News Review 2002

 

 

 

Advice for Summer Coaches
By Michael Lewis


(Photo: Tony Quinn/SOCCERPIX USA)

Here are some drills you can use:

Warm-up and Stretching
Warm up those muscles by jogging or chasing the ball. That's always fun.

One Foot Only
Have them dribble the ball first with only the right foot, and then the left.

Knock Them Over
Have the kids try to knock down as many cones, as they can in 10 or 20 seconds. This drill will develop their ability to dribble with their heads up.

Red Light, Green Light
Have players dribble from one area to another. When you yell "Red light!" they have to stop, placing a foot on top of the ball. Anyone still dribbling goes back to the starting line. Restart by shouting "Green light!" The first player to cross the finish line wins. This develops listening skill and reaction time.

Monkey in the Middle
Three or more players have to keep the ball away from the fourth. The group in the circle develops skills while playing in close quarters. The player in the middle hones defensive skills and the ability to read where a pass is heading.

Hot Potato
You need at least four players to form a circle. The object is to get rid of the ball as quickly as possible when a whistle sounds. You can do it for fun or make it a "competition" (and the player with the ball is eliminated). This continues until you have a winner.

Small-sided Games
Play one on one or two on two without a goalkeeper and use cones for smaller goals. Due to the size of the teams, you probably will need to have several games going at once. Small-sided games keep every player active and doing what he or she enjoys most about the game: kicking the ball and scoring goals.

So you've volunteered—or been nominated—to coach a youth team. Don't be nervous. Here are some helpful and important tips even the pros use.

Have a plan
Be detailed and organized so practices flow smoothly.

Don't waste time
Arrive early to set up balls, cones and anything else you might need.

Limit practice times according to age group
For 4- to 8-year-olds, a session should last about 45 minutes. Eight- to 10-year-olds can go for an hour-plus.

Vary your drills
It'll help your students to interact with as many teammates as possible.

Always plan water breaks
A minimum of three breaks is good, especially on warm or hot days.

One skill at a time
Try to demonstrate the skills you're teaching. Each skill session should last 5 to 10 minutes.

Don't yell!
Instead, be encouraging and constructive with your criticism.

Give kudos
Praise them: let them know how they fared and what they should work on.

Remember: Have fun!
That's what will keep them excited and bring them back for more. (And what will make you enjoy being a coach, too!)

Teachers and parents:
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