Lake City Soccer Club
Mod Soccer Coaching Tips
2012 Modified Soccer Coordinator
Gregg Morrow, 206-660-2007,
greggmorrow@comcast.net
Lake City Soccer Club
COACHING OBJECTIVES U-8
Developed by Dave Schumacher, WSYSA Coaching Director
When coaching players 6,7, and 8 years of age, your main role should be one of a
facilitator. Emphasis needs to be placed on playing at this age. Your practices should include
fun activities where each player has a ball as well as plenty of opportunity to play 3 v 3
games.
The optimal teaching system approved by WSYSA recommends that players of 7 years of
age play 3 v 3. I suggest you devote the end of each practice to playing 3 v 3. It's
important to focus on 3 v 3 play for 7 year olds, even though your club or association may
not be playing 3 v 3 for your league games.
Further Developments of U-7 Objectives
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Developing a general understanding of the basic principles of play.
o Appreciation of space - width, length, and depth
o Understanding of the team triangle
o Support in attack-the big triangle
o Support in defense-the small triangle
Develop the role of the Goalkeeper
o How to use hands to defend the goal
o Coming out to narrow the angle on shots
o Moving out to clear long kicks with feet when necessary
o Moving out to edge of goalkeeper zone and beyond, encourage goalkeeper to
join in attack.
Greater cooperation by the field players - collective attacking and defending.
Rotation of all players to play in all roles.
Further appreciation of space in team play by:
o Attacking shape on goal kicks and throw ins
o Use of the width of the field
o When in possession of the ball, stretching the opposition by the most
advanced player pushing deep toward opposition goal.
Encouragement to use both feet
Continued practice in technique of the throw in.
Development of attacking opportunities from corner kicks, throw-ins, and free kicks.
Encouragement in practices and games of the skills of dribbling, passing, and ball
control.
Overriding Consideration - The game is for all players-everyone should be encouraged to
participate, particularly the "non-assertive" players(s).
Lake City Soccer Club
COACHING OBJECTIVES U-9
Developed by Dave Schumacher, WSYSA Coaching Director
When coaching players 6,7, and 8 years of age, your main role should be one of a
facilitator. Emphasis needs to be placed on playing at this age. Your practices should include
fun activities where each player has a ball as well as plenty of opportunity to play 3 v 3 and
4 v 4 games.
The optimal teaching system approved by WSYSA recommends that players of 8 years of
age play 4 v 4. I suggest you devote the end of each practice to playing 4 v 4. It's
important to focus on 4 v 4 play for 8 year olds, even though your club or association may
not be playing 4 v 4 for your league games.
Objectives
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Further Development of U-7 and U-8 Objectives
Development of the appreciation of space through the fourth player in what is called
"third man play"
o Diamond shape at goal kicks and throw ins must be continually emphasized
o Continued encouragement to use the width-both sides of field
o Encourage the most advanced player to stretch the opposition by pushing
toward the opposition goal-when own team is in possession.
Encouragement in practices and games of the importance of team supportparticularly in 3 v 3 and 4 v 4 games and practices.
Encourage all players to be "two-way players" Suggest all players should recover to
help defend after losing possession; all players should look to contribute to every
attacking play (even where their "role" is as covering rearmost defender.)
Development of the role of the Goalkeeper
o Basic catching techniques
o Coming out to narrow angle on shots
o Distribution by throwing
o Moving out to edge of goal area and beyond to support attack and using the
feet
Continued development of basic techniques such as dribbling (to keep possession
and to beat opponents), accurate passing and ball control. Introduction or
reinforcement of longer passing.
Summary
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Appreciation of space - through the diamond shape
Use of width; stretching opposition from end to end (length)
Continued development of basic skills
Encouragement of "two-way play"
Awareness of "Third Man" when on attack
Overriding Consideration
Let the games and practices be the teachers; encourage use of space and support.
Lake City Soccer Club
COACHING OBJECTIVES U-10
Developed by Dave Schumacher, WSYSA Coaching Director
When coaching players 9, 10, and 11 years of age, your main role as a coach expands from
one of facilitating to teacher of technique. Playing at this age is still very important;
however, your emphasis should shift to skill development. Players at this age start to move
from the How (technique) to "when", "where", and "with whom", and "against whom" (skill).
Your practices should still focus on small sided games so players have the opportunity to
recognize the pictures presented by the game.
The optimal teaching system approved by WSYSA recommends that players of 9 years of
age play 6 v 6. I suggest you devote the end of each practice to playing 4 v 4 and 5 v 5.
You may continue to play games involving smaller numbers 2 v 2, 3 v 1, and 4 v 2, leading
up to your final activity. It's still important to lay this foundation and exposure to the game
prior to adding more players to the field.
Objectives
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Further Development of U-7, U-8 and U-9 Objectives
Cooperative attacking - all players involved but with an awareness of cover (by the
goalkeeper and a least one covering field player). Develop an understanding of the
roles that players have in supporting the attack: player with ball, players providing
immediate support of ball and other players who create length and unbalance the
defense. All this needs to be shown in a environment with greater numbers of
teammates and opponents on a larger playing field.
Cooperative defending-all players participating, even the most advanced players
getting "goal side" of opposing players. Continue to develop the principles of defense
so all players gain the understanding of all the roles when defending. The role of the
players that delay and put pressure on the ball; the players that provide support
(cover) and the players that provide balance (width).
Triangles and diamonds are still the dominating team shapes but
more complex because of the larger team numbers.
Continue development of the basic skills-passing, dribbling, shooting, ball control,
and goalkeeping. The introduction of light heading.
Developing an understanding of team shape when attacking, and balance when
defending.
Summary
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Continued emphasis on the concept of triangular supporting play
Continued emphasis on combining with teammates (3rd man running)
Cooperative attacking (all players)
Cooperative defending (all players)
Continued development of the basic skills
Overriding Consideration
Encourage all players to provide good support whether attacking or defending
Lake City Soccer Club
COACHING OBJECTIVES U-11
Developed by Dave Schumacher, WSYSA Coaching Director
When coaching players 9, 10, and 11 years of age, your main role as a coach expands from one
of facilitating to teacher of technique. Playing at this age is still very important; however, your
emphasis should shift to skill development. Players at this age start to move from the How
(technique) to "when", "where", and "with whom", and "against whom" (skill). Your practices
should still focus on small sided games so players have the opportunity to recognize the
pictures presented by the game.
The optimal teaching system approved by WSYSA recommends that players of 9 years of
age play 9 v 9. I suggest you devote the end of each practice to playing 4 v 4 and 5 v 5.
You may continue to play games involving smaller numbers 2 v 2, 3 v 1, and 4 v 2, leading
up to your final activity. It's still important to lay this foundation and exposure to the game
prior to adding more players to the field.
Objectives
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Further Development of U-7, U-8, U-9 and U-10 Objectives
Developing a basic understanding of the concept and rule of offside or modified
offside.
Continued concentration at this age on the more important developments at this age
of:
o The triangle in team play
o The diamond in team play
o Third man running
o Appreciation of the team principles of play and their roles when the team is in
attacking or defending.
o High concentration on basic skills in cooperative play, i.e. passing, control,
shooting, and introduction to heading; goalkeeper techniques and role.
Continued development of the techniques (basic skills) with limited pressure but in a
challenging environment.
Continued emphasis on the principles of play, and the roles of the players when
attacking and defending introduced at U-10. Players need to understand their
particular role on the team in supporting the attack and regaining possession of the
ball when defending. The players will need guidance in the performance of these
roles due to the greater number of players on the field and the increased size of the
field. The players should have a basic understanding of how to interchange roles
during the course of play.
Summary
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Basic understanding of the offside rule
For tactical play triangles and diamonds plus further development of basic skills.
Overriding Consideration
Avoid over-coaching at this transitional time as players move into 11 per side.
Lake City Soccer Club
http://www.soccerhelp.com/
Example of tips from soccerhelp.com.
1. "Don't get thrown over" (When the other team has a throw-in). (During the game, be
specific when giving instructions. For example, "John, move back 10 steps so you don't
get thrown over"). See No. 3 below for the next step.
The mistake many coaches, and players, make is to try to intercept the opposing team's
throw-ins. That isn't the critical thing, the critical thing is to avoid giving up a goal. If you
play me and try that, I'm going to kill you, because that's what I hope you try to do. I will
simply have my receivers move close to the thrower, which will pull your defenders
close to the sideline, and then make a long throw toward goal if we're on the half of the
field that your goal is on, or down the line if on my Defensive Half. My players (the
attackers) will know what to expect and all but my Fullbacks (who will stay back to
prevent a counterattack) will break toward goal so we will outnumber your defenders,
and your defenders are then chasing the ball toward your goal, which is also
problematic for your team, since they are going the wrong way.
Instead, teach your players to mark BEHIND an opponent (about 2 or 3 steps behind). If
you mark in front they will simply throw over you toward goal and score; the Danger is
getting thrown over. You allow the opponent to inbound the ball, but you don't give up
a dangerous throw or a fast break on your goal. You control their field position. If the
opponent makes a bad throw, your player is in position to steal the ball. Or, your player
can allow the receiver to receive the ball and THEN move close behind and try to steal
the ball or kick the ball away when the attacker turns.
If you mark in front you aren't keeping "multiple layers of defenders" between the ball
and your goal.
Trust me on this, thousands of coaches have tried it. Or, try it both ways and observe.
Remember the Rule: "Don't get thrown over."
Lake City Soccer Club
http://www.soccerhelp.com/
Example of tips from soccerhelp.com.
2. "Don't get goal kicked or punted over" (by the other team). (Be specific if giving
instruction. For example, "John, run back to the halfway line").
3. "On the other team's goal kicks, punts, throw-ins & free kicks, mark up behind an
opponent & then step in front & steal the ball, or, if the ball goes past you, box out the
opponent and win the ball". (A progression from 1 & 2 above). (An exception to this
would be when the other team has a free-kick near your goal, where if there is room,
you should have your players stay away from your goal so you create an "offside trap"
which will keep the other team away from your goal and make it harder for them to
score on a header or off a rebound).
4. "Where will the other team score from?" Answer: "In front of our goal." (See
"Where....From?" in Dictionary of Soccer Terms, Concepts & Rules).
5. "If the other team has the ball & you are the closest, you must be the "First Defender" &
slow down their attack & try to block any shots. Teach your players the meaning of
these terms "First Defender" & "Second Defender". Demonstrate how the Second
Defender supports the First Defender. How to teach "First Defender and Second
Defender" is explained in No. 3 of Quick Team Improvement Program.
6. "If the other team has the ball & you are second closest, you must be the "Second
Defender" & back up the First Defender & stay between the ball & the goal. (Stay 5-7
steps behind the First Defender). How to teach "First Defender and Second Defender" is
explained in No. 3 of Quick Team Improvement Program.
7. "If you have a pass, take it. Only dribble if you don't have a pass or if you can dribble &
score".
8. "Don't pass or dribble across the front of our goal".
9. "Why isn't your pass staying on the ground?" Answer: "You are contacting it too low.
Strike the ball half way up & follow through".
10. "No straight legs. Knees should always be bent" (I can't think of a single instance when a
player should have straight legs).
11. "When waiting for a pass, stay on your toes & move as soon as you see which way the
ball is going". (A quick first step is very important).
12. "You should always be shifting with the ball". (When the ball moves, so should you).
13. "When our goal is under attack, the Far Mid-Fielder (the MF farthest from the ball) or
Far Stopper (if you play 2 Stoppers) should cover the Penalty Box Arc" to stop crosses to
that area which could result in easy goals." (See "Formations").
14. "If the referee leaves his arm up after a foul, is it a direct or indirect kick?" Answer: "An
indirect kick".
15. "Forwards, when you are pushed up & waiting for a pass, stay 2 steps behind the Last
Defender so you won't accidentally be called offside".
Lake City Soccer Club
http://www.soccerhelp.com/
Example of tips from soccerhelp.com.
16. "When our LF (Left Forward) or RF (Right Forward) is dribbling toward goal, the CF
(Center Forward) & the other F (the "Far Forward") should run with him & stay a pass
away & 3 - 4 steps behind the ball. The CF should run toward the "Near Post" & the Far
Forward toward the "Far Post". As we attack, the Far Forward should stay about 5 steps
past the Far Post and be alert for balls coming through the defenders to the Far Post or
for rebounds -- there will usually be several of these per game. (See "Attacking Plan",
"Cross The Ball", "Formations" & "Third Man Running" in the Dictionary).
17. "Which way can you run faster - - forward or backward? The answer: forward. This is
why when we're attacking you should stay behind a ball that is going to be crossed &
why you should not get so close to the goal that rebounds go behind you". (See
"Rebounds" in the Dictionary for more details).
18. "Don't try to dribble through the Last Defenders, it won't work. Instead, kick a "through
ball", do a "give & go" or "pass to yourself" into open space behind the defenders."
19. "If you are playing on the left side (LF, LMF, or LFB) or on the right side (RF, RMF or RFB),
don't cross the center of the field". (LMF is Left Mid-Fielder, RFB is Right Fullback, etc.).
20. "We must mark any attackers who are in front of our goal & in scoring range, staying
"goalside" & slightly "ballside" (i.e., 1/2 step closer to the ball than the attacker). Mark
them tight if they are close to our goal (e.g., stay within 1 or 2 steps) & looser if they are
farther away. Don't give them a clean shot and stay on your feet & don't jump at them
or they will fake you & get a clean shot".
21. "Shoot high if outside the Penalty Box (i.e., toward the top of the goal) and low if inside
the Penalty Box (i.e., on the ground & toward the corner)."
22. "If you have a clear shot, take it."
23. "If a teammate with the ball dribbles toward you, you MUST move away into open space
so you are open for a pass." (See Best Tips and Tactics #20 for 2 types of "Movement Off
the Ball" that are easy to teach teams U-8 and older, and that are very important.) The
Premium "Bunching Up" game can teach players not to bunch up and to spread out to
attack.
24. "If you are helping attack, stay a pass away from the ball -- don't get too close to your
teammate with the ball or he can't pass it to you." (See Best Tips and Tactics #20 for 2
types of "Movement Off the Ball" that are easy to teach teams U-8 and older, and that
are very important.) The Premium "Bunching Up" game can teach players not to bunch
up and to spread out to attack.
Lake City Soccer Club
http://www.soccerhelp.com/
Example of tips from soccerhelp.com.
25. "If you are a Fullback, when clearing the ball away from our goal, kick it straight ahead."
This is simple for your FBs to remember. Along with this, you need to teach your MFs
and Fs to always be shifting from side-to-side with the ball. That way, they are in
position to win a ball that is cleared "straight ahead". Teach the MF's and Fs to stay a
short pass apart so they have some "width" and aren't bunched to close together. When
the ball is in your Defensive Third, teach your MFs to stay a pass away from the ball (say
15 of their "steps") and the Forwards to stay a long kick away from the ball (say 25-30 of
their "steps"). That way you will have "depth" and your MF's and Fs will be in good
positions to win those cleared balls, and even if the opponent wins the ball, you will
have defenders in a good position to stop a counterattack. For Rec teams, clearing the
ball "straight ahead" works better than kicking it to the sideline because you will win the
ball more, won't kick it out of bounds, there won't be as many mis-kicks, you don't risk
unintentionally clearing it to your "weak" side where you don't have defenders in place,
and if the opposing FBs are Pushed Up you will get breakaways.