NSCAA Foundations of Coaching Activities Stage 3: 9-11 Year Old Players

STAGE 3 ACTIVITIES9-11 YEAR OLD PLAYERS

NSCAA Foundations of Coaching Diploma

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20yds

15yds

15yds

10yds

4V1 TO 4V2 IN THIRDS

WHY USE ITThis game provides attackers with many opportunities to pass and receive in a game like environment that is great for working on technique and problem solving. The attacking team are rewarded for maintaining possession and the defending team must attempt to press the ball and force a turnover.SET UPThis set-up is a 44x20 yards rectangle divided into 2x15 yards end zones and a 10 yards wide central zone. Three teams with 4 players occupy a zone each and the coach stands on the sideline with a supply of balls.HOW TO PLAYThe coach can decide based on the competency of the players whether to begin the activity with three, four or five players per team. The team in the central zone are the defenders and must attempt to win the ball and pass it to a teammate. On receipt of the ball the players in the end zones must attempt to make five consecutive passes to win a point. As the activity progresses the coach can adjust the number of defending players attempting to force a turnover and allow the attacking teams in the two end zones to connect with a longer pass over the central zone. COACHING NOTES

+ Coaching objectives – Work with the attacking players to maximize their numerical advantage by utilizing the space available in their zone. The closer the attacking players are to each other the easier it will be for a single player to defend.

+ Coaching tips – This activity provides a great illustration of the importance of spacing and starting positions. The tendency will be for players to edge close to the line separating the zones and in so doing closing the available attacking space.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY + Less challenging: Start with three players on each team and only send one defender until the attacking players have experienced some success at keeping possession.

+ More challenging: Reduce the size of the zones and allow the attacking players to play over or through the central zone to the other attacking team.

+ In the second diagram the coach has progressed the activity and sent 2 defenders to win possession. + The same rules apply and the attackers must move to provide angles of support for the player in possession. + If the blues are able to make five consecutive passes they win a point.

+ In the final illustration the white defenders have been successful in forcing a turnover. + A pass is made into the central zone for a point. + The whites then transfer the ball into the end zone for the red team to repeat the sequence.

+ In the first illustration the coach passes the ball to one of the blue players in the end zone. + A defender from the white team sprints into the area and applies pressure to the player on the ball. + The red team players wait patiently and prepare themselves in case of a turnover.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 3, 4 & 5 - 9-18 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Passing, receiving and support.Top 3 competencies: Short passing, receiving with the feet and movement off the ball.

NSCAA Foundations of Coaching Activities Stage 3: 9-11 Year Old Players© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED NSCAA 19

40yds20yds

4V4 WITH FOUR GOALS

WHY USE IT

This is a terrific small-sided game that

can be used at the end of the session

that focused on passing, movement and

supporting the attack.

SET UP

This set-up is a 40x25 yards rectangle

with 2 teams of 4 players starting in

the area. A line is drawn across the

field to separate a team’s attacking and

defending halves, and two goals are

placed in the corners at both ends.

HOW TO PLAY

The coach can introduce a number of

conditions and rules that will increase

the intensity and challenge. The wide

goals encourage players to play with

width and shape of the field encourages

the team to play with depth. Play a

regular game without corners and add

conditions as the game progresses.

COACHING NOTES

+ Coaching objectives – The

coaching objectives include

spreading the field in attack and

providing good angles of support

wide and long.

+ Coaching tips – In most countries

young players are competing in

small-sided game formats. One

of the greatest benefits of small-

sided games is the need for teams

to transition most of the players

from defensive positions to attack.

Rarely in small-sided games will

you see 2-3 players standing on the

edge of their own penalty box when

the ball is in the opponents half.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY

+ Less challenging: The coach can

reduce the number of players and/

or add one or two all-time offensive

players.

+ More challenging: reduce the size

of the field to test the players

technique.

+ In the second sequence the coach has added a new condition. + To score a goal the attacking team must all enter into the attacking half before the ball enters the goal. + The yellow team are successful in supporting the attack and a point is won.

+ In the final diagram the coach introduces another modification to the rules. + With the help of an assistant the coach enters the field and steps in front of the goal forcing the yellow

team to switch play to the other goal. If the red team forces a turnover they must attack the opposite end.

+ In the first illustration the yellow team play 2v1 in the defensive zone and 2v3 in the attacking zone. + The numerical advantage for yellows in defense allows them to pass the ball into the attacking end of

the field. + A lovely interchange of passes results in a goal for the yellow team.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 3, 4 & 5 - 9-18 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Passing, receiving and shooting.Top 3 competencies: Short to medium passing, receiving and movement off the ball.

©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY NSCAA18 NSCAA LEVEL 1 DIPLOMA STAGE 3 ACTIVITY - 9-11 YEAR OLD PLAYERS

15yds

20yds

6 BALL GAME

WHY USE ITPlayers thoroughly enjoy this competitive game between 3 teams, emphasizing individual defending technique. Many opportunities to teach defending will be presented to the coach as players rush in and attempt to win possession of the ball. Equally the coach may wish to focus on the attackers support positions and use of width and depth.SET UPThis set-up is a 20x15 yards rectangle with 3 players inside the area and two teams of 3 starting in the corner. The coach stands on the sideline with 6 balls.HOW TO PLAYThe objective for the defending team is to win possession of the ball by kicking it out of the area or passing it to the coach. A successful interception and subsequent pass reduces the defenders overall time by 2 seconds. As soon as the 1st ball is won by the defenders the coach plays the next ball into the area and this sequence continues for 6 consecutive attacks. As soon as the last ball leaves the area the coach stops the clock and records the time. Each team should have multiple opportunities to record the lowest score. COACHING NOTES

+ Coaching objectives – Work with the young defenders on the initial approach to the ball, defensive positioning when confronting an attacker and decision-making.

+ Coaching tips – Knowing when to press and when to be patient is an important skill to teach young players. All too often they will charge at the ball, leave their feet, turn their back and make it easy for attackers to play around them.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY + Less challenging: To make the activity less challenging for the defenders the coach can reduce the size of the area and send two or more defenders.

+ More challenging: To make the activity more challenging for the defenders the coach can persist with one defender against 3 or 4 attackers.

+ The 2nd illustration demonstrates the next progression in the activity. + Once every team has had an opportunity to play against a single defender, the coach increases the

challenge by sending 2 defenders. As before, each group defends 6 consecutive attacks.

+ Finally, the coach has progressed to sending 3 defenders for a very competent group of attackers. + With 3 defenders the players can adopt a shape to apply pressure, cover and balance defending positions. + For each ball passed to the coach by the defenders, the coach can reduce the overall time by 2 seconds.

+ In the 1st diagram the coach makes a pass to any of the blue attacking players. + As soon as the pass is made a red defender sprints to close the space and apply pressure. + The attackers must attempt to keep possession and add valuable seconds to the overall time period.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 3, 4 & 5 - 9-18 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Defending individually, defending in pairs and passing.Top 3 competencies: Pressure defending, passing over short distances and receiving.

NSCAA Foundations of Coaching Activities Stage 3: 9-11 Year Old Players© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED NSCAA 17

20yds

20yds

BANDIT

WHY USE ITThis is a fast-paced and continuous activity that emphasizes attacking and defending.SET UPThis set-up is a 20x20 yards square with a triangular goal approximately 6 yards wide in the center. A team of four attackers spread out inside the square, three goalkeepers protect each side of the triangular goal and one defender attempts to apply pressure to the attackers.HOW TO PLAYThe attackers must take every opportunity to shoot at goal and move into positions where they can retrieve a misguided shot. The defender is significantly outnumbered, but should do his/her best to apply pressure to the attackers and not allow any players have a free shot at goal. There are several ways to manage this activity including employing a time limit of 3 to 4 minutes or limiting the attacking team to 10 soccer balls - once a ball leaves the area a new ball is introduced.COACHING NOTES

+ Coaching objectives – The coaching objective is to assist the attacking team to find time and space in the area and make good decisions on when to shoot and when to pass.

+ Coaching tips – As players enter the third stage of development they start to become more aware of their surroundings and their responsibilities when they do not have possession of the ball. The coach can help players to identify and react to visual cues, such as, sprinting to support their teammate when a defender starts to close down space.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY + Less challenging: To make this activity less challenging for the attackers the coach can increase the size of the goals, remove the goalkeepers and open the area to provide more time and space.

+ More challenging: The coach can add an additional Bandit defender.

+ The yellow player has done well to press the ball and force the attacker into making a pass. + With only one bandit inevitably a blue attacker is open and is able to shoot and score. + As the ball passes through the goal a blue teammate sprints to retrieve the shot before it leaves the field of play.

+ In the final diagram the bandit wins possession and passes to the coach for a point. + The coach immediately finds a blue attacker in space who transfers the ball wide. + Another well placed shot in the corner of the goal goes past the yellow’s goalkeeper.

+ In the first illustration the blue attacker has time and space to pick out a perfect shot and scores for a point. + A teammate moves quickly behind the goal to retrieve the shot and return a fierce drive into the goal. + The Bandit works hard but is unable to prevent either goal being scored.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 3, 4 & 5 - 9-18 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Passing, receiving and shooting.Top 3 competencies: Short to medium passing, receiving and shooting technique.

©ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY NSCAA16 NSCAA LEVEL 1 DIPLOMA STAGE 3 ACTIVITY - 9-11 YEAR OLD PLAYERS

30yds

20yds

END LINES

WHY USE ITThis emphasizes the importance of forming triangles to maintain possession of the ball and movement off the ball by teammates. SET UPThis set-up is a 30x20 yards rectangle with three teams of three players starting inside the area.HOW TO PLAYA 6v3 numerical advantage is provided to the attacking team who attempt to travel from one end of the rectangle to the other. The team of three must work hard to close down space and press the team in possession as they attempt to force a turnover. In addition to emphasizing passing patterns, the activity also provides a coach with an opportunity to teach players how to transition from attack to defense and from defense to attack.COACHING NOTES

+ Coaching objectives – The coaching objective is to work with players to create width and depth and maximize the space available to stretch the defense.

+ Coaching tips – One of the variables the coach can manipulate to create a favorable outcome is the number of players on each team. In this example an attacking overload should result in an overwhelming advantage for the attacking team. As the activity progresses the coach can add more players to provide more balance for the defenders.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY + Less challenging: To make this activity less challenging for the attackers the coach can start without defenders but limit the number of touches for each player to 2-3. Once the attackers achieve some rhythm and success the coach can add in the defenders.

+ More challenging: To make this activity more challenging the coach could reduce the number of attackers and increase the number of defenders. Another option is to add a second ball which increases the degree of challenge and enhances the confusion for the attackers.

+ In the second diagram the white team combine to play a double wall pass around the red defenders. + A series of one touched passes releases the player originating the sequence into space. + Although not involved directly in the play the blue team create width and depth.

+ In the final illustration a player switches the point of attack with a firm pass across the area. + The white team fail to recover into a goal side positions and surrender a point. + Without delay the red player makes a great pass and an attack starts in the opposite direction.

+ In the first illustration the blue and white teams are attacking the reds to create a 6v3 advantage. + A white player moves centrally and receives a pass from the blue attacker. + The red defenders are spread and the attackers find it easy to pass between them.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 3, 4 & 5 - 9-18 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Passing, receiving and support.Top 3 competencies: Short passing, receiving with the feet and movement off the ball.

NSCAA Foundations of Coaching Activities Stage 3: 9-11 Year Old Players14 NSCAA LEVEL 1 DIPLOMA STAGE 3 ACTIVITY - 9-11 YEAR OLD PLAYERS

20yds

20yds

STEAL THE BACON

WHY USE ITThere are numerous variations of this popular activity that can be used regularly with young players and occasionally to change the pace of the session with older players. The coach can select from a number of attacking and defending themes including beating an opponent 1v1, passing, support and individual defending.SET UPThe set-up is a 20x20 yards square with three 2 yard triangles evenly spaced in the area. 3 teams with 3 players are dressed in different colored training vests and each team starts with 3 balls in their home-base.HOW TO PLAYIn this variation of the activity each team has three balls in their home-base to start the game and the 3 teammates stand adjacent to the area. On the command of “GO” all players are active and can attack the opponents area with a view to stealing a ball or to defend their own home-base. If a player steals the ball they must attempt to dribble the ball back to the area and stop it with the sole of their foot. A player can only attempt to steal one ball at a time and cannot kick balls out of the opponent’s area. Play for 2 minutes and the team with the most balls in their home-base at the end of the game are the winners. COACHING NOTES

+ Coaching objectives – The coaching objective from an attacking perspective is to penetrate into space on the dribble or make a firm pass along the ground to a teammate. Defensively, the coach may wish to teach players individual techniques and progress to working collaboratively in pairs.

+ Coaching tips – There are several ways to differentiate this activity to the ability levels of the players. For example, the coach can number all the players and call on just one player at a time. Reducing the number of players simplifies the environment and provides less able or younger players with an opportunity to experience some success.

HOW TO MODIFY THE ACTIVITY + Less challenging: Increase the size of the area to create more time and space and provide extra soccer balls in the center of the area at the beginning.

+ More challenging: Progress to a team-based challenge similar to the way this activity is illustrated.

+ As the activity progresses the coach allows players to pass the ball in addition to dribbling. + A red team steals the ball from the yellow’s area and passes to his/her teammates. + An exciting 1v1 situation occurs between a yellow attacker and a blue defender.

+ In the final sequence the coach has removed 3 balls and changed the rules of the game. + Now each team must attempt to return 3 balls from the center area to the home-base for victory. + 1v1 duels are occurring all over the field.

+ In the 1st illustration the red team decide to prevent the blue and yellow teams stealing their balls. + Conversely, all the blue team players disperse and attempt to steal balls from the red and yellow team areas. + The yellow team commit 2 players to attack and leave 1 player to defend the home-base.

STAGES COVERED BY ACTIVITYStages 2 & 3 - 6-11 year old players.

THEMES & COMPETENCIESTop 3 themes: Passing, receiving and support.Top 3 competencies: Short passing, receiving with the feet and dribbling.