1. US Soccer Federation STATE E CERTIFICATION COURSE
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Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

2. ENJOY!!!

3. Dynamics of a Coaching Course
Candidates in a coaching course can be placed into three different groups:
1 – Those who want to learn (very motivated)
2 – Those who are there for the “piece-of-paper” (moderately motivated)
3 – Those who are forced to attend (not motivated)
Which One Are You?

4. “There is no prescription to football”
Are licensed coaches “better” coaches than those who are not licensed ?
Does a “higher” license mean the coach is better than those with a lesser license?
“There is no prescription to football”

5. Course Introduction Prepare coaches working with players U11 and up
Expanding knowledge and understanding of technical and tactical demands of the game
Provide an understanding of coaching methodology
Prepare you for the next level – USSF National “D” License
Empower you with things you can use immediately!
Motivate you to want to continue your coaching education
Give you as much information as possible to help you improve
Empower you with resources for future self-education

6. How You Complete the Course
Perfect attendance
Successful completion of take-home written examinations
Successful planning/execution of field practice coaching session (group work)

7. Ground Rules No cellular phones Respect the opinions of others
Early is on time
You are responsible for everything in the manual
If you don’t understand something…ASK!!!
Each candidate must be prepared to play at each session
Each candidate must bring a properly inflated size 5 soccer ball to each session

8. US Soccer Hierarchy United States Soccer Federation USSF
National and Olympic Teams
United States Youth Soccer Association
USYSA
55 National State Associations, 4 Regions
5 Million Registered Players
National Soccer Coaches Association
NSCAA
American Youth Soccer
Organization
(AYSO)
Soccer Association for Youth
(SAY)
Connecticut Junior Soccer Association
CJSA
Region 1

9. METHODS OF COACHING
STATE E CERTIFICATION COURSE

10. THE GAME - WHAT IS SOCCER?
It is a competitive game made difficult by the opponent.
It has an objective to achieve - to win the game.
It has rules to follow and a field to play on.
It is free flowing - No time outs or stoppages for coaching.
Players must solve the problems presented in the game - not the coach.
Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

11. THE GAME IS THE BEST TEACHER
The game presents the problems for the players.
Players must solve the problems.
Using games in training creates realism.
Players are motivated and challenged to learn through the game.
Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

12. “If you’ve ever driven a car
With three kids screaming
and fighting in the backseat,
think about this: Does it tend
to pull your attention away
from the task at hand? Do
you ever feel overloaded? If
you add more pressure to that
car ride, such as an icy road,
can you handle all that at
once? That’s exactly what
coaches do when they yell at
kids to do something: They
distract them. They create
“cognitive overload.”
(pg. 161, Just Let the Kids
Play)

13. USING SMALL-SIDED GAMES TO TEACH
Small-sided games emphasize these areas of player development:
Skill development - number of touches on the ball.
Tactical development - decision making is expanded.
Fun and enjoyment - the number of scoring opportunities is greatly increased.
Game understanding - positional play is greatly expanded.
Intuitive development - Transitional play is increased and becomes automatic.

14. USING SMALL-SIDED GAMES TO TEACH
Attacking Opportunities
Dribbling to take on opponents
Dribbling into Space
Passing
Receiving
Shooting
Player Involvement
Defending Opportunities
Tackling
Intercepting
Reading the Game
Stopping Shots
Distribution
Player Involvement

15. TOUCHES ON THE BALL (A Comparison Between 11v11, 7v7 and 4v4)
In 1997 three different games were assessed by Glen Buckley
Director of Coaching NYSWYSA.
11v11 friendly game, 22 touches in 60 minutes
(0.37 touches on the ball per minute)
7v7 games, 205 touches in 48 min., projected touches in 60 min. = 256 (4.3 touches on the ball per minute)
4v4 games, 217 touches in 48 min., projected touches in 60 min. = 271 (4.5 touches on the ball per minute)
The player in the 4v4 game touched the ball more times, in the same time period, that the player in the 11v11 game.

16. TOUCHES ON THE BALL (A Comparison Between 11v11, 7v7 and 4v4)
In 2001, the assessment was conducted again:
11v11 friendly game, 19 touches in 60 minutes
(0.32 touches on the ball per minute)
7v7 games, 96 touches in 40 min., projected touches in 60 min. = 144 (2.4 touches on the ball per minute)
4v4 games, 111 touches in 20 min., projected touches in 60 min. = 333 (5.5 touches on the ball per minute)
The player in the 4v4 game touched the ball more times, in the same time period, that the player in the 11v11 game.

17. WHAT IS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT?
Player development demands that the player is central to all
decisions made regarding training and competition.
The coach who believes in player development will ensure that the following objectives are met:
Activities are enjoyable.
Each player has a ball during training.
Technical and tactical situations are created in each session.
Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

18. WHAT IS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT?
Competition is a main ingredient within each practice.
Educate players to have an appreciation for the game, team mates, opponents, referees and coaches.
Lots of touches per session.

19. Connecticut Junior Soccer Association
Role of the Coach
* Set up conditions and environment for learning
*Create activities geared for success
* Practice should be about learning and enjoyment
* Coach must be enthusiastic
*Players need to have fun and receive positive feedback
Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

20. As a positive role model you should demonstrate respect for:
Role of the Coach
As a positive role model you should demonstrate respect for:
Your Team
The Parents
Your Staff
Officials
Opposing Coaches
The Game
Soccer Committees

21. HOW TO TEACH
STATE E CERTIFICATION COURSE

22. PRINCIPLES OF COACHING
ORGANIZATION: Practice Plan, Time Factor, Equipment, Practice Area, Number of Players
DEMONSTRATION: A picture paints a 1000 words
OBSERVATION: Both for failure and success
INFORMATION: Feedback is guiding the players to
success

23. Coaches Tool Kit Uninterrupted Play= Establish Rhythm
Coachable Moments
Conditions of the Game to Coach the Theme
Natural Stoppages
Flow of the Game
Individual Player
Freeze Method

24. CREATING A FRAMEWORK
METHODOLOGY: Is the manner in which the game is presented to the players. It is merely a framework to enable coaches to focus on coaching the player.
Types of practice sessions:
Technical
Tactical
Fitness
Functional

25. COMPONENTS OF THE GAME There are four pillars of the game:
TECHNICAL - Individual
TACTICAL - Individual, Group, Team
FITNESS - Endurance (aerobic /anaerobic), flexibility, agility, speed (physical, technical, mental), strength and power.
PSYCHOLOGICAL - Demands of the game

26. Connecticut Junior Soccer Association
WHAT AND HOW TO TEACH
Whole - Part - Whole approach
GAME ANALYSIS TRAINING GAME
(Performance) (Evaluation) (Education) (Performance)
Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

27. WHAT AND HOW TO TEACH
The game will dictate the requirements of training. Training must
include the following elements:
Rules
A Ball
Teammates
Direction
Objective (Goal)
Decision Making
Field

28. Connecticut Junior Soccer Association
PRACTICE STRUCTURE
Logical progression
Simple to complex
Increase number of elements during progression
Increase pressure
Application in game
Cool Down
Connecticut Junior Soccer Association

29. GENERAL PROGRESSION FOR TEACHING TECHNIQUE
FUNDAMENTAL: No pressure from opponent, includes stretching, repetition, related to main theme of topic.
MATCH RELATED: The main objective of the practice, introduce pressure gradually cumulating in live pressure, pressure of time and space.
MATCH CONDITION: Final stage with no restrictions, real game with even or uneven teams. GK’s should be used. Conditions may be imposed to highlight the area of the game that is being coached.

30. Connecticut Junior Soccer Association
FUNDAMENTAL - WARM UP
ORGANIZATION
KEY COACHING POINTS
MATCH RELATED
MATCH CONDITION
COOL DOWN

31. TACTICS, SYSTEMS & PRINCIPLES OF PLAY
STATE E CERTIFICATION COURSE

32. WHAT ARE TACTICS? Tactics are the where, when and why of soccer.
Soccer is a team sport that allows each player to
impose their personality onto the game. The free flowing nature of soccer provides players with numerous opportunities to make instant decisions while attacking and defending.

33. GENERAL PROGRESSION FOR TEACHING TACTICS
UNRESTRICTED SPACE: Free space, 1v1, individual duels.
RESTRICTED SPACE: Size of area based on ability and number of players. 2v2, 2v3, 4v3
ONE GOAL WITH COUNTER: Counter may be goal, line or target players. Group tactics.
TWO GOALS: Team tactics. Teaching of roles through the various thirds of the field, and the responsibilities of those roles.

34. Connecticut Junior Soccer Association
UNRESTRICTED SPACE – WARM UP
ORGANIZATION
KEY COACHING POINTS
RESTICTED SPACE
ONE GOAL WITH COUNTERS
GAME-TWO GOALS
COOL DOWN

35. PRINCIPLES OF PLAY DEFENSE
Immediate chase to regain possession. Deny penetration.
Delay: Nearest defender applies pressure (1st defender).
Depth: The quick organization of the players behind the pressuring defender (Cover - primary the 2nd defender)
Balance: The positioning of defenders relative to possible penetrating runs or passes to attackers away from the ball (3rd defender).
Concentration: The limiting of time and space by squeezing centrally behind the ball (compactness).

36. PRINCIPLES OF PLAY ATTACK
Penetration: Get the ball behind defenders (1st attacker, achieved by shooting, running, passing, dribbling.
Depth: The organization of players behind and in front of the 1st attacker (2nd attacker provides support).
Mobility: The attempt by attacking players to penetrate and unbalance the defensive action (3rd attacker).
Width: The disposition of attackers across the full width of the field to pull apart the collective defensive action.
Improvisation: Individual flair, creativity can open up defenses for the individual and for teammates.

37. Safety Risk Risk Safety THIRDS OF THE FIELD Safety Risk
Defensive Third
Midfield Third
Offensive Third

38. SYSTEMS OF PLAY Select a system for you players
Find a system that allows your players to play
Balance
Variety : 4-4-2
3-5-2 (5-3-2)
3-4-3
4-3-3
Comfort zone with players

39. DEVELOPING A SYSTEM Create a system that puts your team into play
Meet the demands of the game, not the coach
Encourage players to try all positions
To much risk means vulnerability
Balance is needed for transition
Defensive Minded
When defending you still need an outlet
Develop players not positions
In general the team shape should provide:
Numbers up in the back
Even numbers in Midfield
Mobility in the Attack

40. “E” Coaching Certificate
Risk / Team Management

41. What are possible concerns with respect to having player names on the back of their jerseys?

42. What should you do if you are left alone with a player following a practice or a game?

43. What do you feel are important items to discuss at your preseason parent/coach meeting?

44. Parent – Coach Meeting Discuss coaching philosophy.
- Discuss team goals for the season.
- Discuss what is expected of the parents.

45. What do you feel are important items to discuss at your preseason player / coach meeting?

46. Player – Coach meeting (group)
- Discuss coaching philosophy.
- Discuss team goals for the season.
- Discuss training rules and regulations

47. What information do you feel is important to reveal to your team at halftime?

48. Player – Coach meeting (individual)
Discuss players perception of himself within the team and to the team.
Discuss individuals goals for the season.
Discuss the coaches perception of the individual within the team and to the team.

49. Prevention and Care of Injuries
A First Aid Guide for the Youth Coach

50. Emergency Action Plan Have and know how to use the following:
First Aid kit
Ice and plastic bags for emergency use
Team safety and information cards

51. Emergency Action Plan Stay calm and reassure the player
Do the primary survey: A, B, C’s. Airway, Breathing and Circulation
If necessary send someone to call 911.

52. Emergency Action Plan
For Airway and Circulation If no breathing, begin rescue breathing. If no pulse start CPR. (If you are CPR certified)
Always err on the side of caution!

53. Prevention of Injuries
Proper use of equipment (shin guards, no jewelry, uniforms designed for climate).
Proper fitting shoes, proper type of shoe for surface.
Upkeep and monitoring of playing surfaces.
Avoid scheduling training during the hottest periods of the day and when there is intense humidity.

54. Prevention of Injuries
Ample water supply and breaks to give players rest.
Full rehabilitation of an injury prior to return to play, determined by a physician.
Recommend a physical exam by a physician prior to participation.

55. Common Injuries in Soccer
Cuts and Abrasions
To reduce the risk of infection ALWAYS wear protective gloves and wash your hands before and after contact. Protect yourself and the player.

56. Common Injuries in Soccer
Treatment
Clean wound and surrounding area with clean water, wiping away from the wound.
To stop bleeding on an open wound:
Place sterile dressing over wound and apply direct pressure. Elevate if necessary.
If a severe cut call 911!

57. Common Injuries in Soccer
Nose Bleed
Treatment
Place the player in a sitting position with the head forward.
Apply pressure to just below the bridge of the nose. Use ice when necessary.
If you suspect a head or neck injury do not try to control the bleeding. Instead stabilize the head and call 911!

58. Common Injuries in Soccer
Bruises/Contusions (A crushing injury to a muscle or tendon caused by an outside force, which causes hemorrhaging to surrounding tissue)
Treatment: Apply ice

59. Common Injuries in Soccer
Sprains:
A frequent injury in soccer, with the knee and the ankle most often involved. A sprain is the stretching or tearing of the ligament beyond its normal limits.
Strains:
A partial tear to the muscle or tendon. Commonly called a “pull”
No flexibility problems for the U6 – 8. Strains and sprains are starting to appear with the U10 – 12’s.

60. Common Injuries in Soccer
Treatment R.I.C.E.
R – Removal from the activity and rest
I – Ice
C – Compression
E – Elevation
No flexibility problems for the U6 – 8. Strains and sprains are starting to appear with the U10 – 12’s.

61. Common Injuries in Soccer
Heat Illness
Young children are still not as efficient as adults at dealing with heat or cold.
Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Regulatory system is not as efficient as adults. They do not know when to stop when it is hot

62. Common Injuries in Soccer
Heat Cramps
Are brief severe cramps in the muscles of the leg arm or abdomen that may occur during or after vigorous exercise in extreme heat. Lack of drinking fluids is a common cause.
Treatment: A cool place, rest and fluids
Regulatory system is not as efficient as adults. They do not know when to stop when it is hot

63. Common Injuries in Soccer
Heat Exhaustion:
The players body is having trouble keeping itself cool. This condition can come on very suddenly, the players temperature is raised and they may feel sick or dizzy. The player is still sweating and the skin feels clammy.
Treatment: Call 911, cool place, loosen clothing, rest and drink fluids.
Regulatory system is not as efficient as adults. They do not know when to stop when it is hot

64. Common Injuries in Soccer
Heat Stroke is:
The most severe form of heat illness; a life threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Body temperature is high, skin is hot, red and dry, sweating mechanism is blocked, pulse is rapid and strong, player may lose consciousness.
Treatment
Immediately call 911; get into cool area; cool the players body by spraying or dousing with water; loosen clothing; fan the player to help in cooling.

65. Common Injuries in Soccer
Fractures and Dislocations:
If a body part does not have a normal appearance or function then suspect a fracture.
Treatment: Do not move the player, keep warm and make comfortable, call 911.

66. Common Injuries in Soccer
Dislocations
The joint will have a marked deformity with intense pain.
Treatment:
If a player can walk immobilize the joint and immediately transport to hospital. If the player is unable to walk then call 911.

67. Common Injuries in Soccer
Concussion
Usually due to a clash of heads. Possible dizziness, headache, disorientation, ringing in the ears and vomiting.
Treatment:
Remove from activity and seek medical care.
U6 – 8 quite often clash heads

68. Prevention and Care of Injuries
Always err on the side of caution.
Be first aid and cpr certified.
Record the incident and note all actions you took and how the injury occurred.
Follow up with a phone call to check on the players condition.
Acknowledgements:
American Medical Association; First – Aid guide