Timbits Soccer Coaching Handbook

1
Timbits Soccer Coaching
Handbook
Coaching tips, skill development
activities and fun games for player’s
ages 4-6 years old.
2
Introduction …………………………………………
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Section One: Coaching Young Players
Long Term Player Development………………
The Role of the Timbits Coach ……………….
Practice Goals …..……..……………………..
Coaching Tips .………………………………
Practice Focus………………………………...
Sample Practice Plan ……………..………….
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Section Two: Soccer Activities
Warm Ups ……………………………………
Ball Skills …………………………………….
Fun Games ……………………………………
Games/Scrimmage ……………………………
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Practice Plan
Week _____________
Date_________________
Soccer Technique (25%):
Introduction
This booklet is designed to help the many volunteer coaches with
Toronto High Park FC house league teams. It has been formulated to
begin to introduce the Long Term Player Development Plan (LTPD)
outlined by the Canadian Soccer Association which is geared towards
players of all ages and abilities and being adopted by the club.
-----------
______________________________________
______________________________________
Thank you so much for taking on this coaching endeavor. Our club
would never be what it is without the time and effort put in by many
dedicated volunteer coaches.
Soccer Coordination (25%):
______________________________________
The goal of this manual is to provide you with an aid that you can take
with you not only for this year but hopefully for years to come as you
refine your coaching knowledge and build some experience.
______________________________________
Small Sided Games (25%):
If you already have previous coaching and/or playing experience
hopefully you will find this manual helpful in providing you new
ideas and activities to incorporate into your coaching arsenal.
_____________________________________
Good Luck coaches and thank you again for your time and effort.
Toronto High Park FC, parents and players appreciate it, Good Luck!
______________________________________
Regard,
General Movement (25%):
_______________________________________________
________________________________________________
Notes:________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Gad Espinosa
Technical Director
Toronto High Park FC
PS. For additional information not covered in the manual feel free to
e-mail me at technicaldirector@thpfc.ca.
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Long Term Player Development
Practice Plan
U4 - U6 Year Olds
Week _____________
At this introductory level, the objective is to get children moving, keep
them active and provide them with early opportunities to learn basic
soccer elements. The objective is for adults and children to play together
informally. The physical curriculum provides for learning basic
fundamental movement; skills such as running, jumping, twisting, kicking,
throwing, and catching.
The technical requirements are nothing more than encouraging children to
enjoy playing with the ball one-on-one with an adult, practicing dribbling,
kicking, and shooting.
Player success is encouraged. While the adult should challenge the child
player, they should allow the child to “score” goals and “beat” the adult
opponent.
Canadian Soccer Association Long Term Player Development- Wellness to World Cup
Being a soccer coach for this age group does not require soccer skills.
All you need is a positive attitude, a willingness to be silly (even at
the expense of embarrassing yourself), and of course a little patience.
Date_________________
Soccer Technique (25%):
______________________________________
______________________________________
Soccer Coordination (25%):
______________________________________
______________________________________
Small Sided Games (25%):
The goal for this age group is to introduce them to the basic concepts
of soccer (dribbling, kicking, running, scoring goals!), help them
improve their social skills, and most importantly…Have Fun!
These things are accomplished through games that are played that
quietly teaches them the skills they will need to play soccer.
Keep in mind, most of the parents are new to this just like their kids
but let them know the importance of their participation during
practice, especially at the beginning when kids are uncomfortable with
the whole thing.
_____________________________________
______________________________________
General Movement (25%):
_______________________________________________
________________________________________________
Having a formal assistant coach is also is also very important as
he/she can help with organizing and keeping the kids engaged but
remember to not be shy about calling the parents in to help their child.
Notes:________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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Practice Plan
Week _____________
Date_________________
Soccer Technique (25%):
______________________________________
______________________________________
Soccer Coordination (25%):
______________________________________
______________________________________
Small Sided Games (25%):
_____________________________________
______________________________________
General Movement (25%):
_______________________________________________
________________________________________________
Notes:________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
5
Also you will want to run through the basic concepts of the game with
the kids at the beginning; only use your feet; that you kick the ball,
and that you dribble the ball with your feet or pass it to a teammate to
get it from one end of the field to the other and that the object of the
game is to score goals.
Remember it’s a big challenge to keep young players attention and
interest, they easily become bored so at practice you need to be
creative and keep them all active and moving (no drills/activities with
long line ups). In fact, if you keep them engaged and having fun for
the time that you have them every week, you have done a great job!
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The Role of the Timbits Coach
•
•
•
•
Provide fun, safe and enjoyable activity
Provide well organized practice and games
Provide stimulating activities that promote fundamental skills
and movement
Communicate appropriately with children
At this level, the objective is to get children moving and to keep them
active.
The physical curriculum provides for learning basic fundamental
movement skill such as: running, jumping, twisting, throwing,
catching etc.
The technical requirements are not about teaching the techniques of
soccer and are nothing more than encouraging children to enjoy
becoming friends with the ball and experiencing the following
through fun and imaginative games; running with the ball, stopping
and changing direction with the ball, dribbling, kicking, shooting.
Practice Goals:
1. Make it fun
2. Maximize touches on the ball for every player.
If everything you do at practice is geared towards achieving your
practice goals you will do a great job.
Practice Plan
Week _____________
Date_________________
Soccer Technique (25%):
______________________________________
______________________________________
Soccer Coordination (25%):
______________________________________
______________________________________
Small Sided Games (25%):
_____________________________________
______________________________________
General Movement (25%):
_______________________________________________
________________________________________________
Notes:________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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Practice Plan
Week _____________
Date_________________
Soccer Technique (25%):
______________________________________
______________________________________
Soccer Coordination (25%):
______________________________________
______________________________________
Small Sided Games (25%):
_____________________________________
______________________________________
General Movement (25%):
_______________________________________________
________________________________________________
Notes:________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Coaching Tips
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Communicate to parents their participation is required
Ensure every child has a soccer ball
Use one soccer ball per child, they don’t like sharing their toy.
Check your playing area to ensure it is safe.
Remove/reduce distractions.
Organize your practice to have all the children active, all the
time.
Keep activities short.
Be enthusiastic and have fun.
No scores are kept.
‘High Fives’ for everyone.
During games all players should play equal time and in all
positions.
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Practice Focus
Your practice sessions at the age should be structured in the
following way:
1. Soccer Technique (25%) – Fun activities and games with
a ball each, concentrate on dribbling, all directions.
Practice Plan
Week _____________
Date_________________
Soccer Technique (25%):
______________________________________
2. Soccer Coordination (25%) – Ball each, lots of touches,
left and right foot, different parts of foot and body.
3. Small sided games (25%) - Can be 1v1, e.g. Mom or Dad
vs Child. Just let them play, lots of movement.
4. General Movement (25%) – Running, jumping, twisting,
rolling, hopping, moving backwards, etc. Can be
incorporated in other activities
Note: One activity could have a number of components built into
it.
______________________________________
Soccer Coordination (25%):
______________________________________
______________________________________
Small Sided Games (25%):
_____________________________________
What every player needs to bring to Practice:
1. A Soccer Ball
2. Shin Guards
3. Cleats/athletic shoes
4. Water Bottle
______________________________________
General Movement (25%):
What every coach needs to bring to Practice:
1. Extra Balls
2. Ball Pump
3. Disc’s/Cones
_______________________________________________
________________________________________________
Notes:________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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Practice Plan
Week _____________
Date_________________
Soccer Technique (25%):
Sample Practice Plan
Week _____________
Date_________________
Soccer Technique (25%):
______________________________________
Name the cones
______________________________________
______________________________________
Soccer Coordination (25%):
Soccer Coordination (25%):
______________________________________
Body Parts
______________________________________
______________________________________
Small Sided Games (25%):
_____________________________________
Small Sided Games (25%):
1 v 1; start with child v parent then possibly move to
1 v1; child v child with parent supporting
______________________________________
General Movement (25%):
General Movement (25%):
Add jumping, sitting, hoping etc. during the 1st two activities
_______________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Notes:________________________________________________
Notes:________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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Timbits – Games/Scrimmage
Soccer Activities
Boss of the Ball
You have access to a number of activities through the ‘Byte Size
Coaching Curriculum’ that our club subscribes to every year. It
can be found at our website: torontohighparkfc.com under
coaches, byte size coaching, coach login. The login info is as
follows:
User Name: highpark
Password: coach
Organization:
Area – any size with two good size nets
Equipment: four cones, one active ball
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective:
Players are divided evenly into two teams. The teams stand beside the coach in a line (with
the parents. The coach decides on the number of players that will play by calling out that
number. Players change when the coach yells change or switch.
Special Instructions: Allow for players to play anywhere from one to two minutes. If the ball
goes out of play kick another ball in for continuous play.
Coaching Points:
•
Touch sparingly on specifics skills you have worked on that day.
•
Allow players to freely play with some basic instruction.
Progression:
1. More players to mimic a house league game.
Notes: This controlled game is much better as the coach dictates the flow of the game and the
scenarios. Also allow for a normal break period by having players retrieve errant balls. When
you are all out of them.
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11
Timbits- Warm Ups
Timbits – Games/Scrimmage
Tag
Numbers Game
Organization:
Area – large playing are with two large goals
Equipment: four cones, one ball
Organization:
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective:
Players are divided evenly into two teams. Each player is assigned a corresponding number
on each team. When the coach shouts the number only those players assigned that number
play one v one.
Special Instructions: All the other players that are not called automatically become goalies.
Goalies can not sneak into the field of play but must stay close to their goal line. Change
players fairly quickly as this drill is tiring. Keep extra balls behind you to keep the drill going.
Coaching Points:
•
Touch on specifics skills you have worked on that day.
•
Allow players to freely play with some basic instruction such as goalies you should
look to pass to your team once you make a save.
•
Hands out to the side to protect yourself in case someone bumps into you.
Progression:
1. Call more than one player to see if any team work is achieved.
Notes: This is a great drill to end practice and to mimic game situations. It is important that
you have players of similar abilities play against each other. You will probably want to have
parents with the children for this drill for various reasons.
Area – width of field, two safe zones at either end
Equipment – 12 cones, ball per player, pinnies
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective
The coach starts by being 'It' (defender). All other players group in the safety zone at one end
of the field. When the coach yells go players must make their way across the field without
being tagged. Players tagged then team up until no one is left
Special Instruction: One hand touch and start without a ball and then add ball.
Coach Points
•
keep the ball as close to you as possible.
•
keep head up to find the defender is.
Progression:
1. The challenge of keeping close control stopping and moving would be enough of a
challenge at this age without adding additional instructions.
Notes: Have a coach involved as kids love chasing a coach around. The coach should make it
difficult for them to be tagged!
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Timbits- Warm Ups
Timbits – Games/Scrimmage
Name the Cones
The first question kids will have when they come to practice is will they get
to have a scrimmage or game. Kids love to play and this is great because as I
mentioned the best teacher is the game itself.
Organization:
Area – square, cones at least 10 metres apart
Equipment – four cones, ball per player
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective
The coach assigns names to the cones based on a theme (food, country etc.) All of the players
start at the centre of the square and dribble around the cone that the coach has called and back
to the centre awaiting the next name to be called out.
Special Instructions: everyone needs to go around the cone in the same direction,
Coach Notes:
•
React quickly to the name that is called.
•
Keep the ball close as they dribble to the cone and navigate the through the maze of
players.
•
Players on their toes while waiting for next name.
Progression:
1. Yell name and then another quickly for players to adjust.
2. Add a centre area that all players need to dribble through before they go to the next
cone.
Notes: The kids can get involved by picking names for the cones. This exercise promotes
close control dribbling so the goal is not to lose control as they go from cone to cone as
oppose to being the first one back at centre.
Well-structured games will help tremendously in the development of
player’s skills and their enjoyment of the game.
It is important that in all games the coach has control over the tempo so can
make adjustments accordingly to ensure proper competition level and rest
periods.
Special Instructions for Games/Scrimmages:
Keep these items in mind when playing a game or having a scrimmage at
practice.
•
•
•
•
•
no goalies
all players should be rotated at every position
simple position instruction loosely enforced
keep games small sided 2v2, 3v3, 4v4
some instruction is helpful but mainly should consist of
encouragement; i.e. getting them back into position when the ball
has gone out of play
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Timbits- Warm Ups
Timbits – Fun Games/Shooting
Red Light Green Light
Organization:
Organization:
Area – 20
Players – any number
Equipment: cones, one ball per player minimum
Skill Level – all levels
Area – square, size depends on # of players
Equipment: four cones, one ball per player, 2 pinnies
Objective:
Two cones are placed in the middle of the area representing a net and two adults act as
goalies. Players are evenly distributed at opposite ends. Upon the coaches instructions two
players from either end run to the net and shoot. They are given about a minute to score.
Objective:
Players dribble around the square with a ball at their feet. They should experiment and use
different parts of their feet to carry the ball; inside, outside, sole, laces. The coach yells red
light for them to stop and green light to continue.
Special Instructions: players can score on either side of the net, that way they do not have to
bring the ball back if they miss the net.
Special Instructions: to advocate them putting their heads up you many want them to follow
you as you walk around the square.
Coaching Points:
•
Head Up to see target, head down to kick the ball.
•
Quick to loose balls/rebounds.
Coaching Points:
•
Keep the ball close.
•
Use all different parts of the feet.
•
Bring head up often to locate the coach.
Progression:
1. Kick only with specific parts of the foot.
Notes: Keep this drill active and fun by having the goalies make some saves and then
allowing the players to score towards the end of the minute. A fun way to end this drill is
having all players attack and score. Goalies get ready to go on the floor to make saves.
Parents need to help organize the kids at either ends.
Players – any number
Skill Level – beginners
Progression:
1. Add other instructions; freeze, sit etc.
2. Use red/green cones, pinnies or anything and you don’t yell instructions but raise
your hand. Players must look up frequently to see what the instructions are.
Notes: You can make this as challenging or as simple as you like by actively moving around
or adding more instructions.
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14
Timbits – Fun Games/Shooting
Timbits- Warm Ups
Clean Your Room
What time is it Mr. Wolf
Organization:
Organization:
Area – 15-20 metres
Equipment: two cones, one ball per player
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective:
Coach starts as the wolf and stands with back towards players and a few feet in front of them.
Players in unison shout out ”What time is it Mr. Wolf,” Wolf then yells out random times and
players take steps forward based on the time, for example, 3 o’clock means 3 steps forward;
Coach also takes steps forward. When coach responds with ‘Lunch Tim!” he turns around
and chases the kids back to the starting line.
Special Instructions: Have assistant coach/parent help kids continue up the field as many will
want to stay back to avoid being tagged. The tagged player can become the wolf but maybe to
start only coaches take turns.
Coaching Points:
•
Keep the ball close.
•
On your toes ready to turn back quickly.
•
Keep head up so do not crash into anyone.
Progression:
1. Have players become the wolf.
Notes: One of the all time favorites for the kids.
Area – 20 x 25 metres,
Equipment: cones, one ball per player minimum
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective:
Players are placed into two groups at opposite ends of the grid with a ball each. A dividing
line of cones are placed down the middle of the grid to separate the two areas. Upon the
coaches command players have a minute to try and kick all the balls into the opposite teams
end.
Special Instructions: to start, kids can kick the ball however they are more comfortable with
and then introduce the use of specific parts of the foot.
Coaching Points:
•
Parts of the foot.
•
Quick to loose balls.
•
Back to defend your zone.
Progression:
1. Kick only with specific parts of the foot.
Notes: In order to keep the drill active for the full minute coaches and parents should be
located outside the perimeter of the grid to keep the balls in play.
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Timbits – Ball Work
Timbits – Fun Games/Shooting
Hit the Coach
Follow the leader
Organization:
Area – 15 x 15, 20 x20, depends on # of players
Equipment – ball per player
Organization:
Area – any size
Equipment – ball per player
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective:
Players chase the coach by dribbling the ball and once they get close they aim to hit the coach
with the ball. Once the coach is hit the players decide what type of animal noise they want
him to make.
Special Instructions: coach should make it challenging for the players in terms of making
them dribble some distance and having them change directions.
Coaching Points:
•
Keep ball close to your body so you can change directions quickly.
•
Control over speed.
•
Head up to see where the coach is headed.
Progression:
1. Coach makes it more difficult to be hit moving faster, jumping weaving etc.
Notes:
The kids love this game but it can be really tiring for the coach so get other coaches/parents
involved. You can also add an instruction where the first hit the coach hops on one leg and
the second hit warrants an animal impersonation.
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective:
Players face the coach waiting for instructions. Coach demonstrates exercises and has the
players perform them..
Special Instructions: Use this to introduce basic soccer technique such as: 1. How to move the
ball from side to side (inside outside of the foot) 2. Dribbling or running with the ball. 3.
Kicking – part of the foot and swinging technique etc. Can also incorporate physical exercises
like sit, stand, jump etc.
Coaching Points:
•
Proper use of the foot based on exercise.
•
Balance.
Progression:
1. More challenging exercises.
2. Quicker changes of instructions.
Notes: Nice and simple exercise and can use it to progress to other activities such as name the
cone, body parts etc.
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Timbits – Fun Games
Timbits – Ball Work
Retrieval Game
Organization: Any size field
Equipment: ball per player
Squirrels
Players – any number
Skill Level - all
Objective: Coach yells out instructions and throws the ball which the player then has to
retrieve based on the instructions. For example...
One player/one ball
Bring back any way
Bring back hopping
Bring back holding ball over head
Add your instruction(s) here
Two Players/one ball
Bring back in __ touches (exact)
Bring back – two hands, two foreheads
3-4 Players/ one ball
Bring back in __ touches (add maximum 3 each)
Bring back in six hands on ball galloping
Bring back with 3 hands, 2 foreheads, 1 belly button & 4 legs
Special Instructions: give direction and let them figure it out but keep them busy. Maximize
touches on the ball.
Coaching Points:
•
•
there is probably more than one way of following instructions
be creative
Progression: As the coach be creative and how can you make it more challenging for them
Organization:
Area – square with cones about 10 metres apart
Equipment – 4 cones, more than one ball per player
Players – 8 to 12
Skill Level – all levels
Objective:
Players are squirrels that are trying to get the nuts (soccer balls) back to their home (cone).
When the coach yells ‘GO’ players race to the balls pick one and dribble it back to their
home. Once the squirrel has made it home then the next squirrel goes. The squirrels with the
most nuts win.
Special Instructions: coach needs to insure proper dribble techniques are used and players are
not just rushing back without proper control.
Coaching Points:
•
Keep ball close to your body.
•
Control over speed.
•
Head up to see where you are headed.
Progression:
1. You can have them return the ball with different techniques such as only using the
sole of the foot, only the left foot etc.
Notes:
You can use this drill and make it really fun by having them go to the ball in different ways
for example, going on all fours, leap frogging etc.
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17
Timbits – Ball Work
Timbits – Ball Work
Dribble – Traffic Jam
Body Parts
Organization:
Area – square, size depends on # of players
Equipment: four cones, one ball per player
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective:
Players are dividing evenly into for teams place at opposite ends of each other. When the
coach commands they must dribble the ball across the square, step on the ball and stand or sit
beside the ball. The team that completes the task the best gets a point, first team to five points
wins.
Special Instructions: coach awards points not based on who finishes first but who arrives
across the square without having crashed or lost control of the ball.
Coaching Points:
•
Control is preferred to Speed.
•
Keep the ball close.
•
Parts of the foot: outside of the foot to run with the ball; sole of the foot to quickly
stop; inside of the foot to turn to the opposite direction.
•
Bring head up often so do not run into anyone.
Progression:
1. Coach changes the way players dribble across i.e. using the weaker foot.
2. Have them go across and return to side that they started.
Notes: Coach makes this game exciting by awarding points and keeping the score close based
on execution. Use traffic comparisons to teach. For example; it is better to drive slowly and
safely instead of speeding and crashing; too many fender benders so no points for anyone.
Organization:
Area – square, size depends on # of players
Equipment: four cones, one ball per player
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective:
Players dribble around the square with a ball at their feet. When the coach yells a specific
body part players need to bring the ball to a stop (with their feet) and put that body part on the
ball. (elbow, knee, forehead etc.)
Special Instructions: Players need to try and not lose balance when placing body parts on the
ball.
Coaching Points:
•
Part of the foot to stop the ball.
•
Keeping balance on the ball.
Progression:
1. Faster instructions.
2. Different ways of stopping the ball.
3. Combine other instructions such as ‘Change Balls.’
Notes: This is a great exercise to work on quickness and balance.
18
19
Timbits – Ball Work
Timbits – Ball Work
King of the Jungle
Through the Gates
Organization:
Organization:
Area – 20 x 20 metres,
Equipment: 4 cones, one pinnie, one ball per player
Area – 20 x 20 metres,
Equipment: 14 cones minimum, one ball per player
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective:
Players dribble their ball all over the grid; the coach then becomes the lion. When the coach
yells ‘GO’ the lion has one minute to run around and kick everyone’s ball out of the jungle
(grid).
Special Instructions: to start, the coach should play the role of the lion. Players should be
allowed to retrieve their ball and enter the jungle again.
Coaching Points:
•
Keep ball close to you.
•
Keep head up to locate the lion.
•
Introduction to shielding, place your body between ball and lion.
•
Keep the ball moving to safer spot.
Progression:
1 Players become the lion.
Notes: this drill is great to introduce shielding and slight body contact.
Players – any number
Skill Level – all levels
Objective:
Place cones (red) a meter apart to simulate goals (gates) within the square. Players dribble
around the square and when the coach shouts go/now etc. players have one minute to go
through as many gates as possible.
Special Instructions: emphasize always that control is better than speed.
Coaching Points:
•
Keep ball close to body.
•
Use different parts of the foot to control ball.
•
Look up to locate next available gate.
Progression:
1. Have kids pass through the gates with specific foot/ part of foot.
Notes: I usually ask the kids how many gates they have gone through to see how they are
progressing as oppose to having them compete against each other.