How to Coach Mini Soccer
- 1). Getting Organized
Schedule a regular weekly practice. It's important to learn all of the players' names before the first game and take the time to explain the rules and objective of the game to those who haven't played before. Training sessions are also needed to teach the players how to dribble, pass, trap, shoot and play defense. - 2). Teaching Techniques
Demonstrate the basic foot skills, emphasizing the mechanics of each movement. In passing, for example, players should be shown and then instructed to strike the top half of the ball with the inside blade of the foot. It's important to demonstrate how the instep of the foot is used for shooting, though passing motions can also be used to accurately place a ball into the corner of the net. In mini soccer, players are learning about basic ball control and movement on a small field, so they should not be instructed about clearing balls or other ways of putting the ball into the air above players' heads. - 3). Touches on the Ball
Drill the players in each skill area. Assigning each player to pass a ball with a partner is a great drill to start with, because they don't have to wait in line and they get many touches on the ball. For other drills, the team should be broken into as many small groups as possible so they spend more time in action and less time watching and waiting for their turn. - 4). Let Them Play
Organize an intrasquad scrimmage. This is key for teaching the players about the out-of-bounds lines, throw ins, goal kicks and corner kicks. Allow the players to try positions on offense and defense and on both sides of the field. However, it's important to stop play often to remind them where they should be in accordance with their assigned position. Over time, they will hesitate to automatically flock toward the ball and be mindful of the area of the field or opposing player they should be covering.
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