Practices
The most important part of every practice and game is to have fun.
Practice should be "economical", 8 kids aren't going to get better at dribbling if only 1 has the ball.
Kids like to play "games" like sharks & minnows, knockout, "hit the coach with the ball", freeze tag and other fun games.
if you need to during a game alter the rules if you need to make them do something different.
practice should not feel like "Drills"
at U6 the core focus is individual ball skills, with a 3v3 game there aren't "positions" and kids should be encouraged to try and do all sorts of things with the ball. At U8 the level, introduction to proper technique in passing + shooting should be introduced. players shouldn't be forced to pass or dribble, they need to learn for themselves what works.
Please try to scrimmage your own team (vs scrimmaging another team) because that way everyone gets to play.
During Scrimmages try and play "2 touch minimum", meaning kids are not supposed to just kick the ball up the field, but they are encouraged to dribble or pass, but forcing a 2nd touch really makes them think and will improve their play.
during games or scrimmages:
don't focus kids in certain positions. you are NOT trying to win games.
make sure everyone gets even playing time, and plays all over the field.
let them play, its not baseball or football, on throw ins don't "setup up" your kids, just have them do a proper throw in and start playing again.
coaching intramurals is NOT about strategy at all.
try and work with the other coach, notice if they have their stronger or weaker players in try to do the same... an even game is a fun game.
if your team is up or dominating play, you should remove a player, or allow the opponents to add a player.
teams should not keep score (but the kids usually do) so try not to run the score up at all. be respectful of the other team.
CSA Practice Schedule Fall 2010 (all teams / travel & intramural)
CSA Practice Procedures (all teams / travel & intramural)
Under 6 Practice Plans
Lesson 1 U6
Lesson 2 U6
Lesson 3 U6
Lesson 4 U6
Lesson 5 U6
Lesson 6 U6
Under 8 Practice Plans
Lesson 1 U8
Lesson 2 U8
Lesson 3 U8
Lesson 4 U8
Lesson 5 U8
Lesson 6 U8
Lesson 7 U8
Lesson 8 U8
Lesson 9 U8
Lesson 10 U8
