Hello Coaches,                                                                                             08-October-2008

I have attached some quotes and links from several youth soccer experts about U8 and U10 positional play as well as Goalkeeper Specialization. I also included a game from a soccer clinic conducted by Raul Ovalle (of Valley Soccer in Fairmont). Its a great game for teaching shielding and emphasizing dribbling to maintain possession. It can also be used to introduce team defending. (The game description was provided by Ben Chorpening)

Positional Play Summary

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U8 - specific positional play is not recommended, however you can introduce the concept of shape and

support play. This could mean one or two players who play away from the "scrum" so that they are in a good position when the ball pops out.

U10 - introduce positional play but not at the expense of skill development. The subtleties of positional play

in soccer are still difficult for 8 and 9 year olds. Goalkeeping - Specialization is not necessary in U14/U12 or lower.  Encourage, but don't force all your players to play the position.

Game - Cone Monster

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Using the 15 by 20 yard island, this game is a variation of freeze tag.  Select one or two kids to be the cone monsters and give them each a tall cone. All the other kids need to dribble around on the island (in bounds). Let the cone monsters loose. The cone monsters are trying to freeze all the players by touching their soccer balls with the cones.  If a player is frozen, he is to hold his soccer ball over his head and stand with his legs apart. If another player kicks his ball through the frozen player's legs, the frozen player is unfrozen. If a player dribbles off the island, he is frozen - he needs to carry his ball back in bounds and hold it over his head. I usually need to help by telling the kids when they have been frozen, either by the cone monsters or by going off the island. I then remind the frozen player to hold the ball over his head. I encourage the remaining players to help their frozen teammates.  Play each turn until all the soccer players are frozen. Make sure each player gets a turn to be cone monster. With more than 5 kids, it usually works better to have two cone monsters each turn. If you have only one cone monster, and he or she gets tired, give him or her some help by adding another cone monster.

Cone Monster - Coaching Points

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Initially you can let the player figure the game out. As you see the player demonstrate effective strategies or skills then stop the game and have the player demonstrate the skill for the team (try to pick different

players). If a defensive group is having particular difficulty introduce some of the defensive strategies.

Dribbling

- use dribbling moves - inside/outside cuts, pull-turns, etc.  - shielding - keep body between the "cone monster" and the ball -   Experienced players will get to the point where a single cone monster

will not be able to take the ball from them and they can essentially sit in one spot and just shift their body and the ball around to remain unfrozen.

- "nutmeg practice" - encourage the players to pass ball between frozen players legs without stopping. A "nutmeg" is when the attacking player  pass the ball to herself (himself) through the defenders legs.

Defense

- encourage the "cone monsters" to work together to freeze the dribblers. The first defender ("pressurizing defender") can chase a targeted dribbler, while the 2nd defender can act as the "support defender" and pounce after the dribbler attempts to evade the first.

- encourage the "cone monsters" to use the sidelines as an additional defender.

Add Competition (use with care)

Give each team a fixed amount of time to freeze everyone. Declare the team which freezes the most players within the time limit the winner. Winning team 10 toe touches, Losing teams 30 toe touches.

Variations

- add more cone monsters (3 or 4) for larger groups

- increase/decrease the size of the field to make it harder/easier for

the dribblers

- change the shape

- more narrow - to emphasize dribbling to get behind the defender

- circular - more difficult for the defenders to box players in

corners

Enjoy !!!

Dave

Hello coaches,                                                                       30-Sep-2008

This week, I have included some information/activities on increasing player aggressiveness.  Adrian Parish ( Kentucky Youth Soccer) suggests using 1v1, through 3v3 games to improve the aggressiveness of players.

The smaller games are beneficial because:

1) players cannot hide

2) players get more repetitions, eventually building confidence

http://www.kysoccer.net/coaches/q&a/Q&A.0804.html

John Ellinger, Technical Director for US Youth Soccer, also suggests 1v1 through 3v3 games, particularly those which emphasize gaining possession before your opponent.  (i.e. Winning 50/50 balls).

John Elliger -

http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/coaches_connection/chatarchive.asp

(question #2)

Footy-4-kids suggests several games that work on "shielding" while simultaneously acquainting players to the more physical aspects of soccer. "shielding" is when an offensive player keeps their body between the defensive player and the ball to maintain possession.

http://www.footy4kids.co.uk/shielding_and_aggressiveness.htm

I have also attached a few examples. I have used 1v1 to lines (and goals) for both U8 and U10 teams. The big emphasis is the initial chase to win the ball. Have fun at your next practice and games this weekend.

Dave

2008 MYSA Coaching Coordinator

Hello Coaches,                                                

I hope the first weekend of games went well for everyone. I have some information to provide.

Field Cleanup

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Please remind your players and parents to pickup their trash after practice and games. Both complexes have several trash cans located near the

pavilion.

Photo Schedule

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Cheat Lake, Sept. 13/14

Laurel Point, Sept. 20/21

Scores

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Noel Peries, MYSA Webmaster and PR officer, has setup a webform so that you can report your teams scores if you wish: http://monsoccer.org/Scores.aspx. To be considered for the Kohl's cup you will need to report your scores.

Note: We will neither post results nor tabulate standing for the U8 divisions.

Goals

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For games try to make sure you have the appropriate sized goals. The smaller goals tend to get moved around a bit. If you need to move the goals, get sufficient  adult help, DO NOT allow your players to help move the goals. The correct sizes are:

U8 - 6 x 4

U10 - 12 x 6

U12 - 21 x 7

U14+ - 24 x 8

(If its an ongoing problem please let me know)

Coaching Class

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We had 23 attendees for the coaching class on Aug. 23. Thanks again to all who attended. If you attended the coaching class, but DID NOT receive a message earlier this week, please let me know. I need to provide a list to the WV soccer association to get everyone registered with the state.

Out of Town Games

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If you have an out town game, please contact the coach of the opposing team to confirm the game time and field location. Also be sure to check for uniform conflicts.  Let me know If you have any questions/comments. 

Keep up the good work.

Dave

Hello everyone,                                                                                                             25 August 2008

I have a bit (just of a bit) of information for everyone. 

Alternate Equipment Distribution

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If you were not able to make it to the Cheat Lake Pavilion on Saturday for equipment distribution please contact Doug Sharpe (sharpe992@netscape.net) to  arrange pick up.

Practice Lesson Plans

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If you are every wondering what to do at your next practice, both of the following sites give plenty of ready made plans.  The first tends to give a little more discussion whereas the second is more visual.