Coaching 5, 6 & 7 Year Olds
Can we really coach children as young as this? Of course we can
but we must always remember that they are not adults. We all have
a perception of what coaches do because we've seen them on the telly
or read about how they "got stuck into the players at half-time
and turned the match around".
Well, that might be OK for adults, but it's sure not right for
kids. Children don't respond well to authoritarian style coaching
simply because they play to enjoy themselves. The self esteem of
the child is paramount and must be nurtured at all costs.
To do this is not especially difficult so long as we master a few
rules and apply them consistently. Consistency provides children
with that feeling of security which comes from familiar surroundings
and events. So here's a few thoughts to start you off. No doubt
you'll have some of your own as well.
- Plan your practice sessions before the day
- Primary school children are easily motivated. If each activity
has a goal or reward they will respond.
- Give team points for good play or for obeying instructions promptly.
- Get some transfer stickers to reward individuals for special
effort.
- Have the group applaud individuals.
- Let them know that you are also enjoying the practice. Thank
them.
- Loud with praise, soft voice for discipline.
- Part of your planning should be knowing how you will demonstrate
each activity. Don't talk. Show and do. Demonstrate by walking
them through it. A picture is worth a thousand words. Trite but
true.
- Challenge them by saying "Can you do this?" Keep their
attention by saying "Copy me"
- Let them choose the activity occasionally. You'll find out which
ones are their favourites.
- Always finish with a full game of soccer free from coaching.
That's why they are here - to play the beautiful game!
If you need ideas for session activities, or you want help with
planning or implementing your ideas, all it takes is a request and
you will receive!!
Content Of A Coaching Session
The most important rule to remember when planning your coaching
session is that the whole purpose is to make sure that all the players
have as many contacts with the ball as possible. You can't learn
to play a ball game if you don't get to play with the ball. Sounds
obvious but this means avoiding situations that mean you have to
talk a lot or the players are standing around waiting for a turn.
Lining them up in long queues is not a good idea. In any case, if
they are continuously active your control of the session will be
so much easier. So here is a basic outline of a session:
Activity One - Dodge and Tag
Equipment Required: One ball and Four cones
Number of players: Your whole team
Duration: 10 minutes or so to get them warm (and happy)
Arrange the four cones in a 10 metre square. All players must start
inside the square. One player (the tagger) holds the ball and chases
the rest. The tagger throws the ball to hit any other player below
the knees. A player hit becomes the tagger. Tell them to avoid bumping
into each other. Dodging, weaving and jumping is a soccer skill,
so it's more than just a warm up.
Activity Two - Dribbling
Equipment Required: One ball per player and Four cones
Number of players: Your whole team
Duration: 10 minutes or so. This can be an alternative to Activity
One
Arrange the four cones in a 10 metre square. All players must stay
inside the square. Have them stand still with one foot on top of
the ball. On your command they commence dribbling within the square.
Tell them to avoid bumping into each other and to stay in the square.
Every 15 or 20 seconds, tell them to stop with one foot on top of
the ball. Start and stop them repeatedly. Vary the method of dribbling
by asking them to use first the right foot only to propel the ball,
then the left foot and then both feet. Tell them to keep the ball
close and not to let it run away from them.
Activity Three - Small sided games
Equipment Required: One ball between four players
Number of players: Your whole team
Duration: 10 minutes or so
Four players to a group. Two players stand facing each other 15
metres apart with legs astride. They are the goals. The other two
players contest for possession of the ball to score a goal. When
a goal is scored the pairs change places. This can be a competition
of teams of two or 'teams' of one.
Activity Four - Free game play
Equipment required: One ball and Sufficient cones to mark a playing
area 20 metres by 30 metres with two goals.
Number of players: Your whole team.
Duration: Rest of the session
By now you should have had a good time!
|
