Coaches Corner

1 – Workshop :

Sept 30- Oct 2 - In class discussion Sept 30 - 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM – Demonstration / Video Oct 1 - 9:00AM – 12:00 PM - Demonstration ( Warm ups ) Oct 1 - 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Demonstration ( Dribbles ) Oct 2 – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Demonstration ( passing, shooting, goalie training )

2 – Hollywood Wildcats Soccer Coaches Education - U.S. Soccer Coaching Curriculum:

The presentation of the U.S. Soccer coaching curriculum is another major step in the implementation of the framework developed by the Player Development Task Force, which was created in 2006 to review all aspects of player development in the United States and recommend a course of action.

The curriculum is designed to improve development of players in the organized player base in the United States, concentrating on creating more organized, age-appropriate training sessions, developing coaching practices and creating an environment that is fun for the players.

The curriculum builds on the successful launch and growth of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Initiated in the fall of 2007 after a detailed review of player development systems in the U.S. and across the world, the Development Academy has improved the training environment; provided relevant, high-level matches on a consistent basis; increased the level and efficiency of scouting for the national teams and provided players, coaches and referees with more structured programming.

To access the curriculum, click http://www.ussoccer.com/Coaches/Coaching-Education/Coaching-Home.aspx

3 - US Youth Soccer Policy:

Players_and_Playing_Rules_Policy_9-12-09.pdf

4 - Basic Game Rule & Over Time Period

From the Policy on Players and Playing Rules of the United States Youth Soccer Association Policy on Players and Playing Rules Click on attached “US YOUTH SOCCER POLICY”: Below is a quick reference to Rule 303: Length of Games, Overtime Periods and Ball Specifications Section 1. (a) Except as provided by US Youth Soccer and its State Associations, the length of games, overtime periods, ball size, ball circumference, and ball weight for each age group is as follows:

Age Group	Game Length	Overtime Periods	Size	Circumference	Weight	Number of Players
Under-19	Two 45′ halves	Two 15′ halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-18	Two 45′ halves	Two 15′ halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-17	Two 45′ halves	Two 15′ halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-16	Two 40′ halves	Two 15′ halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-15	Two 40′ halves	Two 15′ halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-14	Two 35′ halves	Two 10′ halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-13	Two 35′ halves	Two 10′ halves	#5	27-28 in.	14-16 ozs.
Under-12	Two 30′ halves	Two 10′ halves	#4	25-26 in.	11-13 ozs.	No more than 11, 8 strongly recommended
Under-11	Two 30′ halves	Two 10′ halves	#4	25-26 in.	11-13 ozs.	No more than 11, 8 strongly recommended
Under-10	Two 25′ halves	NONE	#4	25-26 in.	11-13 ozs.	No more than 7, 6 strongly recommended
Under-8	4 -12′ quarters	NONE	#3	23-24 in.	11-12 ozs.	No more than 5, 4 strongly recommended
Under-6	4 – 10′ quarters	NONE	#3	23-24 in.	11-12 ozs.	No more than 4, 3 strongly recommended

5 - Volunteer Coaches :

HELP! I Volunteered to Coach…What do I do? Many first time coaches volunteer or are volunteered to the job. First things first…Relax. Relax and think about how much fun you are going to have with these little Under-6 to Under-14 soccer players. Goal: Create a fun, learning soccer environment for your players in training and in games. How?

Talk to the Program Director and request helpful coaching materials and coaching aids.
Talk to other Soccer Coaches in the program or in your community who have worked with these age groups before.
Call your State Youth Soccer Association and request helpful coaching materials and coaching aids.
Call your State Youth Soccer Association and ask to speak with the State Director of Coaching about specific age appropriate coaching courses and age appropriate training materials.
Call US Youth Soccer at 1.800.4SOCCER or visit their web site at www.USYouthSoccer.org and request and/or order helpful coaching materials and coaching aids.

Team Management:

Prepare a list of simple and clear rules for your players and their parents. Conduct a preseason meeting to review these rules and to go over other important information and to complete important administrative paperwork.

Consider the following:

Schedules and locations for training sessions and games.
Drop off and pick up times for training sessions and games.
Player responsibilities and behavior at training sessions and games.
Parent responsibilities and behavior at training sessions and games.
Player equipment (#3 soccer ball, shin pads, soccer shoes or sneakers, water, appropriate clothing).
Coaching equipment (#3 soccer balls, 25-30 cones, 10 vests/pennies, basic first aid kit, small cooler of ice and zip lock bags).
Fill out program registration forms and medical release forms.
Discuss the procedure for canceling training sessions and games.
Discuss your philosophy of coaching…it’s about player development, not winning and losing!

Risk Management:

Provide proper age appropriate activities at training sessions and games.
Assure that training and playing areas are safe.
Make sure that all players are wearing the correct equipment and that it is appropriately sized.
Make sure that you are assisted by another adult when coaching the players (This includes the time when players arrive and when they depart from training sessions and games).
Create a plan for any medical emergencies/injuries.

The Training Session – Under-6 Format

Duration is 45-60 minutes.
Every child has a ball.
Individual activities.
Warm-up activities include movement education approach…with and without a ball (10 minutes). Fun games activities with and with out a ball (20 minutes).
Conclude with 3v3 games to two goals, with no goalkeepers.

The Training Session – Under-8 – 14 Format

Duration is 60 minutes.
Every child has a ball.
Individual and partner activities.
Warm-up activities with and without the ball – dribbling and passing (15 minutes).
Maze games and target games (25 minutes).
Conclude with 4v4 games to two goals, with no goalkeepers