Red Wing Soccer Club Coaches Handbook

2016 (Version 2.0) by Paul McNamee, Director of Coaching

Table of Contents

1. Vision 2. Practices 3. Vocabulary 4. Benchmarks 5. Resources

Vision

One thing that can be very helpful when coaching is using a small amount of words. U.S Soccer calls this, “Economy of Language.” Short commands are easier for kids to process and understand.

This handbook is not meant to answer every question that could ever come up during a season. It is meant to be a starting point and it will

intentionally be rather brief.

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. We should help spread the joy in our community by being vocal,

visible ambassadors of the game.

If you have ever taken a class from U.S Youth Soccer, you are probably familiar with the expression, “No Lines, No Lectures.”

As admirable as this concept is, you may find it a little unreasonable to actually stick to. At some point, every coach will have players participate in a drill. We can call them activities to avoid the negative connotation, but sometimes the best way to learn a skill is repetition. Do not feel bad

about this, but try to limit your of use drills and lines.

Small-sided games allow almost as many touches on the ball as drills but incorporate fun and allow for creativity and problem solving in an

adapting environment like the one your players will face on match day.

In everything you do, try to remember that your players signed up for this sport to have fun.

Red Wing Soccer Club has become more competitive and more

successful over the years. We want your team to have a great season, but the most important thing is that the kids enjoy their time in the sport.

Practices

Most teams will practice twice or three times per week. Each practice session should be between 60 and 90 minutes.

The coach should arrive with ample set up time whenever possible. He

or she should have a practice planned out and in written form. Make sure to begin with a warm up involving some jogging and stretching. Meet up to tell players your objectives for the day. They should know what they are striving for. Be mindful of the fact that you cannot teach

everything in a single session. Focus on one or two aspects of the game per day. Try to include multiple opportunities for 1 v 1, 2 v 2, and 4 v 4.

Allow a 20-30 minute scrimmage AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE as

most good coaches allow the game to be the teacher. US Soccer is begging us to provide players with more opportunities to solve problems

creatively.

It is important to be positive but also to be honest. Let the players know when they do well but also gently inform them

when they make mistakes.

Even as your players get older, try your very best to continue using appropriate language. Don’t try to be cool by swearing. They will follow

your example in competition and the officials will not tolerate it.

Vocabulary

Soccer has many specific terms. Coaches should inform parents and players so Red Wing Soccer Club members do not sound ignorant

using incorrect terms like, “Center it,” “Boot it,” or, “Head Butt.” Here is a list of 40 common phrases that our players should know

before they graduate high school. 5 common mistakes are noted by asterisks.

Advantage- Advantage occurs when the referee witnesses a foul but does not

stop play because the result is positive for the team that was fouled. An example

would be a handball that is quickly recovered by the opponent. AR- The assistant referee. This person stands on the sideline using their flag to

signal offside, fouls, and throw ins.

Bend / Swerve- A kicked ball that moves in a curved fashion.

Careless- Also referred to as, “Dangerous,” this describes a moment in which a

player shows a lack of attention or consideration when challenging for the ball. Center Ref- This person makes all officiating decisions. They have the right to

over-rule the AR. Chip- A shot or pass that is lobbed or lofted over defenders and / or the

goalkeeper as opposed to being driven with force. Clean Sheet- A shutout. A game in which a keeper does not allow any goals.

*Clear- A kick from a defender or goalkeeper in which they attempt to get the

ball as far away from their own goal as they possibly can. This should not be the

goal of the defender every time the ball is in the vicinity, and we should be

teaching this actual term. Corner- Corner kick. The ball is placed near the corner flag and put into play.

Counter- Also referred to as a, “Fast Break,” a counter attack is a play where a

team wins the ball and quickly moves toward the goal they are scoring on--hoping

to get there before their opponent can get back and organize a defense. Cross- A ball in the attacking third played in from the flank, or sideline area

toward the center of the pitch to create a goal scoring opportunity. Some coaches

call for, “Service,” or say, “Whip it in.” Avoid telling players to, “Center it.” Direct- A free kick in which the first player to touch the ball may shoot directly at

goal. Fifty / Fifty- A ball in open space that could be won by either team.

Flank- The wide portions of the field near the sidelines. Flat- Defensive line that chooses to play with all their players even or level with

each other usually in an attempt to draw the opponent off side. Foul- Any play that breaks a rule of the game. These can result in free kicks,

warnings, or yellow and red cards. Players should understand that not every foul

results in a card or warning. Free Kick- A stoppage in play in which a team has the opportunity to advance a

dead ball with 10 yards of space between the ball and the other team. Futbol / Footballer- Players should know that the rest of the world calls soccer

football or futbol and that a person that plays the game is called a footballer. Goal Kick- A frequent error in the early ages… A Goal Kick must leave the

penalty area, or box. It can be kicked to a teammate or driven far down the field as

a 50 / 50. *Header- Playing the ball out of the air with your head. Often incorrectly

referred to as a, “Head Butt,” or, “Head Job.” Indirect- A free kick in which the first player to touch the ball cannot shoot

directly at goal. The ball must roll completely over before it is touched by a

second player. It is often served aerially for team mates to attempt to score. Juggle- A skill in which a player repeatedly touches the ball with any legal part

of their body (most often with the feet) to keep it in the air.

Keeper- The correct term for the player with gloves that is allowed to use his or

her hands within the penalty area. “Goalie,” is a hockey term.

*Kickoff- An area very young players need a lot of attention on. Due to American

Football, many players think the kickoff should go far and be given to the other

team. In fact, the kickoff is only required to travel forward from its starting place

and cannot be touched twice in a row by the person who takes the kick. The best

play here is a short pass to a teammate standing VERY close by. Level- An Attacker in an on side position. He or she is perfectly in line with the

second to last opponent. *Offsides- The most misunderstood rule in the game. This rule will disallow

goals and cause arguments from spectators, players, and coaches in nearly every

match. Make sure you fully understand this intricate rule. In it’s simplest form, the

rule says that a player is in an offside position if they gain an advantage by being

closer to the goal than the second to last defender WHEN THE BALL IS

PLAYED FORWARD. A player is not offside if they begin running from an on

side position and get to the ball before the defender. Own Goal- A goal scored in the wrong net—on your own team. Pitch- A more proper term for the field of play. PK- The shortened term for Penalty Kick. The ball is placed on the PK SPOT. Do

your research about the rules for keepers, rebounds, second touches, and players

entering the area. *Punt- Another term we need to teach to younger players. This kick is a favorite

of keepers. It should not be called a, “Cherry Bomb,” and should not be confused

with a, “Drop Kick.” Reckless- This type of challenge needs a caution. It is defined as showing

complete disregard to the danger or consequences of his or her play. Set Piece- A play in which the game is stopped and a team has a crack at goal--

usually moving in a rehearsed way. Examples include Free Kicks and Corner

Kicks. Shield- To use the back side of your body to keep an opponent from getting the

ball.

Slide Tackle- A PERFECTLY LEGAL play in which a player goes to the

ground—sliding to take the ball from an opponent. Legal at age u11 and up, the

player must win the ball before making contact with the other player and must not

show their studs (bottom of cleats / boots). Tackle- To take the ball from an opponent. Through Ball- A ball played into the space behind the other team’s defense.

Usually kicked for a speedy attacker to go chase. This can be effective but is not

recommended as the only way to create goal scoring opportunities. Trap- To step on the ball to gain control. This is NOT how to receive a pass. Turn- When a player has the ball and his or her back is to the goal they are

attacking—“TURN” is the command team mates and coaches would use to let the

player know they have ample space to turn and face the direction they are trying to

penetrate. It is also the term for the action itself (There are many ways to do this

with varying amounts of style and finesse). Two-Footed- A player that can pass, dribble, and especially shoot with both feet. Volley- To kick the ball while it is in the air. This is usually a shot--either directly

from a pass or from a deflection—or possibly after hitting part of the goal. A

volley can also be a bouncing ball.

Benchmarks

Red Wing Soccer Club does not want to tell you what drills or activities you HAVE to use. We do not want to require you to teach certain tricks

or play in rigid formations. The goal of these benchmarks is to give simple guidelines for a learning progression so that players at each level

have a similar knowledge of the game and its terminology.

As coaches change and teams merge, it is important to have a consistent background to build on.

It would be WONDERFUL if you kept this packet throughout the season and simply checked off things as you teach them to make sure you are

covering the basics and essentials.

u9

6 v 6

Possible Formations

(Listed Back to Front and assuming you will use a GK and 5 field players)

2-3; 2-1-2; 2-2-1; 3-2; 3-1-1

In the first year, be patient. Go Slow. Play a lot of tag games. You may

choose to use a midfielder at this age, but the pitch is so small, you may find

that you prefer to use backs and forwards exclusively. It can be embarrassing

when a u9 team cannot properly execute game procedures like a kickoff,

goal kick, or throw in. Practice these as much as possible before the season

begins, and re-visit these pieces throughout the season. Encourage kids to

use both feet. The longer we wait, the harder it gets!

Focus on:

1. Fun

2. Teamwork

3. Technical Aspects of the Game

4. Respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, officials

5. Attitude and Effort

Skills:

1. Dribbling (Instep, Outstep, Deceptive)

2. Simple Passing (Finding an un marked teammate)

3. 1 v 1 Defending (Body position, jockeying, tackling)

4. Throw Ins (Ball behind head, feet on ground)

5. Goalkeeping (Every Player should try at least once)

Vocabulary:

1. Dribble

2. Punt

3. Tackle

4. Jockey

5. Handball

6. Defender

7. Forward

u10

6 v 6

Possible Formations

(Listed Back to Front and assuming you will use a GK and 5 field players)

2-3; 2-1-2; 2-2-1; 3-2; 3-1-1

It is still not necessary to have a midfielder at 6 v 6. You can choose to

introduce the position now or wait a year. Players should have a good

foundation at u10. If you have new players, make sure to teach them the

things covered in the u9 season. When everyone is on the same page,

continue to build on their prior knowledge.

Focus on:

1. Fun

2. Teamwork

3. Identifying Team and Individual Strengths

4. Commitment / Attendance

5. Fitness

Skills:

1. First Touch (Receiving, Turning)

2. Communication (Player to Player / Coach to Player)

3. Finishing (Technique)

4. Decision Making (When to pass, dribble, shoot)

5. Tricks (Don’t overdo it: Pick 1 or 2-- Maradona, Scissors, Step over, etc.)

Vocabulary:

1. Trap

2. Shield

3. Kickoff

4. Goal Kick

5. Keeper (Especially as they claim a ball)

6. Turn

7. Trick Names

u11

8 v 8

Possible Formations

(Listed Back to Front and assuming you will use a GK and 7 field players)

3-2-2; 3-1-3; 3-3-1; 4-2-1; 4-1-2;

At u11, players need to understand the role of each position. They need to be

introduced to the offside rule. They need to expand on their growing

knowledge and skill set.

Focus on:

1. Possession

2. Shape (Triangle or Diamond)

3. Positional Play (Players should play and understand multiple positions)

4. Tactical Awareness

5. Players should have a main position but also play a second one.

Skills:

1. Passing Combinations (Introduce Give and Go)

2. Team Defending (Pressure /Cover)

3. Movement off the Ball (Make attacking and supporting runs)

4. Crossing and Finishing (Headers or Volleys)

5. Headers (Safety and Technique)

Vocabulary:

1. Midfielder

2. Off Side

3. Flat

4. Level

5. Penalty Kick

6. Pitch

7. Header

u12

8 v 8

Possible Formations

(Listed Back to Front and assuming you will use a GK and 7 field players)

3-2-2; 3-1-3; 3-3-1; 4-2-1; 4-1-2;

By u12, players should know a lot about the game. Check for understanding

though.. don’t assume that they know everything you’ve ever introduced.

Keep giving them the skills to beat opponents 1 v 1 but continue to foster

their growth in keep away. Play Rondo at nearly every session.

Focus on:

1. Communication

2. First Touch

3. Confidence

4. Team Concept

Skills:

1. One Touch and Two touch Football

2. Slide Tackling

3. Tricks (Add to their arsenal: Step over, Maradona, Matthews,

Elastico, Cruyff, Scissors, etc.)

4. Juggling

Vocabulary:

1. Volley

2. Slide Tackle

3. Through Ball

4. Split

5. Support

6. Square

7. Nutmeg

u13

11 v 11

Possible Formations

(Listed Back to Front and assuming you will use a GK and 10 field players)

4-3-3; 4-4-2; 3-4-3; 3-5-2; 5-2-3

By u13, players should be aware of some professional teams and players.

They should be dribbling and juggling nearly every day at practice and at

home. They should know which foot is their stronger one, but also feel

capable and confident with the other one. At u13, the club understands that

teams will take a more competitive approach. Playing time may not be

equal. Players will likely lock into ONE position. Goal Keepers should be

getting more individual training and attention.

Focus on:

1. Tactics (Possession Based / Tiki Taka / Park the Bus / Counter Style)

2. First Touch

3. Team Defending / Balance

4. Creating Scoring Opportunities

Skills:

1. Chipping

2. Bending

3. Delay

4. Recovery

Vocabulary:

1. Flank

2. Cross

3. 50 / 50

4. Counter

5. Clean Sheet

6. Advantage

7. Goal Keeper Specific (Ball Line, Punch, Stalk, Parry)

u14 PLUS

11 v 11

Possible Formations

(Listed Back to Front and assuming you will use a GK and 7 field players)

4-3-3; 4-4-2; 3-4-3; 3-5-2; 5-2-3

By u14, Coaches should have some formal training. The club may require

an, “F License,” soon. An, “E,” or higher would be great. The, “D,” really

focuses on 11 v 11 play. From this age on, you are free to keep working on

the style you prefer and the skills that help your team succeed. They should

have a wealth of knowledge and a huge skill set to pull from, and you are

now simply fine tuning things they already do. Around this age, coaches can

start to assign permanent positions. A coach probably identified the better

defenders and forwards earlier than this, but during those seasons, players

should have at least had SOME opportunities to try out different roles. At

this age, players should be playing most of their minutes at their best

position.

Many coaches focus on strength and conditioning or speed and agility at the

higher ages. It should be noted that these things can be done with younger

players. Other things to consider beyond u13: Overlapping runs, Pullbacks,

Wall Passes, No Look Passes, Flick-On Headers, and tons and tons more.

U.S Soccer wants coaches and players to be familiar with this system of numbering positions. The 4-3-3 is recommended but not required.

A team can play a 4-4-2 with two 6’s, two 8’s, and no 9 or 10

(for example).

Resources

On the Red Wing Soccer Club Website there is a tab for coaches. You need to log in to view the content. Here you can find informative

documents, articles, and practice aides.

The club also has a vast collection of books, dvds, and vhs tapes that can be checked out / borrowed from the DOC.

Here is a list of those titles:

Red Wing Soccer Club Library

BOOKs Developing Youth Soccer Players Recognizing the Moment to Play Score! Soccer: How to Play the Game Soccer Practice Games Women’s Soccer

DVDs

#: 6 Minute Skills: Chipping 6 Minute Skills: Heading 6 Minute Skills: Individual Defending 6 Minute Skills: Juggling 6 Minute Skills: Slide Tackling 6 Minute Skills: Striking 6 Minute Skills: Trapping 6 Minute Skills: Turning 6 Minute Skills: Turning / Air and Ground Play 6 Minute Skills: Volleying 10 Explosive Shooting and Finishing Exercises: Quick Play in and around the

Penalty Area

25 Exercises to train 1 v 1 Play

A: Advanced Handling for Goal Keepers Advancing the Skills Agility and Adjustments for Strikers All the Right Moves Attacking out of a 3-5-2 Attacking and Defending From the Flank Positions Attacking Transition I Attacking Transition II Awareness Coaching Method

B: Ball Control Blast The Ball Brazilian Skills Circuit Building From the Back

C: Championship Soccer Drills Coaching Individual Defending Coaching Speed of Play: Switching the Point of Attack Coaching the 4-3-3 (Attacking) Coaching the 4-3-3 (Defending) Coaching the 4-4-2 (Attacking) Coaching the 4-4-2 (Attacking) Coaching the 8 v 8 Coaching the Goal Keeper Coerver: 1-2-3 Goal. Part 1 (Ball Feeling) Coerver: 1-2-3 Goal. Part 2 (Moves to Beat a Defender) Coerver: 1-2-3 Goal. Part 3 (Creating and Converting Goal Chances) Coerver: A New Era Coerver: Goal Keeping Essentials Coerver: Improve Your Game 1 (Skill)+ Coerver: Improve Your Game 2 (Strength) Coerver: Improve Your Game 3 (Science) Coerver: Make Your Move 1-Change of Direction / Starts and Stops+ Coerver: Make Your Move 2-Feints Coerver: Make Your Move 3-More Feints and Soccer Speed Coerver Master Class #3—Fast Break Attack Coordination and Speed Training Creating Space to Score

D: Developing Young Players Dribbling and Feinting Dutch Passing and Pattern Drills Dutch Shooting and Finishing Drills

E: The Entry Pass-Finding the Striker EPL Zonal Defending-1 v 1 to the Back Four EPL Zonal Defending- Back Four and Midfield EPL Zonal Defending-Defending as a Team EPL Zonal Defending-Systems of Play and Tactical Adjustments

F: Fit for the Beautiful Game Fundamental Soccer Before the 9 Step Program Fundamental Soccer’s 9 Step Program Fun, Productive Training Sessions

G: Global Soccer Conditioning- Endurance Training Global Soccer Conditioning- Speed and Aerobic Fitness Goal Keeper Handling 1 Goal Keeper Match Warm Up Goal Keeper Resolving Flank Play Goal Keeping (World Class Coaching)

H: Heading (World Class Coaching) High Pressure Team Defending How to Beat the 4-4-2 How to Coach Your Team to Play the 4-4-2

I: The Italian 4-4-2

J: Just Kickin’ It

L: Legacy Soccer Clinic Legendary 1 v 1 Moves Let ‘Em Play

M: Manchester United: Play Like Champions Match Fitness Circuit Modern Soccer Conditioning Modern Youth Training 5-6 Year Olds Modern Youth Training 6-8 Year Olds

N: The NC Way-Attacking With Speed The NC Way-Developing the 1 v 1 Artist The NC Way-German Combinations The NC Way-Technique Olympics NSCAA Goal Keeping-Coming Off the Line NSCAA Scoring Exercises NSCAA Teaching Game Understanding NSCAA Training Soccer Specific Functional Athleticism NSCAA Training the Modern American Player to Play European Soccer

O: One Touch and Combination Play I One Touch and Combination Play II P: Pele-The Master and His Method Player Understanding of Transition Possession With A Purpose Premier League: Skill Factor Project Street Soccer

R: Really Bend it Like Beckham I Really Bend it Like Beckham II

S: Small Sided Games For a Functional Warm Up Small Sided Games For u9-u12 Small Sided Games Of the World’s Top Teams Small Sided Games To Develop Soccer Intelligence I Small Sided Games To Develop Soccer Intelligence II Soccer Eye Q Soccer Games for Players 10 and Older Soccerobics Soccer On the Attack Soccer Secrets and Fitness with Mia Hamm Soccer Training Series-Aerobic Soccer Training Soccer Training Series-Aerobic Wall Work Soccer U-I Soccer U-II Soccer U-III Soccer U-IV Speed, Agility and Quickness Training Speed and Agility Speed Training with the Pros I Speed Training with the Pros II Speed Training with the Pros III Speed Wins I Speed Wins II Speed Wins III Strength and Speed Training For Soccer Super Soccer Skills Systems Of Play

T: Tactics and Drills for Flank Play Tactics and Drills for Training Forwards I Tactics and Drills for Training Forwards II Team Based Speed Training Technique to Game for Player and Coach Transition

VHS Tapes Attacking out of a Modern 3-5-2 Attitudes are Contagious

I hope you found something in these pages that you find helpful.

I also want you to know that I am willing to visit one of your practices to observe, evaluate, or help. I just need advanced notice to schedule it. I

can even bring an older player to demonstrate a skill if you’d like.

I would gladly attend one of your home games to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

Call, text, or email anytime.

Paul McNamee

Director of Coaching pmcnamee26@hotmail.com

651-329-8281