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Property of Eastview Athletic Association
EVAA SOCCER: ABOUT US EVAA Soccer Mission Statement EVAA Soccer Philosophy
EVAA SOCCER: COACHING RESOURCES EVAA Soccer and MYSA Principles of Coaching (MYSA) Characteristics of Effective Youth Coaches (MYSA) Characteristics of the Youth Soccer Player (MYSA) Soccer Resources Team Management Tips Safety Tips EVAA SOCCER: COACHING CLIPBOARD (Overview) Rules of the Game EVAA Soccer and FIFA EVAA Soccer Age Group Game Formats EVAA Soccer Simplified Rules Practice Plans EVAA Soccer Practice Plan Overview & Components EVAA Soccer Creating a Practice Plan
Practice Plans, continued U6 Activities “Become Friends with the Ball” (MYSA) U8 Activities “Becoming a Teammate” (MYSA) Micro Games (Franklin Pierce Soccer Club) Micro Games Overview Micro Games Glossary Micro Games #1-25 Fields, Forms & Contacts EVAA Soccer Events Overview EVAA Soccer Field Maps EVAA Soccer Background Check Instructions EVAA Soccer Coaching Contacts EVAA Soccer Sample Substitution Form MYSA Training Material Order Form EVAA SOCCER: THANK YOU
EVAA SOCCER Coaches Playbook Contents Pre Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
EVAA SOCCER MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Eastview Athletic Association (EVAA) Soccer program is to provide children with the opportunity to participate in a soccer experience that emphasizes fun over competition so they can develop positive self-esteem and build character by learning the virtues of hard work, respect, honesty, self-control, teamwork and sportsmanship while learning the game of soccer.
EVAA SOCCER: ABOUT US Welcome to EVAA Soccer, and thank you for taking part in one of the most rewarding volunteer sports programs available in our community. The truth of the matter is plain and simple; we could not have this program without people like you who are willing to volunteer their time and make a commitment, not only to your own child, but to all of the other children in the program. EVAA Soccer is the recreational soccer program for kids from Pre-K through 8th grade. EVAA Soccer is open to all who would like to participate. We have Spring and Fall programs for those desiring to develop their soccer skills and have fun. EVAA Soccer strives to provide quality soccer programs targeted to the ages and capabilities of the participants. The EVAA Soccer Board is committed to help ensure that players, coaches, parents, and all participants create a respectful, fun, and safe soccer environment. We look to individuals like yourself to offer suggestions for enhancing the program even further, and we wish you a fun soccer season. Enjoy your season, EVAA Soccer Board
EVAA SOCCER PHILOSOPHY
To develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs, which promote a fun, family environment based on
the five American Youth Soccer Association philosophies (EBOPS)
EBOPS+P
• Everyone Plays : Our regions’ goal is for kids to play soccer – so we mandate that every player on every team play at least half of every game.
• Balanced Teams: Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible – because it is fair and more fun when teams of equal ability play.
• Open Registration: Our program is open to all children between 4 - 14 years of age who want to register and play soccer. Interest and enthusiasm are the only criteria for playing.
• Positive Coaching: Kids win when they are built up, not when they are put down! We train and encourage our coaches to make the extra effort to understand and offer positive help to our players, rather than negative criticism.
• Good Sportsmanship: We strive to create a positive environment based on mutual respect, and our program is designed to instill good sportsmanship in every facet.
• Player Development: We believe that all players should be able to develop their soccer skills and knowledge individually and as members of a team to the best of their abilities, in order to maximize their enjoyment of the game.
EVAA SOCCER: ABOUT US
This four-hour course is put on by the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) and is paid for by the EVAA Soccer program. MYSA provides a professionally-licensed coach to instruct our coaches on the nature of children and the adjustments adults must make to coach them. The course combines both classroom (theory) and field (practical) sessions. Each of the coaches attending will receive a Y-Licensure certificate from the MYSA.
Additionally, portions of this playbook contain information from MYSA educational resources that coaches have found invaluable throughout many seasons. Over the next several pages and throughout this playbook, you will find MYSA excerpts such as: Principles of Coaching, Characteristics of Effective Youth Coaches, Characteristics of the Youth Soccer Player, “Becoming Friends With the Ball”, and “Becoming a Teammate”, which will assist you on the field.
EVAA SOCCER: COACHING CIRCLE
EVAA Soccer and Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) Whether you are an old soccer pro or have never kicked a soccer ball before, EVAA Soccer can help you prepare to coach your child in soccer. Each year, EVAA Soccer will sponsor a Youth Licensure (Y Licensure) course that will instruct you on how to interact with kids from ages five to eight. The course teaches you what to expect developmentally from this age group. You will be provided with games that will help you get the kids oriented to soccer in a fun and engaged manner.
EVAA SOCCER: COACHING CIRCLE
EVAA Soccer is committed to helping coaches succeed and develop in an environment in which the players want to come back time and time again. In this section you will find coaching resources, tips, and information on how to better manage your team both on and off the field. EVAA Soccer uses the US Youth Soccer Association for many of our coaching education programs. They follow 6 principles so that youth players receive the most positive soccer experience, and also outline several characteristics of an effective youth coach.
1. Developmentally Appropriate
2. Clear, Concise and Correct Information
3. Simple to Complex
4. Safe and Appropriate Training Area
5. Decision Making
6. Implication for the Game
PRINCIPLES OF COACHING
CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE YOUTH COACHES
• High Moral and Ethical Standards • Honesty
• Respect of Players, Parents, and Community
• Understanding Readiness Factors for Participation
• Communication
• Appropriate Temperament for Coaching Children
• Ability To Motivate Positively
• Possess Leadership Qualities
• Dedicated to Child Development and the Sport of Soccer
• Enthusiastic
• Have a Good Sense of Humor
• Have Current Knowledge of Coaching Youth Soccer
EVAA Soccer would not be possible without the hundreds of parent volunteers and coaches who spend countless hours preparing, developing, and teaching our youth not only the game of soccer, but important life lessons as well.
EVAA SOCCER: COACHING CIRCLE
EVAA SOCCER: COACHING CIRCLE
One of the most important aspects of being an effective coach is knowing and identifying different personalities, traits, thinking, and maturity levels of young soccer players. Below you will find key characteristics of youth soccer players. Knowing these characteristics can assist coaches in developing a game plan, creating team activities and keeping their patience on the field.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE YOUTH SOCCER PLAYER
Pre K & Kindergarten • Short attention span • Individually oriented • Constantly in motion • Psychologically easily bruised • Little concern for team activities • Boys and girls similar in social development • Eye-hand or eye-foot coordination limited • Love to run and jump • Prefer large, soft balls • Catching skills not developed • Can balance on good foot • NO SENSE OF PACE
1st & 2nd Grade • Attention span still not extended • Inclined more toward group activities • Still in motion • Sensitive to personal failure in front of peers • Developing physical coordination • Still into running, jumping, climbing and rolling • More interested in real balls • STILL LACK SENSE OF PACE
Often times children of this age tend to go flat out until exhausted, with little regard for direction.
EVAA SOCCER: COACHING CIRCLE
SOCCER RESOURCES EVAA Soccer has discovered other great articles and resources for parents and coaches. You can access all of these links and more through our website at EVAAsports.org.
Understand this First
This article gives a brief explanation of the task ahead in the future of US soccer and what we need to do to catch up to the rest of the world.
http://www.howplaysoccer.com/index.htm Click the “Understand this Link” first.
Soccer Fouls This link takes you to some of the FIFA definitions for fouls.
http://www.soccerhelp.com/Soccer_Tips_Dictionary_Terms_F.shtml#fouls
Why Small Sided Soccer This PDF document outlines the rules and benefits of the "small-sided" soccer game.
http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/coaches/SmallSidedGames.asp
Soccer Xpert This link takes you to several age-appropriate soccer games and soccer training sessions.
http://www.soccerxpert.com/u6-u8-soccer-drills.aspx
EVAA SOCCER: COACHING CIRCLE
TEAM MANAGEMENT TIPS
At your first practice you should plan on spending some time talking with the parents about your expectations for the season, the team, and how you expect them to contribute. You should make it clear that you expect: • Each child will come to all practices and games. • If a child can’t attend a game they should notify you as early as possible. • Children will make an effort to focus their attention on the game and follow your instructions. • Parents are expected to ensure their child is cooperating. • Parents should be prepared to help out with practices. • Parents should remain at the field with their children or make arrangements with another parent to be responsible for their child. • Since you must remain at the field until all children are picked up, insist that parents pick their children up on time. As a volunteer for the program , you are already taking on a lot of responsibilities. It is recommended that one of your parents work as your Team Manager. The Team Manager can be responsible for: • Creating a snack schedule (should your team decide to do snacks) • Coordinating and handing out uniforms, medals, picture packets, and pictures • Creating a cheat sheet for parents to identify players
EVAA SOCCER: COACHING CIRCLE
SAFETY TIPS
EVAA Soccer wants to make soccer a rewarding and safe environment for all players, coaches and spectators. Keep some of these tips in mind before you take the field: Field Safety • Inspect goal posts for any sharp edges and overall integrity • Securely anchor portable goal posts (PUGGS) on level playing fields (Pre K and Kindergarten) • Check for any holes, mounds, sprinkler heads , or any unsafe items on the field • Cover shin guards, remove jewelry, and wear appropriate shoes • Prohibit behaviors that do not promote a safe experience • Be aware of any medical conditions your players may have Injury • Have available a first aid kit, cold pack, cell phone, and contact information for parents • Give injured person respect and appropriate attention until medical personnel arrive • Correct any hazardous situation on the field after attending to injured person
Weather Safety • Remove all players from the field upon approaching severe weather • Be aware of the weather forecast and the sky around you • Stop play immediately with any signs of thunder or lightning • Contact the Program Director or EVAA web site for cancelations due to weather
This section provides valuable tools, documents, and forms coaches can use on the field to better manage your team. Several age-appropriate games have been included from the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association web site and the Franklin Pierce Soccer Club that EVAA Soccer has found useful. All of the following resources can also be found at www.EVAAsports.org.
Rules of the Game – See the different age group game formats, or quickly study simplified rules
to get you up to speed in the game of soccer.
Practice Plans - View sample practice plans and activities used by USYSA soccer coaches and add
some excitement to your next practice.
Fields/Forms/Contacts - Get the EVAA Events Overview, field maps, access forms , review
instructions, and find your EVAA contacts.
EVAA SOCCER: COACHES’ CLIPBOARD
Rules of the Game EVAA Soccer and Federation of Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) The “Laws of The Game” are the official rules for soccer and are maintained by the Federation Internationale de Football (FIFA). There are 17 laws of the game of soccer. These can be viewed by going to http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/lawsofthegame.html and then clicking the Laws of the Game PDF link. EVAA Soccer bases their game on the FIFA rules, but since we scale the game to accommodate our different age groups, we have some modifications. These modifications follow, as closely as possible, the United States Youth Soccer recommendations. Our modified laws can be found on our web site at: http://evaasports.org/soccer/inhouse/referees/evaa_laws_of_the_game. These documents show where we conform or deviate from the FIFA laws. On the following pages you will find Age Group Game Formats for younger age groups and Simplified Soccer Rules for beginner coaches.
Practice Plans
Practice Plan Overview
In this section you will learn the different components of an effective practice plan and how to build your own plan to keep the kids engaged. Review sample activities to bring your practices and games to life while teaching basic skills. There are also some age-specific games from the USYSA web site and the Franklin Pierce Soccer Club that EVAA Soccer has found to be useful tools for any coach. Practice Plan Components
When you hold a practice with your players, you should look to accomplish a variety of things:
•Field and Position Awareness – teach young players about the field and the positions
they will play.
•Rules – go over the basic rules to be sure they are aware of how the game flows.
•Skill Development – run activities that are fun, keep kids moving, and help develop skills.
By stringing together activities and creating a flow, you can develop a practice plan that is structured, covers the things you want to teach, and is fun. Here are some components you may want to add to your practice plan.
Discussion Topics – field layout, positioning, rules, throw-in/corner kick/goal kick procedures
Activities – Several activities are highlighted in this playbook and differ by age group and ability
Cones and Dribbling – use the feet to control the ball and keep possession of it
Passing – passing between cones
Keep away games – games that teach kids to dribble the soccer ball and maintain possession
Creating a Practice Plan Build a plan to address the things you want to teach your players. Use activities that reinforce or teach the physical skills tied to each concept. Mix in water breaks, and keep them short and structured (i.e. kids can only take breaks during those times).
After running an activity, explain how it translates into a game situation. A good example is this – when laying out cones to dribble around, don’t put them in a straight line, stagger them. Then explain that they are laid out haphazardly because defenders don’t form a straight line in a game. Also, when teaching dribbling, ask them to try to look up when they dribble, because if they are looking down while dribbling in a game, someone will come up and take the ball away.
Here is how your practice plan framework may look:
• Brief Discussion of Concepts – 2-4 minutes
• Activity – 10 minutes
• Water Break – 2 Minutes
• Discussion – 2-4 minutes
• Activity – 5-10 minutes
• Activity – 5-10 minutes
• Water Break – 2 minutes
• 2 v 2, 3 v 3, 4 v 4 activity – 10 minutes
Keep in mind that younger children have very short attention spans, so have several activities in mind in case players become tired or uninterested. The focus of a practice plan is to provide structure while incorporating games that teach good habits.
Micro Games Overview Micro Philosophy – Have Fun!
These games are designed for the Micro, or 4 and 5 year olds. Many also can be used effectively with older kids by incorporating more skills, challenges, and techniques older players can perform.
The most important thing for Micro players: have fun!
Second, all kids are involved at all times. The more time a child has a ball on their foot, the better they become.
Basic philosophy: At ages 4 & 5, children are basically selfish. Team play and passing are difficult for them – they want to get the ball, dribble it, and shoot to score.
Work with what they CAN do and create an environment where they can succeed. Focus on basics: ball control, dribbling and shooting.
Remember, this is about developing soccer players and having fun. As a coach, think like a little one. Be silly and have fun.
Coach’s Preparation
• Have a plan: write a list of 8-10 games to play.
• If players are not into a particular game, end it and begin the next.
• Arrive 15 min. early to set up practice.
• Dress like a soccer coach / player. It creates respect.
A Basic Practice
• Start & end practice on time.
• Begin with several minutes of warm up & basic skills games.
• Play a variety of other games for the rest of your time. Run each game as long as players are interested (2-10 min). Do not play a game too long.
• Give plenty of water breaks.
• Don’t be afraid to stop and look at a mushroom or bug someone found. Have fun!
• A scrimmage at every practice is not necessary. Explain game concepts as they relate to Micro Games you’re playing.
Courtesy of the
Franklin Pierce Soccer Club
Micro Games Glossary The first 4 games are Warm Ups and the rest are Basic Games.
Each game will list:
• Game name
• Equipment needed
• Game description
• Skills the game develops
• Game diagram
Diagrams
Equipment needed:
• One ball per child minimum.
– The more balls the better.
• Cones or discs – a dozen or so.
• Pop-up goals – 2
– Very helpful but not required.
Micro Games Game #1: Follow the Leader
Game Type: Warm up
Equipment Needed: Ball for each player
Description: Each player has a ball. Pick a player to start dribbling. They are allowed to dribble wherever they want and do whatever they want while dribbling. The other players must follow what they do.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Communication,
Balls Skills
Game #2: Turn Around
Game Type: Warm up
Equipment Needed: Ball for each player
Description: Each player has a ball. The players start to dribble. When you yell turn around, all the players turn and go the other way. Work on keeping the ball close to their feel when they turn. Repeat 5 to 10 times only. It gets boring fast.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Communication, Turning Skills. ***This game is particularly effective come game time when a player wants to dribble the wrong direction. You can yell “turn around” and the player will immediately turn the other direction.
Courtesy of the
Franklin Pierce Soccer Club
Micro Games Game #3: Can You Try This?
Game Type: Warm up
Equipment Needed: Ball for each player
Description: Each player has a ball. Players stand in a circle & everyone tries at the same time. Use a nursery rhyme to develop a rhythm (try Hickory Dickory Dock). As you say the rhyme, each player does the skill to it. There are many more skills you can make up or find in other resources (see MYSA game “Can You Try This?”).
Develops: Ball Skills, Comfort with Ball
Skills to try:
• Touch top of ball with bottom of foot, alternate feet.
• Touch ball back & forth with inside of the feet.
• Ball hop: hop over ball with both feet.
• Push ball forward with bottom of foot, then immediately pull it back w/ bottom of same foot.
• Turn a full circle using: only the inside of foot; only the outside of foot; only the bottom of foot.
• Run around the ball 5 times. Switch direction.
Game #4: Chase
Game Type: Warm up
Equipment Needed: Ball for each player
Description: Each player has a ball. This is like Follow the Leader. You call a player’s name. That player starts dribbling as fast as s/he can and all the other players must chase after them as they dribble. When a player or two get close, call another player’s name and everyone starts to chase them. Make sure each player gets a chance to be chased.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Ball Skills, Speed
Micro Games Game #5: Monster
Equipment Needed: Ball for each player, discs
Description: Each player has a ball. Players stand in the center of a circle marked by discs. Coach is a monster trying to get the players and their ball. (You are a nice monster and are not trying to scare the players, but friendly growls and roars help the effect.) Players must stay in the circle. At first, do not kick away their balls, only make them get away from you. Later as their skills develop, the monster can get their balls.
Develops: Dribbling, Shielding
Game #6: NASCAR
Equipment Needed: Ball for each player, discs
Description: Each player has a ball. Players stand in the middle of a circle. You call out “1st gear” & all the players begin to dribble slowly. Move to 2nd gear and they speed up. In 3rd they move pretty fast, and in 4th gear players are dribbling as fast as they can without running into each other while staying inside the circle. Shift back down. Yell “reverse” & players must turn around immediately & start dribbling the other way.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Turning Skills, Speed
Micro Games Game #7: Freeze Tag
Equipment Needed: Ball for each player, discs
Description: Each player has a ball. Players stand in the center of a circle marked by discs. One person is “it” and tries to tag the other players. At first the Tagger can be “it” without a ball. introduce a ball to the Tagger as they progress. When a player is tagged by the Tagger, s/he must stand with legs spread. To un-freeze a player, another player must pass a ball through the frozen player’s legs.
Develops: Dribbling, Passing, Shielding, Teamwork, Speed
Game #8: Snowball Fight
Equipment Needed: Ball for each player, discs
Description: Each player has a ball. Players stand in the middle of a circle marked by discs. Each player dribbles around the circle and tries to hit another player’s ball with their own ball. When they hit another ball, they yell, “SPLAT!”
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Passing, Shielding
Micro Games Game #9: Speed Racer
Equipment Needed: Ball for each player, discs
Description: Each player has a ball. Put all the players on the outside of a circle marked by discs with each player at a different disc. You tell the players they are in a very important race and they have to dribble around the outside of the circle as fast as they can and get back to their disc. When they get back to their disc, they must stop the ball and have one foot on the ball. On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! Vary the race by number of laps and direction they go around the circle.
Develops: Dribbling, Speed, Ball Control
Game #10: Hit the Coach
Equipment Needed: Ball for each player, discs
Description: An all time favorite! Each player has a ball. They stand in the middle of a circle marked by discs. Each player dribbles around in the circle and tries to hit the coach with their ball. The coach runs to try to avoid being hit. When a player hits the coach, s/he gets to call out the name of an animal. The coach then has to run around the circle like that animal and make the noises that animal makes. When the coach is hit by another player, that player gets to call a new animal.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Passing, Shooting
Micro Games Game #11: Go To Goal
Equipment Needed: As many balls as possible, small goal
Description: Place all the balls in the middle of the field. Players stand at the goal. On the count of 3, all players run to get a ball. Then they dribble the ball back and shoot it into the goal. When they get the ball in the goal, they run back, get another ball and repeat. Game continues until all the balls are gone. Ask parents to help move balls from the goal back to the middle to allow the game to run longer.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Shooting. This drill really creates a situation where players learn to dribble in a crowd. The first time players may crash into each other. By the end of the season, hopefully they will be making moves to avoid one another. Another favorite.
Game #12: Race
Equipment Needed: As many balls as possible, 2 small goals
Description: Very similar to Go to Goal, except you have 2 goals & 2 teams. Teams are competing to see which one gets the most goals. Place all the balls in the middle of the field. Put half the players at each goal. On the count of 3, all players run to get a ball. Then they dribble back and shoot it into the goal. When they get the ball in the goal, they run back and get another ball and repeat. Game continues until all the balls are gone. Ask parents to help move balls from the goal back to the middle to allow the game to run longer.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Shooting
Micro Games Game #13: Camp Town Races
Equipment Needed: One ball per player, 2 small goals
Description: Place goals at each end of field. Each player has a ball starting in front of one of the goals. The players dribble the ball the length of the field, shoot and score. Once they score, they retrieve the ball and dribble back to the goal where they started, then shoot and score. The game can be once or twice down and back.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Shooting
Game #14: Go Score
Equipment Needed: As many balls as possible, minimum 2 per player, Pop up goals
Description: Spread balls around field. Place 2 goals opposite each other. Point to a goal & say, “Go score!” Each player runs to a ball, dribbles ball to specified goal, shoots & scores. Once they score, they run to another ball, dribble to other goal & shoot. While players shoot at 2nd goal, coach moves 1st goal & kicks out balls in separate directions. Players continue to alternate goals & coach moves goals after each set of shots. Turn goals in different directions so players must dribble around goal to shoot.
Develops: Dribbling, Shooting, Vision
Micro Games Game #15: Treasure Chest
Equipment Needed: As many balls as possible, cones
Description: Place cones in a square to make a Treasure Chest in the middle of the field. Spread balls on field. Players start inside Treasure Chest. When coach says go, players head into the ocean, get a ball, dribble back & stop the ball inside Treasure Chest. Once ball is stopped in Treasure Chest, players return to the ocean & get another ball. Re-distribute balls as players exit Treasure Chest to prolong game. As players improve, the coach can be a pirate who tries to take balls from players as they enter the Treasure Chest.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Trapping, Ball Control, Shielding
Game #16: Bank Robber
Equipment Needed: As many balls as possible, cones
Description: This is sort of opposite of Treasure Chest (game #15). Put balls into middle of square made by cones. This is the Bank. Set a cone (their Hideout) for each player an equal distance from the bank. Each player stands by their cone. When coach says go, players run to the Bank, steal a ball from the Bank and take it to their Hideout. When ball is stopped at their cone, they can try to get back to the Bank for another ball. Once players progress, the coach can be added as a Sheriff to intercept players stealing balls from the bank.
Develops: Dribbling, Shooting, Vision
Micro Games Game #17: The Gauntlet
Equipment Needed: One ball per player, cones
Description: Set up 2 lines of cones about 10 to 15 yards long, just wide enough for 3 or 4 players to stand side by side between the lines. Put half the players at one end and half at the other. On go, players dribble their ball to the other end and back, avoiding oncoming players. You can do one, two or three times down and back.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Ball Control
Game #18: Asteroids
Equipment Needed: One ball per player, cones
Description: Set up a rectangle about 15 yards long by 10 yards wide. Line up all but one of the players on the sides of the rectangle with a ball. The other player is at the end of the rectangle. On go, the player at the end of the rectangle tries to run to the other end. The players with the balls try to hit the running player below the waist with their ball. The first person that succeeds gets to run next.
Develops: Passing
Micro Games Game #19: Pinball
Equipment Needed: One ball per player, cones
Description: Set up a rectangle of cones about 15 yards by 10 yards. Each player should be on one side of the rectangle with a ball. When the coach says go, they dribble across the rectangle and back as fast as possible, then stop the ball with their foot on top of it. Add cones randomly to the inside of the rectangle and do it again. Players must avoid the cones. Keep adding cones until done.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Ball Control
Game #20: Race Around the Cone
Equipment Needed: One ball per player, cones
Description: Line up all players. Set a cone immediately opposite each player about 15 yards away. Have players dribble as fast as possible around the cone and back, stopping the ball with the bottom of their foot where they started. You can do this drill with both feet, right foot, left foot, inside of the feet, and outside of the feet. Emphasize stopping the ball at the end.
Develops: Dribbling, Speed, Ball Control, Trapping
Micro Games Game #21: Beat the Coach
Equipment Needed: One ball per player, more if possible, 1 small goal
Description: The coach stands in front of the goal. Play about 6 yards out, so you are more of a last defender than goalkeeper. Each player has a ball starting at mid-field. Players dribble the ball toward the goal & try to score. The coach “attempts” to stop players from scoring. If you get a player’s ball, knock it back towards mid-field & they chase it & attempt to score again. If a player scores, have the extra balls sitting at mid-field & the player runs back, gets a ball & attempts to score again.
Develops: Dribbling, Vision, Shooting
Game #22: 1, 2, Shoot
Equipment Needed: One ball per player, small goal
Description: This game is to help players develop a rhythm & shot. Do not play it for too long, but it’s a nice break to use after a game with a lot of running. Line players up with a ball about 6 yards out from the goal. Have each player take two steps back. The coach then says, “1, 2. Shoot”. Players will take one step on 1, a second step on 2, and then shoot on goal. Make sure to use proper technique using the top of the foot, not the toe.
Develops: Shooting
Micro Games Game #23: Trick or Treat
Equipment Needed: One ball per player, deck of cards, parents
Description: Form a large circle with cones. Players begin inside the circle. Place 6-8 parents around the outside of the circle and give each a handful of cards. Players will dribble around the circle and up to a parent. They must stop the ball with their foot on top of the ball, and say “Trick or Treat”. If the player does this properly, they earn a card. The player who ends with the most cards wins. As you advance, have players perform different skills when they reach a parent. Touch the top of the ball 6 times, ball hop 5 times, etc.
Develops: Dribbling, Skills, Vision
Game #24: One-on-One X 3
Equipment Needed: 1 ball per 2 players, 2 goals, pennies if available
Description: Set up a small field & give each child a partner. One player is offense, the other is defense. Offensive player tries to beat defensive player with moves, not by kicking & running. Defender cannot take ball away from offensive player, but must move their feet and use their body to keep them from getting by. Run 3 or 4 pairs at the same time so they need to avoid the other pairs also. Go for 30-45 seconds & yell switch. Players switch from offense to defense right where they are. Important: offensive player should constantly & quickly be trying moves or cuts to get past defensive player. After a while, allow defender to take ball away.
Develops: Dribbling, Skills, Defense, Speed of Play
Micro Games Game #25: D-Fense Rulz
Equipment Needed: One ball for every 2 players, cones, discs
Description: Set 2 cones 4 ft apart. Set disc 4 ft in front of cones. Set another disc 4 yards in front of cones. Set up enough stations so all players play at the same time.
Step 1: Defensive player stands at 1st disc and offensive player at 2nd disc. Offensive player tries to run through cones. Defensive player uses body & moves their feet to keep other player from getting through cones. Players may not touch each other or stick arms out. In some cases, especially early, coach may need to get behind defensive player, take their shoulders & show them how to move back & forth. Players switch positions each time.
Step 2: Add a ball to offensive player. Important! Offensive player must constantly & quickly be trying moves or cuts to get past defense player.
Step 3: Defensive player can take ball away. Once they take the ball & dribble around the top disc, they become the offensive player.
Develops: Dribbling, Skills, Defense, Speed of Play
EVAA Events Overview
Fall Season: Mid-August – mid-October
•Coaches Training Clinic – run by Minnesota Youth Soccer Association trainers
•Kick-off – Players & Coaches Clinic – Start the season with this special day of soccer, including coaches’ meeting, equipment pick-up, players’ clinic, parent greeting & more.
•Team/Individual Pictures – early in season
•Jamboree – Finish off season in style with a fun-filled day of soccer “mini-games” vs. all your age-group teams (Pre K, K, 1st & 2nd gr.)
Specific event information can be found on the EVAA web site and on your team schedule.
Spring Season: Late April – end of June
•Kick-off – Players & Coaches Clinic – Start the season with this special day of soccer, including coaches’ meeting, equipment pick-up, players’ clinic, parent greeting & more.
•Team/Individual Pictures – early in season
•Jamboree – Finish off season in style with a fun-filled day of soccer “mini-games” vs. all your age-group teams (Pre K, K, 1st & 2nd gr.)
EVAA Soccer – Coaching Contacts
EVAA Hotline: 952-985-3830 www.evaasports.org
Volunteer Board of Directors for 2012:
Program Director Marc Dannecker [email protected]
Referee Coordinator, past director Ken Blomquist [email protected]
Age group coordinator Susi Yermishkin [email protected]
Player/coach development John Hartig Dennis Juntunen David Stanczak
Registration/Schedules Marc Dannecker
Equipment/Awards/Dick’s Sporting Goods Liaison Tom Gregg Ken Blomquist
Advertising, Special Events David Stanczak
Pictures Becky Swain-Eng
Treasurer Jen Block
EVAA SOCCER: THANK YOU
On behalf of the entire EVAA Soccer Board, thank you for making this program possible. We wish you and your team a fun and safe soccer season. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and will be remembered by your players for years to come.
“THANK YOU!”
In addition to all the coaches and volunteers who make EVAA Soccer possible, we would also like to thank the following sponsors who have donated supplies, equipment, balls, and their services to make this EVAA Playbook and EVAA Soccer a rewarding experience for all.
