Dear AZ Coach,

 

You have been given the title ‘soccer coach’ and your job is to teach the children ‘how to’ play the game of soccer.  Rather than looking for soccer related games to teach your players your duty is to learn and teach them our wonderful game –Soccer.  The FUNdamental ‘9 Step Practice Routine’ has made this task a simple one to accomplish.  Successful youth coaches from around the country have put the ‘9-Step Practice Routine into action.  And here is how you can put  ACTION into your practice sessions. 

 

Activity must be one of your main goals when dealing with young players.   You must understand that, 'players come to practice to play -SOCCER.'  Therefore, any activity that does not involve playing soccer may become disruptive. 

   

Clarify your practice session rules and expectations through individual and team discussions.  That is, having the team decide what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior.  It's actually fun to have them vote on their own practice session rules. Then you must act firmly, fairly, consistently and matter of factly when their actions go against their own established rules.

 

Teach less!  When players and balls are moving, soccer learning is taking place.  When players and balls stop moving, soccer learning stops! 

Ask yourself - Does it happen in the game (i.e., drills)? 

If the answer is YES -then do it in practice. 

If the answer is NO -then don't do it in practice. 

Remember they come to you to Play Soccer…!

 

Interest in playing soccer needs to be developed. You may be faced with players who are not interested in playing our wonderful game and you must adjust accordingly. Give appropriate attention to the disinterested players but not at the expense of the rest of the team.  Then, make the practices so much FUN that the disinterested player may want to join.  Remember that when you are working with your players you must be as helpful, understanding and patient as you are with your own children when they are learning other skills in life.

 

Organize the practice session in such a manner that it becomes apparent it is a rehearsal for the game day routine.  This can only be accomplished through a consistent, sequential routine that allows your players to learn what is expected.  It is wise to avoid -- variety.  If they are introduced to something different at each practice session this will lead to some confusion and confusion can lead to disinterest.

 

No Lapse. No Lines. No Lectures! Running around the field may be considered punishment.  They already know 'how to' stand in a line.  It is a fact that their attention span is less than 15 seconds. You must create a practice environment that minimizes listening/lecture time and maximizes touches with the ball and playing time. In other words, allow them to play the game of soccer which forces them to make decisions and learn on their own.  Allow them to experiment and fail their way to success!

 

 

 

The First --- Practice Session

 

The Theme:               Introducing the FUNdamental ‘9-Step Practice Session Routine”

 

Before Practice:       Arrive early and check the field

                                    Socialize and learn the player’s names

                                    Play a FUN game ‘Sharks & Minnows)

 

Step 1.  BEGIN THE PRACTICE:

                                    -Official beginning (Team cheer)

                                    -Cover practice session sequence and rules

                                    -Tell them what they will learn (Ex: Technique or Tactic)

 

Step 2.  WARM UP:   Teach them the Figure 8 Stretch Routine

 

Step 3.  1 + 1: Cooperative time

                                    Show and Tell them how:

                                    -The field must look

                                    -To make a small ‘goal’

                                    -To step off the distance between goals – 10 steps or yards

                                    -To step off the distance between adjacent goals

                                    -To play the 1 vs. 1 game

                                    -To start the game – ‘the Serve’

                                    -To Attack the opponent’s goal – 1st Attacker

                                    -To Defend one’s own goal – 1st Defender

                                    -To stop the game – The Signal

                                    -To report the score – Inactive and Active Rest

                                    -To rotate – Getting ready to face the next opponent

 

Step 4.  1 vs. 1:          Competitive time

                                    -Show and Tell them that the coach will observe and take notes…

                                    -While they will attempt to score goals without interference

 

Step 5.  HALF TIME ROUTINE:  Prepare for second half of practice

 

Step 6.  SMALL SIDED GAMES:  Cooperative and Competitive

            Cooperative – Give instructions while they are playing

            Competitive – Be verbally silent and take notes.

 

Step 7.  SCRIMMAGE:  Cooperative and Competitive

            Cooperative – Give instructions while they are playing

            Competitive – Be verbally silent and take notes.

 

Step 8.  COOL DOWN:  Stretch and compliment individuals

 

Step 9.  END PRACTICE: 

            Review, compliment team and assign homework (play 1vs.1 game)

 

 

The 2nd  --- Practice Session

 

The Theme:               TEACHING the FUNdamental ‘9- Step Practice Session Routine”

 

Before Practice:       Arrive early and check the field

                                    Socialize and learn the player’s names

                                    Play a FUN game ‘Simon Says’

 

Step 1.  BEGIN THE PRACTICE:

                                    -Cover practice session sequence and rules

                                    -Tell them what they will learn (Ex: Technique or Tactic)

 

Step 2.  WARM UP:   Teach them the Figure 8 Stretch Routine

 

Step 3.  1 + 1: Cooperative time

                                    Help them prepare the field by:

                                    -Constructing their small ‘goals’

                                    -To step off the distance between goals – 10 steps or yards

                                    -To step off the distance between adjacent goals

 

Step 4.  1 vs. 1:          Competitive time

                                    -Let them play the 1 vs. 1 game by:

                                    -Starting the game – ‘the Serve’

                                    -Attacking the opponent’s goal – 1st Attacker

                                    -Defending one’s own goal – 1st Defender

                                    -Stopping the game – The Signal

                                    -Reporting the score – Inactive and Active Rest

                                    -Rotating – Getting ready to face the next opponent

            Consistent, sequential exposure to the 1vs.1 game will produce great results.       

 

Step 5.  HALF TIME ROUTINE:  Prepare for second half of practice

 

Step 6.  SMALL SIDED GAMES: 

            Cooperative games – Observe & Patiently help (only) those who need help.

            Competitive games – Observe & Take Notes

 

Step 7.  SCRIMMAGE: 

            Cooperative games – Observe & Patiently help (only) those who need help.

            Competitive games – Observe & Take Notes

 

Step 8.  COOL DOWN:  Stretch and compliment individuals

 

 

Step 9.  END PRACTICE: 

            Review, compliment team and assign homework (play 1vs.1 game)

 

Consistent, Sequential Exposure to this  ‘9- Step Practice Routine’ will Produce Real Results.

 

The 3rd  --- Practice Session

 

Before Practice:       Arrive early and check the field

                                    Socialize and learn the player’s names

                        Play a FUN game – Players choice Sharks & Minnows or Simon Says

 

The Theme:               DIRECTING the ‘FUNdamental 9-Step Practice Session Routine”

 

Step 1.  BEGIN THE PRACTICE:

                                    -Cover practice session sequence and rules

                                    -Tell them what they will learn (Ex: Technique or Tactic)

 

Step 2.  WARM UP:   Teach them the Figure 8 Stretch Routine

 

Step 3.  1 + 1: Cooperative time

                                    LET THEM prepare the field by:

                                    -Constructing their small ‘goals’

                                    -Stepping off the distance between goals – 10 steps or yards

                                    -Stepping off the distance between adjacent goals

 

Step 4.  1 vs. 1:          Competitive time

                                    -Let them play the 1 vs. 1 game by:

                                    -Watching them Start the game – ‘the Serve’

                                    -Watching them Attack the opponent’s goal – 1st Attacker

                                    -Watching them Defend their own goal – 1st Defender

                                    -Watching them Stop the game – The Signal

                                    -Listening to them Report the score – Inactive and Active Rest

                                    -Watching them Rotate – Getting ready to face the next opponent

                                    -Observe & Patiently Help (Only) Those Who Need Help!!!

            -Consistent, sequential exposure to the 1vs.1 game will produce great results.     

 

Step 5.  HALF TIME ROUTINE:  Prepare for second half of practice

 

Step 6.  SMALL SIDED GAMES: 

            Cooperative games – Observe & Patiently help (only) those who need help.

            Competitive games – Observe & Take Notes

 

Step 7.  SCRIMMAGE: 

            Cooperative games – Observe & Patiently help (only) those who need help.

            Competitive games – Observe & Take Notes

 

Step 8.  COOL DOWN:  Stretch and compliment individuals

 

Step 9.  END PRACTICE: 

Review, compliment team and assign homework (play 1vs.1 game)

 

 

Continue following the ‘9- Step Practice Routine’ in all future practices.

 

 

 

Your next personal ACTION should be to attend an AZ State Association Coaching Course where they will further develop your confidence and youth coaching abilities! 

 

You may want to check out your web site: www.azyouthsoccer.org for a course near you…!

 

Koach Karl Dewazien can be reached through his educational web page:  www.fundamentalsoccer.com