HEADS UP!

November 2011

E Coaching Magazine

Contents

1. Possession Games

2. A Woman Amongst Boys

3. Klinsmann Q&A:

4. International Skills Test

5. Indiana Soccer Awards Nominations Now Open

6. Coaching Aid From Vince Ganzberg – Region II Recreational DOC

7. A SERIES OF FREE EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS

8. PRESENTED BY THE TOP NAMES IN YOUTH

SOCCER

Possession Games

With only two practices per week with my teams I’ve found that it works best to focus on a technical topic (Running with the Ball, Dribbling, Control, Shooting) during our first practice of the week and then Passing and Possession progressing to a small-sided game during the second session. We also do one shooting exercise toward the end of practice just to keep a focus on that before the weekend.

I’m always looking for variations on possessions games to focus on different aspects of possession and to keep the practice fresh. By creating target areas in each corner the players have a target area to direct their possession toward but since there are four of them, the defenders can’t cover them all. This gives the players the opportunity to read the pressure and then move the ball to the open space.

Here are two of the functional small-sided games that are presented as games to train midfielders and defenders to pass to feet or space but they are appropriate for players of all positions.

Organization – Passing on the run to feet to targets (grid is 40 long 30 wide)

1. 4 target players in corner boxes 5 x 5 yards 2. Play 4 v 4 in the middle 3. Score by playing the ball into Target players, can’t score in the same corner in succession, Although

you can play back to the same target as a support pass to retain possession. 4. Progressions, Unlimited touch, 3 touch, 2 touch, 1 touch 5. Target players 2 touch, or 1 touch. 6. Change Target Player

Coaching Points

Good control with ball at your feet, keep head up , Vision Use the inside / outside of the foot to pass the ball Good speed ,weight and accuracy on your pass Movement of the ball

Organization – Passing to Space

1. Area 60 long 40 wide 2. Corner boxes 5 x 5 yards 3. Play 6 v 6 or 8 v 8 in the middle 4. Score by playing the ball into the corner. 5. Player cannot stand in the box to receive, they must time there run into the box 6. Cannot score in the same corner in succession, 7. Progressions, Unlimited touch, 3 touch, 2 touch, 1 touch

Coaching Points

Good control with ball at your feet, keep head up , Vision Use the inside / outside of the foot to pass the ball Good speed ,weight and accuracy on your pass Movement of the ball, Timing of runs into corner

I’ve used this book many times as a reference for to help explain the roles of a particular player. It describes the responsibilities of each position in a wide range of formations including 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-5-2, 3-4-3, etc. In addition to the descriptions it also provides functional training for each position that will help you teach your players their specific roles

A Woman Amongst Boys

By Brandon Parker

Chaminade, a perennial power on the Missouri soccer scene, has found this season that playing like a girl isn't so bad. Especially when that girl is U.S. Women's National Team player Heather Mitts.

Mitts, who is married to St. Louis Rams QB A.J. Feeley, has been training with Chaminade this season and it's proved helpful in elevating the Red Devils' play and on-field communication.

Check out this video for more on this unique partnership: ESPN Chaminade Boys Soccer and Heather

Klinsmann Q&A: Parents can set an example (Part 1)

Interview by Mike Woitalla

Jurgen Klinsmann, whose playing career included winning the 1990 World Cup title with Germany, took a keen interest in American youth soccer when he moved to California upon his retirement in 1998. He became head coach of the U.S. national team in July and took time before the USA's November friendlies against France and Slovenia to discuss American youth soccer issues, including the parents' role, pay-to-play, differences between European and American youth clubs, college ball -- and he offers some advice to youth coaches. SOCCER AMERICA: You have spoken often about the value of unorganized soccer for children -- and you helped found an initiative (FD21) to promote that in Germany. Is there a way to increase the amount of soccer children play in the USA outside the club structure? JURGEN KLINSMANN: The keys for soccer development are for children to enjoy kicking a ball and enjoy playing soccer types of games. It does not take a soccer field or an organized team training to do this. But we may need to help our children learn what they can do on their own or with a few friends to enjoy kicking a ball and playing soccer. In other words, youth soccer training should include lots of fun -- “you can do this on your own” -- activities, including showing examples of how to have soccer-related fun in a backyard, the driveway, the schoolyard, a park, against a wall, or anywhere there is a small amount of space and a ball -- any kind of ball. In the USA, basketball is part of the culture. So young basketball players grow up learning how to play types of basketball games -- like 1-on-1, 21, H-O-R-S-E --- on their own and with small groups. We need to help our young soccer players to be able to do the same thing -- play on their own or with their friends or with their parents wherever they are with whatever ball is available.

SOCCER AMERICA: A big change in children's sports is the declining role of schools' physical education and sports programs. Can you speak to that issue? JURGEN KLINSMANN: Of course I think it is too bad that physical education and sports programs are declining in schools. And I understand though do not necessarily agree with some of the reasons, primarily around setting priorities and budget cuts. So, as parents, we have a choice -- sit back and do nothing in the face of this decline or create alternative opportunities for our children. Actually, I do not think that we do have a choice. I think we have to create alternative opportunities for our children. It is part of their life-long education. We hear constantly about the problems of obesity and other health-related issues arising from a lack of exercise. What can we -- as parents -- do about it? Set an example. Be active with our children. Don’t let them automatically watch TV or go into their rooms to play video games or go online. Encourage outdoor activities year round. Kick a ball in the backyard. Walk or ride a bike to the store instead of driving. Participate in a local community event instead of going to the movies. There are many active things we can do with our children and that they can do on their own, if we make this type of active lifestyle a family priority. SA: One of the huge flaws in American youth soccer is the high cost. (The more talented you are, the more it costs.) Why is this not the case in other countries, such as Germany, and do you see any solutions to the problem in the USA? JURGEN KLINSMANN: In European countries, there are two types of clubs: local soccer/sports clubs and professional soccer clubs, which may also include other sports. The local soccer/sports clubs usually serve people from youth through adulthood. So, there is a lifelong opportunity to participate and adult fees are helping reduce (though not eliminate) youth fees. Plus, the local soccer/sports clubs tend to play 10-month seasons based on local travel and local leagues, not regional leagues and big tournaments with high fees and long-distance travel as is common in the USA. Also, in Europe, the professional clubs have youth programs and they start signing up promising players at young ages and pay for their costs of training. So, the culture of sports participation and the professional club influence are much different and much stronger in Europe than currently in the USA. Going forward, MLS clubs will have more influence in the USA, including providing free opportunities to play for talented players. Plus, we may see more American youth clubs partnering with international clubs, which will pay for the training costs of talented young American players. Chelsea, for instance, is experimenting with this right now. Obviously, a big difference between the USA and European countries is that most promising young American soccer players will end up playing college soccer, while promising young European players have the goal of being professional players. There are many, many more college soccer programs in the USA than there are professional clubs in any European country. But colleges cannot pay for youth development programs like professional clubs can. So, in summary, there are significant differences between the European sports culture and the American sports culture, which will not dramatically change anytime soon and which do impact the costs associated with youth soccer.

SA: Is the enormous geographic size of the USA a problem for the national team program as it scouts for talent and develops it? And if so, what are the solutions to overcoming the challenge? JURGEN KLINSMANN: I look at the size and diversity of the USA as providing us with a tremendous opportunity, not a problem. We are blessed with a large, relatively wealthy, sports-oriented population that has invested in soccer facilities and organizing soccer so that millions of youngsters are playing soccer year-round. And, more attention is now being paid to developing soccer programs for underserved populations and geographic areas. While we may have different and sometimes competing youth development soccer organizations, there are certainly opportunities for children to develop and play. In terms of scouting for talented players, youth clubs are doing it, youth organizations are doing it, colleges are doing it, professional teams are doing it, and our U.S. Soccer scouts are doing it. So, I think we are probably able to identify most of the very talented young players. There are also more comprehensive and more consistent training programs being made available across the country, for example the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and MLS academies. One trend I encourage, which has been successful in other large countries such as France and Germany that committed to youth development and which can now also be seen here in the USA, is to regionalize programs. This will cut down on costs, allow the youth players and their families to have more normal lifestyles, and provide for more development opportunities. SA: If a coach of an under-8 team came to you for advice, how would you respond? JURGEN KLINSMANN: Have fun! Let the children enjoy themselves! Help them learn the excitement they can experience kicking a ball and playing soccer-type games on their own, with their friends, and with their parents wherever they are with whatever ball they have available.

(Part 2) Klinsmann Q&A: 'We are on the right track'

Jurgen Klinsmann’s stint as Germany's national team coach in 2004-06 coincided with the nation's

rebirth as a world power. We asked Klinsmann, U.S. head coach since July, to compare the German

player development efforts with those in the USA.

SOCCER AMERICA: The World Cup is less than three years away, but, for example, your

German 2006 World Cup team and Germany's 2010 World Cup team included key players who

were in their teens just a couple years before the World Cup. How likely is it that players who

are in their late teens now might be able to help your U.S. squad?

JURGEN KLINSMANN: Age is not the key per se. Pele was 17 in his first World Cup. Michael Owen

was 18. Lionel Messi was 19. But, as young as they were, these players had already established

themselves as stars for their professional clubs. So, having a very successful professional club

experience will be the key as to whether or not any of our young players contribute to the national

team, particularly in the World Cup.

SA: You played against the USA in 1993 (twice) and at the 1998 World Cup, and have been

observing American soccer closely since then. How would you assess the talent pool for the

national team now compared the 1990s?

JURGEN KLINSMANN: I can look back on the U.S. teams that I played against in the 1990s and

identify some very talented players. For instance, Claudio [Reyna] and Tab [Ramos] had

international and MLS club careers, and, consequently, I am glad to now be working with them at

U.S. Soccer.

Kasey [Keller] is only now retiring and Brad [Friedel] is still playing. So, there have been talented

American players capable of playing at high levels for a generation. But, certainly, there are now

more American players capable of playing at the professional level and they are doing so in MLS as

well as in many other leagues around the world.

SA: The German national team's rebirth as a national power -- and that it plays entertaining,

attacking soccer -- is credited largely to the DFB's and the Bundesliga's change in approach to

youth development within the last decade. Are there examples of the German approach that

can be applied to the USA?

JURGEN KLINSMANN: In Germany, both the federation and the professional clubs made a

commitment to youth development --- and this has helped create a player development environment

that contributes to renewed success for the German national team.

In the USA we now see a similar growing commitment by both U.S. Soccer and MLS to promote

youth development. U.S. Soccer now sponsors the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, the new

youth development curriculum announced by Claudio [Reyna] this year, extensive training and

competition opportunities for youth national team players as well as other programs.

And, MLS clubs are now investing in player development academies, the benefits associated with

developing “homegrown” talent, play-for-free opportunities, 10 months a year youth training programs

as well as other programs. So, we are on the right track -- although it may take time to see a dramatic

improvement in international results for U.S. national teams.

SA: How much of what the DFB (German soccer federation) implemented in its youth

development was thanks to you?

JURGEN KLINSMANN: The thanks go to the youth coaches who dedicate themselves to working

with young players. I am pleased to have been a part of promoting youth development and then

showing that entertaining, attacking soccer can be successful on an international stage like the World

Cup -- while playing young players.

SA: How closely will you be connected U.S. Development Academy in hopes of finding players

who can help the national team program?

JURGEN KLINSMANN: The U.S. Soccer national teams program currently includes youth teams at

the U14, U15, U17, and U18 levels as well as senior teams at the U20 and U23 levels, which more

directly feed the full national team.

Currently, the U.S. Development Academy has teams in two age groups: U15/16 and U17/18. Both

these programs --- U.S. Soccer youth national teams, which include player identification opportunities

and training camps as well as competitions, and the U.S. Soccer Development Academy --- are

carefully monitored by Claudio, the U.S. Soccer Youth Technical Director, and his staff of youth

technical advisors.

They provide regular updates, including updates on players that appear to have national team

potential, to the national team coaches, including myself. But, in fairness to the youth players, they

really must establish themselves as regular players within a professional club environment before

they will be ready for the full national team.

International Skills Test

Below is a great Skills Assessment Test which Bobby Charlton, former English International player, developed to challenge his players individual skill sets. Diagrams, explanations and scoring procedures are found below.

DRIBBLING

This test is designed to improve close control whilst at pace.

Player must dribble around each mannequin in slalom style. Once passed the final mannequin, player must run with the ball back down the middle and stop on the finish line with ball fully under control.

Player scores 200 points for completing course in 30 seconds. 10 additional points for every second under and 10 point deduction for every second over 30.

LOFTED PASS

This test is designed to develop accuracy.

Each player has 4 attempts. Player must touch the ball forward and strike before ball reaches designated marker

for their age. Points scored upon where ball first hits floor. If the ball hits mannequin without bouncing 100

points is given. Player is allowed one attempt with weaker foot and will be given double points for that effort.

SHOOTING

This test is designed to develop accuracy and shooting.

Each player has 4 attempts at a divided goal. Player must touch the ball forward and strike at goal before ball

reaches designated marker for their age. Each strike must be realistic and capable of beating a goalkeeper.

Player has 15 seconds to complete test.

PASSING

A test to encourage the use of both feet by passing over a short distance.

Each player using both feet have four attempts at passing a ball through gates. For each successful pass player

scores 50 points. Player must use alternate feet. If all 4 passes are successful and player crosses finishing line in

designated time, they receive a bonus 50 points.

** Bonus only applies if all passes are successful.

JUGGLING/CONTROL TEST

The aim of this test is to keep the ball off the floor for as long as possible and so improving the use of body

parts to control the ball. Each participant is looking to keep the ball in the air for 1 minute (60 seconds).

However if he only manages part of a minute he will receive the following points.

0-5 seconds 50 points 6-10 seconds 100 points

11-20 seconds 120 points 21-30 seconds 140 points

31-40 seconds 160 points 41-50 seconds 180 points

51-60 seconds 200 points

Each year, thousands of people give their time and talents to make youth soccer possible in Indiana. Most volunteer their time without thought or need of recognition, but Indiana Soccer believes that recognizing these special individuals is a wonderful way of saying thank you. Nominations for the Indiana Soccer Awards for 2011 are now open. Please nominate a special coach, parent or administrator today. Nominate one or nominate many, there is no limit. It is very helpful if you submit several letters of recommendation from others with your nomination, but it is not necessary. Summit your APPLICATION Nominations will close on January 15, 2012. The 2012 awards dinner will be held February 25, 2012, at 6:30 PM at the Renaissance North Hotel, 11925 North Meridian Street, Carmel, Indiana. More information and reservation forms for this event will be available soon.

Coaching Aid From Vince Ganzberg – Region II Recreational DOC

Coaches who wish they had a coaching aid of games they could utilize when training their youth recreational teams, former Indiana Soccer Director of Education Vince Ganzberg has come up with the tool. Simply download and print the activities from the link below. A color print job will work best.

Imagine these activities being on a key ring or bound on the top or side.

Coach Ganzberg is an NSCAA Associate National Staff coach and the current Head Coach at Bishop Chatard High School.

Youth Training Game Flip Cards

A SERIES OF FREE EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS

PRESENTED BY THE TOP NAMES IN YOUTH SOCCER

Over 20 Webinars to choose from - See a full listing at:

www.PlayerDevelopmentRevolution.org

Ask Questions, Get Practical Solutions, Free Gifts to Participants courtesy of iSoccer, Green

Star Media & SoccerInteractive.com and all from the comfort of your home. All you need is an

internet connection and a phone. SPACE IS LIMITED.

COMING THIS MONTH

10 Essentials for a True Player Development Youth Program

November 17th 8:00-8:30pm EST

David Newbery, SoccerPlus Director of Player & Coach Development

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10 Reasons for Small Sided Games November 21th 10:00-10:30pm EST

Sam Snow, Director of Coaching, US Youth Soccer

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10 Advantages of Evaluating Team Performance

November 22nd 7:00-7:30pm EST

Robin Russell, UEFA Consultant Owner, Sports Path

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10 Essentials for a True Player Development Youth Program

November 29th 10:00-10:30pm EST

David Newbery, SoccerPlus Director of Player & Coach Development

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10 Ways to Judge a DOC's Performance

December 1st, 7:00-7:30pm EST

Tom Goodman, Fmr DOC, US Youth Soccer Wellesley Youth Soccer, Director of Coaching

Register for Free Today

Disclaimer: The Player Development Revolution webinar series is for education purposes only and is intended to stimulate ideas and discussion. The ideas and opinions are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect the ideas and opinions

of SoccerPlus or the organizations represented. Participant information, including contact details will be shared with the presenters and organizations they represent. By participating in these webinar sessions, you permit SoccerPlus, presenters

and partners to contact you with event information and soccer-related offers.

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