U8 Practice #7

Moving onto attacking this week!  (If you have done defending.)  Please feel free to use any of the defending drills you used last week during attacking, just ensure you are coaching attacking.


Theme:  Attacking

-attack with speed
-have good first touch
-keep ball close
-attack weak side if you know it
-try and catch them flat footed
-exploit them if too close


Warm Up: 
1.  Donkey Tails
2.  Dribble grid.  Players spread out in 15X15 grid. Dribbling, toe taps/storks, fancy moves & fakes, tic-tocs, turns etc....
Play a game of shark. Mark each corner with different colored cones. Players dribbling in grid, coaches or players tries to win ball from fish. 20 toe touches or storks if shark attack is successful. To give players an opportunity to work on their offensive skills, when coach yells a specific color players must dribble to that colored corner trying to get past sharks.  Incorporate dynamic stretches within activity as needed (once everyone is in the blue lagoon corner do 20 high knees ..)  Maybe show them a few fancy moves or how to do a fake.
(I'll have some additional coloured cones in the wagon)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SreaiiTlFSM
(lots of ideas in the video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv22l8YnIFI

3.  Agility if you like.

Game:  put two arches at each end for goals.  Play no goalies and coach attacking.

Technical Session on Attacking:
(choose 2-3 drills to work on attacking)

Turn and Burn
Turn and Burn- dribbling with speed
Divide players into two teams – put them in different colored pinnis One team starts on one end of the grid with a ball each. Objective is for players with the ball to dribble towards the players without, who remain stationary. The coach shouts “Turn” and the players with the ball stop, turn and try to dribble back to their starting line. When the players without the ball here the coach shout “Turn” he players without the ball can release and try and steal the balls of the apposing team before they get back over the safe line. Take turns having both teams being attackers/defenders. Do not eliminate players who lose their ball. Let them have another go.
Variations: Introduce specific turns: big toe turn, little toe turn, pull back, etc.


1v1 attack
Grid, lots of small goals, partners, 1v1 trying to dribble through the goals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSBu9bPMp4g&feature=relmfu

1v1 attack with shots on goal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ReG0gT1qMo

Win ball drill
Two lines, one on either side of the coach a fair distance from the goal.  Coach in middle of two lines with all the balls.  Have front players lie down or face backwards etc....say go and send a ball out and they must win the ball and shoot on net.  Rotate a goalie in.

Move to a 2v1 drill like this or a version of your own.
http://www.bettersoccercoaching.com/Article-899-281-Soccer-Drills--Skills-U8-soccer-drills-Soccer-attack-drill-using-2v1#

2v2-this is a more fluid drill with lots of game like situations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU4M_D1-Okg

1v1 numbers game (can use goals or just a line that needs to be dribbled over in order to score.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHz6UCcQano
can move to calling out more players and then all the players and this just turns into your game at the end.

Game.

U10 Practice #7

Moving onto attacking this week!  (If you have done defending.)  Please feel free to use any of the defending drills you used last week during attacking, just ensure you are coaching attacking.

Theme:  Attacking

-attack with speed

-have good first touch

-keep ball close

-attack weak side if you know it

-try and catch them flat footed

-exploit them if too close

Warm Up: 

1.  Donkey Tails

2.  Dribble grid.  Players spread out in 15X15 grid. Dribbling, toe taps/storks, fancy moves & fakes, tic-tocs, turns etc....

Play a game of shark. Mark each corner with different colored cones. Players dribbling in grid, coaches or players tries to win ball from fish. 20 toe touches or storks if shark attack is successful. To give players an opportunity to work on their offensive skills, when coach yells a specific color players must dribble to that colored corner trying to get past sharks.  Incorporate dynamic stretches within activity as needed (once everyone is in the blue lagoon corner do 20 high knees ..)  Maybe show them a few fancy moves or how to do a fake.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bfU8QHo66w

3. Do some agility if you feel like you have not done any of late.

Game:  Play small sided scrimmage but coach attacking.  We're also going to work on the attacking principal of width and play alley soccer.

Create two alleys on either side of your field

Working on width.  Can not check the allies or go in the allies, only ally players can be in the alley.  If you are short on numbers have one person play in the ally and play to whomever passed them the ball or have a coach in one alley doing this and then two players in the other alley.  In order to try and score the team must complete one pass to the alley

Grid 1v1 attack drill.

Grid, many small goals, attackers in pinnies. Play 1v1 with attackers trying to score on as many small goals as they can in a minute.  If defender wins ball, they get a point.  Change attackers to defender, change partners etc...

1v1 Kings court activity

partners

create enough small grids (all side by side) for each pairing

in grid play 1v1 for a time limit (2 minutes?), with the defender passing to the attacker and attacker trying to score by stopping ball on defenders line.  Have them keep score.  Choose one end to be the kings court (have person that won stay put in this grid) and on the opposite end of your line of grids have the looser stay put.  Have all others move according to if they have won or lost winners move one grid up towards kings court and all losers move down towards the looser (for lack of better word) court.

1v1 attack on goal, moving to 2v1 attack on goal

Have defending line next to goal with balls, they pass out to attacking line and then it's 1v1 with attackers trying to score on goal.  Call dead if defender successfully wins the ball.  Or try the format in the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7eidEYh1uBs

Move to a second attacking line and then it's 2v1 or try this version of 2v1

http://www.bettersoccercoaching.com/Article-899-281-Soccer-Drills--Skills-U8-soccer-drills-Soccer-attack-drill-using-2v1#

or 2v2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk4dbgz6Bdk

Attacking Attack - players like this activity.

Divide team into attackers and defenders. Match an attacker with a defender. Place all players in the 18 yard box. One coach is situated on each side of 18 yard box. They distribute balls into the box and attackers try to create an opportunity to score while the defenders try to get the ball out of 18. Distribute balls to different areas of 18 yard box. Key coaching points: attack the ball, look for shooting opportunities.

Games!

U13 Practice #7

Moving onto attacking this week!  (If you have done defending.)  Please feel free to use any of the defending drills you used last week during attacking, just ensure you are coaching attacking.

Attacking with ball:
-attack with speed
-keep ball close
-attack weak side if you know it
-try and catch defender flat footed
-exploit them if too close

Warm Up:
Dribbling Grid - 20 x 30 meter grid. Players dribbling in grid listening to coaches instructions - turn, accelerate, find space etc. Have them practice offensive moves when dribbling, when they approach another player have them do a move to get by them. Players may want to demonstrate some moves to team and then have players practice moves.

Game:
5 vs 5(or whatever you have) focus on players creating opportunities to attack the net. You may want to set up a pop up net and a few arches that they can score on to create more attacking opportunities.

Technical Team Activities:
Spend some time talking and demonstrating attacking skills. See key coaching points above.
Choose a few of the following activities. I would recommend that players practice at least one 1 vs 1 activity and one 2 vs 1 activity.  You may want to talk (and demo) about a wall pass.  Drawing the defender and Windows/holes.

1 vs 1  set up enough lanes so all players can be practicing attacking skills. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9a0OkjQMyo

Progression to 2 vs 1.  
Defender passes to attackers who try to beat defender and dribble across line. You may  want to progress to 3 vs 2. If you have two coaches each coach could take one group each to work with.
or 3v1 (this is a great drill).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja37bvECImw
2 vs 2 activity. Can attacking players be creative enough to gain end line?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvRYM19SW2g

Attacking Attack - players like this activity.
Divide team into attackers and defenders. Match an attacker with a defender. Place all players in the 18 yard box. One coach is situated on each side of 18 yard box. They distribute balls into the box and attackers try to create an opportunity to score while the defenders try to get the ball out of 18. Distribute balls to different areas of 18 yard box. Key coaching points: attack the ball, look for shooting opportunities.

Gauntlet drill
If you did not have time to do this activity last week, you may want to try it this week. Kids love it! Have defenders move up in grid after each player goes through the gauntlet. The objective is to see if a player can beat all the defenders and shoot on goalie. Defenders are trying to stop attacker in each grid. Check it out. http://3v3soccer.blogspot.ca/2009/05/gauntlet-drill.html

Game
Focus on attacking  :)

COACH SOCIAL!!!

Hello Coaches!

You are all invited to the Village Idiot this Thursday, May 28th at 8:30 pm.  A little mid-season chance to catch up, talk soccer and relax a little.

Hope to see you all there :)

U4/5 Practice #5 May 27/15

Hello 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 watch the time that you allot for each activity so that you can get to all of them.  The warm up should take less than 5 minutes, then spend 5-7 minutes on each of the other activities.

If your photos were not done last week, they will happen this week. 


FOCUS SKILL - 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 goal keeper!

We always pair goal keeping with shooting so this will continue to be part of our theme as well, and we will replay some of last weeks games but with a little twist.


1. Warm up 
Play a game of donkey tails.  Half of the players have pinnies as "tails" tucked into their shorts, the other half try and get as many pinnies as possible or some variation of this.


2. Ready Position
You may want to have them play a Simon Says game where you introduce this skill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzDq4HlsZMY


3. Bowling Technique / Scooping and Holding the Ball
Working with their parent, have players bowl ball to each other working on proper bowling, scooping and hugging the ball technique.  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

Scooping and locking the box  (stress this part)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w-WW5AkU5Q
-I like how the coach says to make a cage around the ball, maybe go back to "the soccer ball is your pet" analogy somehow here?

(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!)


4. Soccer Bowling
Set up a ball on top of a disc cone, one for each pair.  Players are taking turns back and forth, trying to knock the ball of the cone as before, however this time they are bowling with hands not feet.  Appoint a parent or two to help place the balls back on top of the cone when it is knocked off.


5. Swamps and Crocs
I saw some teams playing this last week (and the kids played it on Saturday too, so I know that they are getting the hang of this now), but this time players are throwing the ball over the swamp to their parent, and the parent rolls it back.  At the end, player takes a shot on goal.  Have players take turns in goal to practice as well.  (See last weeks post for the specifics if you didn't get around to playing this)


6. Four Goal Shooting.
I made a mistake in last weeks post, it should have read "make four goals, ONE on each side of your grid".  Remember that you only get one pop up net, but you can use arches for extra goals, or create goals with tall cones.  This week, have players go in goal, and parents and kids not in goal try to score on them.   Switch up goalies so that everyone gets to shoot and everyone (who wants to) gets to go in goal. (Also see last week's post for more details)


Games, cheers & snacks!
(I have noticed that some of the games are starting to take the shape of "real" soccer out there, nice work coaches!)

U6 Practice #5 May 27/15

Practice #5


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 big thank you to those coaches who helped out at Super Soccer Saturday, you made it a great time!


SKILL FOCUS - Goal Tending

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

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

Scooping and "Locking the Box"  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


1. Warm Up:  Soccer Tag
Players are dribbling around in your grid.  Player who is it holds their ball and runs with it, tagging players with the ball.  Once tagged, player is frozen with ball under their foot.  To be freed, another player must dribble up and pass their ball to hit the frozen players ball, or dribble up and tap their ball to the frozen player's ball.


2. 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.


3. 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 too far apart that ball can go through them).
In your grid, create 5-8 mini goals with arches or cones.  Players work in partners to 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.  Players may not run with the ball.


4. Musical Balls / Coach says
Spread soccer balls around in your grid.  Coach calls out commands (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.


5. Four Goal Shooting
Similar to last week (see that post for details if you didn't get to it), except have players go in goal, and parents and kids not in goal try to score.  Switch up goalies so everyone gets to shoot and everyone (who wants to) gets to go in goal.


6. Chain Soccer
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!

U8 practice #6 Defending

Theme this week:  Defending

Defending coaching points
Defender's stance:
Defender's feet should be about a shoulder width apart (boxers stance)
- legs should be slightly bent
- stay on toes so you can react to any sudden changes of direction by the attacker.
-quick close down
-delay/give space - don't commit- jockey
-watch ball not player
-make the attacker make the mistake
Defender positioning:
- defender is goalside (closer to net than attacker)
- direct attacker into area where there is support

How to Block Tackle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUtauRD5ipo

Warm Up -
Knees game - 15 x 15 meter grid. Players assume defender's stance in grid and move within grid trying to touch the knees of others. You can protect your knees by moving out of way and by blocking with your own hands. This game gives players practice moving like a defender. They should be shuffling not running.
Keep Away - 20 X 30 m grid. All players except for two are dribbling within a grid. Those without balls try to win ball from other players and then continue to dribble with grid. When coach stops play the two players without balls must do a challenge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RWJ6u8X4dY

Game
Two teams. Regular rules. Focus on good defending skills.

Technical Team Activities: Choose a few of the below drills.
Start by practicing the block tackle, as in video above, so they are not afraid to tackle.
Ensure you spend time demonstrating proper defending stance and positioning. Encourage good defending skills and correct when needed.
1 vs 1 defending. Players 15 apart. Defender passes ball to attacker who tries to beat defender and dribble to end line.
Progress to 2 vs 1 where defender is trying to prevent two attackers from getting to endline or to get a shot on net.

Shark...because they love it.  Could play knock out version with two grids, continuous, with one person as the shark, they need to know everyone's ball out of grid, when knocked out, they go into second grid, coach designates a shark for that grid.  Switch sharks when clearly tired.

Move to 2v2, as in Fundamentals course package (two goals, coach pass in, two players coming in from each end).  Coach first and second defender....first defender pressures and plays ball, second defender supports.  Work on close downs with appropriate distance so not easily beat.

Win ball Drill:  two lines facing coach, who plays 50/50 ball, try and win the ball and pass to target (goal or person), work on defending and second effort if beaten.

1v1 to numbers game:

Have two small goals on either end of a mini field.  Balls at centre on side of grid with coach, line up of players on either side of coach (two teams, one in pinnies), play a ball into middle of field, 1v1 until dead or score.  Can increase number of players going for ball to create different situations, 2v2, 3v3 etc...or numbers game:  Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. Coach rolls out ball at center line and numbered player on each team must try to win ball and then either defend their goal or attack the other goal. Progress to calling out more than one number and encourage players on same team to work together to score. . Add a goalkeeper

Game:  Two teams, one ball, play the game!

U10 practice #6: Defending

Theme this week:  Defending
Defending coaching points
Defender's stance:
Defender's feet should be about a shoulder width apart, boxers stance
- legs should be slightly bent
- stay on toes so you can react to any sudden changes of direction by the attacker.
-quick close down
-delay/give space - don't commit- jockey
-watch ball not player
-make the attacker make the mistake
Defender positioning:
- defender is goalside (closer to net than attacker)
- direct attacker into area where there is support

How to block tackle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUtauRD5ipo

Warm up:

Agility and Dynamic warm up (dynamic stretching).
Ball warm up:
Keep Away - 20 X 30 m grid. All players except for two are dribbling within a grid. Those without balls try to win ball from other players and then continue to dribble with grid. When coach stops play the two players without balls must do a challenge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RWJ6u8X4dY


Game
Two teams. Regular rules except man on man marking only. Pair up forwards and defence, and midfielders and midfielders. Have one player on each team who can check anyone. Stress importance of knowing where your check is and to get goalside and defend against check when ball is lost.

Technical Team Activities: Choose a few of the below drills.

Ensure you spend time demonstrating proper defending stance and positioning. Encourage good defending skills and correct when needed. 

1 vs 1 defending. Play kings court style.  Players 15 apart. Defender passes ball to attacker who tries to beat defender and dribble to end line and stop it. 2 minute games.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6-1No0rddBo  (as in video except multiple grids so no line ups.)

Progress to 2 vs 1 where defender is trying to prevent two attackers from getting to endline or to get a shot on net.

Shark...because they love it.  Could play knock out version with two grids, continuous, with one person as the shark, they need to know everyone's ball out of grid, when knocked out, they go into second grid, coach designates a shark for that grid.  Switch sharks when clearly tired.  

6 vs 2 defending game. Check out video on how to do this activity. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX7_x-az1b4

Win ball Drill:  Two lines facing coach, coach passes a 50/50 ball, players need to try and win ball and either score on a small net or pass to a target (favoured, use a player) and work on defender's working to win the ball back and make strong second effort.

Gauntlet drill:
Have defenders move up in grid after each player goes through the gauntlet. The objective is to see if a player can beat all the defenders and shoot on goalie. Defenders are trying to stop attacker in each grid. Check it out. http://3v3soccer.blogspot.ca/2009/05/gauntlet-drill.html

1v1 to numbers game:

Have two small goals on either end of a mini field.  Balls at centre on side of grid with coach, line up of players on either side of coach (two teams, one in pinnies), play a ball into middle of field, 1v1 until dead or score.  Can increase number of players going for ball to create different situations, 2v2, 3v3 etc...or numbers game:  Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. Coach rolls out ball at center line and numbered player on each team must try to win ball and then either defend their goal or attack the other goal. Progress to calling out more than one number and encourage players on same team to work together to score. . Add a goalkeeper

Game:  Two teams, one ball, play the game!

U13 practice #6 Defending

Theme for this week:  Defending  


Defending coaching points
Defender's stance:
Defender's feet should be about a shoulder width apart (boxer stance)
- legs should be slightly bent
- stay on toes so you can react to any sudden changes of direction by the attacker.
- quick close down
- delay/give space - don't commit- jockey
- watch ball not player
- make the attacker make the mistake
Defender positioning:
- defender is goalside (closer to net than attacker)
- direct attacker into area where there is support


Warm up:
Agility and Dynamic warm up (dynamic stretching).
Ball warm up:
Keep Away - 20 X 30 m grid. All players except for two are dribbling within a grid. Those without balls try to win ball from other players and then continue to dribble with grid. When coach stops play the two players without balls must do a challenge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rb-J-tE7SyY

Game:  Regular rules except man on man marking only. Pair up forwards and defence, and midfielders and midfielders. Have one player on each team who can check anyone. Stress importance of knowing where your check is and to get goalside and defend against check when ball is lost. Try having offensive team play 4 touch (4 touches to play the ball/pass)

Technical Session on Defending:
1v1 defending:  demo coaching points
Play kings court style 1v1, create enough small grids for each pair to have a grid to play in, play 2 minute games of 1 v 1.  To score, you must stop the ball dead on defenders end line.  To start play, defender serves (crisp pass to offensive player and then closes down right away).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6-1No0rddBo  (as in video except multiple grids so no line ups.)

Gauntlet drill:

Have defenders move up in grid after each player goes through the gauntlet. The objective is to see if a player can beat all the defenders and shoot on goalie. Defenders are trying to stop attacker in each grid. Check it out. http://3v3soccer.blogspot.ca/2009/05/gauntlet-drill.html

move to 2v2 defending

coach one player to play/pressure the ball and the other to cover and support.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhko1ny_uHo&feature=player_embedded

1v1 to numbers game:
Have two small goals on either end of a mini field.  Balls at centre on side of grid with coach, line up of players on either side of coach (two teams, one in pinnies), play a ball into middle of field, 1v1 until dead or score.  Can increase number of players going for ball to create different situations, 2v2, 3v3 etc...or numbers game:  Number players 1,2,3,4,5 etc. Call out a number. Coach rolls out ball at center line and numbered player on each team must try to win ball and then either defend their goal or attack the other goal. Progress to calling out more than one number and encourage players on same team to work together to score. . Add a goalkeeper


Game:  two teams, one ball, play the beautiful game!

Don't forget pictures for some teams this week!

Check the schedule posted earlier so you know when your teams photos are.  Many teams have pictures this week!!

U4/5 Practice #4 May 20/15

Awesome job on the stations coaches!  With only one little switch-glitch, it was a big hit and everyone had a super fun time.   I loved that everyone was dressed up :)

UPDATE: the schedule for games has been changed slightly as uniform colours that were delivered were not exactly as projected when I made the schedule.
Check www.revsoccer.com for the updated schedule.

Please note that some teams have pictures this week.  If you are not photographed this week, it will be your team's turn next week.

This Saturday is Super Soccer Saturday!!!  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.  If you haven't done so already, please take a minute to send an email to your team. Pre-registration is required so that RYSA can plan accordingly. Registration closes Tues. May 19 at 5:00 pm.


Focus Skill - SHOOTING
Skill 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

1. WARM UP - Coach Says
Played like Simon Says.  Anything that gets those little guys moving goes. Use the whole body.  Start without soccer balls and move to using them.  Incorporate toe taps, tic tocs, rolling the ball under the foot, etc.


2. Obstacle Course - because everyone loved it last week!
With your neighbours, create an obstacle course that 2 or 3 teams can use/access (maybe in the centre area of the large field or between your two small fields).  I will bring out all the extra equipment that RYSA has for this, but keep in mind that there are more teams than equipment, so this is why I am asking you to share.  It shouldn't be super long or elaborate, as you can run it a couple of times with different progressions.   This works on the physical literacy component of the program, and can be done without soccerballs and/or with them.  Coaches who arrive early will get first pick of the equipment!!


3. Hit The Coach
Play inside your grid.  Each player has a ball and is dribbling around and taking a shot at trying to hit you with their ball.  Do a quick demo of proper shooting technique, pointing out which part of your foot players should strike the ball with.  Make dramatic jumps and falls!

http://www.soccerhelp.com/shshop/coach-doug-dvd-hit-the-coach-practice-game.php


4. Crocs and Swamps
Make a line of cones heading towards the net.  Players need to pass to parent/coach and not hit the crocs (cones) and then shoot on net.  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!

This is featured in one of the videos in the Active Start curriculum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqajtadt0ew&feature=youtu.be


5. Four Goal Shooting
Make 4 goals, one on each side of the grid (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 dribbling around and shooting on each goal.  Count how many times you score!  Encourage scoring on all goals.

6. Go Score!
If you find that you have ran through the above super quickly, this one is a good time-filler.  This game is so simple, but kids love it.  Line up the soccer balls in the centre of your grid.  Players start on the opposite of the grid from the net.  When you shout "Go!" players run to the centre, choose a soccerball, dribble it towards the net and take a shot.



Game time when the horn blows at 4:30! 
Remember that if your team is listed first on the schedule, you stay in your spot.  If your team is listed second, pick up your pop-up net and move to your game.
I made a mistake a couple of weeks ago. ALL players should be playing in the game at this age to keep them interested, (NOT 3 v 3 at this age, this develops in U6).  Play with goalies, making sure to switch players around often.
Don't forget the team cheer at the end!

And, as always... HAVE FUN :)

U6 Practice #4 May 20/15

Awesome job on the stations last week coaches!  Everything ran perfectly thanks to you, and the kids had a super fun time.

This Saturday is Super Soccer Saturday!!!  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.  If you haven't done so already, please take a minute to send an email to your team. Pre-registration is required so that RYSA can plan accordingly. Registration closes Tues. May 19 at 5:00 pm.

Please note that photos are happening this week for all teams.



Focus Skill - SHOOTING
Skill 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

1. WARM UP - Coach Says
Played like Simon Says.  Anything that gets those little guys moving goes. Use the whole body.  Incorporate dribbling, toe taps, tic tocs, rolling the ball under the foot, etc.

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

Everything you need will be in the wagons at the centre of the field.  Pull out what you like and be creative!  It does not have to be super long or elaborate, go through it a few times with different progressions.  Incorporate a pass or a shot on goal if you like.


3. Hit The Coach
Play inside your grid.  Each player has a ball and is dribbling around and taking a shot at trying to hit you with their ball.  Do a quick demo of proper shooting technique, pointing out which part of your foot players should strike the ball with.  Make dramatic jumps and falls!

http://www.soccerhelp.com/shshop/coach-doug-dvd-hit-the-coach-practice-game.php


4. Four Goal Shooting
Make 4 goals, one on each side of the grid (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 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.

5. Moving Goal

Play in a slightly larger grid than you normally would.  Coaches will hold a pinnie between them as a crossbar (there will be larger adult-sized ones in the wagon for this, grab 2 for your team) and move as the goal around the grid. Alternate the pace at which you move from time-to-time.   Players try to score on the moving goal.  Play the activity with each player having a ball, in pairs or split them into 2 teams.  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" if you have willing parents.

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 pairs and team version there may be changing the point of attack, combination play and communication.  In the team version of the activity, transition occurs.  In all versions of the activity, field vision is improved. This is a highly motivating activity.

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


6. Numbers Game - one net... focus on shooting
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!
Progressions:  have 2 or 3 players coming out at a time, add a goalkeeper
(This can be found in Active Start Week 4)


Game time at 5:40 when the horn blows!
Remember that this age should be playing 3 v 3 on the field, and you can add a goalkeeper to this.  Swap players off often.  Play for about 8-9 minutes, then call a quick halftime for a water break and to give your team some encouragement and pointers about their play so far.  I have noticed that some players are not paying attention to the boundaries of the field, so before you start to play today make sure you have a quick review of what the field boundary is and why it is there.  Stop the play every time that the ball goes out today.  Play by official rules in that throw-ins, goal kicks and corner kicks apply when the ball goes out of the field.  You will have to teach players about these as they happen. Although we have not covered this officially, most of the these players have played the game before and use this opportunity to teach/remind them.


Cheer! Snacks!  
AND.....  don't forget to have fun :)

U8 practice #5 goal keeping

****Please don't move onto practice #5 until you have completed practice #4 on shooting.


Theme this week:  Goal keeping

Take some time to review the video snippets below and familiarize yourself with the various goal keeping techniques.  Try these out in the drills and warm up section.  Remember to review the obvious with your players, the goalie is the only person on the field who can use their hands.  Pull out the goalie gear out of your tub for games tonight so that the goalie is distinct.

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:
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/DrillDisplay.php?Dname=17&CName=U-9%20Curriculum
(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 (don't play heading to score as in video)
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.
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/DrillDisplay.php?Dname=26&CName=U-9%20Curriculum

Arches game:
A fun game where players get the idea of rolling and throwing the ball and picking it up (work on scooping up and "locking the box" 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.

GK circle game:
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/DrillDisplay.php?Dname=25&CName=U-8%20Curriculum#
trying to hit cone(s) in centre of circle.  Use rolling technique.  Move to overhand throw to try it out if you want, but focus on rolling/bowling technique.

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.

Go practice punting balls into a net because it's fun to try and kids love it when they get this skill.  **In games encourage goalie to roll ball to their players because it is easiest for players to control.

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 practice #5 Goal Keeping

***Please don't proceed to practice #5 until you have done practice #4 on shooting!

Theme this week:  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.

Can include a bit of this:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_918953&feature=iv&src_vid=yjk94YHKU-g&v=7DVjdL9BuxM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXAjzxRijIw&index=7&list=PLqvvsIDxQFrlJIWWk5uzML9NvBjIfycKy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6ue3FfCle0&list=PLqvvsIDxQFrlJIWWk5uzML9NvBjIfycKy&index=8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFznSVQvaqo&list=PLqvvsIDxQFrlJIWWk5uzML9NvBjIfycKy&index=9

Warm up part 2:  Crazy goal keeper tag.
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/DrillDisplay.php?Dname=17&CName=U-10%20Curriculum#
(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
please note the scoring change listed below (no heading as in video, but knock over)
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/DrillDisplay.php?Dname=26&CName=U-10%20Curriculum#
Organization:
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!

U13 practice #5

This week you should be combining shooting and goal keeping.
There are a ton of goal keeping drills here, pick some that you like and will be fun and useful for your kids.

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
or a great dynamic warm up: goalie focus:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksL5m-1Buc8
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.
Can include a bit of this:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_918953&feature=iv&src_vid=yjk94YHKU-g&v=7DVjdL9BuxM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXAjzxRijIw&index=7&list=PLqvvsIDxQFrlJIWWk5uzML9NvBjIfycKy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6ue3FfCle0&list=PLqvvsIDxQFrlJIWWk5uzML9NvBjIfycKy&index=8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFznSVQvaqo&list=PLqvvsIDxQFrlJIWWk5uzML9NvBjIfycKy&index=9

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.
OR
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
try some of these drills:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztwFRlqveek

Use some of the shooting drills from practice #4 and combine with some goal keeping coaching including positioning of keeper (are they too far out of the net? too close to the net? cutting down the angle?)

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

Punting for accuracy:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x64iPWwPlUg

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.

Blog this week

Due to the holiday weekend, practice plans this week will not be up until Monday night (by midnight at the latest ;).  If you want to wrap your head around what we are doing:  practice #5 topic is Goal Keeping....if you have done shooting you can move to goal keeping!

IMPORTANT DATES:
Super Soccer Saturday is Saturday May 23

Time: U4/5 & U6 9am - 10am

          U 13 - 10am - 12pm

          U8 & U10 10:15am - 11:30

****COACH SOCIAL is Thursday May 28 at 8:30....at the Village Idiot.  

U4/5 Wacky Wednesday & Stations May 13/15

Its Wacky Wednesday!  Don't forget your crazy costume today.
I saw EVERY coach and player smiling last week, keep up the good work :)


STATIONS:  The horn will go at 4:00 to start and then every 6-ish minutes to change stations.   The first station is your own and slightly longer to allow for a little warmup first (pick a tag game) and then at 4:09 your team will move to the next station so get them going quickly!

One coach will run the station and the other coach (or a parent) can help move the group from station to station.  Teams 1-7 will rotate clockwise around their stations on the road side of the field and teams 8-14 will rotate clockwise around their stations on the opposite end of the field.


Obstacle Course  -  #7 Amanda / Whitney  &  # 9 Stephanie / Amy

I will bring out hurdles, ladders, hoops and cones in the wagon. You just have to set up a fun obstacle course!  You could do a round with balls and a round without, with passing sections where they can't dribble.  Be creative!  Don't forget to demo what you want the kids to do each round.


Knock the Jungle Down  -  #1 Lilliane / Bryan  &  #12 John / Lisa

I will bring extra disc cones to the field; if you "roll" a cone and stick it into another one on the ground, it "looks" more like a jungle plant.  Use tall cones too.  Place cones within a grid for players to dribble around.
Players must dribble through the jungle without touching the "poisonous jungle plants".
You can become a lion, tiger, elephant, etc, and chase them through the jungle.
After you have been through it a couple of times, switch to "clearing" the jungle by knocking the cones over with a soccer ball. Could also "time" the players to see if they can knock all the plants down in a set amount of time.  Then challenge them to do it faster.  Coach passing points while playing this.


Shark  -  #6 Jill / Anna / Megan  &  #10 Travis / Keri

Mark out a grid.  Players are the "fish" and line up on one end of the grid with soccer balls.  Coach is the "shark" and is in the centre of the grid.  When coach calls out "Shark!" players try to get to the other side without getting tagged by the shark.  If player is tagged by a shark, they become a shark too.  Play the first round without soccer balls, and play the next rounds with players dribbling soccer balls.


Pirate Pete  -  #2 Dave / Shendra  &  #13 Blair / Ben

You will need to get the parents to play for this station. Divide the players (with their parent) into two teams. Put one team in pinnies.  Player and parent will be partners who are passing the ball to each other in a line to create a "channel".
One team has to run through the channel to get to the treasure (soccerballs).  I will bring out extra soccer balls for you to use in addition to your own.
The other team is kicking/passing across the channel, trying to hit the other team with the ball (below the knee) as they run through.
If players get struck by the ball they have to go back and try again.
When players get to the treasure they bring a piece back to their ship (they can carry or dribble the ball depending on their level).
Players change roles after a set time. Count the pieces of treasure that each team collects.
To make it easier, players can roll the ball rather than kick it.

Clean Your Messy Room  -  #5 Sheena / Shawna / Wyatt  &  #11 Roy  /Kyle

Split your grid in half with cones across the centre, and make 2 teams.
Each team starts with same amount of soccer balls.  There will be extra soccer balls in the wagons, so grab a few more to add to your own and keep all
When you say "Go!" players must try to keep the balls (laundry? toys?) out of their "room" by kicking them into the other team's half.
When coach say "Stop!" players freeze and count up the balls to see who wins (least amount of balls/laundry/toys in grid wins).
Play again!



Nuts & Squirrels  -  #3 Pat / Christy  &  # 14 Margo / Kurt

In your grid, create 3 small goals or "hoarding areas/trees" in the corners of the grid.
Place all of the soccer balls (nuts) in the middle of the grid.  I will bring out extra soccer balls in the wagon, so grab some so that there are more to challenge from.
Players are the "squirrels" in groups of two or three, and start in the hoarding area.
Players take turns, and one at a time from their "team", are trying to get as many "nuts" as they can from the centre of the grid when you shout "Go!"
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 the other hoarding areas.  No defending the nuts!
Although most teams played this last week and players should understand the game, it is still a good review to have players carry the ball in the first round.  Then progress to dribbling, and incorporate a pass to the waiting player if you can.

Scrimmage  -  #4 Tyler / Christie / Jaana  &  #8 Simone / Jenny

Grab one bag of nets and create a small field with two goals.  Divide kids onto two teams and give one set pinnies and play soccer (have parents stationed around the outside of the field to keep ball in the field of play).  Feel free to add a second ball if needed, but try and keep it to one since it will only be six kids playing.  Put parents in goal and encourage dramatic saves and misses!

U6 Wacky Wednesday & Stations May 13/15

Its Wacky Wednesday!  I am looking forward to seeing your crazy costumes :)
I was really impressed with what I saw on the field last week, in both the practice part of the session (give yourselves a pat on the back coaches!) and in the game-some of those kids seem to get it already!


We will do stations for the first 40 minutes and then move to games as usual.  Kids will start at your station and then when the horn goes after 7 minutes we will move to the next station.  If you have more than one coach have them move to the stations to help with names and crowd control.


Pirate Pete  -  Cindy / Callum

You will need to get the parents to play for this station. Divide the players (with their parent) into two teams. Put one team in pinnies.  Player and parent will be partners who are passing the ball to each other in a line to create a "channel".
One team has to run through the channel to get to the "treasure" (soccer balls).  I will bring out extra soccer balls for you to use in addition to your own.
The other team is kicking/passing across the channel, trying to hit the other team with the ball (below the knee) as they run through.
If players get struck by the ball they have to go back and try again.
When players get to the treasure they bring a piece back to their ship (they can carry or dribble the ball depending on their level).
Players change roles after a set time. Count the pieces of treasure that each team collects.


Rock Soccer  -  Joel/  Amy

Mark out a grid, and mark out a smaller "ball box" in the back of each teams grid.  Make two teams.  Put all the soccer balls at centre.  I will bring out extra soccer balls in the wagon, so grab some so that there are more to challenge from.
On "Go!" each team tries to get as many balls into their "ball box".  When all balls are gone from centre, they go and steal balls from the other teams "ball box".  Your choice if you want to allow checking or just getting as many balls as you can...perhaps progress to checking


Arches & Shots  -  Brock / Tayla

Set up four goals around the outside of your grid.  Put arches around the inside of the grid.
Players are dribbling around and passing through the arches.  When you say "Shots!" they have to go and score on one of the goals around the outside.  Put some parents in goal.  Have them count how many goals they score on the parents!

Turn and Burn  -  Pat / Jennifer

Divide players into two teams.  Put one team in pinnies.  Teams are on opposite sides of the grid.  One team has one ball per player.  The objective is for players with the ball to dribble towards the players without, who remain stationary.
When the coach shouts “Turn!” two things happen: the players with the ball stop, turn and try to dribble back to their starting line, and players without the ball can release and run toward the other players to try and steal the balls of the opposing team before they get back over the safe line.
 Take turns having both teams being attackers/defenders. Do not eliminate players who lose their ball. Let them have another go.
Variations: introduce specific turns such as big toe turn, little toe turn, pullback, etc


Shark  -  Shawn / Gavin

Mark out a grid.  Players are the "fish" and line up on one end of the grid with soccer balls.  Coach is the "shark" and is in the centre of the grid.  When coach calls out "Shark!" players try to get to the other side without getting tagged by the shark.
 If a player is tagged by a shark, they become a shark too.  Play the first round without soccer balls, and play the next rounds with players dribbling soccer balls.
If you think your players are up for it, you could play elimination shark where players are dribbling around the grid, and sharks are trying to kick their balls out of bounds.


Obstacle Course  -  Josie / Brodie

I will bring out hurdles, ladders, hoops and cones in the wagon. You just have to set up a fun obstacle course!  You could do a round with balls and a round without, with passing sections where they can't dribble.  Be creative!  Don't forget to demo what you want the kids to do each round.

U8 practice #4 shooting

***Please note the photo schedule and your upcoming date for this and remind your players

**Please remind your players of Super Soccer Saturday coming up on May 23 (they must register)

*Girls coaches it is dance recital week, so you will be missing players all week, if your team is too depleted to run a practice join forces with another team.  There are no formal games for girls this week due to dance recital but there are mixed games-please run according to numbers (small goal scrimmages).

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
Grid, every player with a ball.  Quick demo of proper shooting technique and then get them trying to hit each others ball using the proper technique, if they do they get a point.  Can move to playing in teams, where one team is dribbling and one team is striking and make it a friendly competition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wxCfL92L_k

Game: 5-10 minutes
A short scrimmage focusing on shooting. You may want to have coach 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 Session: 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

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.

Move to shooting on goals with no defender:  simple lay off drills  (this video has a number of variations, but even if you just use the first version)  Could have the coach be the person laying off the ball every time so there is consistency.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_MiI-gKdW0

http://www.teachpe.com/soccer_football/shooting/shooting1.php

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

U10 practice #4 shooting

***Please note the photo schedule and your upcoming date for this and remind your players

**Please remind your players of Super Soccer Saturday coming up on May 23 (they must register)

*Girls coaches it is dance recital week, so you will be missing players all week, if your team is too depleted to run a practice join forces with another team.  There are no formal games for girls this week due to the dance recital but there are mixed games-please run according to numbers (small goal scrimmages) and mix the girls up onto teams.

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.

Grid, every player with a ball, they are trying to strike their ball and hit other people's balls, if they do they get a point.  (Do a quick demo of striking ball correctly with laces).  Can play with two teams, one being the dribbling team and one being the striking team and have a friendly competition.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wxCfL92L_k

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
Play with two goals at each end to encourage lots of attacking and shooting.

Technical Session:  Shooting 20-25 min
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

Move to shooting on goals with no defender:  simple lay off drills  (this video has a number of variations, but even if you just use the first version)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_MiI-gKdW0

http://www.teachpe.com/soccer_football/shooting/shooting1.php

or 5 shot drill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q2zd2P8-CA

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. 

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