YMCA Soccer

YMCA Soccer =

Coaches Guide

General Principles of Practice

·        Keep the ball close(imagine a sting attached= to the ball)

·        Balance (feet a comfortable distance apart, = arms and knees bent)

·        On your toes

·        Head up (don’t run into other players)=

Game- Red Lig= ht, Green Light

Red light stop &n= bsp;            = ; Yellow light walk     &nb= sp;            =     Green light run

Game- Gladiat= ors

Everyone dribbles inside the square

One person is designated as the gladiator; the gladiator’s job is to kick out other players balls. If a player’s ball is kicked= out of the square, they are frozen and stand with legs apart and ball over head. Players are unfrozen wh= en someone dribbles the ball between the legs of the frozen player.

Give everyone a turn to be gladiator.

Numbers Game<= /b>

Divide group into 2 teams. Give each child a number. Ensure to match age and ability. Call a number (e.g. #1). Both number 1’s come onto the field to score a goal. Give t= hem a minute to score and then have them sit down with their team. Repeat the process until everybody= has played. Game can develop to w= here you call 2 or 3 numbers at a time or everyone (bananas!).

Turning with the Ball- explain why you need to = be able to turn the ball.

Stop Turn-Dribble at a slow pace and stop the ball with the sole of the foot. Walk past the ball, turn and dribb= le in the other direction.

Hook Turn-Dribble at a slow pace, when along side of the ball hook the ball back with the ins= ide of your foot. Repeat; only ho= ok the ball with the outside of your foot.

Game Peps= i, Coke, Sprite, Gatorade

Everyone has a ball in a 20 x 20 square.

Give all four sides a name of a player’s favorite drink. Name two of them first= then add three and four as the game develops.

If coach shouts our COKE! Than all the players dribble= as quickly as possible to that side and stop the ball on the line. Coach can wait for all the players= to get there or call out another drink.

Shooting

Game- Torpedo= es

Split group into pairs.

Stand facing partner approx. 10-15 yards apart (adjust= to suit)

Place a cone with a ball on top in the middle of the p= air.

One player starts with the ball and aims at the ball in middle with a pass. If he hit= s the ball, he scores a point.

Partner takes his turn

First to 5 points is the winner.

Set a condition RF only/LF only

Coaching Points- Use the inside of the foot. Have smaller kids point to the par= t of the foot that you want them to use. Place non-kicking foot next to the ball, and point it in the directi= on of pass. Talk to the player receiving the ball about a) move body in line with approaching ball, b) put receiving foot out to the ball, c) cushion on contact.

Shooting Race=

Square 20 x 20 yard

Place two teams on opposite corners of the same end li= ne, with a goal in the middle.

Number the players.&n= bsp; Position 2 cones (gate) 10 yards from the goal for each team.

Coach calls out a number and corresponding numbers dri= bble out through their gate and then heads to the goal. Once through the gate they can shoot. No goal keeper to star= t, add one later if necessary.

First player to score gets a point for their team.

Coaching Points

   &nbs= p;        Shoot with laces

   &nbs= p;        Shoot ASAP

   &nbs= p;        Don’t be afraid to miss!

Flintstones

Divide team into four groups, one in each corner. Place four goals (caves) around the field, one in each corner. Each player is given a name (Fred, Barney, Dino, Pebbles, Bam Bam etc.)

Ensure players are of like age and ability.

Coach throws a rock (ball) into the middle of the fiel= d and calls a name. The players try= to control the rock and dribble it back to their cave (goal). The team with the most rocks at th= e end of the games is the winner.

Scrimmage