Coaching Drills Websites?

[MetroChile]

Hi, there.

I recently received an offer to start coaching in the U12-U15 age range. I have done some sporadic coaching (fillining) at the middle school and pre-school levels before but nothing like this. I was hoping someone would point me in the right direction with some times with some good drills/tips, etc...

Personally, I would imagine that at that age, working on fundamentals/technique should take priority so sites with drills that covers said areas would be helpful.

Thanks in advance for your guys help and I will be sure to be posting my progress as this goes along! :)

Cheers!

[ranova]

Actually you could have intermediate to advanced players that age. Hopefully kids that age have already developed a base of skills and small group tactics so that you can move on to team tactics. But then if the players are beginners then developing ball skills is where the emphasis should be. Do you know anything about the players you will be coaching?

[Twenty26Six]

Go to: bettersoccermorefun.com and read, read, read, read, read. :)

[striker2019]

like ranova said, that's beyond the total basics. The kids should be good enough to perform all the basic skills very well. But, without knowing the level you're going to be coaching at, I would assume this isn't entirely the case. Not sure if it's a mixed age team, or multiple teams covering that age range or what, but for the younger ones, definitely go hardcore on skill work. This is kind of their last chance to really make significant improvements in their overall technical ability. By 14-15, it takes a lot more effort for technical improvement. I would do a lot of small sided games, like 1v1-6v6 focusing on all of the points that arise in those types of games (everything from timing of tackles to combination play). I would try to have a general plan to improve technical abilities (again, everything from inside of foot passing so it's nearly flawless to defensive posture/tackling techniques, etc) for a few weeks or until you feel it's at a solid level, then I would start focusing more on tactical decision making (when to make which type of pass to combination play involving 3-4 players). You'll be able to see what level the kids are at once you start coaching them.

www.insidesoccer.com is a really good site as well

[Twenty26Six]

If he has been _asked_ to coach a _broad age range_ like 12-15 with _little_ to no experience, then his kids will more than likely _not_ have a very high level of technical skill.

Even the best teams need constant technical work.

[ranova]

All very true Twenty26Six, but he may have been asked to coach advanced players because of significant playing experience rather than coaching experience. Either way you guys have pointed him to some good sites.

[Crimson Ace]

On a side note... exercise, training, activity, lesson, task, etc.

Those are all infinitely better terms than drill. I know its a pet peeve, but I think the word drill has negative overtones. I try to never use that word around my players and/or parents when referring to training.

--

As far as help with various exercises for your team, I'm sure there are some nice websites... but I would first go after proven coaches in your area. Contact your local college/university/club coaches and ask for a meeting. Most established coaches I know are more than willing to offer their help to young or inexperienced coaches who are willing to put in a little effort. Bets of luck.

[sweaterbydarwin]

www.insidesoccer.com (http://www.insidesoccer.com) is a really good site as well

I'd say it's one of the best.

[catrachosoccer]

Does anyone have good team drills that can be done with only one ball?

[ranova]

Does anyone have good team drills that can be done with only one ball?

My definition of a good drill (exercise meant to improve ball skills) involves increasing the amount of touches that the players get compared to normal game conditions. Having only one ball by that definition would not make a good drill. The players may as well be playing a game.

[catrachosoccer]

That does make sense what you are saying. The reason I ask is that I am a peace corp volunteer who is coaching a U-10 team in Honduras, and the soccer program can`t afford balls for all the kids. Sometimes we have two, but mostly just one. So I'm trying to find drills that can teach teamwork and basic skills that just require one ball. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[DoctorD]

www.insidesoccer.com is a really good site as wellIt was interesting to visit that site. Daily practices. Drills that, while fast paced, do require the kids to stand in a line. An age-specific professional coach ("I am the U-xx coach"). Miniballs for the U5-8 crowd.

[danny098]

Hi,

I have found very good website with tips for soccer drills (http://www.bettersoccercoaching.com), hope it will be helpful :)

[ranova]

That does make sense what you are saying. The reason I ask is that I am a peace corp volunteer who is coaching a U-10 team in Honduras, and the soccer program can`t afford balls for all the kids. Sometimes we have two, but mostly just one. So I'm trying to find drills that can teach teamwork and basic skills that just require one ball. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Sorry I did not respond sooner. What you want to do is run a small sided game, two if you have two balls. The "drill" aspect is created by the conditions you put on play. The size of the game is dependent on how many players you have at hand. If you have 9 kids you can go 3v3 (or 4v2) and then rotate the players so that everyone gets even playing time. You could keep six in for up to 12 players and still have a 50/50 work rate. If you had more balls you could do some 1v1, but 3v3 will suffice. You can add restrictions which force the ball to move to other players (limit touches or require x number of passes before scoring a point). You can use the website drills for ideas and just adapt them to your size of small sided game. You should not have to go more than 4v4 (up to 16 kids with 8 in and 8 out at a time) unless you are very popular! 4v4 is still a good size for that age group. If you have more than 16 kids and only one ball, just scale your game upwards to keep half the kids active at a time and while not optimum it will still be fun for the kids.

Is there some address to which people may send you a ball?

[Vahit21]

footballer21.com and click on drills

[Rebaño_Sagrado]

I always find myself drifting over to youtube to watch body mechanics of basic techniques, shooting, dribbling, trapping etc.

Its been an invaluable resource.

[SoundSoccer]

Here is a soccer coaching blog with free soccer drills ... the drills are organized by age group.

www.soccercoachingsuccess.com

[Untroubled by Reason]

There's a site I enjoy a lot that's free and has some pretty plentiful ideas on a wide variety of topics: http://www.barefootballer.com/Drills/

It's searchable too, so if you want a drill or game on possession, you don't have to wade through dozens of others.

I also like www.bettersoccermorefun.com (http://www.bettersoccermorefun.com).

Good luck!

[Lascho]

For those who understand German, or a willing to trust in Google translations:
http://www.training-wissen.dfb.de/index.php?id=508145
Some hundred training units for age groups from U7 to U19 by the German federation DFB, all designed by national team coaches from U15 to Joachim Löw, including the exercises of the national teams. Classified by age and main topic.

[timhortonCEO]

Hello,
another website that offers coaching education and a features a Full Player Development Model for ages 4-18 designed by Tony DiCicco (2 World Cups, 2 Olympic golds) and Dave Newbery from SoccerPlus along with age appropriate content from Tom Goodman, the former Director of Coaching for US Youth Soccer is www.soccerinteractive.com (http://www.soccerinteractive.com).

The site does require a subscription but it offers the following:


over 350 activities. All have graphics, most have video
over 200 practice sessions
over 240 videos
printable PDF's for each activity and full practice session
Can also be access via iPhone and we are working on an App for 2010

Also, you can build your own activities and practice sessions using the Activity builder and Session builder. Plus there are some exciting new features and partnerships coming soon that will further empower you as a coach.

Cheers,
Tim Horton
Full Disclosure, I am CEO and Founder of Soccer Interactive so I might be biased http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif