U4/5 practice - week of May 29

I will have you run another week with just your team and then we will do a round of stations next week again.  Next Thursday June 7 will be wacky hair day...please put the word out.  We will do games for the last 15 minutes again this week (see who plays who at the end), same format with horn to move to games and horn to end.

Warm-up/Agility - coach says
start no balls, move to with balls - get them moving and work on some skills, toe taps, shooting, dribbling, tic-tocs, turns etc...
Warm up game:  Cow Dogs  (working on dribbling and defending)
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/15_cow_dogs.php

Dribbling review - Fun Island
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsof4AMWQRo
use the area you always work in

Obstacle course
I'll have the arches out, share them around, but use them to crawl under, dribble through or pass through...add cones to dribble around, a goal to shoot on etc...Dave had a haunted house theme last week which was fantastic, use you imaginations

1 v 1 attack
two goals, have half team on each side line, when you call their names they go and challenge a ball that you roll in, each team having a goal they need to score on

Throw-ins
Have the kids just work on throw-in technique.  In pairs just throwing the ball back and forth (don't spend long, but it's important to review this)  
-Two hands on the ball, 
-all the way behind the head
-(TRY) and keep feet on the ground

Turn & Burn
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.


Games:  3v3 - goalies optional
-focus on quick rotation of subs - every 3-4 minutes
-let's try throw-ins if it goes out the side, and just pass/kick ins if it goes out the end.


Tuesday:                                 Thursday:
1 v 4   7 v 10                        1 v 12   4 v 7
2 v 5   8 v 11                        2 v 11   5 v 8
3 v 6   9 v 12                        3 v 10   6 v 9

U6 practice - week of May 29

U6 practice - you will be running your own practices again this week.  I will do another round of stations for next week.  Also next Thursday June 7th will be wacky hair day for players and coaches.  Please put the word out!

Warm up game:  Cow Dogs  (working on dribbling and defending)
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/15_cow_dogs.php

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.

Passing/shooting for accuracy:  Circle game
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/17_circle_game.php
**Review key coaching points for either passing/shooting technique whichever you use this drill to focus on.

Shooting- Lay off drill
Two lines, facing coach, each player has a ball.  Player passes to coach who lays ball off to one side, player runs onto ball and shoots on net.

Shooting- 1 v 1 to goal
Start with two lines; (Attackers & Defenders) with the attackers slightly ahead of the defenders. The attackers start to dribble with the ball towards goal. Once the attacker is an appropriate distance away, the coach tells the defender to go and put pressure on the attacking player from behind. If defending player wins the ball they try and pass it back to the coach.
Coaches: Allow for offensive success at first and be mindful of the different physical and technical abilities of the players when deciding when to release the defender. Game can be played with or without goalkeeper.

Numbers game: two goals
focus on 1 v 1 attacking, getting past a player.

(coaching points:  attack with speed, keep ball close to you)

Four goal scrimmage....focus on attacking and scoring!  1 goal on each side of grid.  Coach have a stash of balls with you to restart game if ball goes out.

U8 Boys practice - May 29

Focus: Goal keeping session & 1 v 1 attack.

Warm up, let's do a mass split warm up with half on Agility with Kim and half with me to do ball warm up (then switch).  Then we'll move into practice, where you will each work with your own crew (we'll do another round of stations next week).
I'm not sure how the goal keeping will go....I was just going to have each coach bring their crew over for the goal keeping portion....I'll find a wee spot on the field.  I may have to double up teams as time will be an issue.  I will do a basic goal keeping session with the kids...covering the basics including diving.

Fun little game & shooting review all  in one!  Targets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wxCfL92L_k&feature=relmfu
coaching points are in the link

Passing under pressure.  Moving the passing along (remember to review the basics AGAIN!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi9J2uRirZc&feature=relmfu

1 v 1 attack - pick from the drills below as you see fit or create/use your own
(three adptations of drill below)
drill- (adapt as needed) one line with balls on goal post(defenders), one line without balls about 15 yards out. Have the defender pass ball out to offensive player and then close down for a 1 v 1. Or could have both lines coming from goal (could be numbers game below) and coach roles a ball out players run around cones at 15 yard mark (one cone in line with each post) and then play 1 v 1 (you could establish who is on O and who is on D prior or just whoever gets to the ball first is O. Or have two goals, and have players running from the side lines or each goal (small area 20 yard grid) and the ball gets played into middle by coach and it's one v one each having a goal to score in, one could be a shooting goal and one could be a passing target.
and/or
Numbers game - one goal
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

Defending points
-close down space quickly
-boxer stants and on toes
-keep about 2-3 yards space between you and attacker -so don't commit to ball - jockey
-watch the ball not the player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Tn3cFmrCg&feature=relmfu
Attacking points
-attack with speed
-keep ball close

Scrimmage to end!

U8 girls practice week of May 29

Stations again this week, we'll run as we did two weeks ago.  Renee could you blow whistle to switch stations ever 8-10 minutes.

Set up width wise (not length wise as you do for games)....girls front two fields, boys back two fields or it becomes too difficult to hear switches and move efficiently

Warm-up - dribble grid & passing grid with all players.   (Cassie or Riley to run)  (10 minutes)
                - dribbling, inside, outside, storks, tic tocs, turns, fakes,
                - passing- as last week, pass run around cone on outside of grid, receive pass (review passing  points and remind to talk and use the whole grid)

Then have all players return to their coaches to start stations.

Station 1-  agility - Natalie
Donkey Tails
Half the players are given a pinni to tuck into the back of their shorts as a tail. Coach shouts “Go!” players without a tail attempt to grab a tail from the players with one. Once players get a tail they must now avoid having it taken.

Station 2- passing review - Hrvojka
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/25_kings_court_passing.php
OR
Shuttles....groups of 3/4.  cones about 10 ft apart....2 players on each cone across from each other start with just dribbling across to player in front of line across from them in a continuous shuttle motion, move to dribble part way and pass.  Review passing points!

Station 3- shooting review- Renee
Lay off drill from last week.  Could add a defender, dummy to start.
Review shooting coaching points.

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

Station 4- 1 v 1 attacking - Riley & Cassie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSBu9bPMp4g&feature=relmfu
OR
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/15_cow_dogs.php

Scrimmage to end.  Have fun!!  Try a scrimmage with allies on the side to promote width in play.
Set up a small field and then use cones to create allies along the wings.  Put one player from each team in the allies or if low numbers, put one player in the wings they must stay in the ally and they play for both teams.  You can't check/attack/tackle the wings in the ally...like a safe zone.  Play that in order to shoot on net the team must play a ball out to the wings at least once.  Wings can dribble in the ally.

U10/U13 boys - week of May 29

I will be at your practices this week.  Focus:  1 v 1 (defending) & goal keeping.
With the U13 boys, I am going to work on goal keeping, I will cycle each group through for a short 15 minute goal keeping session, then when you are working on the 1 v 1 drills you can use keepers when there is shooting involved.  Coaches if you could get the lads warmed up and then I will get going pretty quickly with the keeper training.
With the U10 boys, I will work with Corbett and Alan/Sandy/Rory's groups.  We will do a quick warm up with both your groups, where I will run the drill and we will all coach as you know the kids names.  After the warm up we will split off into our teams to work on agility and 1v1, where I will spend time with each group working on basic goal keeping skills and you will then work on 1 v 1 attack using goalies. 
Adrien/Jose and Matthew's groups you'll be working on your own.  If I have time to do some goal keeping with one/both of your groups I will.  We'll cycle through the agility ladders/hurdles as it is availible (ie) jump on whenever it fits.
Warm-up-dribble &/ passing grid.  Probably a little work in pairs doing tap backs in the air like last week is a good idea too (include jumping over a cone or ball for a little agility if you like).  See end of last weeks warm up post for more details.

Agility-ladders and hurdles and cones, use as availible

Shooting mechanics more tips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjxwZR9FSDI&feature=relmfu
do a quick shooting drill to review shooting mechanics if you like

Drills for 1 v 1 (coaching points for defending and attack at end of drills section) (choose which you like or create/use your own version)
Kings court
-set up enough grids (slightly longer than wide and not super big 10x15 or so) for each pair
-make the grid on one end the kings court that you're trying to get to
-each grid plays 1 v 1 (keeping score) winners move towards kings court or stay in kings court, loosers move down (hint put weeker players close or in kings court to start so they don't feel stuck in the bottom court the whole time)
-to start, one person passes to partner and then the game is live, pass must be a good pass, person who scores passes it to other person have them switch ends
1v1 with shot
-one line with balls by goal post(defenders), one line 20ish yards out (attackers), defending line passes ball to attackers then it's live (really work on good close down and jockeying).  Ensure good pass to start and have them switch lines.
Win ball drill
-two lines facing net (or coming in from sides at top of 18) (or coming from either side of net) (or coming from behind each goal (make a second goal) coach plays ball in and then it's live 1 v 1
1v1 to goal
http://www.soccerxpert.com/soccerdrills/id1282.aspx
gauntlet drill
http://3v3soccer.blogspot.ca/2009/05/gauntlet-drill.html
have the defenders move forward in the gauntlet if they win the ball (attacker goes in the grid as a defender if they lose the ball)

Coaching points
Defending:
-quick close down
-delay/give space - don't commit- jockey
-watch ball not player
-boxer stance & on toes
-make the attacker make the mistake
-force to outside/weak side if you know it
-go for ball when attacker has pushed ball away from feet

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

Defending tips/points
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Tn3cFmrCg&feature=relmfu
http://3v3soccer.blogspot.ca/search/label/3v3%20soccer%20defense

Fun offensive moves you could teach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfZjK1A0rto&feature=relmfu
http://3v3soccer.blogspot.ca/search/label/1v1%20soccer%20moves

Scrimmage - allies scrimmage for width if you like (create allies along each sideline where a wing player plays{if short on numbers have one wing player who plays for both teams ie. whichever team passes them the ball they go that way} can't tackle the ally players, must play to allies in order to score

U13 girls practice - week of May 29

This weeks focus skill is shooting.  I also want to spend a little time on goal keeping.  I am going to work with Amanda/Erica and Gerald's groups for goal keeping and shooting this week.  Next week I will work with  Kevin & Randy's groups for goal keeping and 1 v 1.  As I don't think I will get to everyone....but I will try.  (Randy, if you want to move to 1 v 1 as you covered shooting this week, please do check the U10 boys if you want some drill ideas).  I plan to cover the basics of goal keeping including diving....I plan to work with all the girls in your groups as sometimes they don't know that they like goal, and this way everyone has a basic set of skills.  Plan to keep the goalie sessions to 15ish minutes and then you can work the goalies into the shooting drills is my thinking.  Coaches if you could get girls warmed up and then I'll get things going pretty quickly.  The first three links below review the mechanics of shooting if you need a refresher.


Warm up:  Quick Dribble grid 3-5 minutes then in that same grid move to passing...split groups into two teams each team with a ball.  Number the players on each team and then have them moving around the grid passing in number order, ie 1 to 2 passes to 3 to 4 to 1 to 2 etc...then have them go backwards 4 to 3 to 2 etc... working on cutting to the ball and calling with purpose (support, through etc...) also work on opening up to the field of play as you receive the pass so you know where your next pass is.  If they are really on top of it, play with only one ball and move so one team is defending...always working in number order if your team has the ball.  So everytime there is a turnover they must start the number order from whoever wins or has the ball if it is 3 they are looking for 4 etc...  (this is an excellent drill for many aspects of the game, you will likely find a number of teachable moments just from how play evolves.
Last part of warm up, in pairs, about 2 metres apart each with a ball.  One player is the server, the other player is the person, striking ball.  Aim to strike ball served/lobbed to partner back to partners hands.   (Optional agility component:  Player striking the ball jumps sideways over their ball before receiving next serve)....Person striking the ball, works 5 on each foot side of foot (then switch roles) then 5 on each foot working the laces....one touch back to partners hands (ball always in the air)...starting to prepare for shooting...hitting on the laces.

Agility:  Try just cones for agility this week...keep the session short but snappy.  You might try a line of cones (about 2feet apart) per pair of players (or per two pairs).  One player on each side of the cones one who is the leader and the other who is following trying to mimic follow exactly what the leader is doing for 30 seconds and then switch the leader and the follower.  Start side shuffle so they are facing each other and the leader is shuffling side to side as fast as possible moving to whichever cone but it needs to be a different cone each time.  Then go backwards and forwards.  Have them switch partners.  Remind them to have quick feet and not cross their feet when shuffling sideways.  Quick dynamic stretching focussing on quads, hamstrings and groins.

Skill focus shooting mechanics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac8r9XlSWo0&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3wi0tehvIw&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjxwZR9FSDI&feature=relmfu
Coaching points:
-planting foot pointing at the target
-planting foot next to ball if too far back, ball will go up because you will be forced to lean
-striking ball with inside 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
-always strike a moving  ball

skill focus:  shooting
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)

skill focus: shooting (good warm up for pre games too)
4 corner shooting drill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuz6JGaEYtY&feature=related

skill focus:  shooting under pressure
2v2 game
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/64_2_by_4_shooting.php

Scrimmage:  try a 4 goal scrimmage to promote attacking and shooting the ball for something different

Set up a 20m x 20m grid with 4 goals in the middle of each side. Select two teams consisting of equal numbers. Call out 2 or 3 players from each team to run onto the field and play against each other and try and score in any one of the four goals until the coach says stop. At which time both groups return to their place behind the goal line and the coach calls another group to play. If the ball goes out of play the game can be restarted with a “kick-in” or the coach may serve in a new ball. Progressions could involve assigning 2 nets to each team to defend and 2 to attack.

U4/5 practices week of May 22

Hello coaches!
You have been doing a great job this week with your practices, I love all the variations on the drills!  Please make sure you email me or ask if you have questions or need help or want me to spend more time with your group.  For this week you will be running your own practices with your teams again, however we will spend the last 10-15 minutes playing a game against another team (horn will signal moving to games and end of games).  A couple of teams will have to use cones for goals and field outline.  We'll keep the fields small.  The rest of practice will be drills, pick from the list or add one or two of your own (you will not get through the list in one day, so should have lots for two days).  See who plays who at the end of this post.  I have added coaching points, the older kids may be able to grasp some of these, many of the three year olds won't....I put them in so you can start giving some guidance around these things to start developing some good habits, but don't get bogged down by them.  It may be as simple as passing using the side of foot and shooting using the inner laces (NOT the TOE).  One more reminder, most of you have noticed that there are not enough of the little nets for everyone to have two, so please try and share them around, some coaches have barely had use of them.  Thanks!!! :)

warm-up/agility:  chain tag, when the person who is it catches someone they link up/hold hands and try to catch others, if chain gets too big break into smaller

warm-up/agility/dribbling: me and my shadow
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/233_me_and_my_shadow_u46.php

skill: dribbling - square dance
http://www.bytesizecoaching.com/secure/games/227_square_dance_u46.php

skill:  passing - Pirate Pete
(can be found in Active start program)
Divide the players into two teams. Put the teams in two different pinni colors. One team has to run through the channel to get to the treasure (balls). The other team kicks the ball to the player running through the channel mate 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 treasure (Ball) they bring back a peace back to their ship. Players change roles after a set time. Count the pieces (Balls) each team collects.
Variations Easier (U4): Players can role the ball rather than kick it. Players can carry treasure back in their hands. Parents can help. Harder (U6): Players can shoot the ball. Players can dribble both ways with the ball.
coaching points for passing:
-non kicking/planting foot next to ball
-non kicking/planting foot pointing at target
-strike ball with side of foot with ankle locked

skill: passing/shooting: 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!

skill:  shooting
Make 4 goals 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!


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

skill- 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)

scrimmage:  3 v 3 (no goalies)
Tuesday:  team 1 vrs 2     5 vrs 6    9 vrs 10        Thursday:  team 1 vrs 3   5 vrs 7    9 vrs 11
                         3 vrs 4    7 vrs 8   11 vrs  12                                  2 vrs 4   6 vrs  8  10 vrs 12

Work on learning the boundaries of the field (make sure you show and run the kids around the boundary) and when it goes out to run and get it but then listen for the coach for whose ball it is (opposite team from who kicked it out).  I would not worry about throw ins at this point, but do a pass in.  Also practice subbing- sub all players every 2-3 minutes.  And of course the score doesn't matter.  Also work on being a sporting player and team so cheer for the other team at the end.

Snack and social