Georgia SoccerCoaching School

F’COURSEFor U-10 and U-12 Recreational Coaches

Instructors

Robert Mangino404-386-9532

rob@dscrevolution.comDrew Prentice – Director Of Coaching

drew@dscrevolution.comKevin Scheiwe – Recreational Director

kevin@dscrevolution.com

CAN YOU RELATE?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZM4RO1ty3E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxduazZp7bo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu9LIPPIEzI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuWw2j6Tr0g

Why are YOU here?

Groups of 2-3

3 minute discussion

Ready, set, go….

Course Description Theory: 3 hours

Player development philosophy for Rec players (30min)

Understanding the U10 and U12 player(30min)

Role of the coach (45min)

Team Management (45min)

Practical: 4 hours Fun Games focusing on

dribbling (45min) Fun games focusing on

passing/receiving (45min)

Fun games focusing on shooting (30min)

How to organize a session…key coaching points for technical skills (30min)

Support play/team shape (40min)

Formations for 6v6 and 8v8 (40min)

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

Understand characteristics of U-10/U-12 players

Understand their needs and capabilities Able to organize appropriate practice

sessions Acquire the tools to evaluate players’

skills Learn the key coaching points for basic

skills Understand rationale of Small-Sided

Soccer Become a comfortable and confident

coach

OUR CHALLENGE “Change the Culture”

1. Change from a Coach-centered approach to a Player-centered approach

2. Change from a ‘Drills mentality’ to ‘Game-like activities’ approach

3. Change from a ‘result-oriented’ philosophy to a ‘process-oriented’ one

4. Adults need to learn to view the game through the child’s eyes

*** 4 groups******Each Group will discuss the meaning of the challenge assigned and share their thoughts***

THE PLAYER-CENTERED APPROACH

The Player is the central focus Understand players’ characteristics Allow players to take ownership Allow players to make own decisions Allow players to solve problems Avoid over-coaching. Let go!! Avoid coaching in absolutes Avoid coach-controlled choreography Avoid imposing adult agenda/expectations

on kids

“THE GAME IS THE TEACHER”

Players enjoy game-like activities as opposed to ‘drills’

Players learn from ‘doing’, notfrom listening to lectures

Players learn best from activitiesthat replicate the real game

‘The Game is The Teacher’ means more game-like practices, not more league games

The Small-sided games are most appropriate

RANDY WALDRUMHEAD WOMEN'S COACH

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

As far as small-sided games are concerned, this really is the only way for our young players.

First of all their chronological age dictates that they don't understand working with large

groups, sharing, etc.

This alone should be reason enough to teach our sport in 4:4 games. We can play 11:11 all

day and try to encourage passing and positions, but the kids aren't mentally mature enough to

grasp these concepts.

Lastly and possibly most importantly is that a group of four can be put into a shape that

encompasses all of the components required for tactical knowledge. Even though we wouldn't

coach the tactics so much here, the game itself would.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY

Must focus on technique Max ball touches (ball ratio, small groups) Must be fun Players exposed to different positions Rules modified to accommodate players’

level Activities vs drills, to promote thinking De-emphasize winning/losing Values, life lessons, positive self-image Bill of Rights for young athletes

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy of Equal Opportunities Increase number of potential growth experiences

at each practice and game Each participant challenged and grow at their

own ability level Better players contribute to growth of players

who are a level below More turns, more ball contacts, less down-time

Choose activities that allow everyone to play and accomplish above stated goals/philosophy

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY

Slanty-Line Theory Replace traditional rope game of high water-low

water where everyone jumps over straight line rope

The traditional straight line rope eliminates the weakest players early (those who need the activity the most)

Use slanty-line rope so each player can engage at his/her level and experience success

When players feel comfortable, secure they seek out new challenges.

Choose activities that allow everyone to stay engaged without getting eliminated early

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY

Flow State Model Flow is the period of time in which the activity or

task matches your ability If too easy – it becomes boring. If too hard – it

becomes frustrating. When in a state of flow, players lose track of time

and experience happiness and success When not in a state of flow, other behavioral states

may occur (misbehave, inattentive, bored, anxious, etc).

Choose activities that allow everyone to reach a state of flow quickly, with action, opportunities & challenges

UNDERSTAND PLAYERS’ CHARACTERISTICS

U-10 Players – Motor Skills

Boys and girls begin to develop separately

Motor skills starting to refine Diversity in playing ability, coordination

and physical maturity (Select vs Rec) Rapid gains in learning new skills Prone to heat related injuries Lack adult level stamina but recover

quicker

UNDERSTAND PLAYERS’ CHARACTERISTICS

U-10 Players – Cognitive Skills Less egocentric – more cooperative Start to think logically, but related to concrete

objects Still live in the ‘here and now’ world Start to understand ‘Team’ concept Able to sequence thoughts and start to think

ahead The ability to think, however; is limited by ball

skills Start to understand concept of time and space Attention span still short. Players are fidgety Demonstrates increased responsibility

UNDERSTAND PLAYERS’ CHARACTERISTICS

U-10 Players – Psycho-Social Skills Enjoy competition Respond to ‘Cooperative’ and ‘Competitive’

activities Begin to appreciate the need for Rules and

Limits Peer pressure and team identity is important Still look up to adults and seek approval – Role

models Still fragile psychologically and avoids being

embarrassed in front of peers Start to compare their ability to others Acquire sport heroes

UNDERSTAND PLAYERS’ CHARACTERISTICS

U-12 Players – Motor Skills Motor skills continuing to refine – almost adult

like Increased diversity in playing ability and physical

maturity (puberty begins at 10 for girls and 12 for boys)

Rapid gains in learning new skills – can execute more complex skills sequence

Still prone to heat related injuries Lack adult level stamina but recover quicker Athleticism is genetic and fitness has a ceiling

UNDERSTAND PLAYERS’ CHARACTERISTICS

U-12 Players – Cognitive Skills

Begin to acquire adult logic Start to think in abstract terms Able to sequence thoughts and start to think

ahead But ability to think limited by range of skills Full-sided game is still information overflow No longer follow adults blindly – it has to make

sense Start to understand concept of time and space Attention span still short. Players are fidgety

UNDERSTAND PLAYERS’CHARACTERISTICS

U-12 Players – Psycho-Social Skills Enjoy competition Spend increasing time with peers, less with

parents Popularity and self-esteem important (enter

puberty) Watch TV more and engage less in unstructured

play Start to compare their ability to others and

question their participation in sports Still look up to adults and seek approval – Role

models Acquire sport heroes but migrate towards friends

of similar socioeconomic status and hobby interest

UNDERSTAND PLAYERS’ CHARACTERISTICS

U-10/U-12 Rec Soccer Skills

Still learning basic techniques First touch a problem Passing range vs kicking range Crossing a problem Shooting off a dribble, pivot and shoot Implications for Field size Athletic development & coordination Randomness of play

ROLE OF THE COACH

As a Facilitator As a Positive Role Model As one who understands who he is

coaching As a Teacher (learning process, guided

discovery) As one who knows the Components of

Soccer• Technique • Tactics• Psychology • Fitness

ROLE OF THE COACH

COACHING STYLE TO MODEL: Father figure, friendly, caring, giving Exudes confidence Comfortable dealing with people of all ages

COACHING STYLE TO AVOID: Drill sergeant, in your face shouter, self-

absorbed Often result of lack of confidence

Inexperience in coaching soccer Personality traits Can’t handle misbehavior, disobeyance

TEAM MANAGEMENTSAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Coach has responsibility for safety of players

Safe environment (field, goals, equipment)

Free of physical, sexual, or verbal abuse Coach proper technique Safe activities and proper warm up Supervision of players, size mismatch Quick and sufficient medical response Common sense with weather/lightning

TEAM MANAGEMENTSAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Calmness during games & keep cool head Do not meet with individual players alone Frequent water breaks Use practice vests rather than play skins Get certified with Coaching License Get certified with First Aid course Know the laws of the game Coaches membership US Youth

Soccer/NSCAA

TEAM MANAGEMENTETHICAL ASPECTS

Standards of behavior (moral & ethical) In the best interest of the individual

player Respect all participants (opponents, ref,

etc) Respect others’ confidentiality/privacy Provide feedback in caring/sensitive

manner Developing players’ character, values,

positive self-image, self confidence more important than soccer skills and team results.

TEAM MANAGEMENTCARE AND PREVENTION

Always ERR on the side of caution First Aid kit Prevention is key Player Safety Information Card Rule of Thumb when handling injury:

Avoid panic. Inspire confidence and reassure player. Check for history of injury (how it happened) Check for Breathing, bleeding, deformity,

discoloration Avoid moving the player if potential injury to

back/neck Use common sense and seek professional help

TEAM MANAGEMENTCARE AND PREVENTION

Coaches need to know: Rest – Ice – Compression – Elevation Strains and Sprains Blisters Broken bones and recognition of them Cramp Heat exhaustion Concussions and head injuries

TEAM MANAGEMENTTEAM ORGANIZATION

Players play every position Equipment needs (cones, extra balls, air

pump, bibs, First aid kit, Ice, goals) Parent Meeting pre-season Duration of practices (60-90 minutes

2/week) Plan practice (enjoyment, objectives,

realism) Progress from simple to complex (warm-

up, individual activities, small-group, large group)

US Soccer Coaching Curriculum

ussoccer.com – coaches – coaches net – coaching education – the curriculum – concepts and coaching guidelines

Coaching Organization (Concepts and Coaching p.33)• http://resources.ussoccer.com/n7v8b8j3/cds/downloads/Part%202%20-%20Concepts%20and%20Coaching%20Guidelines

%20U.S.%20Soccer%20Coaching%20Curriculum.pdf

• Comprehensive outline of age appropriate content • Breakdown of tactical, technical, physical and psycho-social

content for each stage and age-group

Coaching Education Program

State Coaching School G Certificate U6-U8 4hrs F Certificate U10-U12(rec) 7hrs Rec E’ U14 – up(rec) 7hrs E Certificate U10-U12(Acd) 16hrs D License** Testing 32hrs

National Coaching School C License** Testing 1

week B License** Testing 1

week A License** Testing 1

week USSF Nat’l Youth Testing 1

week

Three Key Terms

Player Development Economical Training Let “the game” be the teacher

Let’s hit the field!

The Sessions

The Sessions

The Sessions

The Sessions

The Sessions

The Sessions

The Sessions

The Sessions