[PDF] Rainier Soccer Alliance Puyallup Union Soccer Club Recreation Curriculum Guide

1 Rainier Soccer Alliance Puyallup Union Soccer Club Recreation Curriculum Guide Director of Coaching Message. Welcome C...

Rainier Soccer Alliance Puyallup Union Soccer Club Recreation Curriculum Guide

Director of Coaching Message. Welcome Coaches, Thank you for volunteering your time to coach this soccer season. Without wonderful volunteers like you, RSA/Puyallup Union Soccer Club would not exist. Coaching can be a very rewarding experience for you and it can help build a confident and healthy child. As coaches we not only have the opportunity to teach children the game of soccer, but also to facilitate the learning of social skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork. It is our goal to provide all players with a safe, fun, challenging, and educational environment. Whether children continue to play soccer will have a lot to do with whether they have fun. Some coaches are skeptical when they are asked to coach their child’s soccer team. The fear lies in the unknown. There are some important tips that will make your first time as soccer coach a pleasant one for players, parents, and most of all you. A soccer season is short, perhaps 9 games and 20 practices. Ideally this might mean 29 hours for learning soccer. But some children will miss practices and games. Practices and games will be rained out. Children will arrive late and leave early. Many children will not practice at all away from the team. Time is lost for breaks and setting up new activities. All of these things will reduce the amount of time that the children have to learn. When the learning curve of the new parent coach is figured in it's easy to understand why the training must be first and foremost, efficient and effective. In closing, I simply encourage you to accept the coaching position if you are given the opportunity. It might seem scary at first, but there are many resources in which you can learn to become an effective coach. It does take some practice, so don’t expect to be perfect your first go-round. Every season will be a learning experience and make sure you learn from your mistakes. Remember. Keep things simple and don’t forget to play soccer, the game is the best teacher! Thank you Steve Richards Director of Coaching

Coaches Need to Remember  Why Do Young Players Quit Soccer? These are the top reasons young players stop playing soccer. From research and studies conducted by US Youth Soccer, the following are the top reasons why young players drop out of soccer. 1. Criticism and yelling 2. No playing time 3. Over-emphasis on winning 4. Poor communication 5. Fear of making mistakes 6. Boredom 7. Not learning Notice that the top reason why kids stop playing soccer is Criticism and Yelling. Parents and coaches of young soccer players need to remember these simple reasons why players stop playing. It is ok to get excited and to cheer during a game. But, consider what is you are cheering for. Reward and acknowledge hard work and good play. Remember what our parents taught us, "If you do not have anything positive to say, do not say anything at all". From your children’s standpoint, it is much better to be a silent observer than it is to criticize. Do not over emphasis the win or the loss. Rather emphasis the fun of the game, the hard play and the kids working together on an off the field. If a player makes a mistake, let them learn from it. 99% of the time, the player that makes a mistake knows they did and already feels bad enough. Making them relive it again after the game will only cause them to fear making the same mistake in the future and will cause them to play safe. As parents and coaches we need to encourage players to try new things and to learn from their mistakes. It will only help them to make better decisions in the future.

Why Do Kids Play Soccer? Popular answers given by players. Parents sometimes forget to consider why kids play soccer. The game can become very intense and the sense of winning for parents will sometimes overcome the real reasons why kids play soccer. From an interview conducted with young soccer players (Under 12), these are the top reasons they indicated that they play the game. 1. To have Fun. 2. To be with their friends. 3. To make new friends. 4. To improve and learn.

5. To feel good. 6. To wear the stuff. Very rarely do we ever hear from players at a young age that I play to win. Kids play the game to just have fun, much like they might play tag or hide and seek in the backyard. They want to be a part of something that other kids are doing. So much of the time we see parents and coaches push young players to hard. We hear parents yelling from the sidelines for the players to move here or move there; stop this, shot, pass, dribble, etc. The list goes on and on. We also hear parents yelling at their kids after the game that they didn't do this or didn't do that. All this leads to be the kid electing to not continue playing the sport because they do not want to get yelled at any more. Parents ask your kids why they play the game and really listen to the answer. More than likely the answer you will hear is "To have Fun". Remember this and focus on continuing to make it fun not just for your kids, but for other players as well. Yelling at or talking negatively to your soccer player will very likely cause them to stop something that they truly love. Coaching Boys Soccer • • • • •

Intense Motivational Techniques work well Coach should focus on the individuals rather than the team. Encouragement is not always expected. More distance relationship between the coach and players Can handle longer more intense training sessions

Coaching Girls Soccer • • • • •

People oriented, democratic approach works best Coach should focus on the relationships among players Encouragement from the coach is a necessity More interaction between coach and players Shorter training sessions

From these points, you can say the main difference between coaching boy’s soccer versus coaching girl’s soccer is not the training sessions, but the different social and psychological factors. Training therefore is done with this context in mind: • • • • •

Quantity Quality Consistency Demands of the game Simplicity Coaching Guidelines

1. Have FUN! Have a good time and make it FUN for the players. A coach’s interaction with the players should always be positive and the more the coach engages with the kids, the more they will respond. 2. Be FAIR. Being fair is very important too. It’s a coach’s job to make sure each player has equal playing time, make sure players play each position, and be sure to include everyone. 3. Be POSITIVE. Being positive includes every interaction with players, parents, officials, and other coaches. It’s always good to set this standard at the beginning of the year so that your parents and players are all on the same wave length. 4. Ask for Parent Involvement. At the beginning of the year, ask for parent assistance during practice. This will help get parents involved with their child’s play and will help you reduce the player/coach ratio. This is especially helpful in younger players. For young players, try to keep the ratio about 4 kids to each coach. As the kids get older, the ratio can grow as much as 8 kids for each coach. This ratio will depend greatly on your kid’s age and skill. 5. Focus on TEAMWORK. As a coach, you often will have one or two star players on your team. It is important to grow these players and make them even stronger players; however, it is important to focus on teamwork to get the work done. 6. Set GROUND RULES. Before the season starts, meet with the team and parents and establish the ground rules. You will want to cover things such as: o sideline behavior – make sure they know they are welcome to cheer, but it is up to the coach and the assistant to do the coaching; o have players arrive to practice and games on time; o notify the coach if absent or late to game or practice; o players are to sit with the team while not in the game and not in mommy’s lap; 7. Know what to practice. As a new coach, it is hard to come up with games that are appropriate for that level of player. Make sure you create a smooth progression in your session with fun games and ideas for your level of player. Make sure you are playing small-sided games with younger kids that will focus on game-like situations. NO LINES. Make sure you prepare properly and have everything you need to coach soccer. Cones, pinnies and appropriate age soccer balls. 8. Take Coaching Courses. Many associations will offer coaching education. I encourage you to spend the extra time to become educated and seek help from experienced coaches.

Mission for the Recreation Coach. Development of Individual Skills and Small Group Tactics. Characteristics of the Coach: • • • • •

Enthusiastic Possess some soccer experience and knowledge Ability to demonstrate knowledge. Gives encouragement. Recommended License: Youth module or USSF “E”/Equivalent or Higher.

Development of Functional and Team Play A few tips for coaching young players, key aspects of the game to keep in mind, both defensively and when attacking. Soccer is ultimately about getting the ball into the right person's feet: the one who has the most time and space (i.e., faces the least pressure) and is in the most advantageous position to score (or make that goal scoring pass).Of course, don't forget to enjoy yourself when coaching and playing. Be focused but at the same time have fun... That's infectious. General Coaching Rules •

Concentration at all times.

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Stay fit.

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Be positive.

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Have realistic expectations of the team.

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Communicate on and of the field (don't scream).

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Have the ability to combine with players.

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Show creativity and vision.

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Play the way you're facing (play simple).

Defensively aspects to be coached

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Be aware of all positions.

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Play smart and anticipate.

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Always get the players behind the ball on defense.

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Stay on the goal side when defending.

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Make the play predictable so your team can anticipate the next pass or play.

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To make a player commit, take a quick step forward and quickly back off using your body to block the run. Not obstructing the player but anticipating the play.

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When faced with a two on one: buy time until help arrives (concede space a bit of space, don't dive in); take away the pass and force the ball in one direction.

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Always recover centrally (toward the penalty spot).

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Always find a free player and mark-up.

Offensively aspects to be coached •

Keep it simple.

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Get your head up and have vision of the entire field.

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Play the ball back when options are limited or dangerous.

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Always look around before collecting a pass.

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Have a first time pass in mind before collecting the ball.

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Be calm with the ball.

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Always be in position to support teammates.

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Give options to player with the ball (check in and check out asking for the ball).

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Keep your elbows up and use your body to protect and shield the ball.

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Take on players in offensive third of the field.

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Dribble toward defender until he leaves his mark then pass or beat him.

Key Training Tips

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Get lots of touches on the ball.

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Small sided games help develop creativity and skill (keep the training area small so players have less time on the ball, must make quick decisions and are always under pressure).

Sample Individual Practice Plan Really, there's not much of a difference in say a fundamentals training session whether you're six or seventeen, it's all about spending time with the ball and making the ball do what you want to do and not vice versa. 15 minutes Use this warm-up, jogging to retrieve the ball, and dribbling back with the right foot and then left foot, alternating. Striking the ball towards a target is really important, try to drive the ball or chip the ball, it's a combination of the two, that way mastering this will give the player a great feel for the ball, so you can play the ball to any part of the field, to any player or space. Incorporate some stretching into this warm-up phase. 15 minutes after trying to hit a target five or six times, juggle with each foot. Set a target number - repeat these three or four times. Next, do a cycle, from left foot to right, to right thigh and then left thigh, and then up to the head and chest - repeat this four or five times. Try to make up your own cycles, say left foot to head and then to fight foot and back up to the head. 20 minutes When you're done with that, find a wall or turn a bench over or in groups of two to strike the ball against, practice driving the ball, this means hitting the ball with power, but controlled, when you strike the ball like when taking a shot. Spend about ten minutes hitting the ball against the wall with both feet. Spend a few minutes than striking the ball against the wall with all the different parts of your foot--inside, outside, and instep of both feet. 10 minutes Kick the ball up in the air as high as you can and control the ball with the instep of your foot, see if you can actually steer the ball to one side when you're controlling it, as if there was a defender on you - repeat five or six times. 10 minutes Next, try dribbling at speed twenty yards or so, touching the ball with each step but going as fast as you can. Last, run through another cycle of juggling, vary your routine, two juggles on the right foot and then two on the left, then three on the right and three on the left, going up to ten. 15 minutes Always finish on a game so the players and you as a coach can incorporate the session into the game. Remember some players find in hard to translate the session into game situations.

Season Plan Once you have received your roster contact all your parents to schedule a parents meeting. This gives you the opportunity set your expectations (team, players and parents) and set your seasons goals. By having an informal gathering at the beginning of the season gives you the chance to interact with the parents and players before the hard work begins. Depending upon how much time you are able to commit you may have to enlist some help of other parents. Some of the roles that you may need to fill are, • • • • •

Team manager Treasurer Tournament manager Assistant coach (no more than two) End of season party organizer

To help you through out the season Director of Coaching, Steve Richards has put together a comprehensive guide to assist you. It has a bucket load of information. If you are unable to find your answers you require please don't hesitate to contact Steve Richards. During the season it is always a good idea to keep in touch with the parents to give them updates on how you feel the season is going. A weekly/bi-weekly group e-mail to all the parents usually works. At the end of the season RSA Soccer Club strongly encourages each team to have its own end of season party. Many coaches in the past have an awards ceremony for some of the top performers (MVP, Most Improved Player, Top Scorer, and Player’s Player). This is a great way to finish a season. If a face to face session can’t be organized, then as a minimum a letter/e-mail should be sent to all parents of new and existing players to ensure there is complete clarity of what you are trying to achieve, how this will be done and what support you require.

Parents and Team Meeting. This is the most difficult area of coaching. Parent management. It is very important to have a pre-season meeting with both parents and players. This is your first and most important opportunity to discuss your SOCCER COACHING and maybe your only chance to explain and TEAM RULES in a non-confrontational setting (before any discipline is needed), and to recruit volunteers to help you with administrative tasks. Skip this first meeting at your peril!! If the first time that some bossy parent has any contact with you is on Game Day when your team is getting pounded, and this parent tries to "help" you by yelling at the kids or standing beside you to offer "helpful" suggestions, you will be very sorry that you did not lay out your game-day ground rules early. And when little Johnny doesn't show up for 4 practices running, doesn't call, and then appears on game-day without shin-pads and no kit (and Mum is furious that he's on the subs bench),

you will be very sorry that you had not given out team rules which covered mandatory equipment or your expectations on attendance. We are not kidding when we suggest that this is probably the most important meeting which your team will have for the entire season. So, plan it carefully; get organized; and do your best to make an excellent first impression.

Where to have the meeting You will need about 30-45 minutes to go over the items which you want to cover, so you want your "audience" to be comfortable. There are many places where you might consider holding your meeting. Libraries often have meeting rooms available. Churches also may make their meeting facilities open to outside groups. In addition, cafeterias often have meeting rooms, as do many family-oriented restaurants. Of course, your home is also an option if your team is not very large.

When to have the meeting Families are always busy and it can be hard to find a time when everyone can attend. It's hard to set out general rules: use your own judgment in trying to find a moment when most people are likely to be free. In some places, Sunday afternoon may be the only unclaimed time in the schedule of many families, so around 4pm on Sunday can be an excellent time to hold this type of meeting. Mondays and Tuesday evenings frequently are slow times for restaurants, and often may be less hectic for families. Scheduling around 7 pm allows the family to eat first if they want, or to decide to eat at the restaurant. Try to avoid times when parents who also have other kids may need to take them to other activities.

What to cover at the meeting Here is a sample agenda for a preseason meeting, which addresses the common topics to be covered in the meeting. 1. Introductions 2. First of all, introduce yourself and your assistants (if any) to the parents. Most parents like to hear something about your background and your philosophy of coaching, especially as it impinges on their own child, so you may want to say something about how much playing time each player can expect. 3. It's also a good idea to go around the room and ask parents to introduce themselves and say which player they're related to. Some of the parents may know one another well, others may not, and they'll be seeing quite a bit of one another! 4. You may also want to pass around a sign-in sheet and ask people to put their name and phone number on it; this can be useful later to see who was present at the meeting and to check phone numbers. 5. Discussion of plans for the team

6. Need for every player to do soccer homework between practices. 7. Expectations for player development by end of season. 8. Expectations for win/loss record by end of season. 9. Need by team for volunteers (Calling trees, assistants, etc.). 10. You may want to set up a parent committee if there are matters such as fundraising or carpooling to be handled that are outside your jurisdiction. If possible, it's a good idea for this committee to be appointed on the spot and meet for a few minutes to get to know one another. 11. Team Kits/Team Name 12. Any Equipment needs of team (nets, goals, etc.) and fundraisers needed to obtain these items. 13. Special Skills Clinics 14. Issue of medical consent forms or - better still - a handbook that contains all the forms a parent needs 15. Questions/Answers

Tips on making the meeting run smoothly Many parents will want to go ahead and fill out the questionnaires at the meeting, so bring plenty of pencils/pens. Young players tend to get fidgety, so try to talk to them as much as you can. Bring a sack of candy or little treats (pencils, stickers, etc.), and start asking questions like "Why do you suppose that I want you to call me if you cannot come to practice?" - and toss a piece of candy to the people who answer correctly. Don't hesitate to reward parents, as well - they will get a kick out of this. If kits are to be purchased by the team, try to get some samples (for sizes) from your kit provider - and have a signup sheet for kits once you have selected which ones you want. Some coaches like to pick the team kit and name ahead of time - but kids enjoy this part so much that it really is a good idea to let them participate. Some parents may be divorced, so bring extra questionnaires, rosters and game schedules to the meeting for the other parent. If you note that the parents are divorced, make a mental note to check with the parent attending the meeting with the child about custody problems (including who is allowed to pick up the child after practice). This can save a lot of arguments later. Be sure to go over the Team Rules, and your expectations for parental behavior (especially at games). While being friendly, be firm that you expect that parents will not yell at kids on the field or yell at referees - and that the ONLY talk that you want to see is positive (good try, nice save, etc.). Remind parents that children perform worse if distracted or harshly criticized, so you really need their cooperation. Also remind them that refs are usually inexperienced themselves at lower age groups, and often will make mistakes. However, if we yell at the refs, we can make the ref more rattled, or get the ref mad at the team, or even  

might convince the kids that the ref is against them, which tends to make players want to stop trying or say/do bad things to the refs themselves (which can get the kids in really hot water) - so you expect the parents to set a good example of sportsmanship for the team. If you are going to take a long-term approach toward player development, and move players around (instead of locking players into single positions to increase your win/loss record), tell the parents why you have chosen this route. Explain how you define "winning", and what your approach towards player development will be. Of course, there may be some parents who really want their child on a hyper-competitive team. By giving them early warning of your approach, this allows them to talk to the club about moving to a different team (which may be best for all concerned). Some coaches haven't done much public speaking, and may be nervous about talking (especially if they have never coached soccer before - and are not sure what they are doing). As an old college professor used to say, "There is a big difference between ignorance and stupidity - one is curable." Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and to admit that you are learning by OJT. If you are trying hard, and doing your best to be fair and make learning fun, most kids and most parents will give you the benefit of the doubt. So, try to relax; get prepared for the meeting ahead of time; ask some questions you get the kids/parents talking.

Dealing with Parents Here are some ways, which you can head these problems off, and some practical advice. •

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Parents have a natural desire for their child to do well, and some can be quite vocal in expressing their views. It is vital as a coach that you are able to lead not only the children but the parents as well. As coach you will have to demonstrate open and honest, fair and trustworthy behaviors, at the end of the day they trust their loved ones in your care and voluntarily you are taking a great responsibility, one that should not be under estimated. You should bring the parents along with you, so they become loyal and supportive and will be able to reinforce the skills, techniques, behaviors and attitudes that you are teaching the children. In doing so you will build a strong infrastructure and I have seen a strong link between this and the unity of the team. The foundations for developing this bond with the parents should start right at the outset. If you are in the position of coach then take charge, make decisions and provide clear leadership and direction from the very beginning. Keep actively involved with the parents, most minor gripes if left unattended can become huge problems and sometimes very difficult to resolve if left to fester. This situation will only increase the pressure on you, distract you from your main role, that of coach, and will ultimately effect the behavior and performance of the team. At the beginning of the season a clear steer should be sent out the parents of what your objectives are for the season ahead and how you intend to fulfill these. Ideally a ‘contracting session’ should be held with the parents.

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If this is your first season coaching the team, whilst it may not appear to be, this is a tremendous opportunity to take control before any relationships are formed with any of the parents or children and you are completely impartial. If a face to face session can’t be organized, then as a minimum a letter/e-mail should be sent to all parents of new and existing players to ensure there is complete clarity of what you are trying to achieve, how this will be done and what support you require.

Code of Conduct RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club Player/Parent/Coach Code of Conduct Agreement As members of RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club, there are guidelines and expectations that all players, coaches, parents and spectators will abide by. All aspects included within, are intended to make playing soccer a positive experience for the players, coaches and fans and to assist your children in becoming both better players and people. RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club Prides itself on proper sportsmanship and sideline behavior, help us set the example for the enjoyment of players, coaches, parents and all spectators. 1. Zero Tolerance Policy RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club have a zero tolerance policy toward abuse of referees and especially youth referees. No comments will be directed at referees or assistant referees. This policy is in place for both home and away games. Negative comments toward officials will be dealt with seriously and may result in the offender being suspended from further games. This is your “warning”. 2. Sideline Behavior Coaches are responsible for controlling players and conduct of parents on the sidelines and they have the authority to dismiss unruly parents/spectators on behalf of club. 3. Role of RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club Parent The role of the parent is important for all young athletes. During training, SHSC asks all parents to remain silent observers. Coaches need the undivided attention of players to be able to train and get their point across. Parents should stay a good distance from the fields during all training sessions. We encourage parents to attend all games to support a positive atmosphere and applaud good play. There is to be no coaching by parents from the sidelines during games or at training. 4. Laws of the Game Please become familiar with the Laws of the Game. This will help educate and improve everyone’s soccer knowledge. These laws can be found on the following websites: www.WSYSA.com . 5. Volunteerism / Chair Persons RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club relies heavily on its volunteers. This is a great way to get to know other parents, players, and staff and to give back to the program. There is always need for volunteers at both the team and club level.

6. Player/Parent Expectations As players and parents we demand your best behavior on and off the field. At all times that you are wearing your uniform or accompanying a player you are representing our soccer club and yourself. We expect players and parents to respect all participants in the soccer world including, but not limited to, coaches, officials, players, and parents whether they are from the RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club or an opposing club. At all times we expect players and parents to use good common sense and exhibit sportsmanlike behavior. Any violation of these expectations will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Again, the club has a zero tolerance policy for physical or verbal abuse of or by all coaches, officials, referees, players, and parents. Violation of this policy may be grounds for suspension from. RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club 7. Code of Conduct Pledge 1. I hereby pledge to uphold the standards and expectations of the RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club and to provide a fun, safe and positive environment for my players. 2. I am committed to the RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club and I understand that the Club is trying to live up to the Mission Statement and that it is necessary to have these rules and guidelines in place to ensure a positive environment for our kids and our community, as well as to preserve the longevity of the Club. 3. I fully understand that it is a privilege to be appointed as a Coach in the RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club Program and that I am obligated to fulfill the duties and responsibilities as outlined within the “Coaches Roles & Responsibilities”. I understand that if I do not fulfill these duties and responsibilities, that I may be removed as Coach or face other disciplinary action. 4. I will strive to teach and inspire my soccer players to love the game and to compete fairly. 5. I understand that the team belongs to the RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club and that I it would be unethical for me, or any of my coaching staff to encourage that any member of the team to leave the Club because of my own personal issues. 6. I understand that I am required to have a current Washington State Risk Management form completed and on file with the Club at all times. 7. I will do everything within my ability to make this experience fun, challenging and rewarding for every child on the team. I will remember that the game is for the kids-and not for coaches. 8. I understand that this is simply a game! In the grand scheme of life, this game serves as a small part of building our kids character, sense of respect, responsibility and dependability. 9. I have read the “Coaches Roles & Responsibilities” and I understand that every player has a right to playing time as outlined in that document. I will do my very best to make soccer fun for all my players by giving them the opportunity to earn equal playing time. 10. I understand that is it my responsibility to communicate to my players and parents about my personal goals, objectives, and philosophies as they relate to the game and playing time. 11. I understand that I am required to attend all mandatory coaches meetings, clinics and Club functions as requested. I will continue to further my education by taking coaching courses, clinics and symposiums whenever offered through the club. 12. I fully understand that the SHSC Program is built around individual player development in a fun, challenging and rewarding environment. For this reason, I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win. 13. Coaches shall refrain from all manner of personal abuse and harassment of others, whether verbal, physical, emotional or sexual, and shall oppose such abuse and harassment at all levels of soccer. 14. I understand that every child has the right to enjoy the game of soccer and it is my

responsibility to create the appropriate environment for everyone. 15. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating a positive attitude towards all players, coaches and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports events. 16. I will work with the parents and the Club to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all. 17. I will demand a sports environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events. I will create and foster a safe and healthy environment. 18. I will ask my players to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability. 19. I will read the WSYSA Coaches Handbook and I agree to abide by all its rules and regulations. 20. I will do my best to support the Club and all the coaches within the Club, recognizing that coaching is an honor and a privilege and to treat it as such. 21. I will always try to remember that I am dealing with kids and not adults – this means that I must be patient and understanding. INITIALS__________ Coaches’ Roles & Responsibilities 1. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating a positive attitude towards all players, coaches and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports events. 2. I understand that as a Premier/District Level Team I am required to get approval from the Coaching Director and the Select Committee in order to add/drop players to the roster. 3. I understand that as a Recreational Level Team, all players are assigned through the Registrar unless approved by the Coaching Director. 4. I will create and foster a safe and healthy environment. 5. I will demand a sports environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events. 6. I will remember that the game is for the kids-and not for coaches. 7. I promise to help my players enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being respectful to all players, opponents and officials. 8. I will get trained in the responsibilities of being a soccer coach and uphold the RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club Coaches' Code of Ethics. 9. I will always try to remember that I am dealing with kids and not adults – this means that I must be patient and understanding. 10. I will continue to further my education by taking coaching courses, clinics and symposiums whenever offered through the club. 11. I understand that every player that lives up to the “Players Roles & Responsibilities” has a right to playing time as outlined below: a. Recreational Players – everyone gets equal playing time... period! b. District Level Players – everyone gets to play at least a third of the game. c. Premier/Select Level Players – playing time is earned, not deserved. Every player shall have the opportunity to earn at least some playing time per game. 12. Coaches shall treat officials with respect and dignity, and shall teach their players to do the same. 13. Soccer is the players’ game. The paramount concern of coaches is the holistic development, welfare, enjoyment and safety of their players. 14. Coaches bear responsibility for teaching their players to strive for success while playing fairly, observing the laws of the game and the highest levels of sportsmanship. 15. Our opponents are worthy of being treated with respect. Coaches will model such respect for opponents and expect their players to do likewise.

16. In both victory and defeat, the behavior of a coach shall model grace, dignity and composure. 17. Coaches shall adhere to the highest standards and the regulations of the institutions they represent: Clubs, schools, sponsoring organizations and sports governing bodies. 18. I promise to review and practice the basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my players. 19. Coaches shall model inclusive behavior, actively supporting cultural diversity while opposing all types of discrimination, including, but not limited to, racism and sexism, at all levels of soccer. 20. Coaches are responsible for taking an active role in education about, and prevention and treatment of, drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse, both in their own lives and in the lives of their players. 21. Coaches shall respect the declared affiliations of all players, and shall adhere to all guidelines and regulations on recruiting established by the governing bodies having oversight of their teams and leagues. 22. Coaches shall seek to honor those who uphold the highest standards and principles of soccer and shall use appropriate protocol to oppose and eliminate all behavior that brings disrepute to the sport - violence, abuse, dishonesty, disrespect and violations of the laws of the game and rules governing competition. Disciplinary Any sanctions brought against coach by WSYSA, TPCJSA or District III will be evaluated on a case my case basis and is grounds for immediate removal as Puyallup Union soccer coach. Any negative publicity or slanderous comments (verbal or electronically) about Puyallup Union Soccer Club will be evaluated and reviewed by the Board, and may be ground removal. Any/all Code of Conduct, Roles and Responsibilities, Requirements and expectations violations will be evaluated by DOC/ Board and decisions will be made and coaches will be notified of all cases. COACHES Signature_________________ 7. Agreement Contract I, _________________ (player) and I (we)_______________________(parent) _____________________ (parent) have read the South Hill Soccer Club Player/Parent/ Coach Code of Conduct Agreement. I understand all aspects of the Code of Conduct and agree to abide by all facets. Further, we understand that only the highest expectations of ourselves as a person and player are acceptable. I also understand that any deviation from any aspects of this Code of Conduct will be not be tolerated and may result is disciplinary action. ______________________________ Printed Player name ______________________________ Player Signature / Date

_______________________________ Printed Parent Name ______________________________ Parent Signature / Date _______________________________ Printed Parent Name _______________________________ Parent Signature / Date The Code of Conduct Agreement should be read by both the player and parent and then signed and dated. Once the form is signed and dated please remove this form and return it to each individual coach. Families should keep a copy of the agreement for future reference.

Player Assistance Application The RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club Fund was established to help players and their families who need assistance meeting the financial commitment to play Select Soccer in the RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club Program. Each year the RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club Board prior to the beginning of the season will make a determination on the number of scholarships to be awarded as well as the Dollar Amount for each scholarship. Our goal is to assist players regardless of race, color, nationality or ethnic origin. Application Process Players and their families download the application form from our website. Once the form is completed in its entirety it should be mailed directly to, P.O. Box 731502, Puyallup, Washington 98373. Applications must be post marked no later than June 30, 2011 to be accepted for review. All information provided will be kept in the strictest of confidence. Once all applications have been received the RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club Board will review all applications and make their decisions. Each applicant must complete in full the form and provide a photocopy of previous years Federal Income Tax Return. To be considered the application must be completed in full. The RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club Board will make all decisions within 2-3 weeks after the June 30th deadline. Any applications that are not submitted by the June 30th deadline will not be considered for the season’s assistance program and will not be held over for the following season. Only those applications that meet the deadline will be reviewed for the season that the application is applied for. A club representative from RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club will notify each applicant of the committee’s decision by the dates mention above. Uniform payments must still be made and are not considered a part of the scholarship fund. If you have any questions regarding the Scholarship Application Process, please contact the club Secretary.

Player: _____________________________________ Age: ______________________ Team you play for: ______________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian responsible for the Player: Name______________________________________ Relationship to Player_________ Street Address___________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________State_______Zip Code___________________ Home Phone:______________________Cell Phone:____________________________ Employer: ______________________________________________________________ Does the Player reside with this parent/guardian?

YES

Parent/Guardian responsible for the Player: Name______________________________________ Relationship to Player_________ Street Address___________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________State_______Zip Code___________________ Home Phone:______________________Cell Phone:____________________________ Employer:______________________________________________________________ Does the Player reside with this parent/guardian? YES

Marital Status of Parents: __________________________________________________ Number & Ages of Children residing in the home that you have Primary financial responsibility over: __________________________________ ___________________________________ __________________________________ ___________________________________ __________________________________ ___________________________________ Have you had any circ*mstances change in your home that are not reflected on your tax return: YES NO If Yes, Please Explain ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

Your Residence RENT OWN Monthly Amount______________

LIVE W/FAMILY MEMBER

Do you have Day Care/Pre School Expenses? YES Monthly Amount: ____________

Please write one paragraph explaining why you are requesting this scholarship: _______________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Please write one paragraph explaining what you hope your child will gain from participating in the Revolution Soccer Program: ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Are you willing to help with fundraising for the club?

YES

If yes what areas can you help with:___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian___________________________________Date:___________________ Parent/Guardian___________________________________Date:___________________ (Only parents/guardian who live with the player and/or are financially responsible for must sign)

An Example of a parent coach letter. Dear Parents: I hope everyone has had a great summer and is ready for a fun season of soccer! I will be your child’s coach this year and am looking forward to working with them. To get the season off to a smooth start, there are a few things you’ll likely want to know: There will be two goals for this year’s season. First and foremost, we’re here to have fun, and we’ll want the kids to view soccer as an activity they really enjoy and associate with only fun experiences. To accomplish this we’ll play lots of fun games. I ask that you help us achieve this goal by encouraging your kids to participate in our activities as much as possible and keep their focus on enjoying themselves. At this age there is no need to concern ourselves too much on “winning”. Keep in mind this is only the 1st step in a very long soccer career. Development and fun need to be the focus, not wins and losses. The second goal of our season is to get the kids to become more and more comfortable with handling the soccer ball. We’ll spend lots of time practicing skills such as dribbling, passing, and trapping, and I hope you will spend some time with them at home further developing these abilities. Even if it is only 15 minutes a week on a Sunday afternoon, the more time the kids play soccer the better. But again, always keep the focus on having fun and stay positive, and don’t worry too much about how quickly they improve. The worst thing we can do to our kids at this age is to let them become discouraged or frustrated with the sport. If we let that happen they won’t want to play again next year. Practices will run from 5:45-6:30 every Wednesday between now and the end of October. Because we have only 45 minutes to play, please arrive on time. Games will run from 10:3011:30 on Saturdays starting September 9 through November 4. On Saturday, October 7, team and optional individual pictures will be taken, followed by a shortened game. All practices and games will take place at _____________. Unless you hear otherwise, we will always have practice or games. In case of cancellation, you will be notified by phone as quickly as possible. Please make sure that your child brings soccer cleats, shin guards, a #3-size soccer ball, water bottle, shorts, and a T-shirt for practice. Game shirts and game socks will be passed out at our first practice. Mark all items as needed with your name in case they get misplaced. Enclosed is a team roster with parents’ names and phone numbers. The roster will be my primary source of contact information should I need to reach you for weather cancellations, so please make sure your phone number is accurate. If you have any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to contact me at any time. Take care, Coach _________

Parents Letter       To: Parents of all children on the ___________________________________________________________________ From: Your child's Soccer Coach Subject: Philosophy, Expected Behavior, Discipline, Medical Conditions, etc. Coach Name:

_________________________________________________________

Tel #

_________________________________________________________

Assistant Coach:

_________________________________________________________

Tel. #

_________________________________________________________

Team Manager

_________________________________________________________

Tel. #

_________________________________________________________

Practice: Attendance: Please attend. We can't play well as a team unless we practice as a team. Those who attend practice the most may play the most, although everyone who attends a game will play at least 50% of the game. Days: _________________________________________________________________ Time(s):

_________________________________________________________________

Location

_________________________________________________________________

Rain Policy:

_________________________________________________________________

Philosophy & Objectives: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Fun Teach Soccer fundamentals & teamwork A safe environment Our success will be measured by the above & by our improvement, not by wins & losses.

Equipment: 1. All players must wear proper shin guards to every practice and every game. Hard surfaces of shin guards must be covered with socks. (Referees will check this).

2. No shoes with front cleats may be worn (i.e., no baseball or football shoes if they have a front cleat, unless you cut it off). Only rubber cleats are allowed; metal cleats are not allowed. (Referees will check). 3. No jewelry, metal devices, or hazardous equipment may be worn. (Casts can be allowed if they are padded & the Referee approves them before the game). 4. Each player should bring a plastic water bottle to games and practices. 5. Each player should have a stitched ball (as opposed to a hard seamless ball) of proper size. (Soccer balls come in 3 different sizes: 3, 4, & 5. The ball size is shown on the ball. Also, look for a stamp that says either “official size & weight” or “FIFA Approved”. Even if a ball is the official weight, some balls are heavier & harder than others. Don’t get a ball that is too heavy or hard (some seamless balls are especially hard). Some balls are so hard that it is painful to kick them. If you have a choice, a shiny, waterproof surface is best because it won’t absorb water & will last longer. Test the ball to see if it’s round & will fly straight by tossing it into the air with a lot of spin on it to see if it wobbles. U-6 & U-8 use a size 3; U-10 & U-12 use a size 4; and U-13 & older use a size 5 ball). We will use a size _________ ball. Expected Behavior: By Parents: 1. "Positive encouragement is good; negative comments are bad." 2. “Cheering is good, but do not yell at your child or anyone else’s child during the game. It can be distracting & what you tell them may be different from what the coaches are saying. If you would like to be an assistant coach, please call me, I would love your help.” 3. “Be careful not to say anything that might be taken the wrong way or hurt someone’s feelings. Remember: this is for fun & these are children.” 4. “Be a good role model & a good sport.” 5. “Do not yell at the referees or say anything bad to or about the other team. Never boo the other team or cheer when they make a mistake.” By Players: A. Behavior Rules 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Everyone must follow all directions given by the coaches & assistant coaches Everyone must hustle & do their best “When I talk you must be still & listen” I expect everyone to be a good sport whether we win or lose (this includes parents) “No cursing or name calling”. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

B. Safety Rules 1. Keep your hands to yourself 2. Do not kick the ball in the air unless I tell you it is okay (otherwise kids will be getting hit in the back of the head) 3. Dangerous behavior will not be tolerated

Discipline Policy: I have an obligation to your child & to everyone involved to not allow certain types of behavior. If your child has a history of problem behavior, please call me so we can talk about how to deal with it. I will try to follow the policy described below. If you disagree with this policy or any part of it, please call me immediately: 1st

I will talk to the child & explain what they are doing that is unacceptable & why, and ask them to stop it.

2nd If they persist, I will ask them to do 10 “knee jumps” (they stand still & jump, raising their knees to waist height. This is quick & less disruptive than laps). 3rd If they still persist, I will ask them to go to the side line until they are ready to obey the rules. I will take them over to the side & speak to them privately & explain to them that they are disrupting practice (or doing something unsafe) & that I won’t tolerate it & that if it happens again I am going to make them sit out until their parents arrive & then talk to their parents. 4th

If they still persist, I will ask them to sit on the side line until their parents arrive at which time I will talk to the parents.

5th

If they still persist at any future practice, or if the parents don’t support the need for discipline, I will give the parents the choice of attending each practice so they are present to observe & enforce discipline, or I will ask them to resign from the team and I will file a written report with the league administrator.

Medical Conditions:

Please fill out the attached Medical Conditions & Emergency Treatment Form. Important: Everyone must fill this out.

Volunteers:

Volunteers are encouraged. Please fill out the attached form if you would like to help in any way. We need all the help we can get!

I am excited about coaching your child this season. Please call me if you have any questions or anything to discuss. If a game schedule isn’t attached, I will hand it out later.

Some Age Appropriate Guidelines U5-U6 Coaches Without a doubt coaching U5-U6 soccer is the most challenging, but at the same time, the most rewarding. The main goal is for this age group is to have fun. Please remember 5/6 year olds are very distractible and have short attention spans. Your main goal is to provide a fun, safe and educational soccer experience. Coaching U6 soccer is slightly different from U5 soccer. At U6 the player is socially more advanced and physically more capable to playing the game. With this in mind the coach may be able to add a few coaching points into his coaching sessions. These points will be very discrete with the player not realizing that they are performing a task that will improve their skills. The important thing is not to force the issue, if a player is unable to do a task it is OK, as long as they are trying, remember they are only 6 years old. The main focus is to have fun. As a coach we must understand that a 6 year old sees the game of soccer very differently than adults. To be a successful coach we must understand this. For a 6 year old the soccer ball is not a ball we kick to score goals with. It is a “toy”, and it is “my toy”. It is not uncommon to see players constantly searching out their “toy” at any point during your practice (even during scrimmages). This behavior is OK, don’t be alarmed by it. We find that 6 year olds get the ball they dribble in any direction whist their teammates and opponents attempt to get the ball off them. Again this is normal behavior. The player on the ball is trying to keep his/her “toy” away from everybody and the remaining players on the field, want their “toy” back. The games that we play at this age group incorporate the player’s new “toy” in a fun and dynamic way. The players are still learning the game of soccer, but we are introducing in a way that they can truly understand and enjoy. The important thing is not to force the issue, if a player is unable to do a task it is OK, as long as they are trying, remember they are only 5/6 years old. The main focus is to have fun. U7-U8 Coaches Now that you are a U7/U8 soccer coach you are able to identify the better athletes in your group. At this age the more athletic players seem to take more control of the group. As the coach you have to try and identify this and act accordingly. You may need to set different challenges to different players. Try to acknowledge achievements that have been completed by a player. The level of achievement may vary from player to player.U8 players are at the age where they are beginning to understand the concept of working with a teammate. The notion, or willingness, to intentionally pass the ball to someone is just beginning to take hold. Coaches and parents will have more success encouraging players to pass the ball in this age group. In this age group, the player begins to think beyond their personal needs and actively looks to pass to a teammate. In many cases they will pass to their best friend and not necessarily the player in the best position to receive the ball. As always, the main focus of your season is to have fun.

U9-U10 Coaches The motivation to learn basic skills is very high at this age level. Children gradually begin to change from being self-centered to being self-critical and develop the need for group and/or team games. The “six principals” of U9/U10 player development should be, • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

Are activities developmentally appropriate? Provide clear, concise and correct information. Organize activities simple to complex. Provide safe and appropriate training area. Include decision making by the players within activities. Ensure activities have implications for the game. At this age the coach has to understand and demonstrate the basic techniques of soccer and deliver to the player in a sensitive, patient, enthusiastic and imaginative manner. Technique is understood as the mechanics of the following basic soccer skills, Dribbling: Moving the ball at your feet. Player may move the ball to beat an opponent, accelerate away from an opponent or turn away from an opponent. Receiving: Receiving a ball that has been passed along the ground or in the air using any part of the body except the arms or hands. Shooting: Striking the ball with feet towards the opponent’s goal. Passing: Playing the ball with the feet to a teammate. Heading: Intentionally contacting the ball with the forehead.

When your are conducting your sessions please consider the following, • • • • • • •

Are the activities FUN? Are the activities organized? Are the players involved in the activities? Is creativity and decision making being used? Are the spaces used appropriate? Is your feedback appropriate? Are there implications for the game?

In soccer there are individual, small group and team tactics. At U9/U10 the key development of tactics occurs in 1v1 and 2v2 situations. The player should play a variety of positions in order to develop into a complete player. Attacking examples could be a player dribbling to beat an opponent, when and where to shoot at goal, when and where to pass and move and the choice of controlling surface. Defending examples could be the positioning of the player between opponent and goal, when to challenge for a ball and supporting a teammate challenging for a ball. Demonstrate increased self-responsibility for preparation and discipline. Let them initiate play and learn through self-discovery/self expression. All activities should have objectives/method of scoring. Let them enjoy competition. Most importantly keep it FUN and ENJOYABLE to foster a desire to play.  

U11-U12 Coaches Hero worship, identification with successful teams/players and a hunger for imaginative skills, typify the mentality of this age. This is "the golden age of learning" and skill development. The six principles followed at this age are, • • • • • •

At this age the coach has to understand and demonstrate the basic techniques of soccer and deliver to the player in a sensitive, patient, enthusiastic and imaginative manner. Technique is understood as the mechanics of the following basic soccer skills, • •

• • •

•

Dribbling: Moving the ball at your feet. Player may move the ball to beat an opponent, accelerate away from an opponent or turn away from an opponent. Receiving: Receiving a ball that has been passed along the ground or in the air using any part of the body except the arms or hands. The player's first touch should set them for the second touch. Shooting: Striking the ball with feet towards the opponent's goal. Looking for correct technique and decision making in front of goal. Passing: Playing the ball with the feet to a teammate. Consider the correct technique of the pass. Should the pass be directed straight to the player or into space for a teammate to run onto? The strength and accuracy as well as direction and angle of the pass should be considered. Heading: Intentionally contacting the ball with the forehead. Heading can be practiced, but for short periods.

When your are conducting your sessions please consider the following, • • • • • • •

In soccer there are individual, small group and team tactics. At U11/U12 the key development of technique occurs when there is appropriate management of pressure on the activity (time, space or opponents). Let the player's play a variety of positions in order to develop into a complete player. Attacking examples could be a player dribbling to beat an opponent, when and where to shoot at goal, when and where to pass and move and the choice

of controlling surface. Keep possession of the soccer ball by using two player combinations and using the angles of support. Defending examples could be the positioning of the player between opponent and goal, when to challenge for a ball and supporting a teammate challenging for a ball (cover). The defender has to learn how much pressure to apply, channeling the opponent and immediate chase (transition). Demonstrate increased selfresponsibility for preparation and discipline. Let them initiate play and learn through selfdiscovery/self expression. All activities should have objectives/method of scoring. Let them enjoy competition. Most importantly keep it FUN and ENJOYABLE to foster a desire to play U13+ Coaches At this age the players take on the joys of being a teenager and having to deal with many different social and physical changes. They also are taking on the challenge of playing "full soccer". At this age the player has identified soccer as a sport that they wish to progress in. Most players will continue in the sport for many years to come. As a coach you should follow these five principles: • • • • •

Are activities developmentally appropriate? Provide clear, concise and correct information. Organize activities simple to complex. Provide a safe and appropriate training area. Include decision making by the players within activities.

At this age the coach has to understand and demonstrate the techniques of soccer and deliver to the player in a sensitive, patient, enthusiastic and imaginative manner. This age group starts to understand the different tactical aspects of the game and as a coach you have to challenge the player. Technique is understood as the mechanics of the following basic soccer skills, dribbling: Moving the ball at your feet. Player may move the ball to beat an opponent, accelerate away from an opponent or turn away from an opponent. Receiving: Receiving a ball that has been passed along the ground or in the air using any part of the body except the arms and hands. The player's first touch should set them up for the second. Shooting: Striking the ball with the feet towards the opponent's goal. Look for correct technique and decision making in front of goal. Passing: Playing the ball with the feet to a teammate. Consider the correct technique of the pass. Should the pass be directed straight to the player or into space for a teammate to run on to? The strength, accuracy, direction and angle of the pass should be considered. Heading: Intentionally contacting the ball with the forehead. Start using the head as a tool (heading down towards goal, heading high when defending, directing the ball with the head to a teammate and flicking the ball on with the head). Heading can be practiced, but for short periods. When you are conducting your sessions please consider the following, • •  

Are the activities FUN? Are the activities organized? 27 

• • • • •

Are all the player's involved in the activities? Is creativity and decision making being used? Are the spaces appropriate? Is your feedback appropriate? Are there implications for the game?

In soccer there are individual, small group and team tactics. At the U13+ the key development of technique occurs when there is appropriate management of pressure on the activity (time, space or opponents). At this age the player starts to identify which position best suits their playing style, the education he/she has received in previous years has helped the player make this decision. Attacking examples could be a player dribbling to beat an opponent, when and where to shoot at goal, when and where to pass and move and the choice of controlling surface. The player keeps possession of the soccer ball by using two/three player combinations and using the angles of support. The player also has to show greater awareness of the soccer field so he/she can attack as a team. Defending examples could be the positioning of the player between opponent and goal, when to challenge for a ball and supporting a teammate challenging for a ball (cover). The defender has to learn how much pressure to apply, channeling the opponent and immediate chase (transition). Defending as a team becomes more important at this age. The player has to show awareness of the soccer field to identify strengths and weaknesses. Demonstrate increased self-responsibility for preparation and discipline. Let them initiate play and learn through self-discovery/self expression. All activities should have objectives/method of scoring. Let them enjoy competition. Most importantly keep it FUN and ENJOYABLE to foster a desire to play.

Assigning Positions One of the most important jobs as a coach is putting the right players in the right positions. At the younger ages, set the initial lineup is only a starting point for the game. It is up to the coach to find each players “self-identity” and place players in the position that best matches them. I am a strong believer that players must have the opportunity to try other positions during the course of the season as your team should be flexible enough to make adjustments as necessary to match up with your opponents. Some younger age groups might play without goal keepers, or not play with eleven aside, however, I will go through each of the positions on the field. The Goalkeeper (keeper) The coach must be very careful when assigning a young player to this position, and should only assign players who have had several practices playing this position and has proven qualified to play keeper. The goalkeeper should be coordinated, athletic, hands of a wide receiver and the courage of a hockey player. For younger players, players who play basketball often have good hand-eye coordination and can be a very good candidate as a

keeper. Outside Fullbacks When assigning a player to this position, the coach should look for players who are defensive minded but pose a great attacking threat as well. The coach should clearly state the most important job of this position is to defend their goal. Their responsibilities often include man marking, closing down attackers, supporting other defenders, watching backside runs, and winning balls. These players must have strength, speed, concentration, aggressiveness, decisiveness and a good understanding of how to defend. Sweeper The sweeper’s position is basically to be a clean-up man. This player’s job is to be the last player on the field (not including the keeper) and is used as the last defensive measure. This position requires a VERY special player who must have a natural talent for defending and being positioned in the right place at the right time. This player should have speed, strength, stamina, awareness, decisiveness, confidence and a natural tact for defending. Stopper (center halfback) The stopper is another defender who plays in front of the sweeper. This player’s responsibility is to “STOP” any attack coming down the middle of the field. I generally look for players who are aggressive, strong, confidence in the air, and a clearance for relieving pressure on the defense. Center Midfielders This player should be assigned to your play maker. The center midfielder’s primary function is to support EVERY player on the field (excluding the goalkeeper). They must be offensive and defensive minded, thus they must have outstanding fitness and good at possessing the ball. These players must have stamina, strength, speed, determination and confidence on and off the ball. I often explain this position as being the center of a wheel with an outlet to each player being a spoke on the wheel. Outside Midfielders (winger) This player is both offensive and defensive minded. The outside midfield player does not require physical strength, so finding a player that has good ball control, the ability to take players on and great fitness will often make great outside midfielders. This player is expected to be involved on the attack as well as defending, so this player must be fit. Forwards (strikers) This player is considered the main thrust of the attack and should be the player that naturally scores goals. These players must work closely together and share in the responsibility as feeder and goal scorer. When assigning this position, look for players who demonstrate good attacking ability but not much inclination towards defending. This player needs speed and strength.

Making a Soccer Lesson Plan When making a lesson plan remember the following points: • • • •

• • • • • • •

Design your session for age and the number of players on the team. Make sure your drills and activities are age specific. Design activities to flow from simple to complex – add elements of the game as you progress. Design session to include: Explanation to the player, Start, middle and where you are going with the drill. 1. Warm-up. 2. Small-sided activity (e.g. 4v2 keep away). 3. Expanded small-sided activity, with discretion. 4. 6v6 (5v5 plus keepers) to two large goals. Use progression for teaching techniques or tactics as a guide for planning session. Use the appropriate space on the lesson plan to diagram your activity, describe the organization and list the key coaching points. Include the objectives of the game or exercise and the method of scoring. If using restrictions, make sure they are applicable to your objective and topic. Include the general dimensions for the playing area – you should be prepared to adjust the size during your session if needed. Use the area of the field that is most applicable to your topic if possible to provide a clearer reference for your players. Make sure your activities are realistic to the game.

When diagramming, remember the following points:  • • • •

Keep diagrams simple. Use a straight line for a pass – a dotted line for a run – a scribbled line for a dribble. Indicate size of the area on lesson plan next to diagram. Indicate neutral players with an N.

Make sure your practice makes sense:  • • • • •

Does it look like soccer? Will your players understand where the practice fits in the game? Are the objectives you set for the players to achieve realistic? Are your instructions clear and to the point? Does the activity or practice bring out the actual elements of the game?

Game Day  All your hard work is on display on game day. Come to the game early and have a game plan. Here are some tips for game day. • • • • • • • • • • •

If you need to set up cones, tents, chairs etc. get in done as soon as you get there. Have your players arrive 30mins (45mins for U13+ players) prior to kick off. Have warm-up prepared (below). Make it routine, as it great for focusing your players physically and mentally. Have your team talk ready, Select three topics that you want your team to work on. Be positive and encouraging. Talk to your substitutions and give instruction to your team through them (shouting across a field seldom works). At half time let your players get hydrated as soon as possible. Select three topics to work on in the second half. Allow your players time to provide feedback regarding the game. They need to learn to be problem solvers. Cool down (below).

Warmup Activities  The soccer warm-up before the start of a soccer match or training session only takes a few minutes. The warm-up can avoid serious injury, and the dynamic stretching exercises promote agility. If you pull a hamstring or get a back injury, you can be out of soccer for months, and often such injuries are avoidable. The reasons for the warm-up are to avoid injury, and to be able to play at your peak right from the starting whistle. Any warm-up program should gradually raise the heart rate, and stretch and warm the muscles. Warm-up activities for ages 10yrs and under •

Stretching exercises are not necessary. Warm your team up by using dribbling exercises or passing and moving.

Warm-up activities for ages 11-12yrs •

A short 15 minute warm-up is all that is necessary, and over-stretching at this age can even be harmful. The warm-up should include a number of dynamic stretches. Follow this with a few minutes’ individual ball work and small group activities.

Warm-up activities for ages 13yrs+ •

A 25 minute warm-up consisting of dynamic stretches, individual work with the ball and small group activities will get your players prepared for the game ahead.

 What is a cool down?  Soccer players of all ages should warm up before EVERY soccer event and cool down after EVERY soccer event. The number one reason revolves around reducing the likelihood of a soccer related injury. Although warming up is often overlooked by coaches of younger players, a good warm up and cool down should become part of a team’s routine. Basically when a player warms up, it does two things. Helps players avoid injury as well as improving the players performance. We call it warming up because it actually increases temperature of the player’s muscles. It also increases the flow of oxygen to muscles, speeds nerve impulses and helps increase range of motion. Good warm ups typically consists of light jogs, stretching, along with light soccer related warm up such as light dribbling, skill work, or passing at short distances. Each warm up should be between 15 and 30 minutes depending on age group and level of play and should be followed almost immediately with more intense practice drills. The benefits of a good cool down after training also revolves around reducing injury and boosting performance. The cool down does this by gradually lowering the heart rate, helping oxygen levels in the muscles return to the condition they were in before the practice began, while removing waste such as lactic acid. A good cool down also helps reduce muscle soreness after an intense training session. A good cool down typically consists of a light jog followed by light stretching. So to answer the question posed earlier "Should Soccer Players Warm up& Cool Down for Practices?" is a definite yes. There are great benefits to getting your team into a good routine while warming up as well as cooling down before and after training sessions. I recommend introducing a good warm up and cool down with under 6 players to build the routine now so they don't think twice about a good warm up or cool down when they get older. Cool Down • One prominent feature of youth soccer is a nearly total lack of a proper cool down. But a good cool down is one of the most important aspects of sports and exercise. • Understand the cool down. A proper cool down is a gradual slowing down of activity, followed by stretching. • Cool down every time you play. Don't just walk off a field. Whether at a game or practice, follow cool down principles after all sports activity. • Put on warm clothing, and cover the legs to keep muscles from tightening in cool weather. • Do the same stretches as you use in a warm-up. The cool down need not be as elaborate, since its purpose is to unwind, both physically and mentally. • Stretch at least the major muscle groups of the legs. Since stretching is best performed on warm muscles, post-activity stretching is very efficient. • Drink and eat immediately after playing. Proper rehydration and refueling speeds muscle recovery. • Younger group “ICE CREAM”

RSA / Puyallup Union Soccer Club Recreation Curriculum Guidelines Highlights Player Development U7, U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, 13, 14

Typical Characteristics  Players, Practice Considerations, Game Considerations, all of this will hopefully help you and your players have as much fun as possible and ensure a successful season for all.

 General Coaching Guidelines A. Have fun · Practices and games should be fun – It is why everyone is there. If children see you having fun, they will have fun, and if they are having fun they will want to continue playing soccer. Ø B counting down the last 5 or 10 seconds of an activity you can add excitement to it. Ø When sending players on a water break, have them go backwards, skip, hop, etc. for fun to help coordination skills. · Be patient. The players will not understand everything right away. Give brief easy to understand instructions. Be firm with your expectations but remember you are dealing with young children. · Have a positive attitude. Give players positive reinforcement. Use praise as an incentive. Tell them what they do right rather than what they do wrong. B. Focus on long-term player development, not winning games · Coaches ultimate focus should be on long-term development of each child and not on shortterm goals. · Don't measure success by winning and losing, measure success in other ways such as: Ø Are the kids having fun and doing their best? (If it's not fun, it's not good) Ø Are the kids learning how to socialize with others? Ø Are the kids learning about sportsmanship and teamwork? Ø Are the kids learning something about soccer? Are they improving? · Encourage Learning & Tolerate Mistakes. Encourage players to try new things and be creative. Encourage their effort even if what they try doesn't work. Making mistakes is not a bad thing. · Rotate Positions. All players should have the opportunity to experience playing each position. This will help with their overall development as soccer players and also keep them motivated and provide them with new challenges. C. Emphasize friendship, respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship

· In addition to achieving a sense of accomplishment through the mastery of skills, soccer is a great way for young players to learn good values that they can carry on with them in other aspects of their lives.

Teaching Points ( Developing Touch and Technique.). • • • • • • • • • •

Maintain close control with both feet. Be agile, stay on toes. Use all parts of feet, inside, outside, laces, sole. Move to get behind balls path. Keep a soft contact. Concentrate on center of ball. Keep head up. Control ball first, don’t just kick it away. Change direction and speed when turning. Be a friend with the ball.

PASSING. • • • • • • • • •

Use inside of feet. Change body position so it’s comfortable. Stay relaxed. Don’t be like a robot. Look at ball when passing. Pass to other players, not just kick and hope. Move afterwards. Move away from players to receive ball. Turn body to face ball when receiving. Stay spread out.

SHOOTING. • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Keep toe pointing down. Lock ankle. Strike with shoelaces. Strike through center of ball. Swing leg and follow through. Keep relaxed except keep foot locked. Accuracy before power. Keep knee and head over ball. Place standing foot alongside ball, not in front or behind. Aim for bottom corners of goal. Accuracy before power. Follow after shooting. Use foot closest to the ball. I.E. left or right foot.

GAMES. • • • • • • • • •

All of the above. Keep moving. Encourage movement towards ball. Encourage use of width. Keep positions only loosely restricted. Take Time-out to rotate subs and positions. Coach, educate, and support during games. Explain all fouls and calls made. Create an understanding of the Laws of the Game

Practice Considerations The practice sessions provided have been structured to provide active, developmentally appropriate, fun activities that will help each player continue to increase their comfort with the ball. Coaches should encourage players to use their left and right feet as much as possible, the only way they will get better with their weak foot is to practice. At this age level coaches should only be focused on continuing teaching players technical, fundamental ball skills (dribbling and ball mastery are reinforced), as well as basic movement skills such as running (forwards, backwards) moving sideways, jumping, turning, twisting and bending (to lower center of gravity to form a solid base), and introducing more teamwork activity involving passing and shooting. We want our coaches to use games or activities rather than drills. Drills often utilize lines and involve the repetition of movements the same way each time which is unrealistic to what happens during a soccer game. These practice activities have been designed to be fun, dynamic and allow for free movement and decision making to keep players active the majority of the time and decrease the chance of them getting bored and losing interest. Practice sessions will focus on a single skill and progress from simple activities to activities a little more complex with some pressure added. Other considerations to keep in mind include: · Prepare for your session before arriving at the field · Set up cones for your next activity before players arrive or during water breaks. · Players under the age of 8 do not need to stretch. Children this age will actually stretch during the warm-up activities by using balance, coordination and change of direction. · Keep your instructions to a minimum (20 sec), these games are simple to understand and should stay that way. · Reinforce Correct Technique. In all activities and games continually emphasis the use of correct technique. · Make sure to give players plenty of water breaks, especially when it is hot.

Game Considerations Positional coaching of any kind at this age is irrelevant and detrimental to the players’ fun, enjoyment, and progress. For this reason, there should be no concern with the tactical components of the game or positional play during games at this age group. Focus should solely be on improving all players technical ability. Other considerations to keep in mind include: · All players should be given equal playing time each game. Rotate players in and out and to different positions every few minutes so that no one gets too tired or too bored. · Rather than be told what position to play or be told where they can or cannot go on the field, young players should be encouraged to “find” new open space away from teammates (to provide support) so that passes can be exchanged. · In a 4v4 or 5v5 environment children should be encouraged to try to form a diamond shape on the field. The diamond shape will constantly be moving and players should be encouraged to move around to support their teammates, providing length, width, and/or depth. · Allow the players to be creative and use their imaginations, as well as recognize and solve challenges on their own. Use coaching points or ask questions after the fact as needed to help players understand situations they have just encountered. · Always remember to put individual player skill development ahead of game results. · Keep the game moving and let the kids play. Please try not to tell players what to do and where to go at all times. The game is the greatest teacher.

Week 1  Dribbling/Turning   Warm Up: Free Dribble (8 min) Set-Up: Make a roughly 30x30 yards. Each player needs to have a ball.

  Instructions: Players dribble inside the grid freely using both feet for 1 minute. Next have players dribble using only the inside and outside of both feet and work on the Hook Turn for 1 minute. Next have players dribble with only the soles of their shoes and work on turns such as the Drag Back and Stop/Turn for the next 2 minutes. The players should be instructed to have a short sprint after turning. Now have players dribble full speed for 2 minutes working on cuts, turns, and avoiding collisions. Demonstrate the moves for the players and let them practice before restarting the activity. Have players perform 30 ball touches and 30 pendulums between games. Technical Activity #1: Gates Dribbling (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. Randomly place many pairs of cones making small goals (1 yard wide) inside the grid. Each player has a ball.

Technical Activity #2: Capture the Balls (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 40x40 yards. Break players into 3 or 4 teams and set up “home bases” (2 yard squares in the corners of the grid) with cones.

  Instructions: Place all the balls in the center of the grid. On the coach’s command the teams are free to gather as many soccer balls as they can into their home base. Players cannot use their hands, push each other, or guard their base. Teams try to gather as many balls as possible into their home bases. Teams can steal balls from each others’ home bases once all the balls in the center space are gone. Play for 2 minutes. Have the players count up how many balls are in their base to determine a winner. Allow teams 1 minute to strategize before playing again. Activity # 3: Scheduled Game (30 min) 4v4 or 5v5 (depending on #’s) unrestricted play. Coaching Points: · Keep ball close at all times (within 1 giant step). · Look up as much as possible. Look down when dribbling the ball, and look up between touches to monitor your surroundings. · After making a move, dribble into open space with a short burst of speed to get away from defenders. · Use inside or outside of foot to change direction. · Use laces when dribbling to push the ball forward. · Stop Turn– Place one foot on the top of the ball to stop it. Use your other foot to stop, plant and turn as quickly as possible. The foot used to stop the ball will then push the ball out in front of you in the opposite direction and dribble away quickly. · Drag Back– Place the sole of the foot on the ball, drag the ball back behind you, turn with the ball and dribble away quickly. · Inside /Outside of Foot Hook Turn– Use the inside or outside of your foot to hook the ball back in the opposite direction.

  Week 2  Passing  Warm Up: Short Passing through Cones (8 min) Set-Up: Partner up players with 1 ball per pair. Set up cones about 2 yards apart for the players to kick the ball through.

Instructions: Players should stand opposite each other roughly 5 yards away and take turns passing the ball back and forth to their partner through cone goals. Make sure players pass with both feet and strike the ball with the inside of their foot. Instruct the receiving player to take a touch to control the ball before passing it back (no 1 touch passing). The target is their partners feet. Correct technique as needed. The first player to 5 goals wins. Repeat. Have players juggle with both feet and thighs between games. Challenge players to increase the # of touches before catching or letting the ball hit the ground. Technical Activity #1: Pac-Man (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. All players have a ball inside the grid except for 1 player or coach (Pac-Man).

  Instructions: Each player must dribble their ball around the grid. The objective is for each player to pass their ball off the Pac-Man below the knees. The Pac-Man walks freely throughout the grid trying to avoid the balls. Have players keep track of how many times they can hit the PacMan. Only passes with the inside of the foot count for points. Play multiple games, changing Pac-Man and see if the players can beat their previous high score.  

Progression: Use opposite foot to pass and dribble. Technical Activity #2: Stuck in the Mud (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. All players have a ball inside the grid.

Instructions:  Coach will pick one or two players who will be the Mud Monsters. Mud Monsters dribble around and try to tag the other players (who also have a ball and are dribbling around). When a player becomes stuck in the mud, they must stand still, with their feet spread a little more than shoulder width apart, holding their ball over their head and yell for “HELP!” Players become unstuck if another (non Mud Monster) player passes the ball through their legs. If all players are stuck the game ends and the coach will pick new Mud Monsters. Activity # 3: Scheduled Game (30 min) 4v4 or 5v5 (depending on #’s) unrestricted play. Coaching Points: · Body weight should be slightly forward leaning over the ball. · Non-kicking foot should be comfortably next to the ball and pointing towards your target. · Ankle should be locked, with the heel down and toe pointing up, strike the middle to top of the ball firmly with inside of foot. · Keep your eyes on the ball at moment of contact. · Leg follows through in the direction of the target. · Keep moving after the pass, DO NOT STAND STILL! · Do not use your toe to strike the ball.

  Week 3 – Shooting  Warm Up: Shooting Basics (8 min) Set-Up: All players have a ball to start. Have all players sit down with both feet on the ground and knees inside their arms. Start by having players hold the ball out in front of them and kick the ball out of their hands (like a punt) lightly so that the ball only goes up about 2 feet or so. Catch and repeat, using both feet. Make sure the players toe is pointed forward and they keep their ankle locked. Strike the ball with the "laces". After the kids get a good feel for this, partner them up with 1 ball per pair. Set up cones about 2 yards apart for the players to kick the ball through.

Instructions: Players should stand opposite each other roughly 10 yards away and take turns shooting the ball back and forth to their partner through the cone goals. Make sure players shoot with both feet and strike the ball with their laces. The target is their partners feet. Correct technique as needed. The first player to 5 goals wins. Variation: Place a soccer ball on a cone in between the pairs and have them shoot the soccer ball back and forth trying to knock the ball off the cone. The first player to 5 goals wins. Repeat. Technical Activity #1: Gates Passing (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. Randomly place many pairs of cones making small goals (1 yard wide) inside the grid.

  Instructions: Players are paired up and must successfully pass the ball through the cones to their teammate to earn a point. Players try to accumulate as many points as possible in the time allotted. Play multiple games and have them switch to passing with only with their left foot or right foot, and try to beat their previous scores. Technical Activity #2: Moving Goal (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. Select 2 players to become the "moving goal". All players will have a ball, except the 2 who are the "moving goal".

Instructions: The 2 players who are the "moving goal" are connected together by holding one end of a pinney, ball bag, etc. The moving goal will move around the grid together. The players with the ball will dribble around the grid trying to shoot their ball into the "moving goal". Have players keep track of their score. Play multiple games of 1 minute each and choose different players to be the "moving goal". Activity # 3: Scheduled Game (30 min) 4v4 or 5v5 (depending on #’s) unrestricted play. Coaching Points: · Approach the ball from a slight angle, not straight on. · Keep the ankle of the shooting foot locked with toe down, strike with the laces for power. · Keep the ankle of the shooting foot locked with toe pointed out, strike with the inside of foot for accuracy. · Never use your toe! · Non-kicking foot placed comfortably next to ball with toes pointing toward your target. · Keep your eyes on the ball at moment of contact. · Get your kicking knee over the ball when making contact.  

· Strike the middle of the ball. · Follow through to your target after striking the ball.

        Week 4 ‐ Dribbling  Warm Up: Red Light/Green Light (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. All players have a ball inside the grid.

  Instructions: All players have a ball. When coach says "green light" players dribble forward fast but with ball under control. When coach says “red light”, players must stop ball and put foot on top of ball. If coach says “yellow light”, players must dribble very slowly. If coach says "reverse" player must turn (Hook Turn) and dribble in the opposite direction. Coach controls this game with the frequency of “light” changes and variety of changes. Once players catch on to the game, after a red light add other actions for them to do. (Hop back and forth over ball, run around the ball, dance, ball touches, etc.). Make players dribble with both feet. Have players perform 30 ball touches, 30 pendulums or juggle with both feet between games. Technical Activity #1: Kangaroo Jack (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. Each player needs to have a ball except for two.

Instructions: The 2 Players without balls are Kangaroo Jacks and must hop around like a kangaroo and try to tag the other players. If a player gets tagged, they become a kangaroo as well. Play until all players are turned into kangaroos. The last 2 players to get tagged start as Kangaroo Jacks the next round. As you move to another game change the rules (dribble with left foot only, alternate left and right foot, etc.). Technical Activity #2: Knock Out (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. All players in the group have a ball.

  Instructions: Players dribble around the grid trying to knock out other player’s balls while trying to shield and protect their own. If a player gets their ball knocked out, have them retrieve their ball and perform a specified # of juggles, or soccer dribbling moves outside the grid before they reenter the game. If a player gets knocked out have them do 30 ball touches before re-entering the game. To add competition, coaches can have players count the # of balls they kick out in each game. Play multiple games. Go over technical points as a group and at the start of the activity, show the shielding technique. Fix technical shielding errors throughout this activity and make sure entire group knows how to properly shield the ball. Activity # 3: Scheduled Game (30 min) 4v4 or 5v5 (depending on #’s) unrestricted play. Coaching Points: · Keep ball close at all times (within 1 giant step).

· Look up as much as possible. Look down when dribbling the ball, and look up between touches to monitor your surroundings. · Knees should be bent and stay on the balls of your feet. Lean over the ball, do not stand straight up. · After making a move or turn, use a short burst of speed to get away from defenders. · Use inside or outside of foot to change direction. · Use laces when dribbling to push the ball forward. · Use body to shield/protect ball.

  Week 5  Passing & Receiving  Warm Up: Passing Square (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 10x10 yards. Set up 4 cones to form a square. Divide the players evenly among the 4 cones. 1 ball needed for this warm up.

  Instructions: One player starts the game by passing the ball clockwise to the person at the next cone. The players receive the pass and then pass to the next person clockwise. After 3 or 4 times around the square have the players switch direction and pass counter clockwise with the other foot. The process will continue using only 2 touches, 1 to receive the ball and 1 to pass the ball. Progression: Have the players follow their pass and go to the back of the line at the cone they just passed to get them moving. Have players juggle between games. Technical Activity #1: Gates Passing (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. Randomly place many pairs of cones making small goals (1 yard wide) inside the grid.

  Instructions:  Players are paired up and must successfully pass the ball through the cones to their teammate to earn a point. Players try to accumulate as many points as possible in the time allotted. Play multiple games and have them switch to passing with only with their left foot or right foot, and try to beat their previous scores. Technical Activity #2: Doctor, Doctor (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. Players are split into 2 equal teams. All players have a ball except the 1 player on each team picked as the Doctor.

Instructions: All the players with a ball inside the grid dribble around the grid looking to pass their ball against an opponent’s ball. If your ball gets hit you are ‘Injured’ and must sit on your ball, shouting DOCTOR, DOCTOR and wait to be saved (with a high five) by the team doctor waiting in safe zone. If the Doctor is hit, the game is over. Activity # 3: Scheduled Game (30 min) 4v4 or 5v5 (depending on #’s) unrestricted play. Coaching Points: · Body weight should be slightly forward leaning over the ball. · Non-kicking foot should be comfortably next to the ball and pointing towards your target. · Ankle should be locked and toe pointing up, strike the middle to top of the ball firmly with inside of foot. · Keep your eyes on the ball at moment of contact. · Leg follows through in the direction of the target. · Keep moving after the pass, DO NOT STAND STILL!  

· Do not use your toe. · Receiving: Get good body position behind the ball when receiving it. Cushion the ball with inside of foot as you receive it. · Do not use the sole of the foot to receive the ball. · Lock your ankle and make contact with the middle or top part of the ball when receiving it. · Direct the ball in the direction you want to go with your first touch. Do not to stop the ball when receiving it. · Move to the ball, do not wait for it. Watch the ball as you receive it. · Stay loose and on your toes.  

  Week 6 – Shooting  Warm Up: Gates Dribbling (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. Randomly place many pairs of cones making small goals (1 yard wide) inside the grid. Each player has a ball.

  Instructions: Players must successfully dribble the ball through the cones to earn a point. Players try to accumulate as many points as possible in the time allotted. Have players do this multiple times and try to beat their previous score. Coaches can add a few extra seconds on to the allotted time to make sure players beat their previous score. Make players dribble with both feet. Have players do 30 ball touches, 30 pendulums or juggle between games. Technical Activity #1: Feed the Dragon (8 min) Set-Up: Use your half of the field. All players line up on the goal line. Spread all the soccer balls around the midfield area. Set up cones that the players must shoot behind.

  Instructions: The object of the game is to feed the dragon by retrieving and shooting the balls as quickly as possible into the net (dragon), once the coach yells go. All the players are on the same team. Players are not allowed to take balls away from each other. After the players shoot their ball they must run around the goal before getting another ball. Coaches can retrieve the balls from the net and throw them back out to the midfield area to keep the game going longer. Time them to see how fast they can finish feeding the dragon. Technical Activity #2: Ball Tag (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 20x20 yards. Each player needs to have a ball.

Instructions: All the players are dribbling a soccer ball inside the grid. The players try to hit another player’s feet or soccer ball with their soccer ball by shooting the soccer ball with the inside of their foot. Players should keep count of how many times they hit another player or their ball. Variation: If the players are able to hit the coach in the feet they receive 5 bonus points. Activity # 3: Scheduled Game (30 min) 4v4 or 5v5 (depending on #’s) unrestricted play. Coaching Points: · Approach the ball from a slight angle, not straight on.

· Keep the ankle of the shooting foot locked with toe down, strike with the laces for power. · Keep the ankle of the shooting foot locked with toe pointed out, strike with the inside of foot for accuracy. · Never use your toe! · Non-kicking foot placed comfortably next to ball with toes pointing toward your target. · Keep your eyes on the ball at moment of contact. · Get your kicking knee over the ball when making contact. · Strike the middle of the ball. · Follow through to your target after striking the ball.

  Week 7 – Dribbling/Turning  Warm Up: Avoid the Cones (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. Place 7-8 cones within the grid to represent land mines. Each player needs to have a ball.

  Instructions: Players dribble around the grid trying to avoid the cones. If their ball hits one of the cones or their ball goes out of the grid, players have to dribble their ball around the outside of the grid 1 time before they can come back into the game. Show players how to cut away from the cones or turn just before they reach the cone with the inside and outside of the feet (hook turn), and the bottom of the foot (drag back and stop turn). Make sure players are using both feet and keep their heads up to avoid collisions. Have players keep track of how many cones they can turn or cut away from. Technical Activity #1: Snake (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. All players have a ball each except 2 players picked as snakes.

  Instructions: The snake players hold hands or lock arms and work together to tag the other players. The players dribbling the balls try to avoid getting tagged by the snake. If they are tagged, they join hands or lock arms with the snake. The snake grows until all players are part of the snake. The snake must work together and stay connected, they cannot break into little parts. Encourage Hook Turns, Drag Back, and Stop-Turn as ways to change direction an snake. Technical Activity #2: Capture the Balls (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 40x40 yards. Break players into 3 or 4 teams and set up “home bases” (2-3 yard squares in the corners of the grid) with cones.

· Knees should be bent and stay on the balls of your feet. Lean over the ball, do not stand straight up. · After making a move or turn, use a short burst of speed to get away from defenders. · Use inside or outside of foot to change direction. · Use laces when dribbling to push the ball forward. · Use body to shield/protect ball.

Week 8  Passing & Receiving  Warm Up: Gates Passing (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x30 yards. Randomly place many pairs of cones making small goals (1 yard wide) inside the grid.

Instructions: Players are paired up and must successfully pass the ball through the cones to their teammate to earn a point. Players try to accumulate as many points as possible in the time allotted. Play multiple games and have them switch to passing with only with their left foot or right foot, and try to beat their previous scores. Have players do 30 ball touches, 30 pendulums or juggle between games. Technical Activity #1: Ghost Busters (8 min) Set-Up: Make a grid roughly 30x15 yards. All players have balls. Line up all but 2 players (ghosts) at one end of the grid. The other 2 players (ghost busters) are placed on the side of the grid with their ball.

  Instructions: The running players (ghosts) must dribble their ball from one side of the grid to the other without being hit by a ball from the side players (ghost buster). Once hit the ghost joins the other ghost busters. Last 2 players hit start the next game as ghost busters. Tell players to try to keep the ball below the knees. Technical Activity #2: Snatch the Ball (8 min) Set-Up: Make 2 grids roughly 20x20 yards with a 5 yard gap between them. Divide the players into two teams, one team in each playing area. Assign each player per team a number (1-?). One ball per team.

Instructions: Each team dribbles and passes the ball in their playing area. When the coach shouts a number, the corresponding players run into the other team’s square and try to snatch the ball while the other team plays keep away. If a player steals the ball and kicks it out of the square, they get one point for their team. If they can steal the ball and take it back into their square, they get three points. Allow 30 seconds for a snatch to take place. Activity # 3: Scheduled Game (30 min) 4v4 or 5v5 (depending on #’s) unrestricted play. Coaching Points: · Body weight should be slightly forward leaning over the ball.  

· Non-kicking foot should be comfortably next to the ball and pointing towards your target. · Ankle should be locked and toe pointing up, strike the middle to top of the ball firmly with inside of foot. · Keep your eyes on the ball at moment of contact. · Leg follows through in the direction of the target. · Receiving: Get good body position behind the ball when receiving it. Cushion the ball with inside of foot as you receive it. · Do not use the sole of the foot to receive the ball. · Lock your ankle and make contact with the middle or top part of the ball when receiving it. · Direct the ball in the direction you want to go with your first touch. Do not to stop the ball when receiving it. · Move to the ball, do not wait for it. · Watch the ball as you receive it.  

U10 Age Group Curriculum Skill Priorities   • • • •

Build on dribbling skills from previous age group Passing with inside and outside of both feet Shooting with both feet---using proper technique Receiving the ball with all parts of body

Tactical Priorities   · Basic attacking concepts · Basic defending concepts · Comprehend 1 v 1 concepts · Comprehend 2 v 1 concepts · Introduction to 2 v 2 concepts · Comprehend roles of 1st and 2nd defenders · Comprehend roles of 1st and 2nd attackers As we move up the age ladder from the U8 level to the U10 level there are many differences, which must be attended to in order to provide an optimal experience for young players of this age. However, there are also many similarities. Just as in parenting, it is important to be consistent in coaching and make sure that we follow a progressive trend of development for young players. Continue to focus on technique during practices, as at the younger age groups. Creating environments in which players get maximum repetitions of technical skills is critical. Players at the U10 age should still work on ball mastery and demonstrate growing familiarity and comfort with a ball at their feet.

Typical Characteristics of U10 Players   • • • • • • • • •

Attention span lengthens - they start to demonstrate the ability to sequence thought with actions Start to think ahead and think ‘If this, then that’ Are more inclined to want to play soccer rather than being ‘told’ to play. Demonstrate increased self-responsibility – bringing a ball, water and all gear should now be their complete responsibility Start to recognize fundamental tactical concepts Begin to become aware of peer pressure Players greatly affiliate with their team or their coach — “I play for the Barca” or “I play for coach Amy’s team” Players at this age are extremely rule bound — remember each rule you create is the equivalent of a bar in the prison in which you would like to live There is a wide continuum of maturity evident on most teams; this is still a crucial age for technical skill development

  GAME RECOMMENDATIONS  • • • •

long X 35 to 45 yds wide Every training session should end in a game to goal Play 6 v 6 (including a goalkeeper) Field Size: 45 to 60 yds

U12 Age Group Curriculum Skill Priorities  · · · · · ·

Continue to develop skills from previous age group Speed dribbling in traffic Ability to pass the ball in the air Accurately play long passes Offensive and defensive heading Shooting with power and accuracy

Tactical Priorities  · · · · · · · ·

Communication Basic support positions Receiving the ball away from pressure Combination play How and when to switch the point of attack Defensive pressure v containing Proper 2 v 2 roles Introduction to all roles in 4 v 4

The phase this age group is entering is often referred to as the dawn of tactics. Typically players of this age begin to understand the basic tactical situations of the game and are more aware of movement off the ball and the reasons for tactical choices. Problem solving becomes systematic and players tend to learn quickly. Children of this age are beginning to develop abstract awareness, so they can understand when we talk about ‘space’ and ‘runs off of the ball.’ However, just because they understand basic tactical concepts, that does not mean we should focus on these concepts entirely. Players are still developing technically at this age, especially as they go through growth spurts and awkward phases. It is quite common to look out at a U12 field and see players that are physically the size of young adults. Yet, other U12 players appear as if they could still be much younger. Children grow at different rates and coaches need to be sensitive to these changes and their social implications when coaching this age group. Some players may pick up skills quickly, while others may struggle. However, it may be the case that this is simply the result of differences in maturation. In a year, the slower developing player may surpass the player who developed earlier. For this reason we need to be patient and keep an open mind. Children are aware of their struggles more than anyone else, as peer evaluation is omnipresent at this age. When we see them struggling, it is important to help them keep the game fun.

Typical Characteristics of U12 Players · · · · ·  

Children are maturing at different rates Players need to warm-up and stretch---muscle pulls and other nagging injuries are common otherwise Players will typically understand elemental abstract concepts and hypothetical situations They like to solve problems Peer evaluation is a constant 54 

· · · · · · · · · ·

Egos are sensitive Coordination may depend on whether or not they are in a growth spurt Technique still needs to be reinforced constantly Playing too much can lead to injuries Playing too much and not feeling like they have a choice in the matter can lead to burnout and/or dropout This is the dawn of tactics! Keep asking the players to be creative and to take risks---we never want them to stop trying new ideas Ask for feedback from them---they will tell you how things are going. Try to hand over leadership and ownership of the team to the team. Keep it fun!!!

 GAME RECOMMENDATIONS · · ·

Every training session should end in a game to goal Play 8 v 8 (including a goalkeeper) Field Size: 75 to 80 yds long X 50 yds wide

U14 Age Group Curriculum Skill Priorities  · · · · · · ·

Continue to build on previous age group skills Dribbling and attacking moves, spin moves, 1 v 1 penetration and possession Passing short, long, bent, driven, chips, all surfaces and on the move Receiving - quality 1st touch, balls out of air/turning, all surfaces Shooting on the run, on the turn, from all angles, volleys, ½ volleys Heading to goal, to pass, to clear Tackling with proper technique

Tactical Priorities · · · · · · · ·

Increase tactical speed (decision making) Creative risk taking, taking players on in proper areas of field Defensive support and unbalancing attackers Attacking - possession, support, combination plays, width, depth, penetration Closing down with pressure (front and behind) Defensive pressure-cover-balance Defense-compactness, delay, tracking back, man-to-man, simple plays Working in 2 v 2 to 4 v 4 games and situations, games within the game

The U14 age becomes the transition stage into the adult game. At this age, ball skills, enjoyment and insight into the game, with a gradual introduction to fitness, mental toughness and game results are key. Success in winning matches should begin to be the product of a consistent and systematic approach to the game which focuses more on player development than on team building. The players should be developing an understanding and familiarity with each other on the field, but the desire to get results on Sunday should not hamper their instincts for the game or their desire to experiment and explore the game. Encourage playing multiple positions; don’t position players solely on getting a result. Balance the players match

experiences so they will be allowed to experiment without sacrificing results. Most activities that the players do during training should be competitive, with a winning and a losing side. Focus should be on how their decisions and their ball skills help or hinder their teams’ ability to win at whatever activity or game they play. Two critical and interrelated themes in every practice should be recognizing when and how to get the ball out of pressure with the goal of getting forward and recognizing when and how to win the ball back, as an individual and as a group. Consider the players’ technical development, because without sound technique, good ideas on the field are useless. Putting players in small-sided games where they have to solve a problem by applying their technique is a critical part of training at this age. In time, success or failure in games and the environment will be the direct result of the players’ ability with the ball. Accountability for decisions and ball skill become a central focus of the competitive training environment.

Typical Characteristics of U14+ Players   · · · · · · · · · ·

Beginning to process information closer to that of an adult View themselves as more separate from their parents Physically stronger Aware of what their bodies can do – speed, strength, appearance Able to plan, think ahead, imagine options Greater understanding of the ’what if….’ Competition is now extremely important More confident and out going Can understand team issues, i.e.; how backs work together in different parts of the field or relationship between different lines of the team Speed of game increases both athletically and in decision making

Game Recommendations · · · ·

Every training session should end in a game to goal Play 11 v 11 (including a goalkeeper) Field Size: 100 yds long X 60 yds wide Ball size: 5

Thank You    Steve Richards  RSA Elite Director of Coaching 

[PDF] Rainier Soccer Alliance Puyallup Union Soccer Club Recreation Curriculum Guide - Free Download PDF (2024)