| Example of a Coaching Theme
THEME: Dribbling
Step 1. Begin Practice
U-8: Quick demo of dribbling: outside/inside of (both) feet
U-10: Quick demo of using Foot Fakes and Body Feints
Step 2. Warm Up (Fun game & Stretch)
Set up a 10 yd square box. Each player has a ball & must kick
others' balls out of box, while keeping their own inside box. Last one in wins.
Stretch (Introducing stretching at this age is key in instilling the concept in
players...and will help them avoid injuries as they get older)
Step 3. One + One Cooperative Play
Players partner off; each player sets up a 'goal' of cones about
10 yds from his/her partner's pair (goals about 6' width). [See "lining
a field" below]
U-8: Coach demonstrates a type of dribble (i.e. inside right foot).
One player then dribbles in a figure 8 around his/her own pair of cones, then
passes to partner who does the same. Repeat with all different dribbles.
U-10: Use a Fake or Feint vs. a walking opponent-if successful...
Use a Fake or Feint vs. a jogging opponent-if successful...
Use a Fake or Feint vs. a speedy opponent!
Step 4. One + One Competitive Play
Test your Dribbling Skills: One player serves ball to his/her partner. Partner must try to
get to the other's goal line by dribbling and must stop the ball with their foot
on the line.
Step 5. Practice -Half Time Routine
Everyone gets their drinks; coach takes no more than five minutes
to talk (last club game, next game, introduce next practice step, etc.)
Step 6. Play - Cooperative or Competitive Teaching Game
U-8: Dribbling Relay Race
U-10: Apply Fake/Feint while playing a small sided game (see Step 7). Players
will be given Fake/Feint instructions while playing.
Step 7. Play Free Game
Break team into 3-4 player teams. If you have enough players for
4 teams, play two games side by side and have winners play winners. Otherwise
rotate teams in. ("Ref" but don't "coach" in this free game.)
U-10: Players will not be given Fake/Feint instructions while playing.
Step 8. Cool Down
Stretch
Step 9. End Practice
Review and Compliment
Remember "No Lines, No Lectures...make it FUN!"
Lining a Field:
Players divide into pairs. Each player is given two disks or cones. Pairs
spread out along a field line. One partner puts his left leg out to the side
along the line and places a disk outside of his foot, then returns to an upright
position. Then repeats this with his right leg. The end result should be that he
is standing on the line with disks a yard or so on either side of him. His
partner then marches out 10-15 paces straight ahead, turns and places his disks
in the same fashion.
The team should now consist of two lines of players facing each other,
each standing in the middle of their own 2-3 yard-wide "goal" and opposite their
partner.
Coaches will usually spend some extra time at the first practice teaching
their team how to line a field. Making it into a "timed game" to see how quickly
they can do it will yield dividends at future practices!
Return to Coaching Drills
|
