Hey Coaches!
Can you believe it!? We are in our last week of the season!
Thank-you all for helping out with the Wind-Up on Saturday and for making it a success. It was a beautiful day, and everything ran smoothly.
One large part of my role as Head Coach is to help empower you as the coach to coach your team. From the beginning of the season up until now I have seen great growth in all of you in your confidence and ideas. Many of you have been following the blog, and keeping the players engaged.
For this last week we have with our teams, I want you to decide what to do. You know your players, and you know what they have liked over the weeks. So look back at the previous 7 weeks, and choose some of their favourite drills. Feel free to adapt them, or to even come up with your own. I had session plans prepared, but I know that you all have the understanding and confidence as a coach to do it yourself.
If you want some ideas, let me know and I will gladly help out.
Also, if you need any extra equipment for your drills, let me know as well.
My goal is to support you and train our coaches. As great as the blog is, I know that you have great ideas as well and I want to see you to use those ideas!
Showing posts with label U6. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U6. Show all posts
Monday, 19 June 2017
Sunday, 11 June 2017
U6 Week 7
Hey Coaches!
It’s crazy to think that we are almost done the season! We have this week, the Wrap-up on Saturday, and then our final week next week. Thank-you for all of your hard work! You’ll notice that the format below is a little different. I am trying out a new resource that we are looking at implementing next season.
Information on the Wrap-up for Saturday will be coming out ASAP.
* This is a good game to teach your players how to move. Obviously in soccer we don't use our hands, but the concept of moving and working as a team is difficult for younger ages. So playing Handball is great as when you have the ball you cannot move and are forced to work as a team.
*Ball on top of cones inside the “castle” will work great as well
*You can start with the balls in the middle as well. Make teams according the the number of players you have
Sunday, 4 June 2017
U6 Week 6
Hi Coaches! We are into week 6 and it has been great getting out on the field with all of you and seeing you interact with your teams. I say this almost every week, but I feel it’s something that can’t be said enough: We are here to always encourage! Kids love it when we respond positively to them and encourage them in what they are doing. Our players are young and with that they can find a lot of things challenging and frustrating, but when we take them time to acknowledge what they are doing well and encourage them, they will fall in love with the game of Soccer.
According to the weather forecast, it is supposed to be a nice and warm day (finally on a wednesday!). It may be a good idea to email your parents and remind them to make sure their kids have water.
Tonight we will be focusing on dribbling and lots of touches on the ball. As I’ve been watching your team I have been impressed in how well they move the ball (passing the ball up the field) at this age. Many of your players are grasping this idea far before they normally do.
1. Colour dribbling and Stopping
This is a variation of Red Light/Green Light. Start by having players dribble in in your area. Red Light means Stop, Green Light go.
As they get warmed up with this, have them stop their balls with various parts of the body as identified by colors. Example - red is right hand, blue is left foot, rainbow is forehead, etc. I suggest start by just saying the body part first, and then as they get the hang of it assign a colour to that body part. This is a great game for them as it changes how they think about the movements of their body. They have to process what they are doing, which down the road will help them focus more in the game. As we change how our brains associate movement, the less we actually end up thinking about it when it becomes a normal thing (it becomes a “muscle memory” movement).
2. Number Dribbling
Have players jog with a ball at their feet in the same direction. When you call a number, that many players must come together with balls touching each other. Example: the call is three, players must get in groups of 3. Those players unable to form a unit of three do three push-ups or star jumps or…? Be creative :)
3. Keep Away
Create smaller grids, probably 10x10 would be good, but feel free to make them bigger. In groups of three, play 1 v. 2. Start with the 2 plays having a ball, the other player tries to get the ball. The one who has the ball must dribble and keep it. Those who don’t have a ball try to get one. Once they get the hang of it, change it that only 1 players has a ball, and the other 2 are trying to get it.
4. Turn and Burn- dribbling with speed
We did this a couple weeks ago, but is a good one to continue out dribbling, now introduce turning and accelerating.
Divide players into two teams – put them in different colored pinnies One team starts on one end of the grid with a ball each. Objective is for players with the ball to dribble towards the players without, who remain stationary. The coach shouts “Turn” and the players with the ball stop, turn and try to dribble back to their starting line. When the players without the ball here the coach shout “Turn” the players without the ball can release and try and steal the balls of the opposing team before they get back over the safe line. Take turns having both teams being attackers/defenders. Do not eliminate players who lose their ball. Let them have another go.
Variations: Introduce specific turns: big toe turn, little toe turn, pull back, etc.
5. Possession
Split your team into 2 teams and simply have them play keep away. Make sure they are moving and passing.
One way you can motivate them without having a net is to have a coach (or parent) stand at each end (where the goal would be) and the point is to pass the ball to the coach (or parent). Once the coach receives it, they must pass the ball back to the team they got it from (1 coach per team standing opposite each other).
Game Time
The horn will go at 5:35 to signal you to get ready for your game. The game will start at 5:40. If you are the first team listed you are the home team. The away team (second team) will come to you. Remember, the game is about getting lots of touches on the ball. Feel free to add a second ball. Score doesn’t count at all, we want to see lots of touches on the ball.
Here is the game schedule:
Monday, 29 May 2017
U6 Week 5
Hey Coaches! Week 5 already!? This season is flying by! It has been so great to see every team having fun over the first 4 weeks. Remember, our goal is to help teach our players all while having fun. The more fun that they are having the more they will learn (whether they realize it or not!).
One way to help motivate your team is to always be vocal. What I mean by this is to always be encouraging them (celebrate every good pass or kick or goal). Talk to your team, get down on their level (get down on your knees while you talk). Have fun. Kids love it when we act ridiculous and crazy. Enthusiasm goes a long ways with 5 year olds. If you’re not having fun, the kids won’t either.
Also remember that most of the kids are competitive. This is a great thing that as coaches we can use to help motivate them if they are struggling to pay attention. Obviously, there is a certain way to do this. We don’t want to create a bad attitude in them, but we can encourage them to see who’s the fastest, or who can kick the hardest? Don’t actually keep track of this, but it can be a useful tool to get them to do something.
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Today we’ll be working a little on kicking. Here are some kicking pointers:
We never kick with our toes. This hurts, and also we cannot aim with our toes. Say “no more big toe!” if they are kicking with their toes. Have players point out where their toes are and continually remind them not to use their toes.
Planting Foot - The foot that is not kicking should be beside the ball (not behind or in front), and pointing where you want to kick. The ball will go where your toes are pointing. If your foot is pointing to the side, the ball will go that way. Point this foot towards your target.
Kicking with Laces - Also known as the Instep Kick, you kick the ball with your laces. Feel your foot. Notice that big bone towards the inside, usually right along the side of the laces? You want to kick with that part of the foot. It’s the strongest part.
Kicking with the instep (inside of the foot) - This is like passing, but with a little more power. Biggest thing here is to open the body up so that the inside of your foot is able to hit the ball. Follow through with your leg.
1. Box work
Start with every kid having a ball. Get them dribbling around with lots of little touches. Have them do the toe taps and any other things to get them lots of touches on the ball. Feel free to make this more of a “Coach Says” style warm-up game. The emphasis is on getting their blood pumping and feet warmed up with lots of touches on the ball.
2. 1-2-3 Kick
Line up balls in front of the net, one with each player. Have them wait their turn, and say, “1,2,3 (name) kick!” This will make them listen to you (hopefully), as well as not give them time to think. They won’t know when they are going to kick, and will help them not over-think shooting the ball. Try having them laying down so they have to stand up quick and shoot, or sitting facing the other way. This is a good movement training skill to teach them to get up quickly.
3. Monster Kick
This game is practicing powerful kicks. Set up cones in a line to act as the “shooting line” where the players will shoot from. Have the kids kick the ball as far as they can *using proper technique*. Once they have all kicked, have them run and get their balls as fast as they can and dribble back. Be creative on how to encourage them to kick further and further. Have a coach or parent stand as a target, move the net out there, place a ball on a cone, lay down on the ground and have them hit you (it won’t hurt, they aren’t that strong :) )
4. Through the Hoop
I will have Hula Hoops out for you in the cart. Line the kids up and take turns kicking the ball (using laces) through the hoop into the net. Feel free to get down on your knees behind the hoop and have them shoot at you (again, this won’t hurt and they love it). As they kick the balls, have a coach or parent retrieve the balls so that you don't waste time having the kids do it. We want them to shoot as much as possible, and the faster they get the ball back the more engaged they will be.
5. Hit the Coach
We’ve done this before, but again, the kids love shooting at your. Don’t you feel loved? Feel free to have parents step in as well ;). Run around your area and have them players try and hit you. This is a valuable skill to learn as they are practicing their aim and hitting a moving target. As they get older and we work more on passing this is exactly what they need.
6. Cones and Kicks
Have players either dribble through the cones as fast as they can and shot at the end, or place the ball at the end of the line of cones and have the players run as fast as they can through the line of cones and then shoot.
Game Time
The horn will go at 5:35 to signal you to get ready for your game. The game will start at 5:40. If you are the first team listed you are the home team. The away team (second team) will come to you. Remember, the game is about getting lots of touches on the ball. Feel free to add a second ball. Score doesn’t count at all, we want to see lots of touches on the ball.
Here is the game schedule:
https://rysacoachingcorner.blogspot.ca/2017/05/u4-u5-u6-schedules.html
Sunday, 21 May 2017
U6 Week 4
Hey Coaches! It has been great continuing to get to know you and the players over the last 4 weeks. I just want to encourage you that we are here to have fun, to be crazy, and to encourage our players. The more we interact with them, the more fun they have, and the more likely they are to continue to play soccer. Be loud, celebrate every goal and every good pass. The kids love it!
As the weather warms up, I suggest reminding your parents to bring lots of water for their children. Also, if it’s warm, make sure you have lots of water breaks. This will help keep their attention as they will get tired because of the heat. Just make sure you make these water breaks short and don’t give lots of time for them to goof off :)
1. Warm Up: Soccer Tag
Players are dribbling around in your grid. Player who is it holds their ball and runs with it, tagging players with the ball. Once tagged, player is frozen with ball under their foot. To be freed, another player must dribble up and pass their ball to hit the frozen players ball, or dribble up and tap their ball to the frozen player's ball.
2. Sharks and Minnows
You are the shark, the players are the minnows. You attempt to hit the players with the ball. When you hit the player, they must lie down and another minnow must jump over them to get back into the game. If you have willing parents, they can also join in as a shark.
See the first minute of this video as a demonstration and for further explanation.
3. Cone Maze
Spread cones over your grid. Place a few goals around the edge, use your one pop up goal and an arch or your large cones to create more "goals". Players dribble their balls through the grid trying to not hit the cones, and once they are through they can take a shot on the goal. After they have done it a couple of times, you can switch it up to end the activity by having them they hit the cones with their soccer ball to knock it over. Once it is knocked over, they can and pick the cone up and return it to you as way to clean up the course.
See the above video at 1:24-2:06 for a demonstration.
4. Pac Man (aka Kick the Coach; kids LOVE this game!)
First, demonstrate what a proper pass looks like:
-planting/non kicking foot next to ball, pointing at target
-strike ball with side of foot
-firm ankle
-follow through to target
Have players practice this with their parent or a partner so that you can give individual feedback to each player. Once you have gone through each player, they can then play the game.
All players have a ball and are dribbling in the grid and trying to hit you with a pass (you don't want to be hit).
Work on good passing technique. You may have to create a zone for you that the kids can't enter (small square in middle of grid and then move to no square and everyone moving).
This video demos passing technique with cues, but don't spend as much time talking as this coach does!
5. Clean Your Messy Room.
We’ve done this one before, but kids seem to love it!
Split your grid in half with cones across the centre, and split your group up into 2 "teams".
Line up soccer balls in the centre, in line with the cones.
When you say "Go!" players rush to the centre to kick balls into the other half of the grid; they must try to keep the balls (laundry? toys?) out of their "room" by continuing to kick them into the other team's half.
When coach say "Stop!" players freeze and count up the balls to see who wins (least amount of balls/laundry/toys in grid wins).
Play again!
Game
The horn will go at 5:35 to signal you to get ready for your game. The game will start at 5:40. Here is the game schedule:
https://rysacoachingcorner.blogspot.ca/2017/05/u4-u5-u6-schedules.html
Monday, 15 May 2017
U6 Week 3
Hey Coaches! It has been great getting to know all of you and to see you interacting with the players. Remember, they always LOVE it when you join in and have fun with them! Always encourage them and help them out.
The horn will go at 5:35 to signal you to get ready for your game. See below for schedule and information.
1. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Ball
This is a simple but hopefully fun one! Start with ever player having a ball at their feet standing in a circle around you. As you call out a body part, they have to put that body part on the ball. For example, you say “ear” and they have to get down and put their ear on the ball.
As they get better at it, speed it up. Only give them a few seconds to touch the ball, then call out another one. To change it up even more, you can have them running around dribbling the ball and when you call out the body part they have to touch that body part to the ball.
2. Crocs and Swamps
Make a line of cones heading towards the net. Players need to pass to coach/parent/other player and not hit the crocs (cones) and then shoot on net. Have the kids work on passing around/past the crocs/cones and shooting on goal. Count how many times you score!
This is featured in one of the videos in the Active Start curriculum:
3. Four Goal Shooting
Make 4 goals, one on each side of the grid (We will try to have enough pop-up nets, but cones work as well). Also make a square or circle in the middle of the grid. Put parents/coaches in goals and then have the kids work on dribbling around and shooting on each goal. Count how many times you score! Encourage scoring on all goals. After they score, they must get their ball and dribble it back into the middle square and then go shoot on another goal.
4. DON'T CRASH THE CAR
Red Light, Green Light made fun....check out all the variations! You may want to stick with the basics, but if you have a keen crew I would try some of the additions.
5. INDY 500
Create an oval-shaped "racetrack" with your cones.
Players start from “Pit Row”. Player starts by exiting the pits and dribbling the ball in a clockwise direction around the track. If the ball exits the track they must make 3 toe taps on the ball to restart the engine. Encourage players to make “Vroom! Vroom!” car sounds while driving!
Easier – run the track first with no balls.
Easier – players carry ball in hands and run around track
Harder – Switch directions and have drivers go counter-clockwise.
Harder – Change direction before completing circuit on coach’s command
(See Active Start coach resources in your binder)
The horn will go at 5:35 to stop your drills and get ready for your game. Below is the link to the schedule. First team listed is home team, second team is away team and will go to home team’s field. Feel free to have a quick half time (1-2 minutes).
Here is the field layout so there is no confusion. Fields will now be marked with numbered flags.
http://rysacoachingcorner.blogspot.ca/2017/05/2017-field-layouts.html
Monday, 8 May 2017
U6 Week 2
Hey Coaches! Our first week went great, and kids seemed to have fun! I enjoyed coming around to each team and seeing the giggles and smiles on your player’s faces. Every week our goal is to have fun, and to encourage our players. The more fun they have, the more they will learn -even if that’s just how to run around within a square, or kick a ball to their friend. These are the building blocks of strong players.
As your team shows up give them a ball and have them play pass with each other, or with a parent.
When you change to a new drill, send the team for a REALLY quick water break (30 seconds) or have them working on their juggling, passing between each other, or be creative in how to keep them occupied. If you give them time to goof off, they will do just that and you will struggle to get their attention back.
1. In the Box!
It’s important that we teach our players to “get ready to play” and to get warmed up. So to start off, do the following: everyone will have a ball
- Start with dribbling around the box. Encourage players to change direction and not just go around in a circle
- Remember to take lots of small touches, and not big touches. The ball should never be more than 2 feet away from you at any time
- DO NOT use your toes, use the inside or outside of your foot
- As they get better at this, yell “stop” and have the players stop in place. Each time they are getting the hang of things, or you need to switch it up, do this and demonstrate one of the follow:
- Turn: Place foot on ball and roll it backwards as you turn
- Sit: Sit down on the ball until the coach says “up”
- Cut: With the outside of your foot, wrap your foot around the ball and push it in another direction (if they struggle with this one feel free to skip it)
- Change: Swap balls with another player by running up to them and gently passing the ball
- Outside: leave your ball and run to a cone on the other side of the box and run back to your ball
- Etc… Be creative. This is all about getting the players moving, and as many touches on the ball as we can.
2. Monster Tag
Just like freeze tag (the exact same actually…), but kids love running, and repetition is a good way for certain movements to be learned and remembered. Start without soccer balls. Players run around your grid (make sure you emphasize that there is a boundary to this game) and you can start by being the tagger. Remember, you are a monster, feel free to act like one (a gentle monster of course ;) ). When a player is tagged, they must freeze until someone comes and unfreezes them by running under their arms. (Show them how to freeze with legs apart and arms up and out) Then move to playing with soccer balls and have players dribbling around until they get tagged. To be unfrozen now, someone must pass the ball between your legs. (Demo this)
3. Musical Soccer Balls
Use cones to make a circle large enough for your kids to run around. Place the soccer balls in the middle of the circle and make sure you have one less soccer ball than you have players. The players start on the outside of the circle and they are not allowed to go into the circle until the whistle blows. On the whistle, the players can sprint to the soccer balls. Because there is one less soccer ball, one player will be left without a ball. The player without the ball is then removed from the game. Every round you will need to remove one soccer ball.
See this link for full video and diagram:
4. Steal the Bacon
In your grid, place the balls in the middle in a straight line. Spit your team into 2 groups and have them line up on either end.
When you say “GO” the goal is to run to the middle, and get a ball. Start with having them pick the balls up with their hands and carry the ball back to their end. Once they get the hang of it, get them to DRIBBLE the ball back to their end, once all the balls are at both ends, the game is over.
- Change things up by having the players start with laying down, and getting up when you say go or sitting facing the opposite direction. This will work on their coordination and ability to get up quickly.
- Another way to change it up is to number the players (1 to ?) and call out numbers, I suggest calling out 2 numbers at a time. Only these number can go and get a ball. Once each number has gotten a ball, call out another number. Keep going until all balls are gone
5. Superheroes
Have all players move around by dribbling in the grid. When you shout different superhero names, there are different things to do for each. Start simple with only one or two, and add as you go. Feel free to add some new superhero moves to this if you want too!
"Superman" = everyone dives on the ball and lies with it under the chest with arms out like Superman
"Batman" = put foot on the ball and pretend to fly
"Spiderman" = put foot on the ball and pretend to shoot webs
"Hulk" = pick up the ball and squeeze it and roar like the Hulk!
(Don't forget to demonstrate what these all look like!)
Game time:
Check the game schedule, if you are the first team listed you are the “Home Team” and will stay where you are. If you are the second team, you will pick up your pop-up net and take it to the team you are playing. Click here for the schedules
Tuesday, 2 May 2017
U6 Week 1
Hey Coaches! The weather has finally turned in our favour and we are able to get on the field! I am excited for this season, and can’t wait to hang out with you on the field!
This is our first week, and the emphasis will be on getting to know your players, getting them moving, and just having fun! Do as many of these drills as you like, or tweak them in any way you think will work. I am also always on the field to help out and answer any questions.
As your team shows up give them a ball and have them play pass with each other, or with a parent.
Set up your grid with cones (roughly 15 yards by 15 yards should be good (to measure out a yard just take a big step, that will be roughly a yard, place cones every 5 yards), feel free to make it larger or smaller if you need.
When you change to a new drill, send the team for a REALLY quick water break (30 seconds) or have them working on their juggling, passing between each other, or be creative in how to keep them occupied. If you give them time to goof off, they will do just that and you will struggle to get their attention back.
For timing of each drill, if the kids love it, keep doing it. If they aren't getting it and you don't know what do to help them, either call me over, or feel free to move on to another drill. I would recommend no more than 10 minutes per drill.
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1. WARM UP - Coach Says
Played like Simon Says. Anything that gets those little guys moving goes. Use the whole body. Start without soccer balls for movement and stretches. Jog around the area, one foot hopping on each foot, high knees, skipping, kick your butt, etc. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsCLLgkQgNc
2. Soccer Islands
In your grid, make “islands” in each corner by using cones to mark out the “island” and make one circular island in the middle. Have the players start in the middle island, and number the 4 corner island 1-4, or give them names. Call out a number (or name) and have the kids run there. Once they get there, have them do a certain skill (toe taps, tic-tock, jump up as high as they can, lay down flat and get back up again, yell as loud as they can, etc… be creative. This is all about getting them to move).
See for a similar idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsof4AMWQRo&feature=plcp&context=C37ad33bUDOEgsToPDskJeYPYEAYx5iBYFKOJQf1mB
3. Pac Man (aka Kick the Coach; kids LOVE this game!)
First, demonstrate what a proper pass looks like:
-planting/non kicking foot next to ball, pointing at target
-strike ball with side of foot
-firm ankle
-follow through to target
Have players practice this in pairs so that you can give individual feedback to each player. Once you have gone through each player, they can then play the game.
All players have a ball and are dribbling in the grid and trying to hit you with a pass (you don't want to be hit).
Work on good passing technique. You may have to create a zone for you that the kids can't enter (small square in middle of grid and then move to no square and everyone moving).
This video demos passing technique with cues, but don't spend as much time talking as this coach does!
4. Clean Your Messy Room.
Split your grid in half with cones across the centre, and split your group up into 2 "teams".
Line up soccer balls in the centre, in line with the cones.
When you say "Go!" players rush to the centre to kick balls into the other half of the grid; they must try to keep the balls (laundry? toys?) out of their "room" by continuing to kick them into the other team's half.
When coach say "Stop!" players freeze and count up the balls to see who wins (least amount of balls/laundry/toys in grid wins).
Play again!
5. Soccer Bowling
If you need another game to fill some time, you could use this one...
The name is as it suggests and the video makes it self-explanatory.
Game
For the last 10-15 minutes of the practice have a mini game within your own team. Parents can join in as well. If the ball goes out, just kick a new ball back in. Throw-ins will be introduced later in the season. We want players to have as many touches on the ball during the game, so you could introduce a second ball if you feel this would help.
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