Recreational Soccer League Coaches Corner

2012 Spring Coaching Clinics

2012-01-25T13:44:00.002-05:00

CASL will offer the following coaching clinics on Saturday February 4th at the WRAL Soccer Complex:

U5-U6 Mini Kickers 9am Staff – John Bradford Pet Mania

U7-U8 Futures 10am Staff – John Bradford Pet Mania

U9-U10 Foundation 11am Staff – Jim Wright Pet Mania

U11-U12 Discovery 12pm Staff – Jim Wright Pet Mania

U13+ 1pm Staff – Jim Wright Pet Mania

4v4 Games

2012-01-10T10:14:00.004-05:00

The following activities are provided by Terry Michler, the nation's most winningest high school soccer coach at Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis, Mo. These actvities and others may be found in his ebook, Coaching Soccer Champions. These activities are appropriate for U7-U19 players.

CLICK HERE to see the activities.

Possession Games

2011-11-30T10:41:00.006-05:00

The following activities are provided by World Class Coaching and emphasize moving the ball away from pressure and towards open space. These activities are geard towards U9-U14 but may be adapted to older age groups.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Diamond Drills

2011-11-07T10:26:00.002-05:00

The following passing exercise is appropriate for U12-U19 teams. The organization is straightforward and the sequences replicate the game.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Outstanding New Blog

2011-10-26T11:15:00.002-04:00

The following blog by Michael Beale, full time Chelsea Youth Academy, should be added to your favorites. I have provided the link below and on my Blog under "Soccer Links".

http://michaelbeale.blogspot.com/

Transitional Possession

2011-10-24T10:02:00.001-04:00

The following activity is provided by World Class Coaching and is appropriate for U9-U19 age-groups.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Switching the Point of Attack

2011-10-19T09:25:00.002-04:00

The featured activity works on possession, spacing and switching the point of attack. This activity is provided by the FineSoccer Drills Newsletter and is appropriate for U11-U19 age-groups.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Attacking with Speed

2011-10-10T10:50:00.001-04:00

The following activity works on moving the ball forward at speed to take advantage of a "numbers up" situation. This activity is appropriate for U7-U19 age groups simply by adjusting space and goal size (no keepers necessary).

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Attacking with Speed and Defensive Communication

2011-10-03T11:42:00.000-04:00

This activity is appropriate for U9-U19 age groups.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Positive Forward Passing

2011-09-26T11:39:00.002-04:00

The following activity is provided by Tony Carr of the West Ham United Youth Academy. The activity is appropriate for U9-U19 age groups.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Interchanging Positions & Support

2011-09-20T10:21:00.002-04:00

The following small sided game (SSG) is provided by World Class Coaching. This activity may be used with U7-U19 age groups.

Note that goals and goalkeepers are not required.

CLICK HERE to see the entire activity.

2v1 and 3v2 Attacking and Defending

2011-09-12T11:10:00.002-04:00

This activity is a continuous transition game involving small number atacking and defending. Full-Sized goals ARE NOT needed for this activity. Pug goals or cone goals are sufficient. This activity is appropriate for U7-U19 level teams.

CLICK HERE to see the entire activity.

For Kids Only . . .

2011-09-07T10:29:00.002-04:00

The following is an article reprinted with the permission of Mike Woitalla, editor for Soccer America magazine www.socceramerica.com/.

I think this article is very thoughtful and inciteful. Please take the time to read it.

For Kids Only ...

(With fall soccer starting around the country, the Youth Soccer Insider republishes this article, which first appeared in September 2009.)

This column is for the kids. Adults can stop reading now.

By Mike Woitalla

Dear Soccer-Playing Children of America,

The fall season is underway and I'm hoping you're having a great time. I'm hoping that you're playing soccer more than you have to stand in line and do drills.

I hope you're falling in love with the soccer ball and keep it with you as much as you can. Juggling it. Kicking it against a wall. Dribbling it around in your backyard.

And I especially hope that your parents aren't screaming at you during your soccer games.

I worry that you probably do get yelled at, because that's what I see at almost all the youth soccer games I go to. Hopefully you just ignore it. But I don't blame you if it bothers you.

No one enjoys getting screamed at. Sure, if you start crossing the street on a red light or throw a toy at your little sister or brother, your parents are justified in raising their voices. But they shouldn't scream at you while you're playing a game.

If they do, it doesn't mean they're bad people. But, unfortunately, sports does something to adults that makes them behave in ways they usually wouldn't.

You may have noticed this if you watched sports on TV. A coach, for example, dresses up in a fancy suit and throws tantrums like a 3-year-old.

Get adults around sports and all of a sudden they forget the same manners they try to teach you. In a way, sports are like driving. A grown-up gets behind the wheel and all of a sudden forgets you're not supposed to pick your nose in public.

And when grown-ups go watch their children play soccer, they, for some reason, think it's OK to scream like maniacs. Perhaps they don't realize what they're doing. Like the nose-pickers on the freeway who think they've suddenly gone invisible.

I hope you're able to block out all the sideline noise. But maybe you do hear their shouts. Telling you when to shoot the ball, when to pass it. Ignore all that!

You need to dribble the ball. Try to dribble past players. If you're dribbling too much, your teammates will let you know. And they'll help you make the decision of when to pass and when to dribble.

You decide when to shoot. When you're dribbling toward the goal and the goalkeeper is 20 yards away, and the adults are screaming at you to shoot, don't pay attention. Because if you get closer to the goal, it will be harder for the goalkeeper to stop your shot.

One of the really cool things about my job is that I get to interview the best coaches in America. And you know what the national team coaches tell me? They say young players are far more likely to become great players if they're allowed to make their own decisions when they play soccer.

They say that coaches should coach at practice, and when it's game time, it's time for the children to figure things out on their own. It's like at school. The teachers help you learn. Your parents may help you with homework. But when you get a test, you're on your own.

That's just an analogy. I'm not saying soccer is school! Soccer is your playtime.

I hope you have lots of playtime, on the soccer field and elsewhere. But I bet that you don't have as much time playing without adults around as we did when we were children.

When we were kids we had summer days when we would leave the house in the morning, be only with other children all day, then see our parents when we got back in the late afternoon.

Things have changed. The reasons adults are much more involved in your activities than they were when they were children are complicated, and a result of your parents' good intentions.

But sometimes we adults forget how important it is for you to play without us interfering. We love watching you play, especially on the soccer field, because it is such a wonderful sport. But we need to be reminded that it's your playtime.

You should decide. Ignore the shouts if you can. But don't be afraid to say, "I'm trying my best. Please, don't scream at me."

Small Sided Game (SSG) - Two In One

2011-09-07T10:25:00.002-04:00

The following activity is appropriate for U7-U19 age groups. For U7 & U8 use small goals without goalkeepers. This activity may be done without goals and goalkeepers. You may use pug goals, cones, poles for goals, etc.

CLICK HERE to view the entire activity.

Passing & Shooting With Both Feet

2011-08-29T10:55:00.002-04:00

The following activity works on "off-foot" dribbling and shooting. The stipulation that a player must move to the opposite side after a pass or shot is a good way to induce off-ball movement. This activity may be conducted without the use of goals and is appropriate for U7-U19.

CLICK HERE to view the activity.

Wide Support to Penetrate

2011-08-24T12:37:00.002-04:00

The following activityincorporates possession for penetration, 2-person defending, and off-ball runs. This activity is appropriate for U7-U19 players.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Possession & Transition

2011-08-17T12:27:00.002-04:00

The following activity incorporates transition, passing, defending, off-ball movement, vision and fitness for the players. This activity is appropriate for U7-U19 players.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Coaches Kepp It in Perspective

2011-08-10T12:27:00.001-04:00

Here is a thoughtful poem by the late Mike Berticelli who was a coach, teacher, and educator (former coach at UNC-Greensboro, University of Notre Dame, and national staff coach for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America).

I think as coaches we are all guilty of some of these transgressions at times, or certainly observe those who are. Take a moment to reflect, and remember "it is just a game."

Thank you for all your efforts on behalf of the kids.

The Youth Soccer Coach
By Mike Berticelli

You donate your time for the good of our youth,
But you scream and you yell and are often uncouth.
The ref is just twelve and still learning the game,
But you call him a jerk and say he's not sane.
The parents are screaming and follow your lead,
As you sprint up the sideline at uncontrollable speed.
You jump as you yell, "Pass, pass the ball!"
You turn red as you bellow, Ref, make the damn call!"
"You're the left back now, get in your position,
If you don't, we might lose and ruin our tradition!"
Positions are needed so we look like a team,
Cause they're miniature pros, or so it does seem.
The fullback is bored, he picks at his nose,
While the others run wild and kick with their toes.
You scream for a goal, no matter how it goes in,
The skill doesn't matter, just as long as we win!
The parents go crazy as the ball nears the goal,
Their advice and instructions will soon take their toll.
You see, Junior feels pressure, he's not having much fun,
We tell him to pass, when to shoot and to run.
He came here to play and to use his own mind,
Cause soccer's the most creative game that you'll find.
Imagination is needed on the part of each child,
Solving problems on the field is what makes them go wild.
A week of long practice, while just standing in line,
Waiting to shoot, using one ball at a time.
This just doesn't cut it, and for some it's too late.
Make your practices fun, don't be the coach that they hate.
They come to "play" soccer, not to "work" at the game,
Their excitement is something we don't want to tame.
Maradona has moves that are beyond comprehension,
No coach taught those moves while threatening detention!
He learned from his friends and tried copying others,
While playing in games, without coaches or mothers.
Soccer is different, not like baseball at all.
We don't need positions, just give them the ball.
They first must learn skill, it's the meat of the game.
If they can't dribble or shoot, then who should we blame?
Skill must be learned through repeated trials.
If motivation is present, you will see them run miles.
Fun games are the answer to encourage repetition.
They laugh and they scream and enjoy competition.
Without the skill to dribble past an opponent at will,
Your players will win, but their growth will stand still.
I dream of the day when the parents just cheer
And losing the game doesn't bring out a tear.
When practice is fun, not dull and so boring,
And playing the game means more than just scoring.
I know you mean well and you donate your time,
But bury your ego and try something sublime.
Call all the parents and ask for their aid,
You're teaching their kids and not getting paid.
Your goal's to develop a youngster with skill,
Not a team that must win or some fancy new drill!
You see, players are not judged by their wins and their losses,
Instead they are judged by their shots, heads and crosses!
Scholarships are given to players with great names,
Not those on youth teams who never lost games.
A pro player gets paid 'cause his skills are real fine,
Not because his team never lost when he was just nine.
It's time to bring soccer to new heights in this nation,
The future's in players, not a coaching citation.
Let's start to say "dribble" and stop yelling "pass!"
You'll then see our players go to the head of the class.
I hope you're concerned, but not really offended,
It's the need for more skill that I have defended.
You're giving your all, from the good of the heart,
Why not make sure the kids get the right start?

A Beginner's Guide to Small-Sided Games (SSG)

2011-07-20T11:49:00.003-04:00

The following link is to an article that provides some guidance concerning the philosophy behind SSGs. These games are appropriate for U7 and older age-groups. **Note that goalkeepers ARE NOT required.**

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Finishing & Fitness

2011-05-31T10:34:00.002-04:00

The following activity works on finishing and fitness. If you do not have access to two goals, have the players run a high-speed passing pattern in one direction, and have them finish on goal in the opposite direction. Vary the shooting sequence for the players to avoid tedium.

CLICK HERE to view the activity.

Passing & Movement Activity

2011-05-24T10:27:00.002-04:00

The following activity is provided by Michael Beale. This activity works on passing and off-ball movement. It serves as a very good functional warm-up activity as well.

CLICK HERE to view the activity.

Passing Pace & Accuracy for Combination Play

2011-05-03T10:11:00.002-04:00

This activity may be used with players in the U7-U18 age groups. While the younger players may not totally grasp the concept of combination play, at a minimum it is a good activity to train the habit of pass & move.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Possession & Switching the Field

2011-04-26T11:31:00.002-04:00

This activity works on possession and switching the field of play. The activity is most appropriate for U12-U18 age-groups.

CLICK HERE to view the activity.

Attacking & Defending in a 2v2 Game

2011-04-18T11:07:00.003-04:00

The following activity is appropriate for U9-U18 age groups with some adjustment to field size for younger ages. CLICK HERE to see the activity.

4v3 to Goal

2011-04-04T11:32:00.005-04:00

The following activity is a transition game with numbers overload. If two goals are not available, you may improvise with poles or cones, or have the teams play to a line. Also, use field players as goalkeepers. This activity is appropriate for U12-U18. CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Counter Attack

2011-03-23T15:06:00.002-04:00

The following activity by David Clarke is a good introductory drill to the tactic of counter attack. This activity is most appropriate for U13-U18 age-groups.

CLICK HERE to view the activity.

Improving The First Touch

2011-03-14T14:08:00.002-04:00

The following activity comes from Tony Carr, Academy Director for West Ham United of the English Premier League.

This activity trains the first-touch of the players, a critical technical component for any player. This activity is appropriate for U7-U18.

CLICK HERE to view the activity.

Sportsmanship at its Best

2011-03-14T11:48:00.001-04:00

The following is the referee's account from a U7 CASL recreational league match played on Saturday 3/12. This is what youth sports is all about and what we should aspire to for all our players:

Good Evening,

I would like to take an opportunity to share something that I experienced today as a referee, and recommend that the following family and player be recognized for their commitment to integrity and sportsmanship. This is in reference to the game today, March 12th, at 9:45 AM at Cedar Forks Park Field 3A in the Recreational Men, Under 10, Division 1 Match between the Blue Jays and the Breakers (Arbiter Match #75455).

Approximately 18 minutes into the first half, an attacking player of the Blue Jays took a shot that was going slightly to the right of the goal. The goalkeeper of the Breakers covered to the edge of the goal and reached toward the ball as it was going toward the goal line just outside of the frame of the goal. It appeared to me that he had reached toward the ball, but did not touch it, so at that time I signaled for a goal kick. At this point, the goalkeeper indicated to me verbally that he did in fact touch it. He spoke out, to the obvious detriment to his team, as it now awarded the opposing team a corner kick. The player in question was Garrett M. Green of the U10 Breakers.

In the same game, I observed later that a parent sitting on the sideline of the Breakers, was actively encouraging the opposing team on two separate occasions, once for a good pass, and another for a good throw-in, both in the Blue Jays attacking end, which were providing good scoring opportunities against his son's team. I happened to engage this parent in a quick conversation after the game after he said thank you as I was walking back to my chair, and learned that this was the father of the goalkeeper that I had noticed earlier.

Being associated with families with this type of character makes me proud to be associated with the CASL organization, and I believe it contributes to CASL's success in developing players at all levels of the game. Thank you for your time.

Matt Beeman
CASL Referee

Assessing the Safety of the Playing Environment

2011-03-10T10:22:00.002-05:00

The following is a blog entry from CASL CEO Charlie Slagle. If you would like to subscribe to Charlie's blog, click the link below:

http://caslblog.blogspot.com/

What are the dangers around a soccer game or practice?
I'll try to list some of the dangers that are around the soccer field during games and practices. I'll start with the more severe dangers and work my way to the less severe.
Lightning: Lightning can be a killer and no game nor practice is worth the risk of tempting fate. CASL employs the 30/30 rule, if lightning is witnessed and thunder is heard within 30 seconds of the flash of lightning (it means that the strike was closer than 6 miles) then everyone should get off the field and seek shelter. People are not allowed on the field until 30 minutes after the last such occurance. You need to remember that lightning can be on the edges of a storm, so, no rain needs to accompany a lightning strike. I sometimes see players out of shelter waiting for the game to resume when it is not raining. This is very unsafe. Players, and all others, should be under shelter or in a car until it is clear to go back to play! DON'T MESS WITH LIGHTNING!
Goals: Goals need to be anchored with sand bags or some other anchoring device. All the CASL fields have sand bags or other implements to anchor goals, however, during practices, goals may be moved and the sand bags don't make the trip. All (coaches, referees, players and parents) should make sure that your goal is anchored. As a side note, the sand bag doesn't go on the net to keep it down it goes on the goal itself!
Driving: It should go without saying, but, I'll say it anyways. Our soccer parks have children engrossed in something other than looking out for cars. Please slow down and make sure that all stay safe. To our teen drivers: Please realize that you need to be extra careful around the soccer parks. Text or call before getting started and take your time while in the parks!
Sideline: Spectators have a tendency to crowd the sideline. This is unsafe for the players and the spectators. Not all spectators are paying 100% attention and chairs, stools and umbrellas are not a good way for a player to stop. I often see other smaller children playing right next to the field and not paying attention to the game, this is an accident waiting to happen. Also, please know where other (non-playing) children are during a game. It is easy to get too honed in on the action on the field and not know what another sibling might be doing. I see kids climbing on goals, fences and nets. I see others near the road or parking lot. Hopefully, we can all be vigilant!
Sun: We all should get in the habit of using sunblock. Games can last from 1 hour to 2 hours and players and spectators should get used to getting in the habit of being protected from the sun!
There are many perils that occur in a contact sport such as soccer on the field. That is why we have trained referees and why we train the coaches to teach good practices on the field. However, the dangers listed above have simple solutions, if we are pay attention and are vigilant. "HAVE FUN and REMEMBER it is JUST a GAME!"
Charlie Slagle

Coaches Keep it in Perspective

2011-03-01T11:57:00.000-05:00

Speed Reaction - Shooting

2011-02-28T10:28:00.002-05:00

The following shooting reaction activityis fun and challenging. Note that this may be an divididual exercise or a 1v1 exercise.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Possession, Vision, & Communication

2011-02-21T13:53:00.002-05:00

This activity comes from Fine Soccer and is appropriate for U7 and older age-groups.

CLICK HERE to view the activity.

How Do We Measure Success?

2011-02-07T12:54:00.001-05:00

The following is a very thoughtful article presented by the US Youth Soccer Technical Department.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Spreading the Field and More

2011-01-24T10:48:00.002-05:00

The following activity works on spreading the field, ball movement, off ball runs, and defending. You may vary the size of the playing space and number of players on each team. No goals are necessary. This activity is appropriate for U9-U19 players.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Throw-in Frenzy

2011-01-18T12:43:00.002-05:00

This is a good activity to practice correct form on a thrown-in and to work on player movement off the ball. Too often a throw-in results in a loss of possession because players fail to create space and options for the thrower.

CLICK HERE for the activity.

Technical Dribbling/Passing Exercises

2011-01-11T13:10:00.002-05:00

The following activities may be used as a training session with younger players and as warm-up activities with older players. Each activity incorporates many elements of the game.

CLICK HERE for the activity.

Fun Warm-Up Activity

2011-01-10T11:56:00.002-05:00

The following activity is a fun exercise that may be used with players of all ages.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Defending as a Unit/Attacking Options

2011-01-03T13:04:00.002-05:00

The following activity works not only on defending as a unit, but also on the attacking decisions when to dribble and when to pass.

This activity is appropriate for U9-U19, but with modifications could be used with U7-U8.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Spread & Compact Defenses

2010-12-08T10:56:00.002-05:00

The following activity works on transitional defending.

Additionally, a coach is able to create a competition within the team by creating defending units of 4 with all the players included. Everyone within a team needs to work on defending.

This activity does not necessarily require an entire half-field. A coach may make appropriate adjustments.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Offensive Possession/Defensive Compaction

2010-12-08T10:39:00.002-05:00

The activity below is a dual-purpose activity working on both possession and defensive compaction.

CLICK HERE for the activity.

Play the ole! way

2010-11-29T09:55:00.002-05:00

The following activity is appropriate for U11 and older. It stresses possession, transition, and playing to a target player.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Dribbling & Close Control Activity

2010-11-22T10:51:00.002-05:00

The following is a fun activity for young players (U5-U12) that works on dribbling and close control. It is also a fun warm-up activity for older players.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Finishing Activity

2010-11-16T12:20:00.002-05:00

The following activity is appropriate for U9-U19. Simply adjust the parameters (grid size, touch restrictions, number of players) to achieve the desired success given the age-group.

CLICK HERE to see the activity in its entirety.

U16 Training Session from Brazilian Club EC Vitoria

2010-11-10T09:38:00.002-05:00

The following session provides a full progression for "ball possession" as run by the academy team for EC Vitoria.

CLICK HERE to see the entire training session.

2010-11-08T12:58:00.002-05:00

The following activity is appropriate for all age-groups. This activity incorporates dribbling at speed, turning, passing, decision-making, and 1v2 defending. Be creative with this activity by requiring various turns, dribbling with various surfaces of the foot, etc.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

The 1v1/2v1 Game

2010-11-01T11:42:00.002-04:00

The following activity is provided by Michael Beale and is appropriate for U5-U19.

CLICK HERE to see the entire activity.

Make adjustments to grid size and goal size depending on the age of the participants.

Movement when Passing

2010-10-28T15:16:00.002-04:00

The following activity by David Clarke is appropriate for U12-U19. Off ball movement is critical for a successful passing game.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Soccer Skill Video

2010-10-25T11:46:00.001-04:00

The following is a link to some technical activities that are appropriate for U5-U19:

CLICK HERE to see the video.

Passing, Receiving, & Combination Play

2010-10-18T13:27:00.002-04:00

The following training session is provided through Success in Soccer by Steffen Freund of the German Football Federation. This activity is appropriate for U10-U19.

CLICK HERE to see the entire training progression.

If you do not have access to two goals (or even one goal), you may use cones or poles to create a goal(s). Require a 1-touch finish if you do not have a goalkeeper(s).

Width & Switching the Play

2010-10-11T13:19:00.001-04:00

The following activity is appropriate for U9-U19.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Create a center circle with cones if your field does not have a circle.

Possession Play to High Target

2010-10-07T10:47:00.002-04:00

This activity emphasizes possession "with a purpose." The objective of possession is to force the opponent to move and shift, which creates space and gaps to attack forward toward the goal. This activity is age appropriate for U9-U19.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Defensive Shape

2010-09-29T15:17:00.002-04:00

This activity works on defensive shape and is appropriate for U9-U19.

Note that this activity may be used as an activity that teaches target play by making a simple adjustment. You may switch the single yellow and black players, so now when a team possesses the ball in the grid, they look to connect to their respective target, move off the target and receive the ball back to score a point.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Technical Activities

2010-09-21T11:17:00.002-04:00

The link provided is from SoccerPlus camps. Note that under Field Player 1, Field Player 2, and Field Player 3, you may click on "past week" activities.

CLICK HERE to see video activities.

Passing & Moving Progression

2010-09-14T15:50:00.002-04:00

The following activity is contributed by Jason Carney. This activity is appropriate for U8-U19.

CLICK HERE to see the progression which emphasizes passing and off-ball movement.

Hands Free Baseball

2010-09-08T09:55:00.002-04:00

The following activity is a fun game to play that is appropriate for all age groups. This activity involves the use of many of the soccer skills utilized by players. Modify the activity as needed to allow for success.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Overload Situation - Wide or Central Advantage

2010-09-02T10:58:00.002-04:00

This activity is offered by Michael Beale and is appropriate for U13-U19 age-levels.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Over The Border

2010-08-31T14:17:00.003-04:00

This is a good activity for U5-U19 age -groups. For the older age-groups this activity would serve as a good warm-up activity.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Switching the Point of Attack

2010-08-24T13:10:00.002-04:00

The following exercise is appropriate for U7-U18 age groups. The activity is contributed by Tony Carr, Youth Academy Director for West Ham United of the English Premier League.

CLICK HERE to see the activity.

Building a Successful Practice

2010-08-16T11:20:00.005-04:00

As we enter the fall season, all coaches should focus on practice planning and organization.

CLICK HERE to read an article by Bobby Howe, former Director of Coaching, Washington State Youth Soccer Association.

3v2: Continuous Attack & Defend

2010-08-13T14:09:00.003-04:00

The following activity is age-appropriate for U7-U18 players.

CLICK HERE to view the activity.

Share your thoughts once you have tried this activity in your training session.

Warm-up Activity Appropriate for All Age-Groups

2010-08-03T13:21:00.001-04:00

Co-ordination, team work, agility

By David Clarke

Warm-ups don't have to be boring - you can begin your session in a fun way that will prepare your players for the level of performance you want them to be at when your coaching points are being put across.

A lot of coaches don't take the warm-up seriously. But it's no use having players only 50% ready to learn at the beginning of your main session, because it will take another 5 or 10 minutes for them to get up to speed.

This exercise only takes seconds to set up, so it's ideal for the days when you turn up to training straight from work and need time to organise yourself. Get your players playing straight away and the pressure will be off for a good 10 or 15 minutes.

Apart from warming-up, young players learn a great deal about co-ordination. The players in the huddle have to use their skills to keep the lone tagger at bay. They actually have to think quickly to gain the upper hand. Meanwhile, the lone tagger is on the prowl, trying to catch the bibbed player.

How to play it
Three players create a triangle by holding hands – or putting their hands on their partners' shoulders if they object to holding hands!

One of the three players should be wearing a coloured bib.

A fourth player (the tagger) must try to touch the player wearing the bib as the triangle swivels around to protect him.

The triangle of players must remain joined. If anyone drops their hands, restart the game.

After three tags, the tagger swaps places with a member of the triangle.