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.