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Top Ten tips for any practice

1.      Have practice designed before driving to the field. Write it down.

2.      Organize practice so it moves through a number of activities. Players have short attention spans. Don't give them the chance to get bored.

3.      Dress like a soccer coach when coaching. Would farmers listen to the President if he dressed like a businessman? Would industry listen to a President dressed like a farmer? Tailor to the audience.

4.      Avoid letting players see you read your notes. We do not want them to think, without notes you are clueless. Leave the clipboard at home.

5.      Soccer is a chaotic game incorporating movement and decision-making. Standing in lines does not foster that. Keep line time to a minimum.

6.      Practice activities usually include both "exercises" and "games." Understand there is a big difference.

7.      "Exercises" - those activities that include less than 4 vs. 4, such as "drills," skill work, etc. - should be employed at the beginning of practice, serve as a "warm-up" and occupy 25% or less of practice.

8.      "Games" - those activities that include at least 4 vs. 4 - should occupy 75% of the allotted practice time.

9.      The more "small-sided" games at practice (4 vs. 4, etc.) the more learning. Small-sided games are more efficient since the lessons are increased. Two games of 4 vs. 4 is better than one game of 11 vs. 11.

10.   Once in a while, let them scrimmage the whole practice. Occasionally say "Try this. Forget that. Play." The surprise heightens motivation.

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Philosophy

Football, more commonly known as soccer in the U.S., is a game of two halves. But for players, there are four aspects: technical, tactical, physical and mental. I do not believe that any one aspect is more important than another. Rather, all should be intertwined to everyone who plays to increase the success of the sport. Technical ability is not worth anything if tactically the player cannot get open to receive and feed the ball. This cannot be done without physical ability or the ability to keep one’s cool, whether the team is 2 goals up or 2 goals down (i.e., mental strength).

 While a complete program should involve all four elements, the levels will differ for 2 reasons.

1. Age
2. Level of commitment

Soccer is a team game and the focus should be to work and win as a team, and most importantly, to have fun together. Goal scoring is the end result of teamwork and glory should be distributed evenly for team efforts. Defenders and the goalkeeper are often the unsung heroes, but they will secure wins by not allowing the opposing team to score. Midfielders and defenders are often the form of support on an attack. And, most counter attacks are formed from well-composed defenders.   

The game should not be played one way (i.e., attack, attack, attack). It should be played using good communication, passing and decision-making. It is important to involve everybody on the team in order to build a bond among members, and also for the overall success of the team. This allows players to focus on possession instead of simply on winning. For example, passing to defenders and the goalkeeper can draw the opposition into your own half, leaving the gate open for attacking breaks. A crooked nail cannot be hammered into place unless it is first pulled back out and straightened.   

This is not just a conception of play, but applies to players as well. Some players fail at soccer because they have always played a position that is not suited for their abilities. For example, some coaches will put their least athletic player in the goal, but that is not always the best decision. Players should be rotated to different positions to increase their potential and to see where they are developing. Playing in different spaces gives them time to develop technical abilities and tactical knowledge with more touches on the ball, and gives them the opportunity to develop an appreciation for all positions.

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Sample practice session

Use the links in blue to find Training sessions for specific age groups:

During U6 activities. Fun and safety of players should be your only concern. Instead of being a coach try to be a facilitator. The use of the ball with U6 players is NOT essential. Activities should be simple enough for players to perform and understand without lengthy explanations. The activities should flow keeping players minds attentive, they want to play and keep playing. U6 training should not exceed 45 minutes.

U8

U8 players are still somewhat egocentric in their approach to play, and will enjoy sharing with a friend. Practices for this age group should focus on players working in pairs with a ball. Progression should be from simple to complex and activities should flow. U8 training should only be 1 hour.

U10

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Guide To Turns

'Coming soon a detailed description of how to perform many of the turns used in soccer '

Click here for skills homework sheet