Effective Coaching Techniques
CCSL is invested in developing players and coaches. The following techniques have been shared by other certified coaches, including coaches at the Challenger Coach Clinic.
Ask lots and lots of questions to reinforce ideas, keep them listening and involved. As we opened the clinic, the kids were all grouped together chatting and the coach walked up… He said “When I’m talking, you’re what?” Kids answered “listening” and he suddenly had their undivided attention. When setting up cones for a drill or game, the guys were always asking/not telling. What kind of touches do we want to use? Kids answer “small”. Right, small, why? Kids answer “to keep control of the ball”…. We are going to work on Feints, what is a feint? Kids answer (or maybe they don’t know, so Coach answers or assistant coach answers) – a move to trick the defender and make them think you are going one way when you are going another. So, I’ll put a cone here, this cone is??? Kids answer “a defender”, etc…. constant interaction between coach and team – no lectures, a full conversation.
Don’t be afraid to stop a drill or scrimmage to bring home a point/explain something. First have a phrase your players know means stop whatever you are doing – Freeze – whistle blow, whatever. Don’t point out mistakes – give the player another chance to look at the situation and ask them “what could you have done differently?” Even reposition the players and let them see the situation again and make a better choice. Make sure that you occasionally stop play to praise a good move/decision, as well.
Positive reward system. The Challenger coaches use “World cup points”… You earn points for nailing a skill or drill, or anything really. You’d be surprised what the kids would do for a couple of “World cup points” ☺ At the end of the session, a simple “who can collect the most cones?” had the kids scattering to get the most and help with post-practice clean up.
U6 Coach Guidelines at a Glance
FUN is your top priority. The game guidelines below are given to help create consistency across teams and for education purposes.
Play 3 vs. 3, each player should get at least 50% playing time
Use size 3 ball
No goalie
No referee, use coach or parent and encourage “do-overs”
4 quarters, 8 minutes each, do NOT switch sides at half time
No penalties, fouls or offsides called at this level
Use kick-in, not throw-in, goal and corner kicks per FIFA
Keep defenders at midfield to allow goal kicks to get into play
No slide tackles and discourage keeping score
Opposing players and coaches will shake hands after the match
U8 Coach Guidelines at a Glance
The U8 level introduces our young players to their first taste of structured soccer with a referee. At this level, players should begin to understand the value of team play, but having fun is still the priority.
Play 4 vs. 4, each player should get at least 50% playing time (5 vs. 5 is appropriate if rosters are
overloaded & both coaches agree and notify the referee)
Use size 3 ball
No goalie (or defender camped out in front of the goal, teach defense not goal-guarding)
Center referee only. Infringements should be explained to offender.
4 quarters, 12 minutes each, switch sides at half time
Use throw-ins, allow one retake during games (referee/coach should demonstrate proper technique)
Teach offense and defense; focus on passing and playing in pairs/as a team
No offsides penalties
Goal and corner kicks per FIFA
No slide tackles and discourage keeping score
Opposing players and coaches will shake hands after the match
U10 Coach Guidelines at a Glance
This is the first level that a goalie is used and players are more team conscious. They should learn to anticipate and not just react at this level.
Play 7 vs. 7 (6 field players plus goalkeeper)
Use size 4 ball
Center referee required, 2 assistant referees/linesman will be provided whenever possible (not required)
Two 25-minute halves, no overtime
No offsides penalties, build-out lines will be in effect, to include no punting
Goal and corner kicks per FIFA
Heading is NOT permitted
No slide tackles
Opposing players and coaches will shake hands after the match
Coaches draft players before each season and keep players they've previously coached so teams stay together
The season culminates with a friendly round-robin tournament where a champion and runner-up are crowned
U12 Coach Guidelines at a Glance
Play 9 vs. 9 (8 field players plus goalkeeper)
Use size 4 ball
Center referee and 2 assistant refs (ARs)
Two 30-minute halves, no overtime
Offsides penalty will be called
Heading is NOT permitted
Discourage slide tackles
Kicks and penalties per FIFA
Opposing players and coaches will shake hands after the match
Coaches draft players before each season and keep players they've previously coached so teams stay together
The season culminates with a friendly round-robin tournament where a champion and runner-up are crowned
U13+ (rec) Coach Guidelines at a Glance
Play 9 vs. 9 (8 field players plus goalkeeper)
Use size 5 ball
Center referee and 2 assistant refs (ARs)
Two 30-minute halves, no overtime
Offsides penalty will be called
Heading is permitted
Discourage slide tackles
Kicks and penalties per FIFA
Opposing players and coaches will shake hands after the match
Coaches draft players before each season and keep players they've previously coached so teams stay together
The season culminates with a friendly round-robin tournament where a champion and runner-up are crowned