US Soccer FederationUS Soccer FederationSTATE E CERTIFICATION COURSESTATE E CERTIFICATION COURSE

Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

ENJOY!!!ENJOY!!!

Dynamics of a Coaching CourseDynamics of a Coaching Course

Candidates in a coaching course can be placed into three different groups:

1 – Those who want to learn (very motivated)

2 – Those who are there for the “piece-of-paper” (moderately motivated)

3 – Those who are forced to attend (not motivated)

Are licensed coaches “better” coaches Are licensed coaches “better” coaches than those who are not licensed ?than those who are not licensed ?

Does a “higher” license mean the Does a “higher” license mean the coach is better than those with a lesser coach is better than those with a lesser

license?license?

“There is no prescription to football”

Prepare coaches working with players U11 and up Expanding knowledge and understanding of technical

and tactical demands of the game Provide an understanding of coaching methodology Prepare you for the next level – USSF National “D”

License Empower you with things you can use immediately! Motivate you to want to continue your coaching

education Give you as much information as possible to help you

improve Empower you with resources for future self-education

Course IntroductionCourse Introduction

Perfect attendance Successful completion of take-home

written examinations Successful planning/execution of field

practice coaching session (group work)

How You Complete the CourseHow You Complete the Course

Ground RulesGround Rules No cellular phones Respect the opinions of others Early is on time You are responsible for everything in the

manual If you don’t understand something…ASK!!! Each candidate must be prepared to play at

each session Each candidate must bring a properly inflated

size 5 soccer ball to each session

US Soccer HierarchyUS Soccer HierarchyUnited States Soccer Federation

USSFNational and Olympic Teams

United States Youth Soccer AssociationUSYSA

55 National State Associations, 4 Regions5 Million Registered Players

Connecticut Junior Soccer AssociationCJSA

Region 1

www.cjsa.orgwww.cjsa.org

National Soccer Coaches AssociationNSCAA

American Youth SoccerOrganization

(AYSO)

Soccer Association for Youth(SAY)

METHODS OF COACHINGMETHODS OF COACHING

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THE GAME - WHAT IS SOCCER?

It is a competitive game made difficult by the opponent.

It has an objective to achieve - to win the game.

It has rules to follow and a field to play on.

It is free flowing - No time outs or stoppages for coaching.

Players must solve the problems presented in the game - not the coach.

Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

THE GAME IS THE BEST TEACHER

The game presents the problems for the players.

Players must solve the problems.

Using games in training creates realism.

Players are motivated and challenged to learn through the game.

Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

“If you’ve ever driven a carWith three kids screamingand fighting in the backseat,think about this: Does it tendto pull your attention away from the task at hand? Doyou ever feel overloaded? Ifyou add more pressure to thatcar ride, such as an icy road,can you handle all that at once? That’s exactly whatcoaches do when they yell atkids to do something: Theydistract them. They create“cognitive overload.” (pg. 161, Just Let the KidsPlay)

USING SMALL-SIDED GAMES TO TEACH

Small-sided games emphasize these areas of player development:

Skill development - number of touches on the ball.

Tactical development - decision making is expanded.

Fun and enjoyment - the number of scoring opportunities is greatly increased.

Game understanding - positional play is greatly expanded.

Intuitive development - Transitional play is increased and becomes automatic.

Attacking Opportunities Dribbling to take on opponents Dribbling into Space Passing Receiving Shooting Player Involvement

Defending Opportunities Tackling Intercepting Reading the Game Stopping Shots Distribution Player Involvement

USING SMALL-SIDED GAMES TO TEACH

TOUCHES ON THE BALL(A Comparison Between 11v11, 7v7 and 4v4)

In 1997 three different games were assessed by Glen Buckley

Director of Coaching NYSWYSA.

11v11 friendly game, 22 touches in 60 minutes

(0.37 touches on the ball per minute)

7v7 games, 205 touches in 48 min., projected touches in 60 min. = 256 (4.3 touches on the ball per minute)

4v4 games, 217 touches in 48 min., projected touches in 60 min. = 271

(4.5 touches on the ball per minute)

The player in the 4v4 game touched the ball 12.31 more times, in the same time period, that the player in the 11v11 game.

TOUCHES ON THE BALL(A Comparison Between 11v11, 7v7 and 4v4)

In 2001, the assessment was conducted again:

11v11 friendly game, 19 touches in 60 minutes

(0.32 touches on the ball per minute)

7v7 games, 96 touches in 40 min., projected touches in 60 min. = 144

(2.4 touches on the ball per minute)

4v4 games, 111 touches in 20 min., projected touches in 60 min. = 333 (5.5 touches on the ball per minute)

The player in the 4v4 game touched the ball 12.31 more times, in the same time period, that the player in the 11v11 game.

WHAT IS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT?

Player development demands that the player is central to alldecisions made regarding training and competition.

The coach who believes in player development will ensure that the following objectives are met:

Activities are enjoyable.

Each player has a ball during training.

Technical and tactical situations are created in each session.

Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

WHAT IS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT?

Competition is a main ingredient within each practice.

Educate players to have an appreciation for the game, team mates, opponents, referees and coaches.

Lots of touches per session.

Role of the Coach

* Set up conditions and environment for learning

*Players need to have fun and receive positive feedback

* Practice should be about learning and enjoyment

* Coach must be enthusiastic

*Create activities geared for success

Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

As a positive role model you should demonstrate respect for:

Role of the Coach

Your Team

Your Staff

The Parents

Officials Opposing Coaches

The Game Soccer Committees

HOW TO TEACHHOW TO TEACH

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ORGANIZATION: ORGANIZATION: Practice Plan, Time Factor, Equipment, Practice Area, Number of Players

DEMONSTRATION:DEMONSTRATION: A picture paints a 1000 words

OBSERVATION:OBSERVATION: Both for failure and success

INFORMATION:INFORMATION: Feedback is guiding the players to success

PRINCIPLES OF COACHING

Coaches Tool KitCoaches Tool Kit

Uninterrupted Play= Establish RhythmUninterrupted Play= Establish Rhythm

Coachable Moments Coachable Moments

Conditions of the Game to Coach the ThemeConditions of the Game to Coach the Theme

Natural StoppagesNatural Stoppages

Flow of the GameFlow of the Game

Individual PlayerIndividual Player

Freeze MethodFreeze Method

CREATING A FRAMEWORKMETHODOLOGY: Is the manner in which the game is presented to the players. It is merely a framework to enable coaches to focus on coaching the player.

Types of practice sessions:

Technical

Tactical

Fitness

Functional

COMPONENTS OF THE GAMECOMPONENTS OF THE GAME

There are four pillars of the game:

TECHNICAL - Individual

TACTICAL - Individual, Group, Team

FITNESS - Endurance (aerobic /anaerobic), flexibility, agility, speed (physical, technical, mental), strength and power.

PSYCHOLOGICAL - Demands of the game

WHAT AND HOW TO TEACH

Whole - Part - Whole approach

GAME ------ ANALYSIS ------ TRAINING ------ GAME

(Performance) (Evaluation) (Education) (Performance)

Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

WHAT AND HOW TO TEACHThe game will dictate the requirements of training. Training must

include the following elements:

A Ball Teammates

Field

Objective (Goal)

Rules

Direction

Decision Making

PRACTICE STRUCTURE

Logical progression

Simple to complex

Increase number of elements during progression

Increase pressure Application in game

Cool Down

Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

GENERAL PROGRESSION FOR TEACHING TECHNIQUE

FUNDAMENTAL: No pressure from opponent, includes stretching, repetition, related to main theme of topic.

MATCH RELATED: The main objective of the practice, introduce pressure gradually cumulating in live pressure, pressure of time and space.

MATCH CONDITION: Final stage with no restrictions, real game with even or uneven teams. GK’s should be used. Conditions may be imposed to highlight the area of the game that is being coached.

FUNDAMENTAL - WARM UP ORGANIZATION KEY COACHING POINTS

MATCH RELATED

MATCH RELATED

MATCH CONDITION

COOL DOWN

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TACTICS, SYSTEMS TACTICS, SYSTEMS &&

PRINCIPLES OF PLAYPRINCIPLES OF PLAY

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WHAT ARE TACTICS? Tactics are the where, when and why of soccer.

Soccer is a team sport that allows each player to

impose their personality onto the game. The free flowing nature of soccer provides players with numerous opportunities to make

instant decisions while attacking and defending.

GENERAL PROGRESSION FOR TEACHING TACTICS

UNRESTRICTED SPACE: Free space, 1v1, individual duels..

RESTRICTED SPACE: Size of area based on ability and number of players. 2v2, 2v3, 4v3

ONE GOAL WITH COUNTER: Counter may be goal, line or target players. Group tactics.

TWO GOALS: Team tactics. Teaching of roles through the

various thirds of the field, and the responsibilities of those roles..

UNRESTRICTED SPACE – WARM UP ORGANIZATION KEY COACHING POINTS

RESTICTED SPACE

ONE GOAL WITH COUNTERS

GAME-TWO GOALS

COOL DOWN

Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

PRINCIPLES OF PLAYDEFENSE

Immediate chase to regain possession. Deny penetration. Delay: Nearest defender applies pressure (1st defender). Depth: The quick organization of the players behind the pressuring

defender (Cover - primary the 2nd defender) Balance: The positioning of defenders relative to possible penetrating

runs or passes to attackers away from the ball (3rd defender).

Concentration: The limiting of time and space by Concentration: The limiting of time and space by squeezing centrally behind the ball (compactness).squeezing centrally behind the ball (compactness).

PRINCIPLES OF PLAYATTACK

Penetration: Get the ball behind defenders (1st attacker, achieved by shooting, running, passing, dribbling.

Depth: The organization of players behind and in front of the 1st attacker (2nd attacker provides support).

Mobility: The attempt by attacking players to penetrate and unbalance the defensive action (3rd attacker).

Width: The disposition of attackers across the full width of the field to pull apart the collective defensive action.

Improvisation: Individual flair, creativity can open up defenses for the individual and for teammates.

THIRDS OF THE FIELD

Safety

Risk

Defensive Third

Risk

Safety

Midfield Third

Safety

Risk

Offensive Third

SYSTEMS OF PLAY

Select a system for you players Find a system that allows your

players to play Balance Variety : 4-4-2

3-5-2 (5-3-2)

3-4-3

4-3-3 Comfort zone with players

DEVELOPING A SYSTEM Create a system that puts your team into play Meet the demands of the game, not the coach Encourage players to try all positions To much risk means vulnerability Balance is needed for transition Defensive Minded When defending you still need an outlet Develop players not positions In general the team shape should provide:

Numbers up in the backEven numbers in MidfieldMobility in the Attack

“E” Coaching Certificate

Risk / Team Management

What are possible concerns with respect to having player names on the

back of their jerseys?

What should you do if you are left alone with a player following a

practice or a game?

What do you feel are important items to discuss at your preseason

parent/coach meeting?

Parent – Coach MeetingParent – Coach Meeting

- Discuss coaching philosophy.Discuss coaching philosophy.

-- Discuss team goals for the season.Discuss team goals for the season.

-- Discuss what is expected of the parents.Discuss what is expected of the parents.

What do you feel are important items to discuss at your preseason

player / coach meeting?

Player – Coach meeting (group)Player – Coach meeting (group)

-- Discuss coaching philosophy.Discuss coaching philosophy.

-- Discuss team goals for the season.Discuss team goals for the season.

-- Discuss training rules and regulationsDiscuss training rules and regulations

What information do you feel is What information do you feel is important to reveal to your team at important to reveal to your team at

halftime?halftime?

Player – Coach meeting Player – Coach meeting (individual)(individual)

Discuss players perception of himself Discuss players perception of himself within the team and to the team. within the team and to the team.

Discuss individuals goals for the season.Discuss individuals goals for the season.

Discuss the coaches perception of the Discuss the coaches perception of the individual within the team and to the team.individual within the team and to the team.

A First Aid Guide for the Youth Coach

Prevention and Care of Prevention and Care of InjuriesInjuries

• Have and know how to use the following:

• First Aid kit

• Ice and plastic bags for emergency use

• Team safety and information cards

Emergency Action PlanEmergency Action Plan

• Stay calm and reassure the player

• Do the primary survey: A, B, C’s. Airway, Breathing and Circulation

• If necessary send someone to call 911.

Emergency Action PlanEmergency Action Plan

• For Airway and Circulation. If no breathing, begin rescue breathing. If no pulse start CPR. (If you are CPR certified)

• Always err on the side of caution!

Emergency Action PlanEmergency Action Plan

• Proper use of equipment (shin guards, no jewelry, uniforms designed for climate).

• Proper fitting shoes, proper type of shoe for surface.

• Upkeep and monitoring of playing surfaces.

• Avoid scheduling training during the hottest periods of the day and when there is intense humidity.

Prevention of InjuriesPrevention of Injuries

• Ample water supply and breaks to give players rest.

• Full rehabilitation of an injury prior to return to play, determined by a physician.

• Recommend a physical exam by a physician prior to participation.

Prevention of InjuriesPrevention of Injuries

Cuts and Abrasions

To reduce the risk of infection ALWAYS wear protective gloves and wash your hands before and after contact. Protect yourself and the player.

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

Treatment

• Clean wound and surrounding area with clean water, wiping away from the wound.

• To stop bleeding on an open wound:

• Place sterile dressing over wound and apply direct pressure. Elevate if necessary.

• If a severe cut call 911!

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

Nose Bleed

Treatment

• Place the player in a sitting position with the head forward.

• Apply pressure to just below the bridge of the nose. Use ice when necessary.

• If you suspect a head or neck injury do not try to control the bleeding. Instead stabilize the head and call 911!

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

• Bruises/Contusions (A crushing injury to a muscle or tendon caused by an outside force, which causes hemorrhaging to surrounding tissue)

• Treatment: Apply ice

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

• Sprains:

A frequent injury in soccer, with the knee and the ankle most often involved. A sprain is the stretching or tearing of the ligament beyond its normal limits.

• Strains:

A partial tear to the muscle or tendon. Commonly called a “pull”

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

Treatment R.I.C.E.

R – Removal from the activity and restI – IceC – CompressionE – Elevation

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

Heat Illness

Young children are still not as efficient as adults at dealing with heat or cold.

Heat Cramps

Heat Exhaustion

Heat Stroke

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

Heat Cramps

• Are brief severe cramps in the muscles of the leg arm or abdomen that may occur during or after vigorous exercise in extreme heat. Lack of drinking fluids is a common cause.

• Treatment: A cool place, rest and fluids

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

• Heat Exhaustion:

• The players body is having trouble keeping itself cool. This condition can come on very suddenly, the players temperature is raised and they may feel sick or dizzy. The player is still sweating and the skin feels clammy.

• Treatment: Call 911, cool place, loosen clothing, rest and drink fluids.

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

Heat Stroke is:• The most severe form of heat illness; a life threatening

emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

• Body temperature is high, skin is hot, red and dry, sweating mechanism is blocked, pulse is rapid and strong, player may lose consciousness.

• Treatment

Immediately call 911; get into cool area; cool the players body by spraying or dousing with water; loosen clothing; fan the player to help in cooling.

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

Fractures and Dislocations:

• If a body part does not have a normal appearance or function then suspect a fracture.

• Treatment: Do not move the player, keep warm and make comfortable,

call 911.

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

Dislocations

• The joint will have a marked deformity with intense pain.

• Treatment:

If a player can walk immobilize the joint and immediately transport to hospital. If the player is unable to walk then call 911.

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

Concussion

• Usually due to a clash of heads. Possible dizziness, headache, disorientation, ringing in the ears and vomiting.

• Treatment:

Remove from activity and seek medical care.

Common Injuries in SoccerCommon Injuries in Soccer

• Always err on the side of caution.

• Be first aid and cpr certified.

• Record the incident and note all actions you took and how the injury occurred.

• Follow up with a phone call to check on the players condition.

Acknowledgements:

American Medical Association; First – Aid guide

Prevention and Care of InjuriesPrevention and Care of Injuries