Click here to view posts for your age category:

Monday 29 May 2017

U13 Week 5


Hey Coaches!

So, this week I am going to come and do a Head Coach Technical Session with your teams. We will join all the teams together in one large group, and I will coach them along with your help. There will be some drills/games that we will then break off back in to our teams to work on.

I will need you all there to help with this. This is a time for me to interact with your teams, and also gives you a chance to breath as well as to see my coaching style, and hopefully learn something all at the same time :) In the end, I am here to support each of you through training and development. One of the best ways to do this is to work together on the field.

This week we will be working on Positions (how they all interact with each other and what each position is responsible for), using the width of the field, and attacking along with finishing. The emphasis will be on the attacking portion.

Let me know if you have any questions! Please bring all of your equipment, and also arrive early so that we can talk things through.

U10 Week 5

Hey Coaches! I can’t believe that we are already past the halfway mark of the season! Remember, our goal is to help teach our players all while having fun. The more fun that they are having the more they will learn (whether they realize it or not!).

One way to help motivate your team is to always be vocal. What I mean by this is to always be encouraging them (celebrate every good pass or kick or goal). Talk to your team, get down on their level (get down on your knees while you talk). Have fun. Kids love it when we act ridiculous and crazy. Enthusiasm goes a long way. If you’re not having fun, the kids won’t either.

Today we are working on using the width of the field. We have touched on this a couple of times, but will focus more on it this week. In watching your games I have seen moments of teams using the entire field, but also many times that we have bunched up and played what I call “mob soccer.” The soccer field is large, and there is always tons of space. We need to teach our teams how to utilize that space.

Start off with your normal warm-up. Make sure they get moving, get lots of the touches on the ball, and stretch (both dynamic and static stretching)

1. Extra wide two goal game

Set up a field that is 30-40 yards wide and ~20 yards long. Make four small goals,  using cones, in each corner. Make two teams and tell them they score goals by scoring into the two goals opposite them and defend the two at their end. Remind them that if they go towards one goal and find the other team all drawn to defending it they can switch play across the field and attack the other goal.

Screen Shot 2017-05-28 at 11.39.06 PM.png

Change it up by saying that instead of shooting into the net, you can only score by dribbling the ball through the net and stopping it on (or near) the goal line. This will force them to really use the width.

Change it again by making the players pass the ball through the net to another play (one player must run ahead and get on the other side of the net to receive a pass in order to score).


2. Switching Play

Using the same playing field as the first game (Ignoring the nets in the corners), put 2 players on the outside of the grid (see below), and the remaining in the middle. Depending on the number of players, try and have a 3 vs. 2  or 2 vs 1 or something similar (one team with an extra player).

The goal of the team with more players is to pass the ball to the players on the outside, recieve it back from them, and then switch the play across to the other side and pass to that player who is on the outside. Each time they get the ball successfully to BOTH outside players, they get a point.

Players on outside can move up and down the line. Encourage as much movement as possible, and to play the ball quickly. Catch the defenders off guard.

Switch attackers/defenders/outside players.

Screen Shot 2017-05-28 at 11.51.46 PM.png




3. Channel Game

Use same playing field as before, but add in channels on the sides (about 5 yards wide)(see below).

On each end, make a net with cones, use the nets on the field, or put a ball on top of a cone to act as the “goal”
Split team into 2 teams, 1 with pinnies.
Before a team can score, they must have one player receive a pass while in the channel and pass it back out of the channel. There are no defenders in the channels. This is to help the team use the width of the field rather than just stay in the middle of the field. Extra points if they score off of a direct cross that results in the goal.
  • Change things up by making them pass into and out of each channel, or make every player have to touch the ball before the team can score.



Screen Shot 2017-05-29 at 12.00.33 AM.png

U8 Week 5


I can’t believe we are already in week 5! It has been great to watch all of your team’s progress and to see how much fun everyone is having! Remember, our goal is to help teach our players all while having fun. The more fun that they are having the more they will learn (whether they realize it or not!).

One way to help motivate your team is to always be vocal. What I mean by this is to always be encouraging them (celebrate every good pass or kick or goal). Talk to your team, get down on their level (get down on your knees while you talk). Have fun. Kids love it when we act ridiculous and crazy. Enthusiasm goes a long way. If you’re not having fun, the kids won’t either.


Tonight we will be focusing on dribbling and lots of touches on the ball. As I’ve been watching your team I have been impressed in how well they move the ball (passing the ball up the field) at this age. Many of your players are grasping this idea far before they normally do.



Start off with your normal warm-up. Make sure they get moving, get lots of the touches on the ball, and stretch (both dynamic and static stretching)


1. Colour dribbling and Stopping

This is a variation of Red Light/Green Light. Start by having players dribble in in your area. Red Light means Stop, Green Light go.

As they get warmed up with this,  have them stop their balls with various parts of the body as identified by colors. Example - red is right hand, blue is left foot, rainbow is forehead, etc. I suggest start by just saying the body part first, and then as they get the hang of it assign a colour to that body part. This is a great game for them as it changes how they think about the movements of their body. They have to process what they are doing, which down the road will help them focus more in the game. As we change how our brains associate movement, the less we actually end up thinking about it when it becomes a normal thing (it becomes a “muscle memory” movement).

2. Number Dribbling

Have players jog with a ball at their feet in the same direction. When you call a number, that many players must come together with balls touching each other. Example: the call is three, players must get in groups of 3. Those players unable to form a unit of three do three push-ups or star jumps or…? Be creative :)

3. Keep Away

Create smaller grids, probably 10x10 would be good, but feel free to make them bigger. In groups of three, play 1 v. 2.  Start with the 2 plays having a ball, the other player tries to get the ball. The one who has the ball must dribble and keep it. Those who don’t have a ball try to get one. Once they get the hang of it, change it that only 1 players has a ball, and the other 2 are trying to get it.

4. Gates
We’ve done this one before, but it is a great one to get them moving and dribbling with lots of changes in directions and touches on the ball.
This is a 1v1 (1 beat 1) drill. Set up grid as shown below. However large you want, with pairs of cones 1 yard apart creating “gates.” The goal is for the attacking player to keep the ball and run through as many gates as possible, while the defending player tries get the ball.
To start, having the defending player simple “shadow” the attacker, and not trying to win the ball, but just add some pressure. As they get the hang of it, have the defender work a little harder to win the ball. Let them go for 60 seconds, then switch.



5. Turn and Burn- dribbling with speed

We did this a couple weeks ago, but is a good one to continue out dribbling, now introduce turning and accelerating.

Divide players into two teams – put them in different colored pinnies One team starts on one end of the grid with a ball each. Objective is for players with the ball to dribble towards the players without, who remain stationary. The coach shouts “Turn” and the players with the ball stop, turn and try to dribble back to their starting line. When the players without the ball here the coach shout “Turn” the players without the ball can release and try and steal the balls of the opposing team before they get back over the safe line. Take turns having both teams being attackers/defenders. Do not eliminate players who lose their ball. Let them have another go.
Variations: Introduce specific turns: big toe turn, little toe turn, pull back, etc.

6. Scrimmage

If you have extra time, feel free to have a scrimmage. However, make the playing field larger than normal, and encourage lots of dribbling. Passing is great, and is totally an important part of soccer, but at times dribbling is needed. If there is space in front of the player, they should dribble and take that space. But encourage them not to be a ball hog at the same time. Soccer is a team sport, but sometimes by dribbling we can open up more space and create more options for passes.


U6 Week 5

Hey Coaches! Week 5 already!? This season is flying by! It has been so great to see every team having fun over the first 4 weeks. Remember, our goal is to help teach our players all while having fun. The more fun that they are having the more they will learn (whether they realize it or not!).

One way to help motivate your team is to always be vocal. What I mean by this is to always be encouraging them (celebrate every good pass or kick or goal). Talk to your team, get down on their level (get down on your knees while you talk). Have fun. Kids love it when we act ridiculous and crazy. Enthusiasm goes a long ways with 5 year olds. If you’re not having fun, the kids won’t either.

Also remember that most of the kids are competitive. This is a great thing that as coaches we can use to help motivate them if they are struggling to pay attention. Obviously, there is a certain way to do this. We don’t want to create a bad attitude in them, but we can encourage them to see who’s the fastest, or who can kick the hardest? Don’t actually keep track of this, but it can be a useful tool to get them to do something.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today we’ll be working a little on kicking. Here are some kicking pointers:

We never kick with our toes. This hurts, and also we cannot aim with our toes. Say “no more big toe!” if they are kicking with their toes. Have players point out where their toes are and continually remind them not to use their toes.

Planting Foot - The foot that is not kicking should be beside the ball (not behind or in front), and pointing where you want to kick. The ball will go where your toes are pointing. If your foot is pointing to the side, the ball will go that way. Point this foot towards your target.

Kicking with Laces - Also known as the Instep Kick, you kick the ball with your laces. Feel your foot. Notice that big bone towards the inside, usually right along the side of the laces? You want to kick with that part of the foot. It’s the strongest part.

Kicking with the instep (inside of the foot) - This is like passing, but with a little more power. Biggest thing here is to open the body up so that the inside of your foot is able to hit the ball. Follow through with your leg.




1. Box work

Start with every kid having a ball. Get them dribbling around with lots of little touches. Have them do the toe taps and any other things to get them lots of touches on the ball. Feel free to make this more of a “Coach Says” style warm-up game. The emphasis is on getting their blood pumping and feet warmed up with lots of touches on the ball.

2. 1-2-3 Kick

Line up balls in front of the net, one with each player. Have them wait their turn, and say, “1,2,3 (name) kick!” This will make them listen to you (hopefully), as well as not give them time to think. They won’t know when they are going to kick, and will help them not over-think shooting the ball. Try having them laying down so they have to stand up quick and shoot, or sitting facing the other way. This is a good movement training skill to teach them to get up quickly.

3. Monster Kick

This game is practicing powerful kicks. Set up cones in a line to act as the “shooting line” where the players will shoot from. Have the kids kick the ball as far as they can *using proper technique*. Once they have all kicked, have them run and get their balls as fast as they can and dribble back.  Be creative on how to encourage them to kick further and further. Have a coach or parent stand as a target, move the net out there, place a ball on a cone, lay down on the ground and have them hit you (it won’t hurt, they aren’t that strong :)  )

4. Through the Hoop

I will have Hula Hoops out for you in the cart. Line the kids up and take turns kicking the ball (using laces) through the hoop into the net. Feel free to get down on your knees behind the hoop and have them shoot at you (again, this won’t hurt and they love it). As they kick the balls, have a coach or parent retrieve the balls so that you don't waste time having the kids do it. We want them to shoot as much as possible, and the faster they get the ball back the more engaged they will be.

5. Hit the Coach

We’ve done this before, but again, the kids love shooting at your. Don’t you feel loved? Feel free to have parents step in as well ;). Run around your area and have them players try and hit you. This is a valuable skill to learn as they are practicing their aim and hitting a moving target. As they get older and we work more on passing this is exactly what they need.

6. Cones and Kicks

Have players either dribble through the cones as fast as they can and shot at the end, or place the ball at the end of the line of cones and have the players run as fast as they can through the line of cones and then shoot.



Game Time
The horn will go at 5:35 to signal you to get ready for your game. The game will start at 5:40. If you are the first team listed you are the home team. The away team (second team) will come to you. Remember, the game is about getting lots of touches on the ball. Feel free to add a second ball. Score doesn’t count at all, we want to see lots of touches on the ball.

Here is the game schedule:

https://rysacoachingcorner.blogspot.ca/2017/05/u4-u5-u6-schedules.html


U5 Week 5


Hey Coaches! Week 5 already!? This season is flying by! It has been so great to see every team having fun over the first 4 weeks. Remember, our goal is to help teach our players all while having fun. The more fun that they are having the more they will learn (whether they realize it or not!).

As I’m sure you have all noticed, the attention span of kids at this age is quite small, and it can be a challenge to keep drills or games going. Sometimes it’s tough to even get them motivated. One way to help motivate your team is to always be vocal. What I mean by this is to always be encouraging them (celebrate every good pass or kick or goal). Talk to your team, get down on their level (get down on your knees while you talk). Have fun. Kids love it when we act ridiculous and crazy. Enthusiasm goes a long ways with 4 year olds. If you’re not having fun, the kids won’t either.

Also remember that most of the kids are competitive. This is a great thing that as coaches we can use to help motivate them if they are struggling to pay attention. Obviously, there is a certain way to do this. We don’t want to create a bad attitude in them, but we can encourage them to see who’s the fastest, or who can kick the hardest? Don’t actually keep track of this, but it can be a useful tool to get them to do something.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today we’ll be working a little on kicking. Here are some kicking pointers:

We never kick with our toes. This hurts, and also we cannot aim with our toes. Say “no more big toe!” if they are kicking with their toes. Have players point out where their toes are and continually remind them not to use their toes.

Planting Foot - The foot that is not kicking should be beside the ball (not behind or in front), and pointing where you want to kick. The ball will go where your toes are pointing. If your foot is pointing to the side, the ball will go that way. Point this foot towards your target.

Kicking with Laces - Also known as the Instep Kick, you kick the ball with your laces. Feel your foot. Notice that big bone towards the inside, usually right along the side of the laces? You want to kick with that part of the foot. It’s the strongest part.

Kicking with the instep (inside of the foot) - This is like passing, but with a little more power. Biggest thing here is to open the body up so that the inside of your foot is able to hit the ball. Follow through with your leg.




1. Coach Says. Start off with this to get your players moving.

Played like Simon Says. Anything that gets those little guys moving goes. Use the whole body. Start without soccer balls for movement and stretches.  Jog around the area, one foot hopping on each foot, high knees, skipping, kick your butt, etc.  


2. 1-2-3 Kick

Line up balls in front of the net, one with each player. Have them wait their turn, and say, “1,2,3 (name) kick!” This will make them listen to you (hopefully), as well as not give them time to think. They won’t know when they are going to kick, and will help them not over-think shooting the ball.

3. Monster Kick

This game is practicing powerful kicks. Set up cones in a line to act as the “shooting line” where the players will shoot from. Have the kids kick the ball as far as they can *using proper technique*. Once they have all kicked, have them run and get their balls as fast as they can and dribble back.  Be creative on how to encourage them to kick further and further. Have a coach or parent stand as a target, move the net out there, place a ball on a cone, lay down on the ground and have them hit you (it won’t hurt, they aren’t that strong :)  )

4. Through the Hoop

I will have Hula Hoops out for you in the cart. Line the kids up and take turns kicking the ball (using laces) through the hoop into the net. Feel free to get down on your knees behind the hoop and have them shoot at you (again, this won’t hurt and they love it). As they kick the balls, have a coach or parent retrieve the balls so that you don't waste time having the kids do it. We want them to shoot as much as possible, and the faster they get the ball back the more engaged they will be.

5. Hit the Coach

We’ve done this before, but again, the kids love shooting at your. Don’t you feel loved? Feel free to have parents step in as well ;). Run around your area and have them players try and hit you. This is a valuable skill to learn as they are practicing their aim and hitting a moving target. As they get older and we work more on passing this is exactly what they need.

6. Balls in the bag

This is really just a way to clean up before the game, but we might as well have fun! Make sure everyone has a ball, and hold your ball bag open on the ground. Have them shoot their ball into the bag. Once all the balls are in, say something like, “what’s that? Oh no! There’s a hole in the bag!” and dumb all the balls out. Do it again, but maybe move the bag a little, or have them stand further back.

Game Time
The horn will go at 4:30 to signal you to get ready for your game. The game will start at 4:35. If you are the first team listed you are the home team. The away team (second team) will come to you. Remember, the game is about getting lots of touches on the ball. Feel free to add a second ball. Score doesn’t count at all, we want to see lots of touches on the ball.

Here is the game schedule:

https://rysacoachingcorner.blogspot.ca/2017/05/u4-u5-u6-schedules.html

U4 Week 5

Week 5 already!? This season is flying by! It has been so great to see every team having fun over the first 4 weeks. Remember, our goal is to help teach our players all while having fun. The more fun that they are having the more they will learn (whether they realize it or not!).

One thing that I have been noticing helps at this age is to get the parents involved as much as you can. Think of it almost as a “parent and me” practice. As I’m sure you have all noticed, the attention span of kids at this age is quite small, and it can be a challenge to keep drills or games going. Sometimes it’s tough to even get them motivated. Having their parents (or guardian) with them on the field can help with this. Another way to help motivate your team is to always be vocal. What I mean by this is to always be encouraging them (celebrate every good pass or kick or goal). Talk to your team, get down on their level (get down on your knees while you talk). Have fun. Kids love it when we act ridiculous and crazy. Enthusiasm goes a long ways with 3 year olds. If you’re not having fun, the kids won’t either.




1. Vegetable Soccer

This is one to keep the kids from using their hands, and also to work on dribbling the ball. Start by simply have the players dribble around your area. Encourage Parents to walk beside their child. See who can take the most touches, or who is the fastest. Remind them that there is a set area that they are supposed to be in (this is something we can always be reminding them of).

For each Vegetable, we will be that vegetable and dribble the ball while acting as the vegetable. Encourage them to alway be moving and kicking the ball ahead in front of them.

Carrot - Arms held on our side nice and tight. Think of a carrot, they are tall and straight.
Asparagus - Arms held above our heads with fingers interlaced (holding our hands together). Arms should make a pointed triangle above our heads (just like the top of asparagus)
Tomato - Make a big circle above your head
Lettuce - Hold arms up and straight out making a V. Your arms are the lettuce leaf
Watermelon (Did you know watermelon is actually both a fruit and a vegetable!?) - Make a big circle in front of you with fingers interlaced again

Get creative? What other vegetables can you think of? Be as crazy as possible!


2. Animal Soccer

Have your players choose an animal (change animals as you go). Get the kids of come up with them. Try and get them to think of some animals to act as. A Bird is a great example as they don’t have arms. If you are a bird, dribble the ball while flapping your wings (and make bird noises). If you’re a skunk walk on your hands and feet with butt in the air. Go find a cone and “spray” it. Again, be creative.

Some other ideas: Penguin (do the Penguin Waddle), Elephant (use arm as the elephant's trunk and make noises), snake (lay down and slither (or roll) around while pushing the ball), Crocodile (put arms out in front of you and slap your arms together as if your arms are the crocs mouth).

3. The Wandering Wonder Net

Make sure everyone has a ball. Start with the net in one place, and have everyone shoot their ball into it. After everyone as scored, pick the net up and start walking around with it. Have your players shoot at the net while it’s moving. To start move it and then place it on the ground and let them score. Make it harder as they get better.

4. Treasure Hunt


Take your cones and scatter them around your area. This is the “treasure.” Take one (or both) of the nets and put them in the middle. This will be the “treasure chest.” Tell your players that you lost all of your treasure and you really want it back. Their job is to run around and pick up all of the “treasure” and get it back into the treasure chest. Once they have done it, scatter the cones again, and then scatter the balls. The balls are really special treasure and you want to make sure you don’t lose anything!

4.1 Treasure Hunt with Pirates!

Oh No! The Pirates heard about all of this lost treasure! They are coming to take it all for themselves! The treasure isn’t safe unless it’s in the treasure chest. Have yourself or parents act as the pirates. Have fun, speak like a pirate, be a pirate. Kids love it when we act silly!

5. Balls in the bag

This is really just a way to clean up before the game, but we might as well have fun! Make sure everyone has a ball, and hold your ball bag open on the ground. Have them shoot their ball into the bag. Once all the balls are in, say something like, “what’s that? Oh no! There’s a hole in the bag!” and dumb all the balls out. Do it again, but maybe move the bag a little, or have them stand further back.



Game Time
The horn will go at 4:30 to signal you to get ready for your game. The game will start at 4:35. If you are the first team listed you are the home team. The away team (second team) will come to you. Remember, the game is about getting lots of touches on the ball. Feel free to add a second ball. Score doesn’t count at all, we want to see lots of touches on the ball.

Here is the game schedule:

https://rysacoachingcorner.blogspot.ca/2017/05/u4-u5-u6-schedules.html





Sunday 21 May 2017

U13 Week 4

Hey Coaches!

This week is supposed to be warm, so it might be wise to email your team and remind them to bring lots of water. We will be doing some fun game this week to hopefully keep everyone motivated through the heat! Make sure you give your team plenty of water breaks, but at the same time don’t give them too much time to goof off.

Do your regular warm up with the 2 lines. It has been great to see everyone doing this. Warming up is vital to being a good soccer player, and helps prevent injuries. It is also a time to help them focus on what they are there for.


Once you have done your warm up, have them pair up and get in groups of 3 and try to keep the ball in the air while juggling. See who can do it the longest. This is also something you can get them to do while they arrive.

1. PONG
We did this last week, and it seemed to be a hit so we’ll do it again! Encourage players to play the ball quickly to catch their opponent off guard.
Two players play against each other and share a ball. They place two cones anywhere from 2-8 yards apart. They choose! Players pass back and forth to each other. The rules are that the ball must never stop, must always stay on the ground and must go through the two cones without touching them. Whenever this is violated the other person receives a point. Because of the rule that the ball must never stop, players have to play 1-2 touch. The closer the two cones are the closer the pairs are probably going to be. The farther apart they are, the more they will have to move laterally and look more like the old arcade “pong” game. Play for time and see who can become the PONG Champ!

2. Two-touch Showdown

This is a game between two players. A soccer ball and three cones are needed for this game.

Position the cones in a triangular shape, about two to three feet apart.

The first player gently taps the ball through the cones to the second player. The second player has to send the ball back through the cones but cannot go through the two cones from which the ball just came through, and the player only gets two touches to perform the maneuver.

Hints: 1) the first touch is crucial in that the player should touch the ball to one side. 2) if the first touch is poor and the player is fairly close to the cone, the player can take a large step and push the ball with the other foot, ankle flicking it through.

Here’s an example from youtube



3) Bocce Soccer

This is played similar to the Italian game on an open field, except you use soccer balls for the bocce balls and one mini soccer ball for the pallino, and you kick the balls rather than throw them. The game is played with two, four, or eight players. Depending on the size of your team, you can make 2 teams. Make sure that they stay within your portion of the field and don’t interfere with other teams.

This will be a good game to slow things down and give your team a little breather while still having fun and will work on passing accuracy.

Choose a player to kick the pallino (mini soccer ball). The same player will kick his first soccer ball. The purpose of the game is to get your soccer balls as close to the pallino as possible. Feel free to scatter cones around your area to add some obstacles.

After all players have kicked, the player that is closest to the mini ball is awarded points. I will have mini balls out for you.


4. Square support passing game

The purpose of this soccer passing drill is to focus on players angle of support, the weight of passes and the quality of 1st touch.

Drill Setup:

  1. Create a grid approximately 12x12 or 10x10 yards depending on the skill level of the players.
  2. Put 2 defensive players inside the grid in one color and the remaining 4 or 5 players along the outside of the grid.
  3. Make sure you have a good supply of soccer balls to keep the drill flowing.

Drill Instructions:

  1. Instruct the 2 defensive players to stay inside the grid and attempt to break up any passes from the outside players
  2. Outside players play keep away from the 2 inside players in an attempt to complete 10 consecutive passes. They should be moving along the side of the box they are on to always be creating space and support. Soccer players should never be standing still.

Drill Coaching Points:

The coach should focus on:
  • Angle of support
  • Angle of passes
  • Weight of passes
  • Quality of 1st touch
  • Playing on toes
  • Early support
  • Good communication

5v2 Angle of Support Passing Drill


5. Scrimmage

If you have time at the end, allow your team to play a scrimmage. Focus on their first touch, and movement off the ball to always be finding space and angles for receiving a pass. Make your game field a little smaller to speed the game up, and also force a quality first touch. Change things up by only allowing 1 touch. This make them think about what their next move (or pass) is before they receive the ball as well as will keep them moving.