LSC-Rec Under 5 - Under 8

1. LSC-RecUnder 5 - Under 8 THANK YOU FOR COACHING YOUTH SOCCER FOR LSC-REC

2. Kicking Is Not Soccer Program Skill Priorities Benefits “New Ball Method” K.I.N.s. program

3. K.I.N.S. Program • The KINS rationale – why emphasize dribbling? The ability to dribble is absolutely critical since dribbling is the foundation skill and preparation for all the other fundamental techniques of soccer, such as receiving, passing and shooting. • The second objective – develop players’ self-dependence. The measure of a good coach is in the amount of instructions his/her players need. If the players do not need constant instructions from the coach, it’s a clear indication that the coach is doing his job.

4. K.I.N.S. Program • The learning stages for dribbling --four stages: 1) develop the mindset for dribbling by replacing the instinct to boot the ball 2) learn to dribble in a straight line and keeping the ball close to the body 3) learn to change direction (cutting,turning) using either foot and all surfaces of the feet 4) Become multi-directional • The relationship between dribbling and passing once a player becomes a good dribbler, he/she automatically starts to look up and survey the field in between touches. This validates the sequence of learning to dribble before learning to pass.

5. K.I.N.S. Program Skill Priorities U-5 & U6 Skill Priorities • Dribble out of pressure • Soft first touch • No kicking allowed except when shooting U-7 & U8 Skill Priorities • Dribble out of pressure • Soft first touch • No kicking allowed except when shooting on goal • Able to do turns and controlling moves with the ball • Introduce passing only to the players who can dribble out of trouble

6. K.I.N.S. Program BENEFITS • Improves the skill and enjoyment of the players, regardless of ability level. • Provides a built-in, on-going coaching assistance program. • Easier to enlist parents to volunteer as coaches. • Develops a club identity and club loyalty. • Raises the skill level at the Recreational Program. • Raises the skill level at the Academy Program. • Raises the level of the Select program.

7. K.I.N.S. Program“New ball” Method • To implement the ‘new ball method’, use either one coach, or two coaches, to roll the balls. If using two coaches, each coach should be in charge of half a field. The coach(s) should hold a number of balls, ready to be used, one at a time. • When a ball goes out of bounds, the coach yells “new ball!” and rolls a new one in. The players will learn quickly to react to the new ball. • Always roll the ball into the unoccupied space. Players will learn to move towards the ball. Do not throw the ball in the air since the players are not yet skilled enough to control a bouncing ball. • Coaches can also use this method to get the non-assertive players involved, by rolling the ball towards them. This will help bring them out of their shell. If the players are really shy, simply place the ball at their feet. • If one team is dominating the game, the advantage can be shifted to the other team by rolling the ball accordingly. • This method can also be used to break up a ‘beehive’. If all the players are bunched up around the ball, shout “new ball” and roll one into the open space. • Remember to always praise the players for every attempt. Keep them excited and motivated.

8. Under 5 & Under 6Under 7 & Under 8 Program Details

9. Under 7/8 Under 5/6 – Under 7/8 Under 5/6 Roster size – 6 Game Format – 3v3 Field Size – 25 yds wide by 30 yds long Ball Size – # 3 Game length – 40 minutes. Four-8 min. quarters 5 min halftime No referees No off sides No slide tackling Roster size – 8 Game Format – 4v4 (without goalies) Field Size – 30 yds wide by 40/50 yds long Ball Size – # 3 Game length – 55 minutes. Four-12 min. quarters 5 min halftime No referees for U7 & U8 No off sides No slide tackling

10. U5/6 FAQ’s • What size ball? Size 3 • How many players on the field? 3v3 • How long are games? Four 8 minute quarter 5 min halftime • How many practices and how long? 1 practice per week 45 minutes each practice • Do we have a goalie? NO goalies…keep everyone involved…don’t place a player in front of the goal • Are there throw-ins? No throw-ins…use “New ball method” • Do we have referees? No referees…only one coach per team on edge of field • What should I teach them in practice? Balance, coordination, comfort with the ball and dribbling

11. U5/6 FAQ’s • Is there a list of what they should know at this age? K.I.N.S. has a list of objectives for each age group • Do they have positions and how do you rotate them? No “positions” attack together-defend together. You can rotate each quarter or when they need to rest. • How many players on a roster? Total of 6 • Playing requirements for each player? Every player gets 50% playing time • How do we do restarts ( ex. Kickoff, goal kicks) Kickoffs happen near midfield at start of game and after each goal • How do we know what to do at practice? Make sure they have FUN!!! CCU website has documents and resources for coaches

12. Under 5/6 FAQ’s • Does the league keep standings and do we keep score?No score is kept and there are no standings • What are the equipment requirements?Everyone must wear shin guards. Any type of shoe…preferably soccer • How do we communicate with our team parents? • Can use database to email parents…also call just in case • Set up team meeting/get together 1st week of practice • Expectations….Snack coordinator…Team manager/parent • Communication about practice or games being cancelled • Uniforms…equipment needed…weather updates • Discipline how you will handle practice and game situations • Get basic and other pertinent player information Medical information…phone #s…emails

13. Under 7/8 FAQ’s • What size ball? Size 3 • How many players on the field? 4v4 • How long are games? Four 12 minutes quarters or Two 24 minute halves. 5-7 minute halftime. • How many practices and how long? 2 days for U7/U8 1st practice is “DPT”….. 2nd practice is their team practice • Do we have a goalie? No goalies at 4v4….do not set player in front of goal…keep them involved in the game • Are there throw-ins?No throw ins for U7s…use “new ball” method • Restarts for U8’s? Restarts include kickoff to start each game and after each goal, corner kicks, throw-ins, and goal kicks. Goal kicks opposing team must be in their own half of the field. • Do we have referees? No referees …one coach per side to manage game.

14. Under 7/8 FAQ’s • How do we know what to do at practice? Make sure they have FUN!!! CCU website has documents and resources for coaches • What should I teach them in practice? Balance, coordination, dribbling, cuts and turns and taking players on. • Do they have positions and how do you rotate them? No “positions” …you can rotate each quarter or when they need to rest. Talk about shape in relation to the ball • How many players on a roster? Total of 8 • Playing requirements for each player? Every player gets 50% playing time • How do we do restarts ( ex. Kickoff, goal kicks) Kickoffs happen near midfield at start of game and after each goal • What are the equipment requirements? Everyone must wear shin guards. Any type of shoe…preferably soccer

15. Under 7/8 FAQ’s • Is there a list of what they should know at this age? K.I.N.S. has a list of objectives for each age group • Does the league keep standings and do we keep score?No score is kept and we do not track standings • How do we communicate with our team parents? • Can use database to email parents…also call just in case • Set up team meeting/get together 1st week of practice • Expectations….Snack coordinator…Team manager/parent • Communication about practice or games being cancelled • Uniforms…equipment needed…weather updates • Discipline how you will handle practice and game situations • Get basic and other pertinent player information • Medical information…phone #s…emails

16. Practice Sessions Practice Sessions Checklist

17. PRACTICE SESSIONS • In the game of soccer the youth coach many times is a first-time parent coach that got lured into coaching because their son or daughter didn’t have a coach.  What many don’t realize, these impressionable years are the foundation for the majority of youth players.  Players are turning away from our sport at a young age because they are bored and not challenged. • Remember to keep the players active by getting as many touches on the ball during each session as possible.  • All players need to come to practice with a ball. Players will not get the necessary touches on the ball to develop in a timely manner without the ball. • The following will help you along as you start preparing your sessions:

18. Practice Sessions Checklist • Are the activities fun? Make it FUN! • Are the activities organized? Have a few extra balls available, as well as cones to mark out your area! • Are the players involved in the activities? Allow players the opportunities to problem-solve! • Is creativity and decision making being used? Allow players the opportunity to be creative!

19. Practice Sessions Checklist • Are the spaces used appropriate? The larger the size of the grid the easier it is for the players to have success: the smaller it is the more challenging ! • Is the coach’s feedback appropriate? Be organized, be patient, stay positive, and have a backup plan! • Is the coach guiding or controlling the players in the activity?Don’t talk too much –have the grids set up ahead of time –let them play and then explain your exercise within thirty seconds or less! • Are there implications for the game? Think how you can maximize the number of touches each player will have in your session !

20. Explanation and/ or Demonstration. • Paint a clear picture – “paint a picture” • Explain rules of activity. • Remember: “Show it – Talk it – Do it”

21. Corrections. • Reason to stop the practice. • Question by the player. • Natural stoppage in the practice. • Necessary correction. • Something good happens.

22. Game Day Field Layout Guidelines for the Sidelines Game Management Coaching Issues

23. Field Layout TEAM AREA 5 YDS SPECTATOR LINE – EVERYONE MUST BE BEHIND LINE

24. Guidelines for the Sidelines • Teams occupy same sideline …..this helps with the Kidsafe pass issue. • ONLY designated coaches and 1 Asst. coach may be on team side of the field - - everyone else is asked to sit on spectator side. • ONLY coaches who have completed KidSafe registration may be on team/coach side. • Coaching area is limited to the designated coaching/team box. • Coaches, assistant coaches, parents, spectators and parents should adhere to club and team guidelines. • This helps create an environment that lets the players enjoy the game and instills sportsmanship for everyone involved.

25. Game Management • Pre-Game warm-up. • Use this time as another short practice session • Have them do activities or skills they will use in the game • For All games no parents behind goals or on team side unless registered as coach/asst. coach and registered with KidSafe. • Parents should not be on the field during games unless absolutely necessary. • Coaches are responsible for your parents actions & comments. • Safety Issues • No Name on back of Jerseys • Foul Language never permitted near children • No Smoking at Milburn park except in parking lot • No dogs allowed during CCU game times. • Any concerns on game days look for Field Marshals.

26. Coaching Issues • Aggressiveness (players being out of control) • Slide Tackling (not allowed period) • 3v3/4v4….no goalies…get all players involved • Coaches communicate before game (1 coach per team play in ball for “new ball method”) • Roll balls in do not throw them in (KINS) • Coaches, parents or spectators are to not yell at referees during game. You are not allowed to talk to them before or after a game about calls they made or did not make. • Player equipment • Shirts tucked in….jerseys on top of cold weather gear • Shin guards must be worn(inside socks) • No jewelry (watches,necklaces, earrings, bracelet..unless for medical purposes only) • No Hard Cast (even if wrapped in a mattress)

27. TEAM ADMINISTRATION & RISK MANAGEMENT

28. Team Administration • Coaching Philosophy • Fun and Purpose • Developmentally Appropriate

29. Team Administration • Equipment Needs • Players • Ball (Correct Size) • Shin guards • Water • Coach • Extra Balls • Pump • Cones • Bibs or Vests

30. Team Administration • Training • Train as long as the game • Keep the players active • Try to incorporate a ball in every activity • Always end with a game • Game Day • Pregame • Halftime • Postgame

31. Risk Management • As a coach, we are responsible for: • Proper instruction • Proper equipment • Proper selection of players • Proper supervision • Proper precautions to prevent injury

32. Website Information and Resources • Coaches Resources will be available on the website. www.ccunited.com documents tab • South Texas Youth Soccer Association www.stxsoccer.org • US Youth Soccer www.usysa.org • www.successinsoccer.com • Kidsfirstsoccer.com