Teaching Plan



Instructor Notes for Teaching the AYSO

U-6 Coaching Course

|Identifier |U-6 Coach Course |

|Original |John Ouellette |

|Revision | |

|Effective Date |1 April 2013 |

|Class Length |2 hours |

| |(75 min. class / 45 min. field) |

Facilities required:

Classroom

Field (grassy area or gymnasium)

Materials:

Course roster

PowerPoint Presentation

Copy of Instructor notes

Course Manual

Tests

Equipment:

Projector

Flip chart and markers

Balls

Cones (tall and disc)

Scrimmage vests

Whistle

Key Instructor Notes:

• Time is your enemy!

• Teach from the PowerPoint created for this course.

• The classroom portion of this course is critical. You have new coaches who need to understand AYSO, its foundation and culture.

• By the end of this course every coach in attendance must understand that in this very young age group organized soccer is meant to give every U-6 player in AYSO a taste of the game, some experience in working together as a team, and, most of all, a positive introduction to the sports experience that is fun.

U-6 Coach Course Learning Objectives:

• AYSO Vision, Mission & Philosophies

• The Colorful World of U-6

• Coaching Methodology

• U-6 Player Development and Age Appropriate Training

• Elements of Soccer

• U-6 Session (activity and match)

• Coaching Your Own Child

• U-6 Team Management

• U-6 Program Guidelines

Lesson Plan:

Introduction:

Introduce yourself, your co-instructors, and any guests. If the group is small, take a few moments to allow the attendees to introduce themselves and their experience.

Describe the purpose of the course, its anticipated length, whether or not any breaks are planned, and what the students can expect to do when they complete the course.

AYSO is a place where every child plays in an atmosphere of good sportsmanship and positive coaching. The emphasis in AYSO is on youth. AYSO is unique because we recognize the social and psychological needs of children and do our best to work toward the fulfillment of those needs in all our programs. This emphasis makes AYSO a model for other youth sports groups and is a key to our astounding growth and popularity.

Slide 2. NCACE

The AYSO National Coaching Program is the only soccer coach education program in the U.S. that is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE.) The AYSO program has been reviewed in detail and has passed the very high standards of this important accrediting body. We have been evaluated and accredited twice now.

(NCACE) promotes and facilitates coaching competence within all levels of amateur sport by overseeing and evaluating the quality of coaching education programs.

Slide 3. Course Overview

Slide 4-7. Introduce and discuss the AYSO Vision and Mission Statement and Philosophies

Do not simply ready these off. Engage audience in discussion over meaning and practical application.

Bring them to life! This is what makes AYSO unique!

Slide 8-9. Introduction to U-6 Coaching Program

Emphasize LET THEM PLAY! At this age (and most ages for that matter), the game itself is the best teacher.

U-6 is a time for freedom and EXPLORATION! The platform we create for this precious age group should encourage the player’s to explore, experiment, participate with (and without) the ball, and fall in love with the game.

However, appreciating that most participants are likely also on their own soccer pathway, we will overview fundamental elements of the game, coaching methodology and information that is important to create a solid foundation for them to build upon and also provide some insight to what comes next in U-8 and beyond.

Slide 10. Coaching Methodology

Laying the foundation. The AYSO Player Development Team and NCAC have researched current coaching methodologies and approaches to quality training from all across the soccer globe and are proud to present our findings for consideration and implementation.

Slide 11-13. Development Over Winning

4 key takeaways from US Soccer’s Zone 1 (6-12) roll-out in 2011 (foundations for success):

• Development over Winning

• Age Appropriate

• Quality Training

• Have Fun/Inspire

Components already woven throughout AYSO!

We must convince our audience of the importance of this goal! Discuss and debate but strive for understanding and buy in.

Slide 14. Soccer Characteristics (vs. other sports)

Foundational points to explain why a different coaching approach and perspective from other US sports (coach-centric, play-based, drills, etc.) is required.

Slide 15. Preparation and Organization

Preparation, appearance and organization reflect a knowledgeable and competent coach for the players and parents.

It also makes your job easier as you progress through your session: players listen and respond better, your session will flow better and you will maximize your time.

Slide 16. Equipment

Slide 17. Age Appropriate Characteristics and Application.

Stress to the coaches that they must remember that kids will develop differently, both physically and socially. They must take the needs of ALL of their players into consideration.

Emphasize the need to adapt and view training sessions to life through the player’s eyes, their interests and most important, their capabilities.

The chart generalizes age characteristics of children ages 5 through 8 years of age. (Note: All children are unique and often chronological age can conflict with developmental age; therefore, individual application should always be considered.)

• For this age group, use your personality!

• Training should be based on fun games, adventures, story telling and colorful landscapes.

• Talk in their terms and language.

• Animate! Paint vivid pictures! Demonstrate!

• Maximize ball contact!

• Keep sessions moving or boredom will quickly creep in.

Slide 18. Coaching Moments (seconds)

Avoid lengthy speeches! Be aware of the time you spend talking (it is usually more than you realize). Keep instructions for activities as simple and quick as possible and limited to one point at a time. Where possible, explain in images and provide visual analogies (much easier for kids to grasp).

Coaching points should be:

• Concise (broken down, simple, small pieces of information).

• Accurate.

• Relevant (to a coaching principle or objective).

• Demonstrated (whenever possible)!

Slide 19. Say, Show, Do and Review

A complete system of delivering your coaching points.

Review: Observe (silently). Instead of trying to correct immediately, let them play uninterrupted for a time (they will learn from mistakes) and take notes (preferably written), focusing on one effort they can improve.

Correct: What you saw in terms of the player’s execution, and then provide them with attainable modifications to correct one or two deficits by once again demonstrating.

Confirm: Accomplishments once success is achieved! Say it out loud, so everyone can hear.

Always Positive Instruction and Encouragement (PIE)!

Slide 20. U-6 Player Development

Slide 21. Science of Age Appropriate Training

Introduce the 4 key components to be considered and woven through each session: Psychosocial, Physical, Technical and Tactical

Consider the key components as inter-related building blocks: You can’t teach Tactics, without the Technical skill, and you should not do either until you understand the Psychosocial and Physical needs and capabilities of the children.

At AYSO, we prioritize psychosocial as the foundation.

Slide 22. Psychosocial

How emotions and feelings impact development, including a player’s ability to reason, learn and solve problems. At AYSO, we develop the whole person!

Slide 23.

General psychosocial characteristics of U-6 players.

Slide 24. Physical

Speed, agility, endurance, strength and power, etc.

At AYSO, we promote a healthy lifestyle through soccer!

Emphasize that often we expect players to perform an action they do not have the physical literacy (yet) to execute.

Slide 25-27. Technical (video introductions…more practical insight will be given during the field portion)

At AYSO, we prioritize skill development and ball mastery. At U-6 we introduce:

Instep Kicks

General Coaching Points:

• Body should be over the ball (forward).

• Eyes on ball.

• Support foot next to ball pointed in general direction of target.

• Lock ankle back and down, toes pointed down.

• Strike the center of the ball on the instep (“laces” of the shoes).

• Follow through—move leg straight through toward target.

Dribbling

General Coaching Points:

• Knees slightly bent and body leaning slightly over the ball for balance.

• Arms relaxed and used for balance and protection.

• Touch the ball softly using all major surfaces of the foot.

• Keep the ball close and under control.

• Touch the ball every step or so (ball should never be more than one step away).

• Head up as much as possible (to see the field as well as ball by utilizing peripheral vision).

Throw-ins

General Coaching Points:

• Face the field of play.

• Have part of each foot on the ground, either on or behind the touchline when the ball is released.

• Use both hands and deliver the ball from behind and over the head in one continuous motion.

• Use the “W”/Butterfly method of holding the ball (touch thumbs together and grasp ball in hands).

• Feet must be kept on the ground until ball is released.

Slide 28. Tactical

A player’s capacity to use their skill and ability within a team environment. At AYSO, we educate our players on playing as part of (and within) a team dynamic.

Tactics are not priority at this stage. Let them play!

The Principles of Play are used to achieve the Objectives of the Game.

Simply “introduce” audience to U-6 Objectives and Principles of Play. More details will follow in next few slides.

Slide 29. Elements of Soccer

A more detailed introduction/explanation to objectives and principles

Slide 30. Objectives

Attacking Objectives Defending Objectives

Score Prevent Scoring

Other Objectives (which you can reference from the slide’s chart) are introduced accordingly per age group.

Slide 31-32. Principles of Play

Penetration (attacking) Advancing the ball past opposing players by dribbling, passing and shooting.

Countered by

Delay (defending) Slowing down the attack by closing gaps and denying space for the other team to work in. Once the attack is slowed, your team can attempt to take the ball back.

Again, the Principles of Play are used to achieve the Objectives of the Game.

Other Principles of Play (which you can reference from the slide’s chart) are introduced accordingly per age.

Slide 33-34. The U-6 Activity/Match Session

Generally speaking, sessions should progress as shown on slide: Technical Warm-up, Activity(s), Small-sided Match. Overview the general content of each section.

At this young age, player’s muscles are not developed to a point where injuries will occur often, especially due to a lack of warming up and stretching. However, players should be taught proper form (TPF) and introduced to the concepts in order to prepare them for the years to come. Priority should increase with age.

Session Schedule: 1 hour.

A Jamboree is an alternative method of conducting the standard U-6 short-sided program.

• Group Warm-Up and Dynamic Stretches (5 minutes).

• Skills and Training Activities* (25 minutes).

*Each week a new technique and/or piece of game knowledge should be introduced, demonstrated, practiced and then reinforced with training activities that focus on the particular topic.

Water Break (5 minutes) Don’t forget appropriate water breaks pending age and weather.

3 vs. 3 Game (four x five-minute periods).

During the game, one parent from each team should be selected to keep the game going. All other parents should be encouraged to cheer positively but refrain from coaching (giving directions) from the sideline, which simply confuses the players. This is the time for the kids to PLAY.

Laps, Lines, Lectures

Commonly regarded as detrimental to player development:

• Laps: You don’t run laps of the field during a soccer match and you can easily obtain the same cardiovascular benefit by running with the ball in a dynamic activity.

• Lines: Do your best to eliminate activities that involve players standing in long lines waiting on their turn to play. We need to maximize time players have with the ball to avoid boredom and keep them engaged

(two or three active groups are always better than one long inactive group). Remember circles are also lines.

• Lectures: Children come to soccer to participate and be active not to sit and be lectured for long periods of

time (either positively or negatively). Keep your communication positive, brief and to the point.

Doing your best to limit/eliminate Laps, Lines, and Lectures from your sessions will provide a healthier learning and developmental environment for your players.

Slide 35-36. Coaching Your Own Child

Most of us get involved due to our children’s participation. Here are some pointers to maximize the experience.

Emphasize maintaining perspective and savoring every moment! It will pass all too quickly!

Slide 37-41. U-6 Team Management

New coaches need to understand how important good team management is. There are off-the-field responsibilities that affect the team and the players before they ever step on the field.

Slide 42. U-6 Program Guidelines

Details are provided for instructor reference if required. Coaches simply need a general understanding as shown on Slide 42.

Field Dimensions: 30 yards long, 15 yards wide.

Markings: Distinctive lines can be used but are not required. Field can be marked using 20 disc cones to mark all four sides.

Goals: Maximum four feet high and six feet wide OR four tall cones, two each set six feet apart.

Ball Size 3

Players: Three per team on field; no goalkeepers. Five maximum on roster.

Substitutions: Between periods, at halftime and for injuries.

Playing Time: Minimum of two periods per game and no player should play four periods until everyone has played three.

Teams: Separate girls and boys teams should be promoted at all levels of play. Only players should be allowed on the field; with the exception of a coach from each team who will manage the game.

Players’ Equipment

Footwear: Soccer shoes are recommended (or similar type athletic shoes). The type and condition of cleated shoes must be inspected for safety before use.

Shinguards: MANDATORY for both practices and games, and must be covered entirely by socks.

Duration of Game

Four 5-minute periods

Halftime break of five minutes

Official

There is no need for fully qualified referees to manage U-6 games. One or both of the coaches should “officiate.” The games are intended to be an opportunity for our young players to experience the fun of playing. The barest of minimum rules are needed and should be applied with a generous amount of flexibility. Let the players have the freedom to play with minimum interruption.

Rules: Details are provided for instructor reference if required. Coaches simply need a general understanding as shown on Slide 42. Regardless of the call, players and coaches should respect the decision of the officials at all times.

Start of Play

To start the first and second halves and following each goal in all age-group games, play is started or restarted with a kick-off in the middle of the field. A coin toss is used to determine which team kicks off to start the game and the other team kicks off to start the second half. Following a goal the team scored upon kicks off.

Kick-off

The kick-off is taken from the center of the field with each team in their own half and the team not kicking off at least five yards from the ball. Do not insist the opponent always be five yards from the ball, as this is just a guide to give the kicker room to kick the ball without it immediately hitting an opponent. Remember, let them play and do not interfere for technicalities.

Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is out of play in all age group games when it completely crosses the touch line (side line) or goal line (end line), either on the ground or in the air. The team that didn’t touch it last gets either a throw-in (from the touch line) or, in U-6 games, a kick-in (from the goal line). The coach in U-6 games will determine when one of these restarts is necessary and should then interfere as little as possible in the restart. It’s their game, let them play. The coach can work on technique later.

Method of Scoring

A goal, in all age group games, is awarded when the ball completely crosses the goal line into the goal. Goals should be enthusiastically celebrated by everyone but, in U-6 games, they are not recorded to determine who wins. Everyone wins in U-6 games.

Fouls and Other Stoppages

Deliberate fouling should be rare in U-6 games. Kicking, tripping, handling the ball and dangerous play may occur. There should be few, if any, additional reasons to stop play in U-6 games. If a player is “not playing well with others” or if play must be stopped for any other reason (injury, substitution, confusion, or to watch a passing train, butterfly or frog), refocus the players and begin again with a free kick or throw-in as appropriate. Award the restart to whichever team deserves it or flip a coin to decide, but do not make it a lengthy ceremony. Exercise common sense, stand back and let them play.

Free Kicks

Play may have to be stopped occasionally to “sort things out” in U-6 games. A player may pick the ball up and start running with it or want to keep it away from the other players, or perhaps there is a pile of kids on the ground kicking at both the ball and each other. Stop play and correct the situation then restart with a free kick for a deserving player. All free kicks in U-6 games are direct free kicks which means, if you’re lucky, a goal can be scored directly from the kick.

Throw-in

When the ball goes out of play across one of the touch lines (side lines) in all age group games, a throw-in is awarded from where it crossed the line to the team that didn’t touch it last. The coach should let the player take the throw-in and whether the throw-in is properly taken or not, let it go! Proper technique can be taught later. Again, let them play with minimum interruption.

Hand Ball

A hand ball infraction occurs when a player handles the ball deliberately. The “hand” includes the entire arm up to the top of the shoulder. Instinctive, self-protective reactions are not penalized at this young age. Accidental contact (ball striking hand or arm with no intent by the player) is not an offense and should not be penalized.

Slide 43. The Best Teacher of the Game?

The game! Let Them Play!

Slide 44.

Thank you!

U-6 Field Portion

This portion of the course is done on a field or gym floor (bad weather) and covers the various techniques you should introduce with U-6 players. The better grasp a coach has of the techniques and the main coaching points, the better they will be able to work with and develop their players.

Suggested activities from the U-6 Coaching Manual to introduce and highlight each technique:

1-3. Dribbling: Welcome to Soccer City, Soccer City and Car Thief (run through the progression)

4. Instep Kicks: Magic Marble

5. Instep Kicks: Meteor Storm

6. Throw-ins: Into The Well

Again, time is the enemy so do not run through each activity in their entirety, rather present the concept and move on.

Your main objectives are:

• Demonstrate preparation (have your coaching area laid out prior to the coaches going to the field), organization and safety

• Keep the activity and environment fun

• Use your personality to communicate with the players in an age-appropriate manner in a language and tone they understand

• Teach the general coaching points per technique

• Encourage limiting laps, lines and lectures

• Emphasize to the coaches that the best teacher of the game is the game itself

• And of course the importance of “letting them play!”

U-6 Test (take home)

Hand out test for coaches to complete at home in their own time (to gauge their understanding of the information).

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