Better Soccer Coaching / Better Soccer Coaching / The Dug-Out

football classes

Anthony — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:52:37 GMT

does anyone know of soccer classes for under 21's in the region of birmingham or near to birmingham as i wish to get back into football but want to improve in football by more experianced and professional coaches by the way im 18 turning 19 in july of that is relevent...thanks

Advice for a New 6 a side team

Farcelona — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:43:19 GMT

Hi everybody. I have started a 6 a side team and our first game is on Sunday. We have very average players and have played a couple of friendlies and lost 4-1 and 3-0. Our first league game is a few days away and I was wondering if any experienced 6 a side teams/players had any useful advice on how to become a hard team to beat.

It would be great if we could get a result in our first game as it would increase the teams morale. So if anybody has any ideas on the bast formation and tactics it would be very appreciated.

Thanks

Mike

How Do I Encourage Skills When We're on a Less Skilled Team?

SLKSoccerMom — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:49:23 GMT

Due to a sign up error, we missed getting my 9 year old son on "his" soccer team. We've played spring and fall rec league soccer since he was 4. Just this past fall the pieces came together and he really started understanding positions, strategies, etc.

At our first practice, even having missed a week of practice, it was clear that my son is the most skilled player on the team. I think most of the players are 8/have just come up from 6/7 last season. I spoke to my son about this and he said he wanted to be a leader for the team. I was excited about that because you can build the skills, but being able to build leadership abilities among a team is harder.

But we had our first game yesterday and I almost cried. The goal tender was literally sitting down picking grass when the second goal was scored on him. I had a mini-argument with the defenders when they came off the field after first quarter because they didn't realize they could move up when the ball is in scoring position, the kids are still all over each other (not staying in their position).

My fear is that my son's skills will regress while he's playing with this team. I think the coach is trying to get the younger players to recognize their potential, I'm anxious to see what happens at the next practice.

Any ideas what I can do to help my son keep his skills sharp while he's team building?

Thanks!

Now my kids have gone the other way!

davey18 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:13:41 GMT

Augghhh! After working so hard to preach a happy middle ground between being reasonably aggressive all season. After the bloodbath that I've mentioned in a previous post now my kids are now divided between too passive or now too aggressive a fist fight was started by one of mine after he deemed a poorly attempted slide tackle as an attempt to hurt and came out swinging. Now he faces a two game ban.

Another player of mine carried out an assault after a harmless jersey tug! Another one gone! Now I'm down to a 7 child team! After losing 1 to a leg break and 2 to pulling their kids from the game altogether after getting pyshically abused last game. Getting reasonsible aggressiveness back from timidity is relatively easy but getting the other end of the spectrum is another thing altogether.

Please help

How do I keep my kids motivated?

davey18 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:59:10 GMT

Here in Canada there is very little development of coaching unless you want to pay a small fortune to learn a style of soccer that has failed on the world stage time and again. (Except womens soccer where we're respected) I decided to teach my kids U8 Co-ed how to play properly much against the advice of our league convenor. Each week they are the better team but losing terribly to teams that play "MOB BALL" It has been difficult because thay have had 4 years of playing that style but each and every week is an improvement. Parents are starting to get on my case because little Billy or Suzie were superstars last year and haven't scored their normal 50 goals by week six. But after handing them recordings of games of pro matches they've backed off. Other coaches have come up to us and said on how well we played and that we've "Played real soccer "or muttering aloud " Oh S**T these kids actually can play the game!" But my kids are starting to get down on themselves because they aren't winning. My self and my assistants praise them immensely but that is starting to wear thin. I'm planning on staying the course but I need some suggestions as to how to keep them up! They are playing some beautiful soccer and am so very proud of them.

Introduce Yourself

Noel — Wed, 23 May 2007 10:09:33 GMT

I know its not my forum but I always think its a good idea on forums for its members to introduce themselves here and explain briefly what they do

Over competitive at Practice

Wigster — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 03:40:36 GMT

I have a seemingly strange situation. We are a U10 boys team and we have fairly good success. During game days we play hard, fair and as a team. During practice the boys turn into animals. They are over-competitive almost to a point where they want to hurt each other. I have had kids in tears because they didn't win the end of session scrimmage ?!?! Any ideas how we manage this? My coaching style does not include 'punishing' them with sprints. I have tried to discuss with them the importance of learning during practice, etc, etc.....I need some advice....pleeeeaaassseeeee

Offside. U13

sandy_67 — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:51:56 GMT

I coach U13 in a league. We often have referees appointed, but never linesmen. This leaves parents to act as linesmen, and I am being very frustrated by the number of parents that are playing the old style ofside law, flagging players that are clearly NOT interfering with play, and occasionally using the flag to stop attack when their own team is under pressure. We have a very fast centre forward who runs onto through balls, and two teams in particular even flag before the ball is played!!

How should I hndle this? Should I complain to the referee during the game? Unfortunately the young referees normally giveIFKs based on the linesman's decision even if it is blatantly wrong. Our parents are often getting very upset and have started to get very vocal to the point where I am worried about them causing trouble on occasion.

Any suggestions / comments welcomed.

Sandy

Free Kicks/Set Plays for U8s

Gav — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:00:05 GMT

Anyone have any simple but effective set plays (not corners) for the U8 level?

We play 7-a-side for what it's worth. All our free kicks in our league are direct - but that doesn't mean I want them always just have one kid blast it.

If it's too far out but in an attacking third, I'd like to have some tricks up our sleeves that can set a player free for a 1v1 run at goal.

They need to be simple because as I'm discovering 8 yr olds aren't always good at showing disguise! We've just started working on this aspect of not letting the other team know what's coming. Ironically (funny actually), but it's my defenders who are the bright bulbs of my group and good at disguise! The forwards are a little dim!!!

Any thoughts?

How can I get my Team to finish

rjdohm — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:04:27 GMT

I coach a great little U-12 girls soccer team, We have the least amount of goals allowed in the league , but we are struggling with finishing. We are getting a boat load of shots on goal, but it looks like someone shrink wrapped the goal. lol I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks RD

looking for new drills for u12 girls house lesgue

mooser 66 — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:33:58 GMT

I'm looking for some new and exciting drills for u12 girls houseleague besides the basic drills . can you give me any ideas ?

Coaching u7 and u8 kids combined

davey18 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:23:02 GMT

Wow todays practice was an abysmall failure I realize I got a little too technical and it took too long. So I quickly switched to a small side scrimmage which got the kids involved again but I think I've undone all the hard work I've done.And its solely my fault! I want to develop the younger kids talents and yet give the kids that will be moving up an age group next year their skill so they can compete. Should I split them up according to age, with my other two coaches but some u7s are good enough to compete with the u8 and some u8 belong with the u7. I'm very confused and only want the absolute best for my kids.

When I do drills designed for the younger kids the old kids start yammering, and vise versa. I love doing what I'm doing but damn it can be confusing! Help would be appreciated

NEWBIE

eldersliealfc — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:48:02 GMT

Morning all,

I'v just joined the forum, i'm the manager of a newly formed ladies team from elderslie in scotland, any help or tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks

FA Soccerstar Challenge: Where Can I get the Badges & Stickers?

Gav — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:52:39 GMT

I've spent some time perusing the FA site and looking at this programme. I think it'll be ideal for my U8 kids and I think I'll implement it in the Spring.

I know you can print off the certificate when the player completes the course... But what about the badges and stickers? The FA site says they're available and provide a link to another site. They have nothing there and an email reply stated they don't do it anymore.

Can any of you guys in the UK point me to a web site link where I can not only see the Badges and stickers but also possibly order some? I'd really like to add this part because we all know kids love badges and stickers and the badge especially would be terrific for them to sew on their team backpack.

I'd be really grateful for any help.

coaching offside

peterwirralrangers — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:46:49 GMT

Hi my names Peter and I coach an U10s team who next season will be moving up from 7 a side mini soccer to 11 a side matches. I can't seem to find any drills that help teach them about positioning and keeping their shape on bigger pitch. I can't find any drills to help them hold a defensive line and play teams offside. They haven't had to worry about offside whilst playing mini soccer. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated

Tactical diagramns, graphics

Roberticus — Tue, 26 May 2009 02:45:24 GMT

Can anybody indicate where I might find tools to illustrate tactical diagrams and maneouvres on a simple computer software?

Cheers!

Overcoaching

Sharks — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:56:09 GMT

An interesting audio interview about overcoaching.

[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_6740000/newsid_6748900/6748901.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm#[/url]

Motivating U8s to be Aggressive: Winning the Ball

Gav — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:00:03 GMT

How would you go about getting kids at this age to be hungry for the ball? To get to those 50/50 balls? To put in the best effort they can manage? Obviously it's no use shouting "first to the ball!" from the sidelines every 30 seconds (or at all really).

I'm not so concerned right now whether they win the challenge or not. I want them to put themselves in a position to make the challenge. As with any team at any age, some are good at this and some are not.

I want to coax my players to be strong willed and put in the effort to the best of their ability when we play games. Much of this, in my opinion, is about speed of thought as it is about actual speed to the ball. I'm seeing that players on teams at U8 that are mentally engaged in the game and anticipate where the ball is going usually get to it first. They are improving in that aspect but I still want my kids to be hungry and aggressive for the ball. We've been working hard on retaining possession so this goes hand in hand with that.

Any ideas?

Soccer CHI

Tyler E. Linn Soccer — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:56:25 GMT

I believe that both attackers and defenders can develop energies in order throw players off balance through skill derived from the combination of soccer and martial arts. There are several different martial arts that can be absorbed, translated and adjusted to curtail to the training of skills in players, to improve technique, defense, tackling, balance, strength etc..

Jumpers For Goal Posts

Croz — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:42:59 GMT

Anyone got a suggestion? I have just left my all weather pitch with floodlights! I have always used jumpers or ranging rods for goal posts and it goes mental if the I can't see if the ball goes the right side of the post and the top corner is virtually impossible. I SPEND THE NEXT 10 MINUTES WITH KIDS WANTING MY BLOOD!!!! I like to use the park as it's cheaper for the kids and the club haven't got a designated pitch for trainign. Like millions of teams I suppose??? I havent got the room in my car or the time for the UPVC goals and I can't afford an inflatable. I think I am wasting 20 minutes per hour so it is quite important for me.

Happy Coaching

7-a-Side Formations

Gav — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:08:10 GMT

Just wondering if anyone has had success with different formations at 7-a-side football? My side is just in pre-season training now so this is one thing to start thinking of...

My group are U8's. We play 7-a-side here until they reach U11 where they go to 11-a-side on a full field. Our fields for U8 are typically 60X40 yards - sometimes bigger.

I'm hearing different things from coaches... some like 2-2-2. Others like 3-2-1. And some play 2-3-1. At U8, I feel we're just trying to get them to learn the basics of positioning and so forth and it's not wise in my opinion to complicate it too much.

However, as I look at my team, I see a very very very fast team and I wonder if that factor should play into how I set them up? They can recover and get back very quickly and also move up to attack quickly. The trick for me is to work hard on getting them doing that *with* the ball at their feet and not lose control.

Any thoughts, experiences to share, suggestions?

Teaching Games For Understanding

djasha68 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:01:35 GMT

How do you go about using all the different ssg that are out there, do you only use a few games with young children or are you likely to play many different games over a season?

I am curious to know if you use different games each week, how do your players learn what the games are supposed to be teaching ? Is repetition of the games not an important issue??

I have used the Liverpool game, 4 goal game, playmaker game and the 1-0 game regularly and I have seen the benefits of the games in our 11 aside league..

My biggest problem with football coaching

Nick — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:24:49 GMT

I have a real problem with coaches who make kids run around doing 'fitness training'.

Most coaches only have 1-2 hours a week training and what i dont understand is that they believe that making them run around the pitch or doing shuttle runs for that 1 hour is really going to make a difference to these kids.

1 hour of fitness a week will never make a difference.

Football training should mean exactly what it says. FOOTBALL training.Leave the fitness aspect to the professional players who train everyday.

I have no problem with giving the kids knowledge about keeping fit and maybe giving them excercises they can do themselves but concentrate on the football guys please.

Why also is it worse in pre-season? I bet there is a huge number of you who make your first training excercise of the new season a fitness excercise.

Playing Up a Year

Gav — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:24:06 GMT

I'm curious to know people's opinions on this as it's become a hot button topic at my club. I find there's more and more kids playing a year above their regular age level. Usually it's a coach has recruited them to play or the parents have pushed for it.

I personally don't agree with a U8 playing U9 for example. As a coach I'm also dealing with my club's U9 coach poaching good U8 players before I even have a chance to see them! I've since managed to get a grip on it and invariably those that play up ultimately come back down. I have 2 kids now who played up and wanted to come back. They were skilled enough to handle it and both actually scored a few goals but the overall experience was not good according to their parents - both socially and from a coaching style perspective.

I've always felt the drawbacks of playing up (especially as a youngster) far outweigh any perceived benefits. I did it twice as a teenager in 2 countries and while I could hold my own, I can't say I enjoyed it - it was hard to fit in and the older kids had their cliques.

Any opinions/experiences/horror stories/fairy-tales... on playing up a year?

6 year old who falls over - constantly

sa — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:04:05 GMT

I am just over half way through a 10 week, very basic introduction, course for 5/6/7 year olds.

I have a fair experience at coaching, and at this level/age. I know that balance is not great at this age and you do always have a fair bit of falling over!

But I have one young lad who literally spends 75% of the time on the floor! I have discretly looked to see if he has one leg shorter than the other, or some other obvious reason, but there is none to see, and his parents put 'none' on the course application next to medical conditions.

When he walks he is fine, but as soon as he is asked to increase speed he just goes. Put a ball near him and he trips over it constantly.

I want to work with him but have tried everything I can think of (we are using size 3's so amongst other things I have had him just walking with a size 2, doing very gradual increases in speed etc) all with no luck.

I want to have a quick word with his parents, who laugh about it on the sidelines, but want to go to them with something constructive.

Any thoughts?

Thank you.

kick and hope or pass

Mark — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:25:28 GMT

At the moment I am coach / manager of girls u13 side we play 11 a side

I am trying to get the girls to get the ball down and pass to each other the trouble is we are playing against teams that seem to just kick it as far as poss and see what happens I think working on the idea if the ball is not near our goal they cannot score. At the moment we are loosing more games than winning

How do I convince the girls, parents , myself this is the right way forward ?

Encouraging U8s to be Skillful & Creative in Games

Gav — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:10:46 GMT

As I'm just getting my team back into the swing of things with some indoor training sessions before our season begins in late May, I've begun to think about doing some things at the end of my sessions that just involve some fun creative and skillful things (or tricks) they can work on at home. This is partly to encourage them to play with a ball away from our team sessions and ultimately to get them comfortable with a ball at their feet. I also want them to not be afraid to try things in games and be expressive - build their confidence. I think this comes across differently when kids play this way as opposed to adults.

These are 8 year old boys who have been selected for our club's rep/select level program of which I am the coach. They are all pretty good athletes and decent players but obviously are just 8 so there's some limitations.

I'm firstly looking for ideas on what types of things they can do/practice whether it be just juggling, Cruyff turns (which we've started on), simple back heels, 'keepy-uppy' between 2 players for ball control and so on. Any other simple skills/tricks that they perhaps can incorporate into a game? OK - perhaps not juggling in a game! In some of our SSG's late last year, I noticed 3 or 4 of my team started to backheel the ball to spring open a defence and it worked sometimes! It got me thinking that the smiles and confidence was nice to see from them because a skill had come off in a game. They were expressing themselves.

Also just looking for general thoughts/discussion on encouraging kids at this age to be creative and use their skills in game situations (being careful, of course, that they don't overdo it as can be the tendency)...

Coaching U16s

Cookie147 — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:56:29 GMT

Hi, first time poster, hopefully someone will be able to help.

I am currently managing/coaching an U16 side, and whilst we are doing very well, and developing into a very good side, I am looking for some advice on how to improve further, or just some different things to do in training. Maybe some idea's on different SSGs, or anything else. Any advice welcome.

Coaching Opportunities

swift1 — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:46:48 GMT

Hello,

I have been on here now a couple of years and i currently do not work with any clubs / teams, but my views etc can all be read and whether we agree or not its very much a game of opinions.

I have 7 years experience running a team alone and have attended but unfortunately not completed my level 2 course due to personal circumstances but i am looking into re doing it hopefully during the summer which is the same as my first aid etc as they have expired.

I am looking for anyone who may be on here who is a member of a junior / youth team in the city of Worcester area in England that may have coaching opportunities either running a side or assisting running a side. My previous clubs are Alvechurch Football Club and a very brief spell at Redditch United which unfortunately coinciding with a very difficult year for me last year which meant i very rebretably wasnt able to fulfill my role properly.

If anyone can help or give me any further information about teams in the area then it will be much appreciated.

Regards

Swift1.

Motivation, Fun and teamwork

loki6000 — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:40:02 GMT

Hi, Im a under 9's soccer coach, I have been helping out for 2 years now, but this year i am on my own, another club merged with ours this season so we have three teams in the same division, as my team was the older year i kept it but with the addition of some 4 new "good" players,

i am now finding it hard for the players to play together, as the new ones think differently, also i have notcied some players getting agry with other because they dont pass the ball to them or they get kicked accidently etc..

My question is if anyone has any idea on how i can motivate the team and make them into a TEAM, think together and have fun.

thanks
Loki6000

Specializing at one position – what age is the right age?

Dwyer — Thu, 17 May 2007 15:54:26 GMT

Canuck suggested this one. I know that with my under 9s most players are already established as defender, midfielder or forward. This might be because they had a great first game in that position, or because John Terry is their favourite player and they want to be like him.

Any thoughts on how to break out of this cycle?

How to motivate players before game and halftime talk

Natasha — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:42:31 GMT

I find it hard to motivate the players before a game and at half time. Espeially when there playing much stronger teams. Iv tried telling them to go out there and have fun, try their best and give it all they got. My talk just doesnt seem to motivate them. Thery are a young group of boys who play so well as a team and have been together fornearly a year now. If anyone could help would bevery grateful.

Thanks

Maximum playing time per week Under 13

sandy_67 — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:41:30 GMT

Our under 13 league is behind on fixtures due to bad waether cancellations. They have listed up to 6 fixtures per week through to the end of April to fix this, including long away trips on a weeknight, and two shortened matches per day.
Does anyone know the maximum minutes allowed per week under FA rules or other recommendations.

Some players also have county and school matches to play. All the managers agree that the situation is stupid, but the league wont change. I am concerned very much about fatigue, injury, affect on school performance (it is also exam season), as well as the major worry that it will kill their interest in the game by over-playing.

Sandy

U13 Coach.

A fabregas in a Wimbledon

Nick1 — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:18:19 GMT

This post is a little different from the rest as i am a player and not a coach.

I play sunday league in centre midfield.

I see myself in a cesc fabregas role i.e looking to take the ball and start to create moves.

However my teamates look to get the ball forward at each opportunity in a wimbledon style of football and therefore the midfield is missed out.

This limits my duties to having to win the ball back myself and create from there. This means that i am hurrying everything as i have less time to think about what i am going to do next and i get closed down quicker if i have just made a tackle to win the ball as opposed to having it passed to me when i have created space.

What can i do as a player to get more involved in the game and start creating for my team.

Prepping for move from 3v3 to 8v8

lyazge — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:10:51 GMT

My kindergarten girls team has been playing 3v3 for three seasons, this spring will be our last season at 3v3 and in the fall we move to 8v8 on a larger field. We play mostly SSG at practices or games where all players are active at once to maximize ball touches.

I'm wondering if anyone has any tips for preparing my team for the many changes that will take place next year. Should we start to work on positions? Passing?

And keep in mind that while I'm a parent coach. Never played myself. 6 seasons as assistant coach for my older daughter and now 3 seasons as head coach for my younger daughter.

Coach Laura

What to do with your goalkeeper during training sessions

Dwyer — Wed, 23 May 2007 15:51:37 GMT

"What do you do with your goalkeeper during training sessions. I’m a goalkeeper and a former goalkeeping instructor with the Toronto Blizzard of the now-defunct North American Soccer League. The position of goalkeeper is so unique that it requires specialized training, obviously, which the vast majority of coaches simply don’t have a clue as to how to administer. The easy answer is to send your GK to an academy, but that’s not always an option in all areas. So how to do you “handle” goalkeepers during regular team training sessions?"

Thread courtesy of Canuck.

Adding desire to your team

js240875 — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:42:56 GMT

Guy,

This is my 1st post on this site. My team has just moved up to 11 aside this season. They are now beginning to grasp the game at this level and are playing some pretty decent football. The only thing they seem to be missing is the desire to win!!!

They seem to some time go into there shell, winning or losing. I the kind of coach that only allows ecouragment to be shouted from the touchline, either from coaches or parents. So i dont see that the boys should be nervous or distracted during the game.

Any of you guys faced a similar issue and if so have you any advice on what the best way to push the boys on are?

Thanks in advance for any advice :)

John WWW97s

Fun & Game Training Drills for kids age 7 to 11

loki6000 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:10:11 GMT

hi guys,

Any one have any fun tips or drill games i can make the kids play to keep the kids happy when they come training, they are always happy at the end as we play a 10min match, but the team that looses are always unhappy.

i have seen some kids who have little tournoments but then it takes longer than the training and i dont what to have kids sitting out.

any ideas please

thanks
Loki6000

Getting him to challenge for the ball

Ginster — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:35:06 GMT

I run an u13's boys team and have 1 lad who has just about all he needs at that age. His left foot is as good as his right, his passing is spot on, he can drop a ball on a sixpence (corners and free kicks excellent), he receives and controls the ball almost perfect, he is pretty much a natrual player, but he has one problem. He shy's away at the last moment from 50/50 challenges and would sooner avoid a tackle, although he does some of the time in training but no where near 100%. I have tried a couple of 1 on 1 drills and get him to only see the ball, but we're not really moving forward.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Goal Kick Strategies for Under 8s

Gav — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:50:28 GMT

Our kids aren't playing now as it's winter. But I am starting to prepare some practice sessions on paper (Smart Sessions are amazing) and thought about this weakness from last year.

What are some ways of getting U8s to effectively move the ball downfield from a goal kick? Sometimes last year, I'd almost rather we concede the corner instead. The problem is that many kids just don't have the kicking strength/power to get the ball that far. Short kicks played wide are helpful but sometimes the other team catches on and you lose that option.

We play 7-a-side on mini-fields (about 60 yds long by 40 yds wide usually) by the way and they can take the goal kick from the top edge of the area. Not all fields we play on even have a 6 yard box.

Any thoughts or things we can do in training sessions to work on this?