Coaching Soccer the NSCAA Way. A Complete Guide

276 Pages·10.039 MB·English

by  Martin J. (Ed.)

UmschSoccerJournal 27.09.2011 13:40 Uhr Seite 1
the Authors About the Book About the National Soccer
Coaches Association of America
This book offers some of the best articles from the NSCAA's Soccer Journal from
the last twenty years. Soccer Journal is the official publication of the National
Anson Dorrance UNC Women’s Coach T
Soccer Coaches Association of America. H Based in Kansas City, Kan., the NSCAA is the largest soccer coaches’
organization in the world. Since its founding in 1941. it has grown to
E
Bob Bradley US Men’s National Team Coach
The book offers articles that cover the Four Pillars of soccer. Those pillars are: include more than 30,000 members who coach both genders at all

Technique, Tactics, the Mental and the Physical. The fifth section describes to the levels of the sport. In addition to a national rankings program for
Tony DiCicco Women’s National Team and Boston Breakers reader how to coach. B colleges and high schools, NSCAA offers an extensive recognition
E program that presents nearly 10,000
Dr. Donald Kirkendall FIFA Physicians Committee
In the chapter on technique nationally known coaches describe soccer-specific S individual awards every year.
techniques and how to present them to the team. The topics include: Principles of
T
Shellas Hyndman FC Dallas Head Coach
Teaching Technique, Dribbling, Shielding, Tackling, Receiving and Passing as basic It fulfills its mission of coaching education
techniques for the player. In addition to these skills, section one deals with through a nationwide program of clinics and
O
Mike Noonan Head Coach Clemson University goalkeeper technique.
week-long courses, teaching more than
F
6,000 soccer coaches each year.

Andy Roxburgh UEFA Coach Chapter two details the evolution of tactics in the game of soccer going back to the
late 1800s and finishing with a discussion of the latest in tactics at the international S
John Bluem Head Coach Ohio State University level. In addition the most poplar systems of play from the soccer world are O
described in detail. Both attacking and defending in each system is examined.
C
Jeff Tipping Former Director of Coaching NSCAA
C
Chapter three deals with the mental side of playing soccer. This is the last frontier About the editor
E
Jim Lennox Hartwick College; former DoC NSCAA for our players and teams. It is an important aspect of coaching and mental
R
training is a responsibility of coaches today. The articles examine mental

George Perry Monmouth College; DoC NSCAA preparation for both men and women soccer players and teams. Jay Martin, professor at the Ohio Wesleyan
J University, is the most successful college
O
Chapter four deals with fitness and nutrition. The articles discuss everything from men's soccer coach in the USA.
Bill Beswick Leading Sport Psychologist
U
warm-ups to post game nutrition. There are articles for youth soccer players as
R
well as college and professional soccer players. Since 2003 Martin is the editor of the
Jeremy Boone Athletes by Design N
NSCAA's Soccer Journal.
A
Once the reader examines the Four Pillars of ISBN 978-1-84126-329-8
Nancy Feldman Head Women’s Coach Boston University
Soccer, chapter five deals with how to coach L
and manage a team. Coaching is examined
Vern Gambetta Soccer Fitness Expert
at all levels from U6 to professional. This
chapter offers answers to many questions
Jeff Vennell NSCAA Academy Staff J
that coaches will have every season. a
y

Jack Detchon English FA M
This book is the first in a new series of books
a
from the NSCAA. Future editions will examine
r
Doug Williamson NSCAA National Staff each of the pillars again in more detail. $ 18.95 US/£ 14.95 t
www.m-m-sports.com in

(
E
d
.
)
UmschSoccerJournal 27.09.2011 13:40 Uhr Seite 1
the Authors About the Book About the National Soccer
Coaches Association of America
This book offers some of the best articles from the NSCAA's Soccer Journal from
the last twenty years. Soccer Journal is the official publication of the National
Anson Dorrance UNC Women’s Coach T
Soccer Coaches Association of America. H Based in Kansas City, Kan., the NSCAA is the largest soccer coaches’
organization in the world. Since its founding in 1941. it has grown to
E
Bob Bradley US Men’s National Team Coach
The book offers articles that cover the Four Pillars of soccer. Those pillars are: include more than 30,000 members who coach both genders at all

Technique, Tactics, the Mental and the Physical. The fifth section describes to the levels of the sport. In addition to a national rankings program for
Tony DiCicco Women’s National Team and Boston Breakers reader how to coach. B colleges and high schools, NSCAA offers an extensive recognition
E program that presents nearly 10,000
Dr. Donald Kirkendall FIFA Physicians Committee
In the chapter on technique nationally known coaches describe soccer-specific S individual awards every year.
techniques and how to present them to the team. The topics include: Principles of
T
Shellas Hyndman FC Dallas Head Coach
Teaching Technique, Dribbling, Shielding, Tackling, Receiving and Passing as basic It fulfills its mission of coaching education
techniques for the player. In addition to these skills, section one deals with through a nationwide program of clinics and
O
Mike Noonan Head Coach Clemson University goalkeeper technique.
week-long courses, teaching more than
F
6,000 soccer coaches each year.

Andy Roxburgh UEFA Coach Chapter two details the evolution of tactics in the game of soccer going back to the
late 1800s and finishing with a discussion of the latest in tactics at the international S
John Bluem Head Coach Ohio State University level. In addition the most poplar systems of play from the soccer world are O
described in detail. Both attacking and defending in each system is examined.
C
Jeff Tipping Former Director of Coaching NSCAA
C
Chapter three deals with the mental side of playing soccer. This is the last frontier About the editor
E
Jim Lennox Hartwick College; former DoC NSCAA for our players and teams. It is an important aspect of coaching and mental
R
training is a responsibility of coaches today. The articles examine mental

George Perry Monmouth College; DoC NSCAA preparation for both men and women soccer players and teams. Jay Martin, professor at the Ohio Wesleyan
J University, is the most successful college
O
Chapter four deals with fitness and nutrition. The articles discuss everything from men's soccer coach in the USA.
Bill Beswick Leading Sport Psychologist
U
warm-ups to post game nutrition. There are articles for youth soccer players as
R
well as college and professional soccer players. Since 2003 Martin is the editor of the
Jeremy Boone Athletes by Design N
NSCAA's Soccer Journal.
A
Once the reader examines the Four Pillars of ISBN 978-1-84126-329-8
Nancy Feldman Head Women’s Coach Boston University
Soccer, chapter five deals with how to coach L
and manage a team. Coaching is examined
Vern Gambetta Soccer Fitness Expert
at all levels from U6 to professional. This
chapter offers answers to many questions
Jeff Vennell NSCAA Academy Staff J
that coaches will have every season. a
y

Jack Detchon English FA M
This book is the first in a new series of books
a
from the NSCAA. Future editions will examine
r
Doug Williamson NSCAA National Staff each of the pillars again in more detail. $ 18.95 US/£ 14.95 t
www.m-m-sports.com in

(
E
d
.
)
The Best of Soccer Journal
An NSCAA Guide to Soccer Coaching Excellence

An NSCAA Guide to Soccer Coaching Excellence
NSCAA_The Best of Soccer Journal.indd 1 17.10.11 09:26
The Best of Soccer Journal
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The Best of Soccer Journal

An NSCAA Guide to
Soccer Coaching Excellence
Jay Martin (Ed.)

Meyer & Meyer Sport
An NSCAA Guide to Soccer Coaching Excellence
NSCAA_The Best of Soccer Journal.indd 3 17.10.11 09:26
Authors Include:
Anson Dorrance UNC Women’s Coach
Bob Bradley US Men’s National Team Coach
Tony DiCicco Women’s National Team and Boston Breakers
Dr. Donald Kirkendall FIFA Physicians Committee
Shellas Hyndman FC Dallas Head Coach
Mike Noonan Head Coach Clemson University
Andy Roxburgh UEFA Coach
John Bluem Head Coach Ohio State University
Jeff Tipping Former Director of Coaching NSCAA
Jim Lennox Hartwick College; former DoC NSCAA
George Perry Monmouth College; DoC NSCAA
Bill Beswick Leading Sport Psychologist
Jeremy Boone Athletes by Design
Nancy Feldman Head Women’s Coach Boston University
Vern Gambetta Soccer Fitness Expert
Jeff Vennell NSCAA Academy Staff
Jack Detchon English FA
Doug Williamson NSCAA National Staff
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
The Best of Soccer Journal
Maidenhead: Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd., 2012
ISBN 978-1-84126-329-8
All rights reserved, especially the right to copy and distribute,
including the translation rights. No part of this work may be reproduced—
including by photocopy, microfilm or any other means—
processed, stored electronically, copied or distributed in any form whatsoever
without the written permission of the publisher.
© 2012 by Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd.
Auckland, Beirut, Budapest, Cairo, Cape Town, Dubai, Indianapolis,
Kindberg, Maidenhead, Sydney, Olten, Singapore, Tehran, Toronto
Member of the World
Sport Publishers’ Association (WSPA)
www.w-s-p-a.org
Printed by: B.O.S.S Druck und Medien GmbH, Germany
ISBN 978-1-84126-329-8
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.m-m-sports.com
The Best of Soccer Journal
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Table of Contents
T able of Contents
Chapter I: Technique .................................................................................7
Principles of Teaching Techniques ..................................................................................................................8
Dribbling: A Crucial Component ..................................................................................................................10
Fast Footwork ....................................................................................................................................................16
Shielding .............................................................................................................................................................18
Tackling ...............................................................................................................................................................22
Receiving ............................................................................................................................................................27
to Make Quick Decisions .............................................................................................................................34
First Touch – Fine Tuning Technique ..........................................................................................................37
Heading ..............................................................................................................................................................39
Elevating Passing Skill ....................................................................................................................................41
Finishing: Technique and Repetition ..........................................................................................................46
Goalkeeper Training Part I .............................................................................................................................49
Goalkeeper Training Part II: Advanced Catching and Diving ..............................................................54
Extending the Keeper’s Range ......................................................................................................................57
Training to Save the Breakaway ..................................................................................................................59
Dealing with Crosses .......................................................................................................................................61
Integrating the Goalkeeper in a Training Session ...................................................................................64
Chapter II: Tactics .................................................................................67
The Evolution of Systems ...............................................................................................................................68
4-4-2: A Balanced Attack ...............................................................................................................................78
4-4-2: The Defensive Strategy ......................................................................................................................82
4-4-2: The Attacking Strategy ......................................................................................................................86
4-3-3: A System that Works ..........................................................................................................................90
Examining the 3-5-2 System .........................................................................................................................94
Three in the Back............................................................................................................................................103
The Four Main Moments of Soccer ............................................................................................................108
Possession and Penetration .........................................................................................................................110
Defending Not Hard but Smart ..................................................................................................................114
Zonal Defending: Making it Work..............................................................................................................116
Chapter III: The Mental ......................................................................119
Weighing the Confidence Factor ................................................................................................................120
Developing Consistency ...............................................................................................................................125
It’s a Mental Game ........................................................................................................................................131
Relaxing Under Pressure ..............................................................................................................................135
Youth Soccer Coach Wanted .......................................................................................................................159
AAnn NNSSCCAAAA GGuuiiddee ttoo SSoocccceerr CCooaacchhiinngg EExxcceelllleennccee 5
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The Perils of Criticism .................................................................................................................................144
Winners are Different .................................................................................................................................148
Women: It’s OK to Compete .....................................................................................................................151
Mental Toughness: Developing Self-Awareness .................................................................................154
The Right Ways to Motivate .....................................................................................................................157
Building Morale: Egos Must Go! .............................................................................................................161
Where Are We Going and How Do We Get There? ............................................................................165
Chapter IV: Fitness and Nutrition ..................................................169
Get Serious About Warm-Ups ..................................................................................................................170
Warm-Up – When, Why and How? .........................................................................................................173
Fitness Training: How Much and How Hard? ......................................................................................176
Strategies to Get Your Team Soccer Fit .................................................................................................178
Soccer Circuit Training ...............................................................................................................................180
Designing Strength Training to Be Soccer Fit .....................................................................................183
Strength and Conditioning for Youth Soccer Players ........................................................................186
Improving Speed for Training ..................................................................................................................190
Off-Season Conditioning in Soccer .........................................................................................................193
The Problem of Over-Competition ..........................................................................................................196
ACL Injury Prevention ................................................................................................................................198
Proper Feeding .............................................................................................................................................202
Here’s Proof Sports Drinks Work .............................................................................................................207
The Road to Recovery.................................................................................................................................210
Chapter V: Coaching and Team Management ............................213
The Craft of Coaching ................................................................................................................................214
Defining the Word “Coaching” ................................................................................................................219
Fitting Practices to Ages ...........................................................................................................................222
From Looking Good to Winning ..............................................................................................................224
Teaching the Game .....................................................................................................................................228
Good Coach or Good Leader? ..................................................................................................................232
Soccer’s Building Blocks ............................................................................................................................236
Realistic Practices Pay off .........................................................................................................................244
Making Training Game-Like ......................................................................................................................248
Keep Them Short and Sharp .....................................................................................................................251
Curing Common Coaching Problems .....................................................................................................256
Training Session for U-6 Players .............................................................................................................262
Athletes First, Winning Second................................................................................................................265
6 TThhee BBeesstt ooff SSoocccceerr JJoouurrnnaall
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Chapter 1:
Technique
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Chapter 1: Technique
Principles of Teaching Techniques
Manny Sanchez, TN Soccer Executive Director
USSF “A” License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, UEFA “A” Intermediate
Editor’s Note: It is often good to get back to Below you will find the principles of technique
basics. Here is a quick refresher course for coaches for heading, dribbling, passing, receiving and
to use to prepare their team technically. finishing/shooting. Utilizing these principles in
P conjunction with creating a perfect picture for
layers must have a solid foundation upon them to see will help in getting the players on the
which to build before they can reach the road to creating good habits. I hope this will help
next level of development. Teaching proper the less experienced coach who might not have
technique is a must for coaches working with played the game in teaching proper techniques
young players. The coach can have the best to younger players.
intentions in the world, but re-enforcing bad
technique or habits can be counterproductive
Heading Principles:
in the development of our players. Bad habits,
which are developed from repetition of bad
• Eyes open
technique, get harder to correct the more
• Chin in, mouth closed, keep neck firm
entrenched they become.
• Attack the ball – don’t let the ball hit you
• Contact the ball just above the eyebrows or
The old adage ”practice makes perfect” is slightly
forehead
off the mark when it comes to technique. In
• Arms help to propel the head forward as well
reality perfect practice makes perfect. The key is
as aid to balance
to repeat proper techniques. Proper fundamentals
• Use legs and back for power - arch and uncoil
are necessary for developing good technique. If
• Foot action – rocking motion, back foot to
we get our players to repeat the techniques in a
front foot
proper way over and over, they will start to form
• Timing of jump is very important, make
good habits that are fundamentally sound. This
contact with ball at the highest possible
is definitely a key to creating good sound habits
point of the jump
that will become second nature.
The purpose is to improve the player’s technical Finishing Principles:
ability and present them with activities, which
• Accuracy is the key – finishing is merely passing
will provide the repetition necessary to raise the
the ball into the goal past the goalkeeper
level of individual proficiency and their comfort
• Power is determined by the speed of the foot at
with the ball. Increased technical ability and
the point of contact and the technique used
better understanding of principles of play will
• Body alignment – whenever possible, head
help our players reach the next level in their
and kicking knee over the ball and hips and
development. But we must remember that this
shoulders square to target
will not happen without a solid foundation. That
• Firm ankle, toe down
is why it is so important that coaches know what
• Non-kicking foot placed comfortably beside
to look for in teaching techniques.
the ball – toe pointing to the target
8 The Best of Soccer Journal
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