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Coach Clinics

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Certificaton Courses

Dublin United is hosting a CYSA F License course and a CYSA E License course that are being made available to all interested recreation league soccer coaches. The cost is $25 for either course.

Here are the dates and times:

F License Course
July 15 6:00 - 9:00 pm, at the DSRSD building (7051 Dublin Blvd.)
July 16 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Emerald Glen #3

E License Course (requires an F License to take)
August 5 6:00 - 9:00 pm, at the DSRSD building (7051 Dublin Blvd.)
August 6 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Emerald Glen #4
August 7 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at Emerald Glen #4


To register, please contact Steve Simonian at pres@dublinsoccer.org.

Please visit the CYSA site for a list of scheduled Coaching Courses, and additional class offerings.

Coach Forms

coach training manual

Training Priorities

Introduction Phase - U6 - U9:

PRIORITY: Having Fun

Technical:

  •  Focus on one player, one ball
  •  Players need many touches of ball during training sessions


Tactical:

  •  1 v 1 - 4 v 4, games. Let them play.


General Mental Characteristics:

  •  Players are self conscious and have a limited attention span
  •  Easily bruised psychologically, give praise often
  •  Players are told to play (by parents/coach)


General Physical Characteristics/Training:

  •  Players require constant movement
  •  Easy fatigue and rapid recovery
  •  Physical coordination is limited, eye-hand, eye/foot coordination not developed


Technical Phase - U10 - U12

PRIORITY: Development of Individual Technique

Technical:

  •  Focus on passing, receiving, dribbling and shooting consistent instruction on technical aspects
  •  Introduce heading
  •  Individual defending (footwork, tackling) introduce touch restrictions (3 touch play, 2 touch play)

Tactical:

  •  1 v 1 - 4 v 4 games to develop technical skills.
  •  Individual defending (pressure)
  •  Combination play (wall pass, takeover)
  •  Movement off the ball (support)

General Mental Characteristics:

  •  Players have a good sense of team loyalty and peer pressure becomes a factor
  •  Players become more competitive and want to play


General Physical Characteristics/Training:

  •  Players balance and coordination are enhanced
  •  Begin to develop ability to perform complex skill
  •  Sequences
  •  Introduce coordination training, with and without ball

One session in three devoted to I v l 's, 2 v 2's, 3 v 3's
All training should be challenging, motivating and involve TRANSITION

 

Tactical Phase - U13 - U15

 

PRIORITY: Importance of ball possession...DO NOT GIVE BALL AWAY!!!

Technical:

  •  Technique must be reinforced due to physical change
  •  Technical training by position (Functional training)

Tactical:

  •  1 v 1 - 8 v 8 games to develop group (back/midfield/forward) tactics.
  •  Individual and small group defending (pressure, cover, balance)
  •  Continue combination play (wall pass, takeover, overlap, third man run)
  •  Possession games, with focus on 1 and 2 touch play

General Mental Characteristics:

  •  Players are entering puberty
  •  Phase is characterized by mental unrest and tendency to form social groups.

General Physical Characteristics/Training:

  •  Period of physical change due to puberty
  •  Continue coordination training with emphasis on agility and proper running technique

One in three sessions devoted to 3 v 3's, 4 v 4's, 5 v 5's. Training sessions should be challenging, motivating and involve. TRANSITION.

 

 

Competition Phase - U16 - U19

 

PRIORITY: Development of team play...DO NOT GIVE BALL AWAY!!!

Technical:

  •  Technique must be perfected and performed under pressure of an opponent and with restrictions of time and space

Tactical:

  •  1 v 1 - 11 v 11 games to develop team functions (attacking and defending) per zone and positional play.
  •  Numbers up and numbers down (ex. 6 v 4, 11 v 7)
  •  Game - coaching

General Mental Characteristics:

  •  Players are in psychic phase of puberty, become more set in their ways
  •  Players starting to discover their own personalities.

General Physical Characteristics/Training:

  •  Growth rate slows Muscle development (weight training) becomes important
  •  Continue coordination training with emphasis on strength and power

One session in three devoted to defending.
Training sessions should be challenging, motivating and TRANSITION.

 

Coaches Role

The role of the coach is to develop and increase the soccer performance of the players.

Know the 3 main moments of the game:

  •  We have the ball
  •  They have the ball
  •  Changing possession (losing the ball, winning the ball)

Knowledge of the basic techniques:

  •  Receiving
  •  Passing
  •  Dribbling
  •  Finishing
  •  Heading

Give correct instruction:

  •  Give the right examples
  •  Take into consideration age and level of play

Weekly evolution of training and match(es):

  •  Read the game
  •  Analyze the problem(s)/breakdowns
  •  Formulate the objective(s), aim of the training
  •  Perform the training
  •  Evaluate after next match
Techniques

Techniques With the Ball

 

Receiving the ball:

  •  Inside of the foot
  •  Sole of foot
  •  Instep
  •  Thigh
  •  Chest
  •  Outside of the foot
  •  Head Dribbling (running with the ball)
  •  Outside of the foot
  •  Instep inside of the foot
  •  Sole of the foot Striking the ball (passing, finishing)
  •  Inside of the foot
  •  Instep outside of the foot head
  •  Throw-in Fakes (dribbling moves)
  •  Change of pace
  •  Change of direction
  •  Fake strike

Techniques Without the Ball

    Tackling
  •  Poke
  •  Block
  •  Slide
  •  Hook Movement
  •  Walking
  •  Jogging
  •  Sprinting
  •  Starting
  •  Stopping
  •  Turning
  •  Jumping

 

3 Main Moments of Soccer

1. WE HAVE THE BALL

Building up:

  •  Make as much space as possible (wide and forward)
  •  Think forward and play forward as soon as possible
  •  Otherwise use the wide player and then forward
  •  Keep organization (shape) intact
  •  Wait for the right moment to play the long pass or to ask for the long pass

Create chances

  •  Spread out
  •  Take initiative, anticipate the situation, think ahead
  •  Adjust your position when you’ve played the ball
  •  Adjust position as the ball moves.

Scoring goals

  •  Ask for the ball at the right moment
  •  Take on defenders
  •  Try to score as quick as possible

2. THEY HAVE THE BALL

Preventing scoring chances and scoring

  •  Mark closely to the ball
  •  Give cover to your teammates
  •  Keep your opponent in front of you and block any shots at goal
  •  Do not foul

Winning the ball

  •  Make space as small as possible depending on the opponents strength
  •  (pressing, dropping back)
  •  Give cover further away from the ball (balance)
  •  Attack the ball at the right moment (patience)
  •  Constantly choose the right position (adjust)

Stopping the opponents from building up

  •  Holding the opponents build up
  •  Prevent the long pass, pressure the ball
  •  Force them to pass wide or dribble wide
  •  Pressure, close in

3. TRANSITION (CHANGING POSSESSION)

  •  Losing the ball
  •  Prevent the long pass
  •  Pressure the ball
  •  Winning the ball
  •  Play forward as soon as possible
  •  Support
  •  Keep possession
The Training Session
The challenge in designing a training session is to provide a positive, competitive, fun learning environment for the players.

Warm-up:

  •  Must include ball, always technical intermittent stretching
  •  fundamental stage
  •  little or no pressure of opponent
  •  match related
  •  small grid exercises, more movement and
  •  pressure of opponent
  •  match condition
  •  restrictions (space, time, touch, manner of scoring)
  •  free play
  •  evaluate
Keys to Creating a Successful Training Session

Have soccer related objectives:

  •  To score goals
  •  to build up
  •  To defend


Many repetitions:

  •  Good planning
  •  Enough balls
  •  Enough equipment

Correct coaching:

  •  Influence players
  •  Intervene, give specific instructions/demonstrate, ask questions, resume play

Coach Resources

Game Rules

 

DIVISION 4 LEAGUE GAME RULES - See also "Specific Modified Game Rules by Age Group" (below)

LENGTH OF GAMES - The length of the game will differ, depending on the age group of the players:

  • U17-19 45 min. halves, with 5 min. between
  • U15,16 40 min. halves, with 5 min. between
  • U13,14 35 min. halves, with 5 min. between
  • U11,12 30 min. halves, with 5 min. between
  • U9,10 25 min. halves, with 5 min. between
  • U7,8 4-12 min. quarters
  • U5,6 4-10 min. quarters

PLAYING TIME - Every coach within Ballistic United Soccer Club is required to play each boy an average of at least one-half of every game. This includes all league, practice, and tournament games. The only exception is in the case of a discipline action, which needs the approval of the Divisional Director Play and notification of the parents by the coach. The Division 4 Technical Director should also be notified in writing of such disciplinary action.

 

RAINOUTS - If, during the season, there is a question as to whether or not the games will be played because of wet weather or if practices have been canceled, there is a field status website provided by the city. This information can be found real-time at: http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/recreation/sports-and-sport-fields.html

Alternatively, by dialing 931-5360 you will hear the most current recording provided by the Park and Recreation Department, which will tell you whether or not the games scheduled for that weekend will be played. Do not call the Referee or Age Group Coordinators. The Park and Recreation Department of the City of Pleasanton maintains the weather/field condition phone. You may also call 931-5360 for daily practice restrictions. Rainouts may necessitate rescheduling games to Sunday. Some Saturdays may be available for rainout make-ups, but the season will not be extended beyond the weekend before Christmas. Only the Match Secretary will schedule make-up games. Standings will be determined by the last full round of league games played, and ties will be determined by tie-breaking criteria established by the Board. You should advise your players and parents of this possibility.

 

RESCHEDULING OF GAMES - The only person in the league authorized to reschedule a league game is the Match Secretary. One example of a need for rescheduling would be if your team is scheduled to play in an out-of-town tournament on the day of a regularly scheduled league game. It is your responsibility to contact the Match Secretary several weeks in advance to alert him or her to the conflict and get the league game rescheduled. The usual result in that example would be to have your game rescheduled to the Sunday prior to the tournament date or on a date specified by the Match Secretary. While we try to accommodate the needs and desires of both teams, but can make no promises in that regard. Again, in the example provided, the game must be made up within two weeks of the tournament weekend. The Match Secretary has final responsibility for ensuring that the game is rescheduled. Other examples of a need to reschedule a game would include games that are rained-out, postponed, protested, or otherwise canceled. If coaches know they can't field a team or must otherwise cancel and forfeit a game, they should contact both the Match Secretary and the Referee Coordinator to alert them of same.

 

LEAGUE STANDINGS-- Standings are only used for U10-19 age groups. It will be based on a point system, with three points awarded for a win, one point for a tie and no points for a loss. The Mercy Rule will be used for score positing (the maximum score is 6-0 in the event of a shut-out). In case of a tie in the league standings for position round play during the league season, or for determination of which teams advance to TOC/Crossroads, the tie breaking criteria in order:

 

  1. Head to head competition (i.e. results against team in prior outings)
  2. Most wins
  3. Least goals allowed
  4. Most goals scored (NOTE: maximum goals allowed for ANY victory is 5 goals per game).
  5. Flip of a coin.

 

(Note: Determination of advancement to TOC/Crossroads will be made based on the standings at the time of the deadline for entries, even though this may be different from final league standings.) In the event of a tie in points in the league standings at the end of the league season, a play-off game or games will be required to determine the league champion. The Match Secretary will set these play-off games and coaches will have no input regarding when they will be played. Failure to show up for a play-off game will result in a forfeit. Under no circumstances will a duplicate set of trophies be awarded. Any questions about these specific rules should be referred to the Match Secretary.

 

FIELD RIGHTS POLICY (If a conflict occurs)
Field Rights will be determined in the following order:

  1. Scheduled League Game - hosting a team out of town.

  2. Scheduled League Game.

  3. Classifications - highest Division takes precedence.

  4. The Oldest Age Group.

  5. Coin Flip - One team plays right after the other team.

  6. Coin Flip - One team plays - the other team reschedules the game with the Match Secretary.

  7. Scheduled Practice Games

 

SPECIFIC MODIFIED GAME RULES BY AGE GROUP

 

 

Modified Playing Rules for the U5-U6 Age Group

 

  • Number of Players -- The maximum number of players for U5 is three per team (3 v 3). The maximum number of players for U6 is four per team (4 v 4).

  •  Field Dimensions -- The field of play will be rectangular, with specific dimensions 30 yards in length x 20 yards in width with a midfield (half field) stripe.

  •  Goals -- Goal size will be blue Pop-Up Goals measuring 6 feet in length x 4 feet in height.

  • Ball size -- The official ball is a size 3.

  • Duration of Play -- Matches will consist of 4 10-minute periods (quarters). A five-minute break will follow each period.
  • The Referee - There is no assigned referee. Each team will provide ONE facilitator, per match. The facilitators are the only adults allowed on the field during play. The primary concerns of the facilitator are the safety and enjoyment of the players.
  • Start of Play -- The kick-off can be played either forwards or backward form the center spot. Following a goal or at the beginning of each quarter.
  • Corner Kicks -- There are no corner kicks.
  • Goal Kicks -- When a ball crosses the goal line, regardless of who touched it last any field player on the defending team may restart the game by dribbling or passing the ball from the goal line.
  •  Scoring -- A goal is scored when the ball passes over the painted white/red line attached to goal and under the red crossbar line. The team that was scored upon will take the subsequent kick-off.
  •  Throw-Ins -- The game will be restarted by any player on the team that did not touch the ball last prior to going over the touchline. The player may dribble or pass the ball from the spot where it left the field of play. NO THROW-INS WITH THE HANDS
  •  Penalty Kicks -- None
  •  Misconduct -- A player who blatantly tries to injure an opponent or who continually breaks the rules should be removed from the game. The player may be allowed to reenter the game after a cooling off period at the discretion of the coach and facilitator.
  • Safety Rule -- If a player on either team is on the ground near the ball, play is to stop immediately allowing the player to get back to his feet. The game will restart with a pass from the team that was in possession when play was stopped.
  • Sliding and Slide Tackling -- No slide tackling is allowed at the U6 level, but players can legally slide to play the ball if there is no danger of injury to an opponent.

Modified Playing Rules for the U7-U8 Age Group

 

Number of Players -- The maximum number of players is eight per team (8v8). Seven field players and one goalkeeper.

Field Dimensions --The field of play will be rectangular, with specific dimensions 50 yards in length x 30 yards in width with a midfield (half field) stripe. A goalkeeper's area will be marked ten yards from each goal and extending from sideline to sideline

Goals -- Goal size will vary depending on the field that the match is scheduled.

Ball -- The official ball is a size 3.

Duration of Play -- Matches will consist of 4 12-minute periods (quarters). A five-minute break will follow each period.

The Referee -- There is no assigned referee. Each team will provide ONE facilitator, per match. The facilitators are the only adults allowed on the field during play. The primary concerns of the facilitator are the safety and enjoyment of the players.

Start of Play -- The kick-off can be played either forwards or backward form the center spot. Kick off occurs after a goal and at the beginning of each quarter.

Corner Kicks -- Corner kicks are allowed, and will be taken when a defending player touches the ball last prior to it going over the endline. The ball should be placed in the corner and passed back into the field of play.

Goal Kicks -- Goal kicks are allowed, and will be taken when an attacking player touches the ball last prior to it going over the endline. The ball can be kicked, dribbled or thrown into play, but cannot be punted.

Scoring -- A goal is scored when the ball passes over the painted white/red line attached to goal and under the red crossbar line. The team that was scored upon will take the subsequent kick- off.

Throw-Ins -- The game will be restarted by any player on the team that did not touch the ball last prior to going over the touchline. Proper throw-ins will be taken.

Penalty Kicks -- None.

Misconduct -- A player who blatantly tries to injure an opponent or who continually breaks the rules should be removed from the game. The player may be allowed to reenter the game after a cooling off period at the discretion of the coach and facilitator.

Safety Rule -- If a player on either team is on the ground near the ball, play is to stop immediately allowing the player to get back to his feet. The game will restart with a pass from the team that was in possession when play was stopped.

Pass Back Rule -- The pass back rule is not in effect for these players and the goalkeeper is allowed to pick up the ball when last played by a teammate. When the ball is played to the goalkeeper and not picked up, the goalkeeper is considered a field player.

Sliding and Slide Tackling -- No slide tackling is allowed at this level, but players can legally slide to play the ball if there is no danger of injury to an opponent.

Goalkeepers – Goalkeepers can use their hands within the goal box. Goalkeepers can distribute the ball by punting, drop kick, throwing, dribbling or kicking the ball.

 

Modified Playing Rules for the U9-U10 Age Group

 

Goal at these age groups: To develop the basic skills, attitude, teamwork and sportsmanship toward other players and the game.

Game time: 2-25 minute halves

Size of ball: #4 soccer ball

Players on team: 18 maximum

Players on field: 7 players per team

Referee – A referee will be assigned to each game for U-10 ONLY. U-9 play will still be coach/parent refereed. All play and rules will be in accordance with United States Soccer Federation and CYSA regulations.

 

Modified Playing Rules for the U11-U12 Age Group

 

Goal at these age groups:  To further develop the basic skills attitude, teamwork, and good sportsmanship toward other players and understand the laws of the game.

Game time: 2-30 minute halves

Size of ball: #4 soccer ball

Players on team: 13 maximum

Players on field: 8 players per team

Referee – A referee will be assigned to each game. All play and rules will be in accordance with
United States Soccer Federation and CYSA regulations.

 

Modified Playing Rules for the U13/14 Age Group

 

Goal for these age groups:  To further develop the skills, teamwork, game attitude, tactics, strategy, concentration and good sportsmanship.

Game time: 2-35 minute halves

Size of ball: #5 soccer ball

Players on team: 18 maximum

Players on field:  11 players per team

Referee – A referee will be assigned to each game. All play and rules will be in accordance with United States Soccer Federation and CYSA regulations.

 

Modified Playing Rules for the U17- U19 Age Group

 

Goal for these age groups:  To further develop and polish their skills, game attitude, tactics, strategy and the spirit of the game. The Traveling House players may stay on the same team as their buddies during the three years in this age group, unless they are selected to play for a competitive team and choose to play there.

Game time: 2-45 minute halves

Size of ball: #5 soccer ball

Players on team: 18 maximum

Players on field:  11 players per team

Referee – A referee will be assigned to each game. All play and rules will be in accordance with United States Soccer Federation and CYSA regulations.