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Information to All NSC Coaches and Parents.
District 3 and Newark Soccer has adopting a ZERO tolerance response toward any Coach confronting and verbally abusing a referee before, during or after a game. Coaches will be suspended per CYSA guidelines mentioned above.
The District has instituted a two step program to monitor behavior. The first immediate steps are instructions to Referees to record on the game card any warning to a Coach regarding unacceptable behavior. The District will work with local Club Coaching Staffs to counsel the offending Coach regarding the negative impact of unacceptable behavior on Youth Soccer. This phase will be accomplished, by the District Coaching Representative or his / her Club Coaching Representatives, attending random games to observe first hand. This action is also done, by the use of Referee Assessors and Referee Instructors, to observe the referees.
The second step of the plan is a training program currently under development. This special program will re-enforce the Goals for Coaches and how to implement them on the field. Other existing courses in the State Coaching Program or Referee Program may be required to be taken.
Newark House League consists of U6, U8, and U10-U16 players formed as Class 4 teams. This league is where the majority of Newark teams play. Teams are formed geographically with the intent of being equal strength.
Newark Class III League consists of U10-UI4 players formed as Class 3 teams. Class III division teams are determined by the Newark drafting system. Coaches observe player's abilities, and draft their team after the Class I teams have selected their players. These teams play each other during the season, along with Fremont, Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, Union City, San Ramon and Mustang (Danville). Compete in tournaments in other cities.
Al Caffodio League consists of two separate playing leagues:
1) The select league for U10-U19 Class 1 players, and 2) the Traveling House league for U I6-U 19 Class 3 and U 19 Class 4 players. It is the most confusing league to explain. The league belongs to District III and not Newark. This league has its own rules and standings. Players are under Al Caffodio league jurisdiction of for disciplinary matters and awards. The teams play league games throughout District III and tournaments in other cities. Class 3 Traveling House teams participate in the District III Tournament of Champions, and if successful go to CYSA's Association Cup. Class I teams generally start playing in July and finish with State Cup. State Cup is CYSA's championship. The U11-UI3 finals are in March, while the U14-UI9 finals are in May. If a U12 or U14 - UI9 team wins State Cup they will participate in the Western Regional tournament. Finally, when a U16-U19 team wins the Regional Tournament, they advance to a National Championship Tournament.
SOCCER TROPHIES
Class IV (House)
U6 U8 Boys & Girls: One per player per team + 2 extras
U10 Boys & Girls: One each: First and Second Place Trophies – One per player per Team + 3 extras (16 total 1st/16 total 2nd)
U12 U14 Boys & Girls: ONLY when hosting the Joint Leagues – One First/One Second Place Trophies per player per team + 3 extra (Hosting 2001)
U16 – U19 Boys & Girls: These teams now play district wide and District is responsible for trophies.
Class III (Traveling House)
U10 U12 U14 Boys & Girls: These teams now play district wide and District is responsible for trophies.
U16 U 19 Boys & Girls: These teams now play district wide and District is responsible for trophies.
Class I (District): These teams now play district wide and District is responsible for trophies.
SPORTSMANSHIP TROPHY:
Class I, III, VI: U10 – U19 Boys and Girls One per team
What Separates Good Players from Great Players?
by Chris Armas
Chris Armas starred for Adelphi University from 1990-93, and now is a key playmaker for the Chicago Fire in MLS. He also is a regular starter for the U.S. National Team.
When asked about what separates good players from being great players, the first thing that comes to mind is the ability to think and play faster on the soccer field. It may sound like an easy thing, but it requires practice.
One way to do this is to think about what you're going to do with the ball before someone passes it to you. If you know your options, you'll be able to decide and act a little quicker. Many players think about what to do with the ball as soon as they get it, but that is too late.
Building the habits of seeing and knowing what to do with the ball before you get it takes time, and is promoted by playing one- and two- touch. We all know the players who seem like they are really good, but if the game goes to one- or two-touch, that same player struggles. That is because he or she has good skills, but when asked to play fast and think ahead they are unable. This player will fall behind at the higher levels, where one cannot dribble their way out of trouble all the time.
Thinking ahead is the key, so you must do this in practice and it will carry over to the games. My first MLS coach was Lothar Osiander, and something he constantly told the players was, "if you train your mind, your body will respond."
One way coaches can get players to start thinking quicker is to have drills, like "keep away" games in small grids, that limit their touches to three-, two-, and one-touch. Obviously, you have to have the skills and fundamentals; they will also separate some from the pack. But I am telling you now that being able to think ahead and play quickly is one big difference between good and great players.
Other tips I have are to always warm up before playing and cool down after playing; this can be done with a ball to make it more fun. STRETCH.
It is very important that when you're training you use the ball as much as possible. The more you do this, the more comfortable you'll become with it. Train hard and work on all parts of the game {dribbling, shooting, passing, juggling, heading, trapping}... Good practice habits carry over into the games!
The following skill sets and overview are the general measuring stick for the coaches and teams. It is incumbent upon you to seek guidance and ask questions. There is no room for guessing. It is the responsibility of the coach to instill these elements into the players of this club. Utilize the resources afforded to you.
Good Luck to all and remember that luck is when hard work meets opportunity.
Target Skill Sets
As the skill sets are acquired, the preceding objectives should be met and advanced further.
Under 10
Dribbling - Attack, speed, possession, feints, acceleration, moves (stop & go)
Shooting - Placement, targets, both feet
Receiving - Feet, chest, thigh, glance side to side
Passing - Short (feet), Space, cross
Heading - Acceptance
Defending - Intercept, 1st defender, poke and block tackle, rotation, cover
Under 11
Dribbling - 1v1, drags, pull backs, angles and turns
Shooting - Power
Receiving - Turning and preparation, open hips
Passing - Early service, Diagonal, reverse, seam
Heading - Defending versus scoring
Defending - Cover, slide tackles
Under 12
Dribbling - Creating angles at speed, change of pace
Shooting - Volleys, ½ volleys
Receiving - Feints, clean first touch, outside foot
Passing - 3 touch (3 second) rhythm, 2 player combinations, outside of foot
Heading - Passing, top ½, bottom ½, dead balls
Defending - Making body contact, shielding, balance
Under 13
Dribbling - Stacking defenders, splitting defenders
Shooting - 1 v 2, bending, slotting ball,
Receiving - Back to goal, shielding, turning at angles
Passing - 4 player organization (diamond)
Heading - Punts, hitting targets
Defending - Loose marking, cover angles, occupy passing lanes
Under 14
Dribbling- Attack back side of defense
Shooting - Dead ball specialists, Increase distance
Receiving - All surfaces while moving
Passing - Playmaking ability, tempo, restarts
Heading - Control, set piece, physical challenge
Defending - 3 player flat zone, triangular defending
Under 15
Dribbling - Physical challenges, arm over arm, arm control, gamesmanship
Shooting - Deception, toe pokes, redirection,
Receiving - Long ball collection,
Passing - Multiple player combinations, Single pass change of point,
Heading - Specialists, diving, redirection
Defending - 4 player flat zone, offside trap
Under 16
Dribbling - Double change of direction movements, over running,
Shooting - Composure, pressure finishing
Receiving - Wing arms, strong target, decoy/dummy runs
Passing - Patterns, deception, no look, outside of the foot through and bending
Heading - Over the shoulder technique
Defending - Transition play
Under 17 and older
Dribbling - Comfort under pressure, ability to perform under pressure
Shooting - Efficiency improvement
Receiving - Preparation and immediate play
Passing - Anticipation and leading passes, Tempo recognition, Killer pass
Heading - Pressure challenges
Defending - 8 player rotations
Technical, Tactical and Psychological
Competitive Orientation
The objective of every training session is to establish that no matter what the contest, our players enter with the mindset of winning. However, the assessment and evaluation of the player should not be the result of a contest. Whether evaluating a player, team or program the indirect competition orientation (ICO) method should be used. The following materials are based and assessed using those principles. ICO suggests that evaluations and assessments should be made on performance and not on the result of a game. The evaluation of performance should be made solely on the performance itself and not the outcome of the contest in which the performance took place. The assessment should be done on a situation by situation basis, evaluating the technical and tactical decisions individually. The final analysis would be the accumulating of performances and comparing them to the standard and assessing whether the overall performance and development is on task.
Competition is the judging of ones ability against another performance, team individual and/or a recognized criterion. It is not about winning or losing. Competition is psychological. It is not about outcome. This is a key and significant distinction because competition is something that is developed. Competition is competing against a standard of performance. Competition is not just about winning it is about being the best. In order to understand performance or age group standards, coaches and players need to be able to distinguish between skill and effort. It is very unlikely for a player under 13 to possess the ability to distinguish between the two. Consequently, until players are able to do this, their focus is on outcome not competition. This is not the case for the coach. The coach is continuously examining the standard in that they should be scouting at tournaments, talking to other coaches and monitoring results. Based on that information, coaches can make realistic assessments of the player and team performances.
What does this mean? When you ask a young (U10-12) who the best players are they will more than likely tell you the player who has the most speed, size and/or strength. This player may be tremendously flawed, however, because of the physical advantage they are able to dominate the younger age groups. What coaches need to understand is that at 13 and older the physical advantages begin to level off. Other players grow and the smaller players begin to understand how to compete against the bigger players. It is very difficult to tell a player that is able to run past players with ease that at 14 the covering defender will be in position to win the ball or the GK will be able to touch the cross bar and the chip shots will no longer go in. It is very easy for the coach to allow this to happen because goals are scored and games are won. Even though the game was won, competitively they are losing ground. Coaches need to find the balance of acknowledging the result of a goal or beating an opponent but also keep in mind the standard or criterion that will keep the development focused and moving forward. Coaches must always reward the result or good effort but must also coach for the future to remain competitive.
At around U13, the players begin to understand their own technical and tactical flaws. It is quite common to see a player's goal production go down at this time. In many cases, they become frustrated because the players they once dominated are now able to play with them. This is easily remedied if you follow the ICO and prepare the player for this exact scenario. This type of training and approach will help maintain the advantage they experienced at the younger ages.
Under 10 - Under 13
Period of Technical Refinement
The Under 10 age group is the first high comp age group. You will discover players with tremendous potential and ability that may or may not have received proper and consistent training. You will select players that may have been coached only by their parent. In some cases, this is more difficult, especially if the parent has played before at a high level. For many, it is a difficult transition from playing at a high level and then coaching a young developing player. Their last soccer experience is that of a mature player, playing in a mature environment with mature expectations and demands. This is not the case when developing an Under 10 through Under 13 player.
The key is set your season goals along the curriculum and target skill sets. It is very important to use those standards as the assessment criteria. With respect to winning, you will encounter ups and downs throughout the season. The key is equilibrium. It takes a lifetime to become a player. Keep in mind, these are the first years of high comp but this may be the player's' 4th or 5th year of organized soccer. You will be redefining their approach and attitude of the game and training. There will be pressures and demands placed on them by outside influences that you must monitor.
It will be frustrating at times, as the player's will have various skill levels. It is a delicate balance to elevate those players that need to catch up without compromising the elite players. Do not make the mistake of coaching to the mean of the team. By doing so, you will develop an average team. Every player is different in skills, body size, strength, vision, emotion, aggression, drive, competitiveness and desire. It is the responsibility of the coach to treat ALL players fair, but, in development, they cannot and must not be treated the same. What I mean is that the acceptance level within a team is different. Players will master a skill along different time lines. To keep one time line for the entire team is a formula for mediocrity. This document is an aggressive minimum standard for all the players. If a player, and there will be at least one, is well above the minimum standard then that player should be pushed to maximize their development. Equally, a player that struggles should not be demeaned or singled out based on performance.
As you embark on the development of the elite junior player, it is vitally important that you keep in mind that this is a game and any definition of game includes the element of fun. We must keep it fun for the players. In dong so, we must come to understand what fun is. In other words, we must define fun. For the elite player, fun is hard work dedication, commitment, discipline, responsibility consequences and commitment. For a 10 -13 year old child, fun is games, freedom, interaction with teammates, laughter, joking, and silliness. The high comp coach must address and incorporate all of these elements and more. The million-dollar question is how. First, from the development perspective, we must help develop the competitive side of a player by making a competitive environment with rewards and positive feedback. We can help develop a desire to win and to be the best. We can also have team bonding functions, parties, social events, contests and other fun non-game related activities. The key is to blend them into a cohesive and consistent training program where the players understand and thrive at the notion that during training sessions, fun is hard work and high level development.
Under 10
Psychological: They are green and full of energy. They are very sensitive to instruction and must be dealt with in a positive way. The concentration level is sporadic amongst the group, consequently, should be kept active with organized activities. Many will be shy and unsure. The social group is expanding and may include exclusion. This is something that should be monitored.
Technical: Emphasis on player's individual technical development. Stress dribbling, receiving, scoring and passing both short and long.
Tactical: Understand the tactical significance of the techniques and the appropriate areas of the field to perform them. There are 3 areas of the field (defending 1/3, Middle or building 1/3 and Attacking or finishing 1/3) The players must begin to understand numerical jargon and situations. For example they must understand what a 2 v 1 situation is and what they must do to break it down. It is very important to instill the individual techniques or it will be very difficult to instill the 4 vs. 4 tactical objectives unless they can perform the individual techniques. The under 10 player should understand 1v1 through 4 v4 situation.
Overview
Dribbling - 3 basic categories
Attack dribbling: The ability to take a player on 1 versus 1. This is a mindset that must be developed tactically. Taking a player on should be encouraged and demanded in the attacking sections of the field and when cover is available.
Possession dribbling: This takes place when a pass or a situation to take a player on does not exist. This will include SHIELDING the ball away from the opponent. This will help develop strength on the ball and composure on the ball.
Speed dribbling: This is the open space dribbling, primarily break away to goal situation. The key to training this technique is to incorporate a slowing down and seeking a target phase.
Receiving - Ground, bouncing and air/flighted balls: A more common term for this technique is TRAP. I prefer to stay away from that term as it implies the holding or killing of the ball. The ball should always be received and then prepared. The first touch is the preparation for the second touch. The player must learn to prepare their body while the ball is in flight and work an angle in order to prepare the second touch. They must work to get in line with the flight of the ball, select a surface and perform the technique. They must look and examine where the first touch should be played, developing vision.
Scoring: The term most commonly used is shooting. The issue I have with shooting is that you can shoot without scoring. With scoring, you can't score unless you shoot the ball. Even if you dribble, the final touch across the goal line becomes a shot. When using shoot, the player satisfies the command even if they don't score. This is not efficient psychological training. Set a higher standard for the players. By using the term score, if the end result is not a goal, the player immediately realizes that improvement is needed because they did not meet the objective. Always reward the effort but we must always strive to score goals. How many times have we out shot an opponent and lost the game. Psychologically, the players were satisfied with the attempt on goal with the illusion that at some point the ball will go in.
Also, coaches must assess the quality of every goal and ask whether the goal was up to the standard or criterion. If the players are hitting chip shots from distance, could they also be hitting line drives at the target? To remain competitive, the players must understand that they are training to play against a GK who can make those saves in the future.
** The first number will always be the attacking player and the second number will always be the defending play. Example 3 (attackers) v 2 (defenders)
1 v 1 Offensively: They first must recognize what part of the field they ape possessing the ball. The players should think to commit the defender. This does not mean to take the player on but to simply get one of the opponents to address the ball and either take them on or pass. At the very least you dictated play to at least one opponent. The basic rule is to be cautious and limit touches in the defending 1/3, take limited risk in the middle 1/3 and to take the player on in the attacking 1/3 to create a scoring chance or to unbalance the defense. The key in the decision process is to recognize how vulnerable your team will be if possession is lost. This helps in the development of transition.
1 v 1 Defensively: There are some basic rules that should be followed in defending. Close on your mark as the ball is in flight. Intercept if possible. Deny the turn, making the player play a negative ball. Push the player into the cover defender, making it predictable for the defenders behind. Drop on the dribble and step to the pass, cross or attempt at goal. Don't stab at the ball and allow for recovery and cover. Tackle when the player pushes the ball too far ahead, stepping to the ball as the ball is traveling away from the attacking player. Defend central and work wide. Patience needs to be developed. Even in 1 v 1 there are times to just delay and wait for cover. Good fundamental foot work with a sideways stance and good weight distribution. They need to understand that even in what appears to be a 1 v 1 situations in the defending 1/3 are actually 2 v 1 situations as you get closer to the GK. This makes the drop on the dribble a very important concept to understand. The key is teaching the concept of patient defending and to teach the GK to remain active as a defender. As the GK improves, they may be able to defend outside the penalty area as well. You will be beginning the concept of pressure point defending. The 1st defender establishes the point of pressure and the remaining players will fill in around and behind the ball to create a pressure pocket.
2 v 1Offensively: The players begin to understand that soccer is math. 2 v 1 is a numerical advantage for the attacking team. However, it is only an advantage when the first attacker commits the defender. The moment the attacker commits the defender, then the math comes into play. By committing the defender, the attacker has created a 1 v 1 and 1 v 0 situation. This is why an attacking 1 v 1 mindset must be established as early as possible. Otherwise, the numerical advantage is best utilized. There are some situations where committing the defender is not necessary like a break away situation. In this scenario the 2nd attacker needs to stay behind the ball at all times and any pass needs to be a negative pass. It is important to define what and how to commit a defender. They do not need to get close enough to jeopardize losing the ball. They need only get close enough where the defender is no longer able to account for both attackers.
2 v 1 Defensively: The player needs to understand that they are outnumbered. They should drop on the dribble and only step when an attempt on goal is being made. Defend the central channel and induce a wide service. Keep in mind that as they approach the goal, the GK will be the covering defender. The GK must understand that depending on the depth of the pass, the GK must step to the ball and smother or force a bad shot.
2 v 2 Offensively: The players need to begin to understand 2 player combinations (wall pass, give and go, takeover, overlap, double pass, etc.) This is when we begin to clearly understand the differences between technical and tactical topics. Without the technical ability, the players would struggle to perform the simplest combinations. The players need to understand where they are on the field and do the math to break down situations. The players must look beyond and see what is available BEHIND the defense. Getting behind the defense quickly and getting into a scoring situation is the first thought in any tactical situation. If no option is available to get behind into a scoring situation the ball should be possessed and given to a player who can either play the killer pass or get behind on the dribble.
2 v 2 Defensively: Two player defending is the cornerstone to team defending. It incorporates first defender and cover defender principles. The players need to understand what exactly they are defending. Each players needs to understand that they are defending the goal first and foremost. Again, the principle of defending central and then wide. They must understand the transition to 1 v 2 if the 1st defender is beat. This will include loose and tight marking in relationship to where the ball is on the field. These concepts are important as this leads into zonal defending.
1 v 2 Offensively: The player needs to understand to play quickly. They also need to understand that if they are going to lose possession, they need to lose it going forward. The best case scenario is to stack the defenders so the same movement or pass can beat both of them at the same time. They must also understand the transition should they win the ball.
1 v 2 Defensively: The defenders are in a numbers up situation and should be looking to put pressure on the ball. There are 2 basic scenarios: 1) The 2nd defender is behind the 1st defender. In this case the 2nd defender is the covering defender and sends the 1st defender in for a tackle or hard challenge on the ball. 2) The 2nd defender is above the ball. Ins this case the 2nd defender must follow basic recover responsibilities and be working to get behind the ball or put pressure on the ball from the top end. This is where you would begin to teach the notion of the double team. In both cases, the 2 defenders cannot get beat by the same pass or be split on the dribble.
3 v 1 Offensively: Numbers down defending is similar regardless of the numerical breakdowns. You would defend central and then wide. In this case you would drop and step to a shot. You would induce a wide service. Delay as long as possible to allow for recovery.
3 v 1 Defensively: Advancement of pressure pocket defending. Once a pressure point is established, the remaining defender will work a pocket surrounding the player on the ball. They can do this while matching up with another attacker, double teaming the ball and all the while occupying passing lanes as they close in. This would also include rotations if the 3 defenders were in a flat situation. Communication is vital in group defending. They need to understand where they are on the field and how it effects their decisions.
1 v 3 Offensively: The player would have to go at speed. If they were in the middle or back thirds they would not even attempt to attack on the dribble. They would look to play in the 2nd ball. If they are in the attacking third they should look to attack the first defender and work for a service, killer pass or attempt at goal.
1 v 3 Defensively: The players understand that there is a significant numerical advantage. The basic rule is that when you have an advantage, you should make use of it as quickly as possible because the other team should be working hard on their recovery runs. The 1st attacker should look to create the 1 v 1 and the other 2 attackers should be looking for an angled run that will spring them behind the defense and free to goal. The key is that they all are looking for the best opportunity to score not just to keep possession. The 1st attacker need not and should not get close enough to the defender to jeopardize possession of the ball. The objective of the first attacker is to recognize who is "on" and get them the ball as early as possible.
3 v 2 Offensively: Commit the defender, which then breaks down into a 1 v 1 and 2 v 1. Once the ball is to the 2 v 1 it breaks down into a 1 v 1 and 1 v 0 situation. The objective is to play quick and get behind the defense and an attempt on goal. The player's need to organize their runs to remain on side and find the seams in the defense. The player needs to identify who is on and play them in quickly. The biggest mistake is to play the ball in front of the defense. When the ball is played behind, even if the defender gets the ball, they will be facing their own goal. 3 player combinations can be done and the development of a target player begins.
3 v 2 Defensively: The 2 defenders should drop on the dribble and step to the pass, or attempt on goal. They are delaying the attack and should not stab or confront the ball too early as they are waiting for the other players to make the recovery runs. They would give each other cover, always defending the center channel. They should flatten out as they get closer to the goal as the GK becomes the 3rd defender. Once they are flat, they are indicating to the GK that any ball behind them in the center channel is to be collected by the GK. They should block any shot and induce a wide service.
2 v 3 Offensively: The players would do the math and work a combination where the 2nd attacker works away from the ball to create a 1 v 1 situation. The 2nd attacker could make an angled run at the seam of the defense and look to get sprung behind the defense. The 1st attacker should follow 1 v 2 principles and look for a service, killer pass or attempt at goal.
2 v 3 Defensively: The 3 defenders should match and double the ball. Depending on where the extra defender is coming from is whether the attacker is doubled from the top or side. It is important that the defenders understand how to approach the player in the double team situation so that they are not split on the dribble.
3 v 3 Offensively: Pattern play into spaces or feet. The attack must be precise and have an intended result. The focus should be getting behind the defense and going to goal. Pure speed of players plays a major role. Isolate speed as often as you can and let them go 1 v1 or 2 player combine to get them behind the defense. The running patterns should be curved and attacking the near post through the seams in the defense.
3 v 3 Defensively: The 3rd defender brings balance to the group. They are able to rotate and defend the entire width of the field if necessary. It allows the 1st and 2nd defender to 2 player defend and they can compress on the ball and have the security of the balancing defender. This organization is necessary as you develop zonal defending topics.
Under 11
Psychological: There is an emphasis on personal performance. They are beginning to understand skill and what makes a good player. They are still locked into playing time as opposed to quality of play. They will prefer certain positions. They are able to work in groups and remain focused for a greater period of time. They are able to understand that playing good doesn't always mean they will win the game. They begin to express themselves and are willing to share them with you if you ask. They will take to heart your impressions and it will effect future performances. They will take great pride in positive feedback and perceived improvements of performance.
Technical: Continue technical development. Increase speed, distance and strength components in training. The size of the field increases. There are larger areas to exploit. In order to exploit these spaces the techniques need to be clean and performed at game speed. Training specificity. It should be very evident that the attacking players are looking to go 1 v 1.
Tactical: Introduce channel and cover defending. Reinforce and make proficient performing 2 player combinations both on attack and defending. Continue numerical recognition progression up to 5 v 3.
4 v 2 Offensively: The players need to understand the concept of shape. In most systems, a 4 player group would occupy 1 line of the system. 4 v 2 means different things in different parts of the field. The shape is also dependent on the place of field that you are training. This concept suggests that any and all training sessions should have a field reference point, meaning if you are working on possession, you would make clear what part of the field you are looking to possess the ball. The 4 attackers would look to combine to get behind the defense early so as not to allow the defense to flatten and be able to reasonably defend the cross. You would look to spring a player wide or through a seam that would allow them to attack the GK or post. Meanwhile the defense is tracking and the other 3 attackers are organizing runs to goal, staying in an on side position. The 1st attacker can either go to goal or look at the 3 v1 situation that is forming in front of the goal. If possession is the topic, you would be looking at the shape and how the four would link the ball across the field with the objective of always going forward when it is on. The idea is to expand the defense as much as possible and exploit the seams.
4 v 2 Defensively: 2 player defending is the same. Flatten out and induce the wide service. Communicate to the GK as to when and where to challenge. The 2 defenders must shift and press at the same time so to not allow them to get isolated defensively.
2 v 4 Offensively: The two attackers would look to get the defense facing their own goal by playing a killer pass. The 2nd attacker would look for a seam in the defense and the 1st attacker would play the ball behind. If the opportunity exists to hold the ball and allow for numbers, then the player would possess dribble and reshape the attack.
2 v 4 Defensively: This is a pressure pocket situation. The four players would organize their respective channels and then high-pressure the ball. The basic principles are the same and the situations would be manipulated to make the specific coaching points.
4 v 3 Offensively: The objective is creating scoring chances. They need to commit the 1st defender to create the free player. The free player needs to get into a position to receive the ball, optimally, in a scoring position. At the very least, the free player needs to find a position that would cause a defensive rotation. A defense in transition is a vulnerable defense. The basic shape around the ball should be short support, wide support, and a penetrating target player. You should look to stretch the defense and get behind as quickly as possible.
4 v 3 Defensively: Triangular defending where you only allow a long ball over the top, negative or square ball. Triangular defending is pressure, cover balance in a smaller grid. The objective is to not allow the killer pass through a seam in the defense.
3 v 4 Offensively: The 3 attackers would reshape the attack and allow for higher numbers or they would look to get behind quickly. They would attack the seams or use a combination to freeze the defense and then work to get behind it.
3 v 4 Defensively: 4 player defending is organizing the channels and recognizing if it is safe to send the player over for the double team.
4 v 4 Offensively: With 4 players a number of different sequencing and positioning schemes could be used. The key is to have patterns determined and allow the freedom to chose and implement them. Diagonal runs should be made and killer passes between the seams in the defense should be made. The objective is to get behind as early as possible for an attempt at goal or a service. A target player is the most effective in breaking down the defense. This would allow time for the other attackers to complete their runs and also commit the defense higher on the field. The development of the first and second runners begins.
4 v 4 Defensively: The players need to put pressure on the ball and create a pressure pocket around the ball. They want to keep the ball in front of them at all times. Press to deny a shot or service. They should learn how and when to check players off. They need to understand to cover their mark and the passing lanes. They need to understand loose versus tight marking. The concept of double team is further developed.
5 v 3 Offensively: Dependent on where on the field you are, this situation will take place primarily in the back 1/3 of the field. This would make this a possession exercise. You would look to maintain possession of the ball while organizing an attack to go forward. If this is in any other area of the field, you would look to get behind the defense as quickly as possible. The organization would be short cover, width, length and cover. From this shape patterns could be used to formulate an attack. The play must be quick with a 3 touch/second maximum unless going to goal.
5 v 3 Defensively: Triangular defending. Don't stab at the ball and stay as compact in center channel as possible. Flatten out as you get closer to the goal. Induce wide play and organize the box for the service.
3 v 5 Offensively: Look to get behind quickly. Depending on where on the field, look to 3 player combine to get behind defense, recognize seams and play the killer pass. If you are to give up possession, give it up going forward.
3 v 5 Defensively: There would definitely be a pressure pocket around the ball and a double team would take place. The key is the organization of this happening. Make sure the ball remains in front of the back defenders and the players are not split by a pass or dribble.
Under 12
Psychological: They are able to distinguish between skill and effort at a much higher level. Their strengths and weaknesses are becoming clearer. They realize that they are getting locked into a specific position. Results and standings should become more important.
Technical: Continue individual skill development. 1 v 1 mindset and abilities should be improved and evident. They should be able to drive and receive balls over moderate distance. Strength components should be developed. Directional heading, Tackling, volley's, driven balls, shielding. Short passing efficiency should be improved.
Tactical: Three-player work. Continue numerical recognition progression up to 6 v 3.
5 v 4 Offensive: Players should recognize that this is a +1 scenario and find the 1 v 0 player. Shape and organization should be present along with a clear target player and the objective is to get behind the defense. Regardless of where the ball is with 5 players they should be into the attacking 1/3 very quickly.
5 v 4 Defensively: The defense would occupy their appropriate channels and create the pressure pocket around the ball and double when appropriate. The key is to not get played through or behind.
4 v 5 Offensively: The players should recognize they are in a numbers down situation and should work to get the ball into the attacking 1/3 quickly where being in a negative 1 situation is normal. The attackers should combine or find the seam to get behind the defense and then organize runners to goal behind the ball. If not on, they could reshape the attack while supporting numbers work in.
4 v 5 Defensively: Double triangle defensive alignment, compacting the center channel and high pressuring the ball when shape allows.
5 v 5 Offensively: The numbers are even and would indicate MF type situations. Possession should be maintained through quick movement of the ball and seams should be identified to move the ball forward or to get the behind the defense.
5 v 5 Defensively: The play is level so safe and smart defending should take place. The player furthest from the ball should be very loosely marked to allow for that defender to balance the defense. Once cover is maintained, a hard challenge could be made if in the middle 1/3 and wide. Otherwise, hold off and allow for the recovering player to double from the top end. The shape should be tight and compact.
6 player attacking: The decisions are the same essentially when playing versus lesser players (6 v 2, 6 v 3 etc.) The objective is find the 1 v 0 situation as quickly as possible and get into the attacking 1/3 or an attempt on goal. The key difference in 6 is that you are able to link 2 of the field segments together. 6 in the middle and attacking 1/3 would allow for a 2-target situation. A first and second runner with combining MF's coming forward. In the back and middle third you would have a solid back 4 looking to link with a MF. You could also look to bypass the middle 1/3 and the defenders would combine with the forwards who would then go to goal or more likely combine with the MF. Now we are moving towards style and system of play. Training in groups in various systems will give the team flexibility. It also allows the coach to train the width and linking players.
6 player defending: This allows the team to double team the ball, for example, double from the top, outer channel double, line doubling. The key is to not get split on the dribble and to close quickly and strong. Once the decision is made to go, the player must go hard. If one player goes then all the players must press and match. If a player steps to press or double and there is a danger the players behind must reel them back in. 6 player defending is a vital training tool as you are able to link 2 positional groups and you can work the width or channel defending topics. This is the beginning of team defending organization and system. Look to establish the notion of low pressure defending and giving up space. This is vital when in tournament formats when you need a point or are holding on to a game.
6 v 4 Offensively: This is one of the best teaching situations that can be used in the training environment. Use of the target and second runner is developed within this organization. This will teach the players shape and little pattern play exercises. The players would learn to link an outer channel. They would also need to learn the opening of the window in the center channel as the second runner vacates the center channel a reverse ball into that space would be run on to by the weak side central MF. You would also use these numbers to teach the back players to come into the attack on the overlap when you organize the six with 4 backs and 2 CMF's.
6 v 4 Defensively: The 6 players would look to organize the channels and recognize whether they have shape. When they have shape they would step and pressure the ball as a group. Shadow defending exercises are very good. The 6 would press and when possession is gained they would look to transition quickly and go forward.
Under 13
Psychological: The players are more likely able to distinguish between skill and effort. They understand their technical strengths and weaknesses. They can begin to understand a game plan and their specific responsibilities and surrounding players. They develop leaders and a team hierarchy is taking concrete shape. They understand where they need to improve and are becoming more independent in their thought and play. Some may become stubborn and set in their ways as to what they bring to the table. Emotion comes into play at a higher level, consequently, you will see more cards issued. Goal setting and long term aspirations begin to be explored. This is a result of the ODP.
Technical: Strength and power development. Game related - No weights at this age. Their body sizes are beginning to level off and the smaller players are beginning to understand how to play against the bigger players, drawing fouls. They need to be able to shield the ball and hold off opponents both offensively and defensively. They must learn that physical contact is an important and significant part of the game. Tackling I another form of the game that needs to be developed. Although many view the tackle as a last ditch effort, another view is that the tackle is a means to impose ones will onto the game and opponent. It is a legal way to physically dominate a game. If a player has cover, there is no reason why a player can't come in on the tackle if the play presents itself. NO FOULS. Tackling in the penalty area should be discouraged.
Tactical: The players should be able to link the sides of the field. They should understand channel assignments very clearly, checking off players. They should understand more of the "game" components. Such as score of game, necessary result, yellow card and red card implications, milking of the clock, speeding up play, playing down a player or goal, playing up a player or goal and things like that. These are situations that need to be trained and reinforced. Transition play. Continue numerical recognition progression up to 7 v 5.
7 v 5 Offensively: Now you would be able to link all 3 positions into the attack. You would have rudimentary patterns and shape. Very little positional exchange other than on the overlap. They will be limited in the runs as they physically do not have the stamina nor technical efficiency. The shape would be 2 targets, 4 MF's and 1 distributing defender or pivot. The shape would stretch the defense and open the seams. If the seams are closed then they would look to get behind at an angle.
7 v 5 Defensively: They would organize in a double triangle-defending scheme in a 3 back 2 in front alignment. Another would be to play 4 in the back but this would thin the space on either side of the 1 player and cause for too many rotations. The double triangle is a form of rotation. This alignment would compact the center channel, yet, give good opportunity to close and pressure the wide ball. It leaves the backside players open but they would be in front of the defense. The balancing defender in the back needs to be aware in a loose marking situation of how many players are entering the zone and what type of runs are being made. They need to be careful on the timing of the check off.
5 v 7 Offensively: The 5 would look to find a seam in the defense. This would be a good situation to play the target just in front of the defending line to freeze and get them to step. This allows for more space behind the defense to combine into. The play must be quick and accurate. If possession is lost, it needs to be lost going forward. This is very important with these numbers, as the run of play on lost possession will bring 7 players forward.
5 v 7 Defensively: 4 across with 3 in front alignment. They would stay compact and shift to the ball. Work on tight organization and high pressure when appropriate.
7 v 6 Offensively: The 7 players would again stretch the defense and work to get behind them. The numbers are more level so the decisions need to be cleaner and the speed of play quicker. The space to operate is less so the runs have to be more precise.
6 v 7 Defensively: The spaces to play become smaller so the opportunity to win the ball is higher. The key is to remain patient and to work as a group. It is getting closer to team defending. Communication and organization needs to be developed as the players need to learn when to chase and when to relax.
7 v 7 Offensively: The play is equal. Rarely will you be able to attack with all 7. The key is to continue developing the running patterns and style of the team, utilizing target play and second runners. The reverse ball and changing the point of attack will begin to creep into play. They will be able to link diagonally by season's end. Team shape should be clear and the responsibilities handled. Team rhythm and tempo is established and honed.
7 v 7 Defensively: The Defensive shape is almost complete. The group would be able to go 4 in the back and 3 in front of them. This would allow for double teams and given that 2 free players could be left open on the far side, the field could be compressed. The group would continue in the communciation and stepping as a group. The leadership role of general should be developed. Someone on the field has to take control. They should be comfortable in checking players off and in 2 player defending in the furthest channel and on the overlap in the final 1/3
Under 14 - Under 16
Period of Team Actualization
This is the age where the career of the player may take a dramatic turn. The physical domination is less. The players have become bigger and stronger. The new topics have been reduced. This is the time when players will make the jump to elite status in that they are Olympic Development Program level players. This is the year where they will find out how they compare to the rest of the District, State, Region and Nation. It is at this age group where the standard of ability is established and true competition comes into the mix. Now, the players have a clear and tangible basis for comparison of their own abilities. Other activities compete for the players time and attention. They have competed in select sports for a few years now and choices have to be made. High School athletics comes into the mix at this time also.
From a technical and tactical perspective, the players will have a solid base of development. They would have been exposed to high level themes and expectations. The player pool for each group will essentially be established. Although players should move up and down between the 1st team and the developmental teams, the jump becomes difficult unless monitoring and training opportunities are made available to the developmental players.
The overall team level will be established and now the time is to refine and develop a system and style of play that is productive for each group. There are some basic and fundamental elements to the style of play that is developed in this program. Offensively, the objective is to look for goal scoring opportunities as quickly as possible. This would require a mindset of going at a player 1 v 1 when available. The structure should make use of a target player that can hold the ball with their back to goal and allow for numbers to come forward. There should be a second runner to allow for an outlet when under pressure of the defense is high and flat. The midfield should be active and look to combine the defense. They should be looking to play the killer pass through the seams of the defense. The wide players should be encouraged to beat players and attacks the near post on the dribble. The back players should be looking to get into the attack by the overlap and early services.
Defensively, teams should use a combination zone format. The players should understand 2 player defending and be able to plug it into the overall defending scheme of the team. They should be organized and safe in the back. They should understand how to check off and play with a lot of intensity. High pressure should be the trademark of the teams along with hard physical play defensively. They should be looking to impose their will on to the opponent and require them to change their attacking tendencies.
Under 14
Psychological: The players are entering high school which means many social and emotional changes will take place. The player can be held responsible for actions and will accept fair assessment and penalties. The elite player will begin to understand and recognize their ability differences. They will begin to spend more time on their own in developing their skills. They will be more likely to ask what your thoughts are on their play. They will begin to aspire. Now is the time to make visualization activities a big part of your season's objectives.
Technical: The players are ready to specialize into a position. They should be trained in those areas and developed as specialists. Time should be set aside for them to work on these skills and they should be encouraged to work on their own. The techniques can be worked on by position and situation under pressure. Other specialist activities are: long throw, corner kick, direct and indirect free kicks, penalty kick, bending services.
Tactical: The players will work on team activities, attacking and defending shape, attacking and defending tendencies. Continue numerical recognition progression up to
8 v 7.
8 v 7 Offensively: The 8 players would try to find the 1 v 0 player early. The top end players would be making 1st and 2nd runs to open the defense and create rotations. The support attacker would recognize the spaces being created and make the appropriate runs. For the most part the extra player would have to come in after the runs and receive the ball in a supportive role. This would be the time to develop the early service and the goal mouth runs. The attackers would also train on the back player overlap to try and get in behind the defense. Once behind the runners would organize behind the ball to goal. The player with the ball would need to determine whether to go 1 v 1 or to serve the ball. If the defending team is allowing the wide service, then the player should look to attack the bi-line and play a hard negative ball on the ground.
8 v 7 Defensively: The seven would organize and be patient, waiting for a mistake or bating the opponent towards the line for a double or high-pressure pocket. The team would remain organized securing the center channel and holding for recovery runs.
7 v 8 Offensively: This is a normal situation. The extra player would be the last defender. The team shape should already been established. Now, they should be concentrating on how to break down the seams. The seams would be in the width and the length. The seam that should be exploited the most is the one between the sweeper and stupor. Many times, there is a very large hole as the defense is matched up wide and the stopper is trying to win balls too high. Angled runs and balls are the most effective. The teams should be looking to break down the defense through analysis and problem solving.
Under15
Psychological: This is the period where they may develop defiant tendencies. They may be in situations where they will play for a number of different coaches throughout the year. Allow for input, however, impress upon them that each team has its own set of responsibilities and they are slightly different from team to team. They are looking at alternatives and other pressures are placed upon them. They can become selfish. Selfish is good in a sense. What you need to watch out for is self-centered. Selfish is when a player is looking to take on the responsibility to win the game or do something special. We want to cultivate and encourage creativity. Self-centered is when the player will only work or perform when they are the only or primary beneficiary.
Technical: The players should be well versed in the technical responsibilities and demands of their positions. They need to perform the techniques at a higher rate of speed and the decisions need to be quick and precise. They should be asked to be able to perform the basic tasks at speed and efficiently.
Tactical: The players should be able to express themselves within the teams system and style of play. They should recognize situations quickly and work the length and width of the field. They should be able to hold and organize quadrants of the field while under pressure. The personality of the coach and player should begin to manifest itself during the game. Continue numerical recognition progression up to 8 v 8
8 player training: When you work in-groups of 8 your are able to work on and organize half the field. This could link all thirds of the field for training exercises. They will be able to get numbers forward and have support for 2nd runner attack patterns and the early service. They would be able to reorganize an attack without going negative on the pass. They would be able to take chances because they would have the numbers to pressure any lost possession. The shape would include targets and depth with playmakers filling in the space between them. This is a great scrimmage number scheme because there are a number of different systems and areas of emphasis.
Defensively, the team can work on defending their half of the field. They would learn to shift and organize defensive pockets on the fly. The 8 would be able to defend 10 if they are organized. The idea is to keep the ball in front of them and not allow the attack to get behind them. The forward 4 would 2 player defend the ball and create a triangle of defense. If the attack plays in with a probing pass the pocket would close. The closing of the pocket has to account for the other attackers so the players should be taught to close along the passing lines.
Under 16 and above
Program Assessment
By this age, the players would have been exposed to a number of different situations. They would have been developed technically and tactically in a progression that would prepare them for senior level play. Although player talent pools are directly related to the athletic prowess of a group, the players should be technically and tactically sound. The idea is that through the selection process, athleticism was a key element in making the team. The realization will be that if 2 players were to come through the program and developed equally technically and tactically, the more athletic player would perform at a higher level.
The teams within the organization should be similar in the way they play. The tactical tendencies should be consistent throughout the organization. The players should be able to perform for any coach within the system because all the coaches would have followed the same training progression. The program then would be assessed based on the number of players moving on to the elite level and the success of the teams in the all areas, district, state and tournaments.
Psychological: Young adults. They will grow impatient with non-productive activities. They will try and take over the exercises and modify them to their desires. Respect becomes a key element. Many have set goals for themselves and may grow impatient with others on the team who is not dedicated.
Technical: The player must be able to perform all techniques outlined previously. They must refine and develop the ability to play at high speeds both in thought and play. The lesser player technically will have a more significant impact on the outcome of games. Unfortunately this is in a negative way more times than not. They should perform under high pressure and limited spaces.
Tactical: The player should have been exposed to situations up to 11 v 11. The activities should be done in a functional setting and emphasizing team tactics.
Summary
The progression presented is progressive and ambitious. It is bottom heavy in that I ask that the younger age groups be exposed to a number of variations that are then followed up through the progression. The technical skill sets are to be incorporated into the tactical overview that will in turn develop into a style of play. That final component is still many years away. The building of a soccer player requires a solid foundation with a vision of what the final product will look like. The game is a free flowing activity that allows for personal expression. The key is to look at this progression as the tools and you will discover that the program allows for this expression. The program is the launching pad for the magic.
The objective is to produce attractive and competent players. A by-product will be team success. In order to secure the victory, we need to follow this program and be patient in its evolution. It takes a lifetime to build a soccer player. It is much like the mighty oak tree. We may see the tree but below ground there is a tremendous network that will support and hold the mighty oak though good times and bad. We may not see noticeable changes in the early years but over time, the rewards of hard work will make itself abundantly clear and we will all secure victory.
Good Luck
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Newark Soccer Club
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