Full Description
'One of the most useful soccer books I've seen' - Dr. John McKeon, executive director (retired), National Soccer Coaches Association of America. 'Young soccer players should be trained in an environment that is safe, fun, and has direct implications for the game. This book has 125 ways to do just that. I strongly recommend it to all parents and coaches' - Bob Gansler, head coach, Kansas City Wizards (2000 MLS Champions). Did we say "drills"? Sorry, we meant games. That's right. Games that teach them more effectively than the tedious drills you endured as a kid. Games that challenge but do not frustrate them. Games that build rather than undermine a child's confidence and sense of involvement."Great Soccer Drills" contains 125 dynamic games and activities designed to keep your players moving, thinking, and most of all, having fun. The "games approach" to team practices allow you to teach soccer basics like ball control, movement, passing, and shooting while enhancing team communication and decision-making skills. You'll even learn a thing or two about coaching style, and how to make improvement - rather than winning or losing - the goal of your season.
Learn creative activities that develop skills quickly and painlessly. Use the Troubleshooting Chart to pinpoint problems. Develop coordination, cooperation, and camaraderie among your players. Design effective practices using the sample practices. Create a positive attitude, build team spirit, and get along with parents. Make practices fun and rewarding. Match practices to age and ability.'Since my retirement, I have been coaching youth teams and have found the games approach presented in this book the only way to coach. A must for every youth soccer coach' - Andy Caruso, founder and former president, Kwik Goal. 'Already regarded as national authorities on youth coaching and player development, Ron and Tom recently received international recognition when they addressed the European Coaches Association' - Jay Miller, former coach, U-17 National Team.
Contents
IntroductionFrom Parent to CoachThe Game/Activity ApproachHow to Use This BookWho We Are1. Coaching 101Understanding the Development of PlayersAge-Specific CoachingEssential Concepts: From Theory to PracticeDeveloping a Philosophy of Coaching2. Organizing PracticesThe Three Ls: Lines, Laps, and LecturesInvolving Players and ParentsGetting StartedForming GroupsEstablishing a Practice PlanSample PracticesTroubleshooting ChartQuestions and Answers3. Ballnastic Warm-Up ActivitiesIndividual Ballnastic ActivitiesCompetitive and Cooperative Exercises in Pairs4. Body Awareness Games and ActivitiesIndividual Body AwarenessBody Awareness in PairsSmall-Group Body Awareness5. Maze Games and Activities6. Target Games and ActivitiesAppendixSkills IndexIndexAcknowledgmentsAbout the Authors
