cones into the field where a ball is played. Players are trying to both defend and score on the same net. Encourage celebrations after a goal! Progress to 2 or 3 players. Add a goalkeeper (might just keep it at one number (set of players) coming out at a time)

Games!

Week #4 Notes for U-10 girls, U-13 girls and U-13 boys

U10 girls:
Tuesday:  Pink vs Purple plays and Blue practices.  Heather, Sage and Jessa please introduce  passing skills from Week #2 and do a couple of passing activities then move onto Week #4 shooting session.
Thursday: Mixed game format
Warm Up - Agility: set up ladders, hurdles and/or cones.
Pairs in grid passing looking for space, combination of short and longer passes. Progress to partner running around cone on outside of grid and then receiving pass. 
Mixed Game

U13 girls:
Tuesday:  Orange vs Pink and Purple practices.  Kurt please introduce  passing skills from Week #2 and do a couple of passing activities then move onto Week #4 shooting session. 
Thursday:  Mixed game format
Warm Up - Agility: set up ladders, hurdles and/or cones.

Pairs in grid passing looking for space, combination of short and longer passes. Progress to partner running around cone on outside of grid and then receiving pass. 

Mixed Game

U13 boys:
Tuesday: Mixed game
Warm Up - Agility: set up ladders, hurdles and/or cones.

Pairs in grid passing looking for space, combination of short and longer passes. Progress to partner running around cone on outside of grid and then receiving pass. 

Mixed Game

Thursday:  Orange vs Green and Blue practices. Tom please introduce  passing skills from Week #2 and do a couple of passing activities then move onto Week #4 shooting session. 

U-8 Boys and Girls Week #4

Well done on your dribbling, passing and ball control skills so far this season. This week we will be focusing on SHOOTING.

A reminder that Super Soccer Saturday is happening this upcoming Saturday morning. A great opportunity for your players to further develop their individual and team skills and of course have a lot of fun. Check the blog for an update for when your age group will be playing. Please encourage your players to get their parents to sign them up for Saturday. Details on the website.

U-8 Boys and Girls
Focus skill:  shooting

Feel free to include your favourite shooting activity.
By the end of the session we hope the players have a good understanding of the mechanics of shooting a moving ball and have had many opportunities to practice the skill. 


Coaching points:
-planting foot pointing at the target
-planting foot next to ball
-striking ball with laces,
- toe pointed down ankle locked
-knee over ball (of striking foot)
-shoulder over the ball (head down as striking)
-quick snap and follow through
- best to strike a moving  ball

Warm up- 5-10 minutes
Agility - Set up agility ladders, hurdles and/or cones. 
Clean Your Room - 20X30 m grid. Separate players into two teams and split grid in half.  Teams must stay on their own side of grid. Players are told to keep their room (their side of half) clean, so they must kick any balls that are in their room to other grid (other team's room). After a period of time you count to see which room is cleaner. 

Game: 5-10 minutes
A short scrimmage focusing on shooting. You may want to have coach (or perhaps a player) play on both teams (whichever team has possession of the ball) to create more goal scoring opportunities. Have small nets set up for players to shoot on and encourage them to shoot whenever they are close to net. 

Technical Team Activities: 15-20 minutes
Spend some time teaching them the skill of shooting. Quickly explain and then demonstrate. 
Shooting practice. Two players 10 m apart. Players practice kicking ball between cones to their partner using proper technique explained above. Coach to observe and compliment and correct as needed. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3wi0tehvIw&feature=relmfu

Lightning:  Coach passes ball to player positioned about 10 meters from net.
Player takes one touch of ball then shoots to score on net. Player must shoot before the penalty area or area designated by coach. The player then goes in net. Keep players moving by having them quickly receive and shoot ball then become goalkeeper. 
Progression: if you get scored on you go behind net. If you catch a ball that goes over the net you get to come back into the game. If someone hits the crossbar then everyone behind net can join in game again. Kids love this game. Be careful it does not cut into game time. 
Focus on players properly kicking a moving ball. 

Four corners shooting drill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuz6JGaEYtY&feature=related
A good activity to work on accurate passing and shooting.
Keep players moving. You will want to introduce a second ball as last player is taking a shot.

Skill- numbers game
Set up a small grid with goal at one end/use penalty area.  Separate players into 2 teams lined up on each side of goal.  Place two cones just a bit further than shooting distance even with corners of goal, and place yourself between with a stash of balls.  Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. That numbered player on each team must race around the cones into the field where a ball is played. Players are trying to both defend and score on the same net. Encourage celebrations after a goal! Progress to 2 or 3 players. Add a goalkeeper

Game: 5-10 minutes
Two teams, two nets, one ball, lots of fun

U-10 Boys and Girls Blue Week #4

Well done on your dribbling, passing and ball control skills so far this season. This week we will be focusing on SHOOTING.

A reminder that Super Soccer Saturday is happening this upcoming Saturday morning. A great opportunity for your players to further develop their individual and team skills and of course have a lot of fun. Check the blog for an update for when your age group will be playing. Please encourage your players to get their parents to sign them up for Saturday. Details on the website.

Focus skill:  shooting

Feel free to include your favourite shooting activity.

By the end of the session we hope the players have a good understanding of the mechanics of shooting a moving ball and have had many opportunities to practice the skill. 

Coaching points:
-planting foot pointing at the target
-planting foot next to ball
-striking ball with laces,

- toe pointed down ankle locked
-knee over ball (of striking foot)
-shoulder over the ball (head down as striking)
-quick snap and follow through
- best to strike a moving  ball

Warm up- 5-10 minutes
Agility - Set up agility ladders, hurdles and/or cones. 

Clean Your Room - 20X30 m grid. Separate players into two teams and split grid in half.  Teams must stay on their own side of grid. Players are told to keep their room (their side of half) clean, so they must kick any balls that are in their room to other grid (other team's room). After a period of time you count to see which room is cleaner. 

Game: 5-10 minutes

A short scrimmage focusing on shooting. You may want to have coach (or perhaps a player) play on both teams (whichever team has possession of the ball) to create more goal scoring opportunities. Have small nets set up for players to shoot on and encourage them to shoot whenever they are close to net. 

Technical Team Activities: 15-20 minutes  Choose a few activities
Spend some time teaching them the skill of shooting. Quickly explain and then demonstrate. 

Shooting practice. Two players 10 m apart. Players practice kicking ball between cones to their partner using proper technique explained above. Coach to observe and compliment and correct as needed. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3wi0tehvIw&feature=relmfu

Four corners shooting drill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuz6JGaEYtY&feature=related

A good activity to work on accurate passing and shooting.

Keep players moving. You will want to introduce a second ball as last player is taking a shot.

Skill- numbers game
Set up a small grid with goal at one end/use penalty area.  Separate players into 2 teams lined up on each side of goal.  Place two cones just a bit further than shooting distance even with corners of goal, and place yourself between with a stash of balls.  Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. That numbered player on each team must race around the cones into the field where a ball is played. Players are trying to both defend and score on the same net. Encourage celebrations after a goal! Progress to 2 or 3 players. Add a goalkeeper

Lightning:  Coach passes ball to player positioned about 10 meters from net.

Player takes one touch of ball then shoots to score on net. Player must shoot before the penalty area or area designated by coach. The player then goes in net. Keep players moving by having them quickly receive and shoot ball then become goalkeeper. 

Progression: if you get scored on you go behind net. If you catch a ball that goes over the net you get to come back into the game. If someone hits the crossbar then everyone behind net can join in game again. Kids love this game. Be careful it does not cut into game time. 

Focus on players properly kicking a moving ball. 

Shooting lay off drill

simple activity of two lines, each kid with a ball facing coach/team mate.  Pass to coach or team mate who lays off the ball to side for a shot

http://expertfootball.com/coaching/shooting.php

(first drill on page) - worry less about if they are shooting in or out of penalty area

Can adapt this drill slightly and add a defender, where the coach/player who was initially receiving for layoff, now this player is the attacker (back to net), defender behind them, attacker receives pass and needs to turn and play a shot on goal (have defender play dummy to start and play tight...then move to live defender)

Game: 5-10 minutes

Two teams, two nets, one ball, lots of fun

U-13 Week #4 Girls Purple and Boys Blue

Well done on your dribbling, passing and ball control skills so far this season. This week we will be focusing on SHOOTING.

A reminder that Super Soccer Saturday is happening this upcoming Saturday morning. A great opportunity for your players to further develop their individual and team skills and of course have a lot of fun. Check the blog for an update for when your age group will be playing. Please encourage your players to get their parents to sign them up for Saturday. Details on the website.

Focus skill:  shooting

Feel free to include your favourite shooting activity.

By the end of the session we hope the players have a good understanding of the mechanics of shooting a moving ball and have had many opportunities to practice the skill. 

Coaching points:
-planting foot pointing at the target
-planting foot next to ball
-striking ball with laces,

- toe pointed down ankle locked
-knee over ball (of striking foot)
-shoulder over the ball (head down as striking)
-quick snap and follow through
- best to strike a moving  ball

Warm up- 5-10 minutes
Your team has not done passing session yet so please start your practice by doing a couple of passing activities. 

Pairs passing in grid: Pass and then do dynamic stretches for 3 or 4 count and then receive the ball back (dribbling around while waiting for partner) while other partner does dynamic stretches for 3 or 4 count.  Also work on calling.  Move to passing and then cutting around a cone on the outside of grid and then receiving pass from partner.  Work on change of pace and nice firm passes around grid.  (Work on both feet!!)

Passing cones game.

20X30 grid.  2 players to a ball.  At least 6 goals spread around grid (2 cones 3m apart). Pairs of players pass ball through cones. Start without having time challenge. Can progress to seeing how many “goals” scored in one minute. Check out video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_Yv2XBE5oA

Game: 5-10 minutes

A short scrimmage focusing on passing. To score a goal player control pass from a teammate across the goal line. 

Technical Team Activities: 15-20 minutes  Choose 2 or 3 activities
Spend some time teaching them the skill of shooting. Quickly explain and then demonstrate. 

Shooting practice. Two players 10 m apart. Players practice kicking ball between cones to their partner using proper technique explained above. Coach to observe and compliment and correct as needed. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3wi0tehvIw&feature=relmfu

Lightning:  Coach passes ball to player positioned about 10 meters from net.

Player takes one touch of ball then shoots to score on net. Player must shoot before the penalty area or area designated by coach. The player then goes in net. Keep players moving by having them quickly receive and shoot ball then become goalkeeper. 

Progression: if you get scored on you go behind net. If you catch a ball that goes over the net you get to come back into the game. If someone hits the crossbar then everyone behind net can join in game again. Kids love this game. Be careful it does not cut into game time. 

Focus on players properly kicking a moving ball. 

Four corners shooting drill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuz6JGaEYtY&feature=related

A good activity to work on accurate passing and shooting.

Keep players moving. You will want to introduce a second ball as last player is taking a shot.

Shooting lay off drill

simple activity of two lines, each kid with a ball facing coach/team mate.  Pass to coach or team mate who lays off the ball to side for a shot

http://expertfootball.com/coaching/shooting.php

(first drill on page) - worry less about if they are shooting in or out of penalty area

Can adapt this drill slightly and add a defender, where the coach/player who was initially receiving for layoff, now this player is the attacker (back to net), defender behind them, attacker receives pass and needs to turn and play a shot on goal (have defender play dummy to start and play tight...then move to live defender)

Numbers Game
Set up a small grid with goal at one end/use penalty area.  Separate players into 2 teams lined up on each side of goal.  Place two cones just a bit further than shooting distance even with corners of goal, and place yourself between with a stash of balls.  Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. That numbered player on each team must race around the cones into the field where a ball is played. Players are trying to both defend and score on the same net. Encourage celebrations after a goal! Progress to 2 or 3 players. Add a goalkeeper

Game: 5-10 minutes

Two teams, two nets, one ball, lots of fun. Encourage and coach shooting skills.