Many first time coaches volunteer or are volunteered to the job. First things first…Relax.
Relax and think about how much fun you are going to have with these little Under-6 and Under-8 soccer players.
Goal: Create a fun, learning soccer environment for your players in training and in games.
How?
Often resources are available, it’s just a matter of knowing where to find them:
· Talk to the Program Director and request helpful coaching materials and coaching aids.
· Talk to other Soccer Coaches in the program or in your community who have worked with these age groups before.
· Call your State Youth Soccer Association and request helpful coaching materials and coaching aids.
· Call your State Youth Soccer Association and ask to speak with the State Director of Coaching about specific age appropriate coaching courses and age appropriate training materials.
· Call US Youth Soccer at 1.800.4SOCCER or visit their web site at
www.USYouthSoccer.org and request and/or order helpful coaching materials and coaching aids.
Team Management:
Prepare a list of simple and clear rules for your players and their parents. Conduct a preseason meeting to review these rules and to go over other important information and to complete important administrative paperwork. Consider the following:
· Schedules and locations for training sessions and games.
· Drop off and pick up times for training sessions and games.
· Player responsibilities and behavior at training sessions and games.
· Parent responsibilities and behavior at training sessions and games.
· Player equipment (#3 soccer ball, shin pads, soccer shoes or sneakers, water, appropriate clothing).
· Coaching equipment (#3 soccer balls, 25-30 cones, 10 vests/pennies, basic first aid kit, small cooler of ice and zip lock bags).
· Fill out program registration forms and medical release forms.
· Discuss the procedure for canceling training sessions and games.
· Discuss your philosophy of coaching…it’s about player development, not winning and losing!
Risk Management:
· Provide proper age appropriate activities at training sessions and games.
· Assure that training and playing areas are safe.
· Make sure that all players are wearing the correct equipment and that it is appropriately sized.
· Make sure that you are assisted by another adult when coaching the players (This includes the time when players arrive and when they depart from training sessions and games).
· Create a plan for any medical emergencies/injuries.
The Training Session - Under-6 Format
· Duration is 45-60 minutes.
· Every child has a ball.
· Individual activities.
· Warm-up activities include movement education approach…with and without a ball (10 minutes).
· Fun games activities with and with out a ball (20 minutes).
· Conclude with 3v3 games to two goals, with no goalkeepers.
The Training Session - Under-8 Format
· Duration is 60 minutes.
· Every child has a ball.
· Individual and partner activities.
· Warm-up activities with and without the ball – dribbling and passing (15 minutes).
· Maze games and target games (25 minutes).
· Conclude with 4v4 games to two goals, with no goalkeepers.
US Youth Soccer adds another opportunity for coaches, referees, administrators and parents with the addition of the Coaches Connection. The Coaches Connection provides members with a link to the US Youth Soccer Coaching Education Network: The National Director of Coaching Education and staff, plus 55 State Association Directors of Coaching Education and their staff, as well as guest lectures from around the world!
“It’s all about connectivity and the ability to communicate with our educators from all across the country,” said Tom Goodman, Director of Coaching Education for US Youth Soccer.
Get connected with leaders in the field of coaching, referee education and player development. Stay current with discussions on such hot topics as small-sided games; recreation vs. competitive soccer; parent education, ethics and morals in sport.
Keep connected with continuing education opportunities on-line at usyouthsoccer.org. Get the latest information on training youth players, learn the latest in age appropriate training activities, and find out where and when special events will be in a location near you!
Stay connected throughout the year-not just the season.
Coaches Connection benefits include:
· Subscription to
Success in Soccer Magazine
· US Youth Soccer’s Kwik Kicks monthly e-newsletter
· Official “Coaches Connection” member T-shirt from adidias
· Copy of the Official US Youth Soccer Coaching Manual
· Discounts on official adidias apparel and other US Youth Soccer merchandise
· Discounted admission to special Connection clinics and events
· Discounts on coaching aids from Success in Soccer
To review the frequency, duration and training sessions-to-match ratios for U6 to U19 players click learn more.
