Mass Youth Soccer Monthly connecting soccer families across Massachusetts
September 2017
GOAL SAFETY Fall TOURNAMENT LISTINGS Olympic DEvelopment ProgRam
SAVE THE DATE Mass Youth Soccer Workshop Saturday, January 27th 2017
INSIDE: Grassroots Session Plans for U6, U8, U10, U12 and U14 Coaches
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Confirmed Speakers / Clinicians Nancy Feldman - Boston University Vince Ganzberg - United Soccer Coaches Becky Burleigh - University of Florida Frank Tschan - US Soccer Skye Eddy Bruce - Soccer Parenting Association
REgistration Opens October 10th 2017 www.mayouthsoccer.org/workshop2018
The Olympic Development Program Lynn Gugliuzza - Director Olympic Development Program The Massachusetts Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program, or ODP, is a prestigious program in which the goal is to identify players through open tryouts and scouting . Players are then developed to represent their state, region, and the United States in soccer competition. Massachusetts Youth ODP is the first step in the identification process for US Soccer National teams. ODP is for the serious soccer player looking to play in college, who have hopes of making the US National Team or play in the MLS/NWSL. Players should be committed to the process of developing their soccer skills and fitness on a daily basis. In ODP, coaches expect players to be versatile on the field, have good coping skills, to be coachable, and have the ability to adapt to different styles of play. Tryout Process When a player arrives to an ODP tryout, they will receive two tryout shirts with numbers printed on them. Players are to memorize their number so if they are being called by coaches or administrators, they can respond accordingly throughout the tryout. Players will go through a full dynamic warm up then move into small sided games (4v4-5v5) with no goalkeepers.
Players should be proficient in the six techniques which include: Dribbling, Passing, Receiving, Shooting, Tackling, and Heading. They are expected to be able to perform these techniques with or without pressure and at game speed. Players are also expected to make quality soccer decisions on and off the ball when they or their team has the ball and when they or their team do not have the ball. Physically, evaluators are looking for players that can keep up with the pace of the game. Are they dynamic in their movements? Can they change direction quickly? Do they have a presence on the field? Overall, we are looking for players who will impact the game. As a player, you should ask yourself, what sets you apart from the rest?
Approximately half way through the session, players will be placed in larger sided games (7v7,9v9 or 11v11) with the addition of goalkeepers. We believe the game is the greatest teacher and also the greatest way to see what type of impact a player can make on the field.
Goalkeeper Academy For the 2018 season, we will be continuing goalkeeper academy for the Olympic Development Program. During tryouts, players who want to try out for the goalkeeper position will be evaluated as they always have been with goalkeeper specific training followed by a scrimmage which includes both field players and goalkeepers.
Evaluation During an ODP tryout, players are expected to display their technical, tactical, and physical abilities on the field. Psychologically coaches are looking for players that are able to adapt to the players and coaches they probably do not know, have a positive attitude, support other players, and listen to coaches during the sessions.
The goalkeepers will be assessed on their ability to stop shots, distribute the ball, and organize the defense in front of them. The top performing goalkeepers will then be invited to join the goalkeeper academy. They will have five dates during the winter months of both training and classroom sessions. Once the spring season begins they will train at the same time as the field players.
Info: mayouthsoccer.org/programs/olympic_development_program/
Massachusetts Youth Soccer www.mayouthsoccer.org Every other week, the top two goalkeepers from the previous week’s goalkeeper training session will be selected to join the team training session. The remainder of the goalkeepers will work with the goalkeeping staff. Our hopes are to create a more competitive training environment for the goalkeepers as well as make a better connection between the top goalkeepers and the field players within each given team.
Register for Tryouts Tryouts for the 2018 ODP program will take place on the weekends of November 4th-5th and 11th-12th. ODP Tryouts are open tryouts. Players do not need an invitation or a recommendation to participate. All Tryouts for the Massachusetts Youth Soccer ODP will be conducted on the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Fields at Progin Park in Lancaster, MA. Players must check in at the Pavillion before each of their tryout session. More info: http://www.mayouthsoccer.org/ programs/odp_tryout_information/
From year to year and event to event, players evolve in many different ways. This is why after each full year of an ODP season, there is a clean slate and players have to go through the entire tryout process all over again. The only exception to this is if a player has made the regional or national pool within the past year, they will be given a pass onto the state team and do not need to attend tryouts. Although we are looking for the best players on the team, we do not select players exclusively from winning (successful) teams and programs. The Olympic Development Program tryout process is open to all players regardless of team affiliation or current level of play. Once a player makes the state pool, we expect players to participate in as many of the Olympic Development Program events that they are able to make. Players should always strive to take risks in the ODP environment, challenge themselves to be better, and be open to different coaching and playing styles. As stated before, we are looking for versatile players that want to compete against the best players in the state!
Schedule
Players invited to join the Massachusetts ODP Pools will train once every two weeks in the winter months (January to March) at Forekicks in Marlboro. In April practices will move outdoors, with practices taking place on Monday evenings at the Mass Youth Soccer Fields in Lancaster, MA. In addition to practices, ODP Pool selected players will also participate in a Mini Camp hosted at Great Wolf Lodge and Region 1 Camp in July. For full schedules for the 2018 ODP season, please visit: www.mayouthsoccer.org/partners/ odp_schedule/ If you have any questions regarding the ODP program, please contact Lynn Gugliuzza: lynng@mayouthsoccer.org
CLICK HERE FOR TRYOUT DATES AND INFORMATION
GOAL Improve the techniques of dribbling & striking the ball to score Age Group 6-U
Team Tactical Principles
Key Qualities
Read & understand the game
Shoot & Pass or Dribble Forward
PLAY SMALL SIDED GAMES Key Words: Move the ball toward the goal
Up to 3v3 Games: Team with the ball attempts to dribble past opponents and score. Organization: Set up two 15Wx20L fields with a small goal at each end. When practice is scheduled to start & as soon as 2 players arrive, start playing a game. The game will start as 1v1. When the next player arrives; the game is 2v1 then 2v2 up to 3v3. After 1 field is at 3v3, start a second game on the field next to it. (Play one 8 min game or multiple 2-3 minute games) Rules: The ball is given to the first player with his/her pinny on to start the game. Local rules apply.
Bulldogs Hunting for Milk-Bones:
Organization: In a 15Wx20L grid, all the players with a soccer ball (the Bulldogs) & the coaches are the guards of the milk-bones. The players dribble their ball and try to hit the coach below the knees to score a milk-bone. (Play for 8 min - 8 intervals of 40 sec with 20 sec rest between intervals) Rules: Play starts when the coach asks, "does anyone want a milk-bone?" Coaches can only walk. Whoever scores the most milk-bones wins the round. Key Words: Make the ball move faster with bigger kicks Guided Questions: Did all the players have a chance to win a milk-bone at least once? How can you get the players to use different surfaces of the foot to pass? Answers: The coach can walk closer to the players who need more help so it is easier for them to get the prize. Award extra milk-bones if a player can hit the coach using surface other than the toe.
Guided Questions: What goal are you scoring in? What can you do to improve the flow of the game? Answers: By checking for understanding, you will have a better idea of who understands the game and their direction of play. Place soccer balls around the field so when a ball goes out, another can be put into play quicker.
Boston Bulldogs:
Bulldogs vs Dog Catchers:
Organization: In a 15Wx20L grid, with a 5 yard zone in the middle (the dog pound), coaches start in the pound as the dog catchers (dog catchers do not use a soccer ball & must stay in the pound). Each player has a ball and starts on one end line. Players try to sneak through the dog pound without waking the catchers. (Play for 8 min 8 intervals of 30 sec with 30 sec rest between intervals) Rules: When the coach yells, “Who let the dogs out?� the players start across the grid. If a dog catcher steals your soccer ball you become a catcher also. Dog catchers can also switch roles with the bulldogs. Key Words: Slow the ball down Guided Questions: Are the players getting lots of dribbling repetitions during this activity? Once you get past the dog pound, what part of your foot can you use to stop the ball on the end line? Answers: ? If they players are not getting enough repetitions, have them dribble across the field and back again before playing the next round. You can stop it with the bottom of your foot or your inside or outside of the foot by wrapping your toe around the ball.
Organization: In a 15Wx20L grid, with a 5 yard zone in the middle & 2 goals on 1 end line: divide the players into 2 teams; Bulldogs vs Dog Catchers. Coach stands between the goals with all the soccer balls. One team starts on the coach's right the other on his left. Coach plays a ball onto the field. 1 player from each team chases it. Whoever gets it tries to score in their opponent's goal. (Play for 9 min - 12 intervals of 15 sec with 30 sec rest between intervals) Rules: Game starts when the coach passes a ball onto the field. Score with feet. Key Words: Turn to score Guided Questions: Are the players trying to score from far away or very close to the goal? Can the players strike the ball from greater distances? Answers: If they players are dribbling into the goal, award more points for goals scored from your middle zone on the field. Point your toe down, make a big swing with your kicking foot & try to hit the ball with your laces to make the ball go further.
PLAY - LET THEM PLAY Up to 4v4 Games: Team with the ball attempts to dribble past opponents and score. Organization: In a 20Wx30L field and a small goal on each end line, play a 4v4 game. (Play for 24 min - 2 intervals of 10 min with 2 min rest between intervals) Rules: Game starts with the coach rolling a ball onto the field. If the ball leaves the field, the coach will roll another ball into play. No goal keepers allowed. Local game laws apply.
Key Words: Split the opponents with the ball Guided Questions: When should the coach provide information to the players. Where should you your body be facing when ready to shoot? Answers: Try to identify the players who are struggling with the game and give them some hints or encouragement to get them more engaged. The rest of the game, observe the and enjoy the game. Encourage the players to turn their body to face the goal when they are ready to shoot.
Click here to visit the Mass Youth soccer Website and view all u6 session plans
GOAL SAFETY
In light of recent unfortunate events pertaining to goal safety in youth soccer, we would request that all organizations ensure that proper measures are taken to ensure the safety of players at all times. The safety of youth soccer players in Massachusetts is one of our highest priorities. Please ensure that your Directors, Coaches and Parents continue to be informed and help to educate young players regarding appropriate use of soccer goals. For information and guidance on goal safety, please visit the following webpage: www.mayouthsoccer.org/about/soccer_goal_safety/
GOAL SAFETY TIPS Soccer coaches, officials, parents, and players should follow these safety guidelines: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Securely anchor or counter-weight portable goals at all times. Store movable soccer goals in a place where children can not access them. Never permit anyone to climb on the net or goal framework. Remove nets when goals are not in use. Check all connecting hardware before every use and replace damaged or missing anchors immediately. Ensure safety/warning labels are clearly visible. Fully disassemble goals for seasonal storage. Always exercise extreme caution when moving goals and allow adequate manpower to move goals of varied sizes and weights. Movable soccer goals should only be moved by authorized adults. Movable soccer goals should only be used on level (flat) fields Instruct players to avoid unsafe use of goals.
Click here to visit the Mass Youth soccer Goal Safety Guidenline Website
GOAL Improve the techniques of Shooting to score goals Age Group 8-U
Key Qualities Focus, Take Initiative
Team Tactical Principles Shoot, Score goals, Support the attack
PLAY - SMALL SIDED GAMES Objectives: Play the game to score more goals than the other team. Organization: 2-3 fields, 15W x 20L w/a goal at each end. As players arrive to the field play 2v1, 2v2, up to 3v3 games. Time: 4 games of 2 mins, 30 sec rest, activity duration is 10 min. Rules: Begin games & after a goal w/ a kick off. Out of bounds, pass or dribble the ball in. Give players some free play time w/ no coaching.
Key Words: Head up (look), find an opening (to the goal), shoot, move the ball forward closer to goal Guided Questions: How can you tell which children are happy playing the game? How can you help them to be more comfortable? Answers: Young children display happiness with smiles and laughter. Have players be on a team w/ friends or children they know.
PRACTICE - CORE ACTIVITY
Less Challenging Activity
More Challenging Activity
Organization: 20Wx25Lyd grid w/6
goals on endlines. Coaches are defenders. Dribble & shoot to score in a goal at one end then go to the other end to shoot. Rules: Each player w/ a ball. How many goals in 2min, beat score. Shoot w/favorite Activity Duration foot, non-favorite foot. Bonus pts for goals after beating a defender. Time Active
21 min
# of Intervals
2 min
Active Rest
7 1 min
Organization: 20Wx25Lyd field with goals. Make 2 teams. Balls next to the goals. Play 3v3. Rules: One team of 3 starts w/ the ball. Play to score in opponent's goal. After a goal the team that was scored on gets a new ball & plays right away. Play for 2 min before rotating players. Keep score.
Objective: Play 2v2 to shoot to score goals. Organization: In 20Wx25L yd grid w/4 cone goals on the endlines w/ a
ball placed atop the 4 cones. A "far away marker" is placed 3-5yds up the sideline from the corners. (See diagram). Make 2 even teams on each endline. Coach has the balls at midfield.
Rules: Each team sends 2 players onto the field. Coach plays the ball to one team. Score by shooting into the cone goals. Bonus pts if you score from behind the "far away marker" or hit a ball off the cone. Play for 2 min before rotating players on the field.
Key Words: Look up, find an opening, go to goal, shoot Guided Questions: What should you do if players just dribble up close to a goal to score? Why would a player dribble before shooting? Answers: Encourage attempts to shoot from the "far away marker". To get into a clear opening or path to the goal, past defenders to shoot.
PLAY - LET THEM PLAY Objective: Each team is playing the game to score goals. Organization: On a 25W x 35L field w/ a small goal at each end. Play 4v4. Time: Game is for 30 min, 2 halves of 12 min with 3 min of rest after each half. Rules: All modified 4v4 rules apply.
Key Words: Find an opening, get through, shoot to score Guided Questions: How does a player know it is
a good time to shoot? When should you praise a shot? Answers: There is a clear path to the goal, or they are close to the opponent's goal. When the shot is on target or the shot is a goal.
Click here to visit the Mass Youth soccer Website and view all u8 session plans
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GOAL Improve the team/player in scoring goals from Wide areas Age Group 10-U
Key Qualities Make decisions, Be pro-active, Focus
Team Tactical Principles Shoot, Pass/Dribble forward, Create passing options. Create a 2v1 or 1v1
PLAY - SMALL SIDED GAMES Objective: To get players in a game as they arrive. To score more goals than the opponent. Organization: Set up two or more 20Wx30L fields with a goal at each end. As the players arrive, play a game with goalkeepers. Play 2v2, 2v3 and 3v3. Time: 3 games of 2.5 minutes, 30 second rest, for a total of 9 minutes. Rules: Out of bounds - Pass or dribble the ball in
Key Words: Go to goal, Cross the ball away from the keeper, Time the run and finish. Guided Questions: - How do you gauge the players' attitude when they arrive? - What are the players doing to create chances down the flank? Answer: By asking them how was their day. Players are dribbling down the flank and passing the ball to the middle of the box.
PRACTICE - CORE ACTIVITY
Less Challenging Activity Organization: - Play 3v3 in a 20Wx30L with a cone goal at one end and an end zone in the other end. Reds have a GK. Scoring: Scoring from a cross is 10 points, any other goal 1 point. Rules: Pass or dribble in.
More Challenging Activity
Activity Duration 21 min Time Active
3 min
Objective: Possess the ball to unbalance and disorganize the opponent in order to create chances from the flank and score goals. Organization: - Play 4v4 in a half field with a regular goal and two counter goals. - The attacking team gets 3 balls to score. Substitute the players every interval. Scoring: Goals from a cross are 10 points, any other goal is 1 point. Rules: All FIFA Rules Apply. Build out line is in effect.
# of Intervals
6
Active Rest
30 sec
Organization: - Play 6v6. - 40Wx40L field with two regular goals. - Sub players as in the core activity. Rules: All FIFA Laws apply.
Key Words: Go to goal, Get wider in the flanks, Pass (cross) the ball behind the defenders and away form the GK. Time your run and finish. Guided Questions: - Why do you want your flank players spread out when we have the ball? - What should a flank player do when he/she gets the ball? Answers: Because they will be stretching the field creating openings to pass or dribble forward. Encourage players to dribble towards the goal, take a look inside, take a look at the GK, and release the pass (cross) away from the GK in the path of the strikers.
PLAY - LET THEM PLAY Objective: Possess the ball to unbalance and disorganize the opponent in order to create chances from the flank and score goals. Organization: - Make two equal teams with the players in practice, play in a 40Wx60L field with goals. Time: 2 halves of 13 minutes, 2 minutes rest for a total of 30 minutes. Rules: All FIFA Rules Apply.
Key Words: Go to goal, Get wider in the flanks, Cross the ball behind the defenders and away from the GK. Time your run and finish. Guided Question - How can you tell if the players understood the training objectives? Answer: The players got wide, they took advantage of space, 1v1's and pass (cross) the ball from the flanks into dangerous areas to score goals.
Click here to visit the Mass Youth soccer Website and view all u10 session plans
Fall Tournaments columbus DAy Dalton CRA Just For Kicks Soccer Tournament October 7th-8th Location: Dalton, MA Website: www.daltoncra.org Contact: dmcmahon@daltoncra.org Age Groups: U10-U14 Harvest Cup - Barnstaple October 7th-8th Location: Barnstaple, MA Website:: www.barnstableyouthsoccer.com/ Contact: terriwalshe@comcast.net Age Groups: U9-U15
Veterans DAy Danvers Saluting Soldiers Festival November 11th-12th Location: Danvers, MA danverssoccerfest@hotmail.com Age Groups: U8-U10 Winchester Soccer Veterans Day Tournament November 17th-19th Winchester, Arlington, Medford, MA winchestersoccer@gmail.com Age Groups: U9-U14
Mansfield Youth Soccer Columbus Day Tournament October 7th-9th Location: Mansfield, MA Website: www.mansfieldyouthsoccer.com Contact: mystournament@gmail.com Age Groups: U9-U14 (Grades 3-8) 35th Annual Natick Columbus Day Tournament October 6th-9th Location: Natick, MA Website: www.naticksoccer.org Contact: phenderson@naticksoccer.org Age Groups: U9-U14 (Grades 3-8) North Andover Columbus Day Tournament October 7th-9th Location: North Andover Website: www.nasoccer.com Contact: northandovercdt@verizon.net Age Groups: U9-U15 Peabody Fall Invitational October 7th-9th Location: Peabody, MA Website: www.peabodyyouthsoccer.org Contact: peabodystrikers@aol.com Age Groups: U8-U14 (Grades 2-8) Pepperell Fall Classic October 7th-9th Location: Pepperell, MA Website: www.pepperellsoccer.org Contact: dwhite8893@gmail.com Age Groups: U8-U18
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Click here to view all Mass Youth sanctioned Tournaments
GOAL Improving team/player in preventing scoring from central areas Age Group 12-U
Key Qualities Read the game, Be pro-active, Focus
Team Tactical Principles Protect the goal, Steal the ball, Make it compact and Keep it compact
PLAY - SMALL SIDED GAMES Objective: To play when they arrive. To score and prevent the opponent from scoring. Organization: Set up two or more 20Wx30L fields with a goal at each end. As the players arrive, play 1v1, 2v1, 2v3, up to 4v4. Time: 4 games of 2 minutes with a 30 second rest for a total of 10 minutes. Rules: Out of bounds: Pass or dribble the ball in.
Key Words: Get in front of the ball to close the opening and deny the shot. Work together to close and keep the opening closed. Guided Questions: How should you greet the players? What are the players doing to prevent any shots? Answer: By saying hello and with a high five or a fist bump. Defenders are getting in front of the ball to close the opening and shutting down the shot.
PRACTICE - CORE ACTIVITY
Less Challenging Activity Organization: - Play 3v3's in two 36Wx36L fields with a regular goal and a small goals. Scoring: Every time the Blue players block a shot they get a point. Rules: Out of bounds - Pass or dribble the ball in.
More Challenging Activity
Activity Duration 21 min Time Active
3 min
Objective: Prevent the opponent from creating scoring opportunities by denying passing, dribbling penetration, or shooting the ball. Organization: - Play 4v5 in a 40Wx28L field with regular goals. If the ball goes out of bounds by the side line the attacking team can restart the game by passing or dribbling in the closest ball. Substitute the players every interval. Rules: All FIFA Rules Apply.
# of Intervals
6
Active Rest
30 sec
Organization: - Play 5v6. - In a half field (50Wx37L) with a regular goal and two counter goals. - Substitute players every two intervals. Rules: All FIFA Laws apply.
Key Words: Get in front of the ball to close the opening and deny the shot. Work together to close and keep the opening closed. Tackle (Poke or Block). Guided Questions: What should a defender do as soon as an attacker receives the ball facing the goal in shooting range? When can the other defenders help? Answers: The closest defender gets in between the ball and the goal to close the opening and prevent the shot. As soon as they see the defenders getting in front of the ball, they get behind the ball to keep the opening closed, double team and/or tackle or steal the ball.
PLAY - LET THEM PLAY Objective: Prevent the opponent from creating scoring opportunities by denying passing, dribbling penetration or shooting the ball. Organization: Make two equal teams, play in a 50Wx75L field with goals. Time: 2 halves of 13 minutes, 2 minutes rest for a total of 30 minutes. Rules: All FIFA Rules Apply.
Key Words: Get in front of the ball to close the opening and deny the shot. Work together to keep the opening closed., Tackle (Poke or Block). Guided Questions: - What actions are the players doing that shows a positive transfer for the upcoming game? Answer: Defenders are protecting the goal, denying shots and working together to close opening and keep it closed.
Click here to visit the Mass Youth soccer Website and view all u12 session plans
2017 Boys Scholarship Robbie Starr Robbie, a Robotics Engineering Major at Worcester Polytechnic Institute hails from Webster, MA. Robbie’s soccer journey differs from many of his peers. Having first played soccer as a kindergartener with Webster Youth Soccer, three sport athlete Robbie did not return to the soccer field until 7th Grade. The opportunity to play with his friends in Webster, led to a Robbie developing a love for the game. His dedication and development led to him eventually becoming varsity soccer captain for Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School, Robbie was also the recipient of a Colonial Athletic League All Star birth in 2016. Robbie is a TOPSoccer Volunteer and enjoys both working with and learning from TOPSoccer athletes each weekend. Robbie will be recognized at the Mass Youth Soccer Appreciation night, hosted at the Boston Marriott, Newton on Friday, January 26th.
2017 Award Winner
2017 Girls Scholarship Olivia Sarantopoulos Olivia is a nursing student at Fairfield University and was an avid player for youth soccer programs in both Bridgewater and West Bridgewater from an early age. As a senior Olivia captained the West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School soccer team. Her High School soccer career saw her named a Mayflower League All-Star on two occasions as well as being an honeree of the MIAA Women in Sports Day and a Brockton Enterprise All Scholastic athlete. National Honors society member Olivia’s impressive resume includes extensive volunteer and community service work. In addition to being class treasurer and a volunteer on several school committees, Olivia is an American Red Cross Blood Drive ambassador. Blood Drive events co-ordinated by Olivia have helped to save the lives of 228 patients! Olivia will be recognized at the Mass Youth Soccer Appreciation night, hosted at the Boston Marriott, Newton on Friday January 26th, 2018.
2017 Award Winner
GOAL
Disrupt the build up in the your own half to deny chances
Age Group 14-U
Key Qualities Be pro-active, Execute technically
Team Tactical Principles Outnumber the opponents, Stay involved, Pressure, Cover, Balance
PLAY - SMALL SIDED GAMES Key Words: double team the ball, move to help a teammate
Up to 4v4 Games: Team with the ball attempts to score in the opponent's goal. Organization: Set up two 25Wx35L fields with a small goal at each end. When practice is scheduled to start & as soon as 2 players arrive, start playing a game. The game will start as 1v1. When the next player arrives; the game is 2v1 then 2v2 up to 4v4. After 1 field is at 4v4, start a second game on the field next to it. (Play multiple 2-3 minute games) Rules: The game starts as soon as a soccer ball and the players are on the field. FIFA laws apply.
Guided Questions: Are the players talking about their day? How can you stop the team with the ball from playing quickly to goal? Answers: Listen to what the players have to say. This may give you an indication of how their day has gone. Get players between the ball and the goal and close any openings where the ball can get through to the goal.
PRACTICE - CORE ACTIVITY
Less Challenging Activity
More Challenging Activity
Organization: Set up 2 fields 20Wx30L a small goal on one side, play to the end line on the other; play 2 blue vs 2 red. Do not worry about the positional numbers; simply try to get the blue players to cooperate to stop the red from scoring. Blue has to tag the red player with the ball before they cross the end line. Blue scores in the goal. Sub after each interval. (red: dribble or pass to a teammate to cross the end line)
Organization: On a 55Wx50L field, a big goal at 1 end & 2 counter goals at the other, play a 6v6 game. Blue team player #'s 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 8. Red team player #'s 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 11. Blue team scores in either counter goal. Red team scores in the big goal. Sub player after each interval.
Activity Duration 21 min Time Active
2.5 min
Objective: Close openings, Keep openings closed, Regain the ball Organization: On a 35Wx45L field, a small goal each end line, play a 4v4 game. Blue team player #'s 2, 3, 6, & 8. Red team player #'s 4, 6, 8, & 9. Both teams score in opponent's goal. Sub players after each interval. Rules: All FIFA Laws Apply. (if needed, red team can restart the play)
# of Intervals
6
Active Rest
1 min
Key Words: Be first to the ball, Push up to get closer to the ball Guided Questions: Do the players understand what is meant by close the openings? Why is it important to close the openings in the middle of the field? Answers: Openings are lanes through the defense and to the goal. The team without the ball should move into areas which block the openings then try to win the ball. The shortest distance to the goal is usually straight down the middle. By closing these openings, you force the ball wide or back which slows down the attack.
PLAY - LET THEM PLAY Organization: On a 50Wx70L field and a goal at each end, play an 7v7 game. Blue team plays 1-3-3-0 and the red team plays 1-1-2-3. (Play 2 x 10 min halves with a 2 min halftime) Rules: FIFA laws apply.
Key Words: Challenge the ball, Close down Guided Questions: Were my instructions to the players clear and helpful? Did you allow the game to flow for long periods with minimal interruptions? Answers: Keep your instructions brief and specific to 1 idea. Watch to see if the players make adjustments from your information. Watch the play from the side to determine if the players understood the session. From the middle, the focus tends to be on the ball and over coaching occurs.
Click here to visit the Mass Youth soccer Website and view all u14 session plans
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