U13 - phase of play then 11v11

Today we had our first full field session.  We shared the field with our club's U14 girls team.  To say the conditions were windy is an understatement.  Balls were rolling down field past the one net all evening.  The field is artificial turf so the wind was a big factor.

We started the session by doing a phase-of-play portion in our half of the field.  We play an attacking 4-3-3 so I set up a team defending the net with a GK, 4 defenders and 3 midfielders.  The attacking team had 3 forwards, 2 midfielders and coach Paul and I supporting from behind.

Our goal for the phase of play was to organize our back 4 with GK.  We worked on their shape when they had the ball and working with the supporting defensive midfielder.  This was also going to be the focus of our team during the 11v11 portion.

The session went OK.  The wind made it difficult to speak and we needed more players to make it more effective.  I could have made it a small area and only use a slice of the field, but it was our first time out and we wanted everybody moving.

The coaching points were few:

• supporting shape of back 4 in possession
• back 4 moving up as ball was played out.
• recognizing when to use the keeper for support

The shape was the biggest thing for me.  once we get that in place other things will fall into place or at least have a better chance of succeeding.

When we got to 11v11, I still focused on the back 4 and the defensive midfielder.  From playing indoor for a long while, that field was BIG.  Coach Eric was also working with his team.  We were gently setting the shape as the play went.

Because it was our first time out and there was another team to consider, we did not stop the play.
The wind affected the session in terms of ball movement but it did force them to put more zip in their passes and keep the ball on the ground.

If I were to run an 11v11 session with just our boys and some guests, I would stop it more, make more adjustments where necessary and continue.  The way it was set up tonight, I was happy with what we walked away with.   The kids are back outside and looking forward to playing.  It was also a bit of a physical shock for them on the big field again, especially against the wind.

The boys did OK and I was not unhappy with them.  I could not expect more since it was their first time back, but I did ask for more.  We tried a few boys in new spots and will hold with that plan giving everybody a chance to succeed before passing judgment.

While playing, there were a few times when our back 4 pinned themselves in too far back trying to work the ball around, but that will be fixed once we correct the shape around the ball when the wide defenders are in possession.  Slowly we will work our way up the field with our shape.  One thing was for sure: we need to continue working on 1v1 play, on both sides of the ball.

The boys have been working very hard to this point and I am excited to see what the finished product will look like when the season opens.

I wasn't happy with the time slot that we had (5:30-7:00) because it was 30 minutes from Welland and caused some stress for some people to get there.  But grass fields open May 15 and we only have 2 outdoor turf fields for our entire region.

This week we train on the courts again then fitness/agility on Thursday.

U17 - decisions in possession

Tonight with the U17 boys we worked on decisions in possession, dealing with the main question "Can I go forward?  Yes/No?

We only had 10 players tonight.  There was a time switch in our allotted field time and that may have affected attendance.

We started with a warm-up from the last session.  After a run and stretch led by a player, the boys played 2 small 3v2 keep-away and a larger 5v5 keep-away.  I didn't coach this too much.  I had more to say later and didn't want to wear out my welcome too early.  There were points mentioned while they were playing, but no stopping and explanations.

Moving towards our session.  We started with a turning and passing drill.  The organization worked out well and the coaching points were:

• Quick turns and head up after the turn
• Pass on the first touch out of the turn
• Quick pass, played in front of receiver so he can move toward it and get forward to do his turn.

Surprisingly enough, learning different turns are new to a lot of players.  You can't ever practice turns enough and it always has to be done quickly and combined with a pass to keep it real.

We then moved to an exercise where we had 2 teams of 5 and made a playing area approx 40x30, with a half-way line.  Each team had 3 players in their defensive half and 2 in the attacking half.  The goal was to play a forward ball into the attacking half and the passer joins the attack.  So the targets were outnumbered then a successful ball is followed by the passer made it even strength.

The goal of this was to decide whether there was a forward play or not.  The uneven numbers in the attacking half forced the decision more often.  If there was an option, make the play.  If there wasn't, then what?  That's where the decision comes in and that's what separates a lot of players from the rest of the pack.  The individual's ability to turn and keep the ball when there is no forward option and the team's ability to support is the key to your team keeping possession when there is no forward option.

Most of the time was spent working on the team's shape to make success possible.  Some players were getting into position then drifting towards the ball out of impatience.  They were starting to achieve success one at a time and we will keep working on it.  Pass quality (especially speed of the ball) is an issue and at U17 a poor pass could get somebody hurt.

Coaching point's were

• Ask the question ... do I have a forward option?  Next action?
• Patience,  if it takes 5 passes before a ball can go forward, that's OK.  It's better than giving it away.
• Speed/Accuracy/Timing of pass, forward and backward
• Support position of players ahead and behind the ball.
• Mobility of support players
• Active defending to make scenario realistic

The session went well and the players got a lot of quality soccer in.  The overall lack of players eliminated our ability to have a full game at the end, but we improvised with a small field and smaller nets and we had a good level of intensity.  Some players were not overly energetic during the turn and pass exercise and I need to think about whether they were feeling they weren't successful at it. 

I did a little too much commanding tonight with my coaching.  Next time we do this it will not be new, so I can let the players answer questions, leading them to the solution. The session moved easily and we were able to organize the floor quickly from exercise to exercise, so I was happy with that.

One thing that came to mind was that the session was from 5:00-6:30 and some boys haven't eaten since lunch time.  We need to remind them to eat something small before coming.  Tomorrow my U13s are 5:30-7:00 in St Catharines and I sent a reminder email to eat something small before coming.

U13 - Fitness Session with U10, U11, U12 and U13

Tonight we had another group fitness session with 5 teams together.  The U17 boys have not been with us for 2 weeks because many of their boys are in high school soccer and it's a bit much on the body.  We had 59 players in total tonight.  Another good turnout.

Not sure why, but at school today I thought to switch things up a bit.  During the first three sessions we had a 12 minute run, 5 sprints and exercise circuits.

Today we set up 6 stations around the track.  2 were for 5 pushups.  2 were for skipping (10 skips) and 2 were for 10 jumping jacks.  We split the boys up and they ran the track for 30 minutes, stopping to do each exercise.  They started in 6 groups but that spread out quickly.  We told them to get to the station, do their exercise and go, individually, not as a group.  

I have to say I was impressed that all the boys made it through the run, and the U10s have a few runners on their team who can keep a nice pace.

We followed the 30 minute run with 30 minutes of running with the ball performing various sequences along the way.  The tennis courts were organized in 8 rows of 6 cones each and the players were dribbling in and out of the rows eventually making their way back to the beginning.  We worked on moving around the cones with the outside and inside of both feet, dribbling with the left and right foot and eventually a free slalom through the cones.

We had a lot of boys moving with the ball and I didn't coach much past a demonstration and offering tips along the way.  Our goal tonight was to keep them moving, feed off the energy and get their foot on the ball.   They literally had the ball on their foot while running for at least 25 of the 30 minutes.  Hopefully the coaches take the turns we were doing and work on them at team training.  I have some good turning exercises I hope to share with them soon.

I was so happy that it worked out and feedback was good with a few good suggestions.  Parents were able to help and our parents who run can join us for a full 30-minute run now.  It's great to have parents out.

There are things that need to be worked out.  We need to put some markers around the track to protect the runners from the track club who are there every Thursday.  I also need to appoint a parent to do an accurate head count earlier so we can plan the next part properly.  We were short skipping ropes ( in my opinion) but Coach John said he will get a few more.

Onward and upward.

St Mike's Jr Boys - PROGRESS!

The last 2 days we have been working the boys a little harder on individual techniques.  Coach Loris has taken this approach of trying to give these boys as many tools as possible leading to their Grade 11 and 12 years and senior soccer.

My part of this has been working on their footwork with the ball, sending them into situations where they need to use the right part of the right foot to make something work, whether it's 1v1 moves or turns or whatever.  For some it's new and has been a bit frustrating but they are working at it and coming around one at a time.

It's very easy to work with these boys because there is noticeable improvement and they are eager to learn.  Our small game at the end of training today was very competitive and really motivated the coaches to continue on this path and patiently molding this group towards the season opener .

I am sad that my time at the school is coming to an end soon and I hope to be able to continue helping even though I am elsewhere from day-to-day.

St Mike's - Jr Boys session - 1v1 attacking

Today, the St Mike's Jr Boys had a session after school.

I think I am going to enjoy being the assistant at practice for this program.  Mr Lucchetta and Mr Luppino are the full time staff teachers who coach the team.

This afternoon I found myself putting down and picking up cones and setting up balls , etc.  I am usually a dictator and take over sessions, so its a nice exercise for me.  When a coaching point needs to be made, I make it, and I try to make eye contact with a coach to make sure the timing is OK for them.  When asked for advice, I offer it.  If i am not asked ... I may still offer

Today, Coach Lucchetta's plan was to get to 2v1s.  He started with some running and a few passing drills to get the ball on their foot.  Coach Luppino worked with the keeper and I took over after he hit 342 balls at him and his thigh turned to mush.  I was watching wondering how he was doing it.

The boys on this team are great kids, but it's not an overly proficient group when it comes to technique.  It's a great opportunity for the coaches to instill the enjoyment of soccer in them and hopefully convert them into more active players.  I already have 2 boys in my scope to see if I can't talk them into playing this summer.

I see a very rewarding season for this group if they work hard, come to training and show pride in their play.  The teacher coaches are good role models for them and younger guys.

The sequence started with 1v1 attacking.  The plan was to start there and go to 2v1 attacking.  The coaching points were:

• attack the ball
• first touch out from the feet
• see the ball, defender and the space behind the defender
• change of pace/direction (deception)
• play to win

It went OK and the boys were getting the points.  And they were getting chippy and competitive! I love that.  He spent a little extra time on that and only introduced 2v1s then let them play 6v6 for the last 10 minutes.

I am not sure how long I will be at this school for, but I do look forward to working with this group some more.