Harrison Township AYSO Coach Resources Page

Here you can find resources that will help you coach your Harrison Township AYSO team. Please browse the information and links below to learn coaching techniques, training drills and other tips to make your team and your players’ experience the best it can be!

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IF YOU NEED TO TAKE SAFE HAVEN TRAINING!

All new Region 919 volunteers and coaches MUST take the AYSO Online Safe Haven Certification course.

Log into sports connect and click on volunteer
Click on AYSOU on the right hand side and it will take you to the appropriate site.
Click on my training on the left hand side.

Contact us if you have any problems taking Safe Haven.

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Safety

AYSO Heading Policy: Is Heading Safe?
By: John Ouellette, AYSO National Coach / Technical Director
[email protected]

Many of you read a recent article that said heading in soccer could cause some brain damage. Never has one story provoked so many calls to the Coaching Department at the National Support Center of AYSO. Reaction such as “Is it true?” and “What position has AYSO taken?”

The AYSO Education Department and the AYSO Coaching Technical Committee believe that heading is part of the game of soccer, and it should be introduced and taught properly to players at the appropriate age and time. Introduction of heading at an early age or improper heading at any age may be linked to certain kinds of temporary or long term effects.

While scientific evidence is preliminary, some studies indicate that young players who head too early in their physical development are susceptible to potential risks, including risks to the skull, neck, and spine. In addition, soft and connective tissues, such as those associated with the brain, may be affected under some circumstances, too.

Improper heading at any age may expose a player to risk.

Studies indicate soccer is not the leading source of sports injuries to the head and neck, so the act of heading should be regarded within a complete context of risk. Studies do indicate that head-to-head contact among players, head contact with the ground, and head contact with goal posts and other associated playing equipment pose a greater risk than the simple act of heading the ball. These kinds of risk are associated with most outdoor team sports.

AYSO does not recommend heading below the age of ten. Coaches are not encouraged to teach or practice heading at these early ages.

As the level of play advances and the participants skills increase, the proper heading techniques need to be introduced to prepare the player for proper execution. Proper techniques can first be learned through the use of rag, nerf, and inflatable balls, thus avoiding unnecessary, repetitive heading of a regulation soccer ball.

When a real soccer ball is used to simulate game conditions during practice, its use should be of limited duration and repetition. Players who demonstrate a fear of the ball should be shown appropriate ball control techniques that do not force them to head the ball before they are ready.

Heading represents a player’s earliest opportunity to play an air ball. It also causes more apprehension than any other soccer skill, particularly with younger players. Therefore, the coach needs to be concerned with the apprehension and the poor technique which may result. A general rule of thumb to follow is to start teaching heading when a players show an interest, not when the coach thinks it should be taught.

Teach the skill of heading correctly. Remember to use a Nerf(r)-type ball, a rag ball, or an under inflated ball to start heading for the comfort and security of young players.

Teach your players to prepare to head the ball using the following reminders:

• keep your eye on the ball.
• place your body so that your forehead will meet the ball.
• take a comfortable stance with knees bent.
• keep your eyes open.
• keep your mouth closed.
• keep your chin tucked.
• keep a rigid neck.
• use your arms for balance.

Teach your players how to contact the ball using the following techniques:

• contact the ball with the forehead.
• your legs should propel your body from your waist to head the ball.
• your neck should be kept rigid.
• follow through toward the target.
• once you head the ball, put your body back into a position where you can then go to the next move.

Never have an unwilling player head the ball. He or she will not head in a game, why force them to at practice? Also don’t have children do headers over and over again.

To sum it all up, introduce heading at an appropriate age level, teach the skill correctly,  never force a player to head the ball, limit the amount of times a child heads the ball.

John Ouellette, AYSO Technical Director/National Coach
[email protected]
1-888-826-2976

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Training and Practice

Soccer Drills from SoccerXpert.com

Coaching Frequently Asked Questions

Sign up for AYSO’s “Hey Coach” e-newsletter

AYSO Coach Training Games

Fun Soccer Drills from Soccer Xpert.com

10 Free Soccer Drills from SoccerHelp.com

Soccer Skill Building Games from We Coach Kids.com

Teaching Basic Soccer Skills by Footy4Kids.com

Coaching Soccer Basics by Footy4Kids.com

Soccer Coaching Practice Plans by Footy4Kids.com

Youth Soccer Drills and Games by Footy4Kids.com

The following information is from Gavin Spooner who has written a wonderful 8 week training program for youth soccer coaches.

Download the full program here.

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Rules & Guidelines

Offsides

Click here for a great video animation that visually explains soccer offsides so you can clearly explain it to your players and parents.

Coaching Guidelines

1.    COMMUNICATION: Ensure the terminology you use is clear and precise. Let players know you are in charge.
2.    POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT: Whenever possible give individuals and/or groups positive reinforcement. Refrain from using negative comments. Use praise as an incentive.
3.    BE CREATIVE AND USE INITIATIVE: If the drill or game is too advanced, modify to increase the chances of success.
4.    MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Be motivational and inspirational. Enthusiasm and being energetic are contagious.
5.    KEEP PLAYERS ACTIVE: If the drill is static, create need of helpers or assistants to keep everyone involved.
6.    EACH PLAYER IS AN INDIVIDUAL: Be aware of player differences. Aggressive or quiet, recognition of player personalities will allow you to respond to all players, and they will respond to you positively.
7.    STRIVE FOR QUALITY: In all demonstrations make the desired objectives clear. If a player shows mastery of a skill, use him/her to demonstrate.
8.    REINFORCE CORRECT TECHNIQUE: In all drills and games continually emphasis the use of correct techniques.
9.    ENCOURAGE PLAYER MOVEMENT: At all times make players aware of importance of readiness. Emphasize weight forward on toes and bouncing instead of flat footed-ness.
10.    ROTATE POSITIONS: All players should be active as servers, assistants. In game situations change positions each quarter.
11.    DEVELOP PLAYER RESPECT: Continually get players to support one another. To show good sportsmanship towards all players including opponents, and respect for others attempts and effort.
12.    EQUALITY AMONGST PLAYERS: Give equal attention to all players in group or games. Do not leave the less competent players behind nor slow the advanced players.
13.    FUN AND ENJOYMENT: Players will respond and want to continue if things are fun. Create their enjoyment.

REMEMBER AS A COACH YOU SHOULD BE DEDICATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALL PLAYERS WHETHER TECHNICALLY ABLED OR NEW TO THE GAME. YOUR POSITION IS VERY IMPORTANT. YOU ARE A ROLE MODEL TO THESE CHILDREN. SET EXEMPLARY STANDARDS. DEVELOPING GOOD TOUCH AND TECHNIQUE, GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND A GOOD ATMOSPHERE  IS THE GOAL. KEEP AWAY FROM CREATING A PRESSURE TO WIN. MAINTAIN EQUALITY THROUGHOUT YOUR SESSIONS AND EMPHASIZE FUN AND DEVELOPMENT.

Coaching Points

DEVELOPING TOUCH AND TECHNIQUE

•    Maintain close control with both feet.
•    Be agile, stay on toes.
•    Use all parts of feet, inside, outside, laces, sole.
•    Move to get behind balls path.
•    Keep a soft contact.
•    Concentrate on center of ball.
•    Keep head up.
•    Control ball first, don’t just kick it away.
•    Change direction and speed when turning.
•    Be a friend with the ball.

PASSING

•    Use inside of feet.
•    Change body position so it’s comfortable.
•    Stay relaxed. Don’t be like a robot.
•    Look at ball when passing.
•    Pass to other players, not just kick and hope.
•    Move afterwards.
•    Move away from players to receive ball.
•    Turn body to face ball when receiving.
•    Stay spread out.

SHOOTING

•    Keep toe pointing down.
•    Lock ankle.
•    Strike with shoelaces.
•    Strike through center of ball.
•    Swing leg and follow through.
•    Keep relaxed except keep foot locked.
•    Accuracy before power.
•    Keep knee and head over ball.
•    Place standing foot alongside ball, not in front or behind.
•    Aim for bottom corners of goal.
•    Accuracy before power.
•    Follow after shooting.
•    Use foot closest to the ball. I.E. left or right foot.

GAMES

•    All of the above.
•    Keep moving.
•    Encourage movement towards ball.
•    Encourage use of width.
•    Keep positions only loosely restricted.
•    Take Time-out to rotate subs and positions.
•    Coach, educate, and support during games.
•    Explain all fouls and calls made.
•    Create an understanding of the Laws of the Game.