Coaching Manual

Created August 2016Limestone Jr Soccer Association Coaching Manual

League Philosophy

Limestone Jr. Soccer

Association

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LJSA is a community-based, inclusive, volunteer led and managed soccer club.  "Community-based" and "inclusive" mean that, to the greatest extent possible, we provide opportunities for all interested children to play with others of comparable ability.  We do not exclude or cut children from playing on teams. "Volunteer led and managed" means that our club leaders and coaches volunteer their time to serve the Limestone area communities through LJSA.

We offer a local area program in which we strive to create balanced teams comprised of a mix of talents and skills.  An ideal season is one in which a team wins about half of its games. In the Travel program, we create teams based on the skills of players relative to each other and seed teams in travel league divisions based on their ability relative to teams from other community-based soccer clubs.

Community League OverviewLJSA is a community recreation league for Limestone Area Grade School players and surrounding communities. LJSA is dedicated to developing individual skill and teamwork while providing an opportunity for all to participate.

Lower Division (U7)U7 Play focuses on basic rules, a general understanding of positions, proper technique, and team play.

Lower division plays on the small field with mini-goals. They play 6v6 sided games with a focus on learning basic rules. Coaches are allowed on the field and teach as the game develops.

Middle Division (U10-U12 Approximately ages 8-12)U10 and U12 play focuses on passing, developing positional awareness, teamwork, and improving fundamental techniques.

Middle Division 1 (U10) is played on a medium sized field with medium sized goals. They play 8v8 sided games with a focus on developing team play and individual skill. An emphasis should also be placed on keeping positional spacing. One coach is allowed on the field to direct spacing. Be careful to allow creative play and decision making for the player.

Middle Division 2 (U12) is played on the large field with regular sized goals. They play 9v9 sided games with a focus on developing all-around play. Coaches are not allowed on the field during the game.

Upper Division (U14)U14 play develops the individual player in order to transition into high school play through trapping, passing, improving individual skill, and developing team play.

Upper division plays on the large field with regular goals. They play 11v11 sided games with a focus on developing all-around play. Coaches are not allowed on the field during the game.

LJSA Coaching Philosophy

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Developing a well-rounded soccer player involves a complex understanding of developmental levels of each age group and an understanding that within these differing divisions, our main focus must change as the player evolves into an adult soccer player. Just as we should not teach advanced chemistry to preschoolers, we must have a building block approach to teaching the game of soccer. First, and most importantly, coaches must understand that “winning” while practicing bad technique and/or “winning at all costs” is developmentally inappropriate and possibly harmful to the young player’s future success.

G1: Fun, Fair play, and Equality of opportunityThe first and most important goal of LJSA is to create a fun experience in which Limestone Area Players learn an appreciation and love of the game of soccer. This is taught through sportsmanship, fair play, and ensuring that the LJSA experience is inclusive of all players and all ability levels.

G2: FundamentalsThe second goal of LJSA is to teach rules and fundamental skills that will enable the Limestone Area Players to compete at the highest levels of competition. Fundamental skills include, but are not limited to, Speed, Endurance, Trapping, Passing, Dribbling, Shooting, Defensive marking, Defensive stance, Defensive transition into offense, and Goalkeeping (Positioning, Catching, Diving, Punting, Throwing, etc.)

G3: StructureThe final major goal of LJSA is to teach the Limestone philosophy of team formation and structure. Combining fundamental skills with good field positioning in relation to the teammates is what makes a good soccer program. The well-rounded player must first have a foundation in fundamental skills, but then apply those skills in proper spacing and teamwork. LJSA Structure is based around small game situations that are implemented into the large game setting.

RulesLower Division5 players and 1 Goalkeeper4 – 8 minute periods

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Need to know corner kicks and goal kicks.2-3 chances on throw-ins2 coaches can be on the field during the gameHandballs will only be called if intentional

Middle 1 (2nd and 3rd Grade)7 Players and 1 Goalkeeper4 – 10 minute periodsNo offside (however, do not teach players to play in an offside position)2 chances on throw-in1 coach on field during the gameHandballs will be calledCan only sub on whistle

Middle 2 (4th and 5th Grade)8 Players and 1 Goalkeeper4 – 12 minute periods1 chance on throw-inNo Coaches on the field during the gameSubstitutes need to go to the center line to be beckoned onto the field by the refereeCan only sub on whistle

Upper Division (6th-8th Grade)10 Players and 1 Goalkeeper2 – 25 minute halvesNo Coaches on the field during the game

*There is absolutely no yelling at the referees. Our referees are also learning and developing.

Keeping it Fun and Fair Our core philosophy is based around instilling a love of the game of soccer (G1). Although winning is fun, we also want to build proper technique and sportsmanship in league play. As a general rule, we prescribe to the 40-60% rule of play. This means that all players should play a

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minimum of 40-60% of every game. Obviously, we want to maximize this number to allow the most touches for every player, so if team size allows, every player should sit an equal amount of time. Playing time may vary, but overall, coaches should look to keep substitutions fair and equal throughout the season.

While fun is the ultimate goal of the LJSA league, building team discipline and technique are also important. When issues arise, coaches should communicate effectively with players and parents to resolve conflict. If these issues persist, the coach should contact LJSA board members to help mediate the conflict.

Additionally, “winning” is not the goal of this league. This is a teaching league. Coaches must develop the mindset that their players are learning. If we sacrifice fair play and learning proper technique in order to “win” at the LJSA level, we are doing our players a disservice and ultimately hurting their future development as players.

Teaching FundamentalsTeaching fundamental skills (G3) is one of the most powerful ways to help our players become successful in their future soccer career. Again, this should follow a building block strategy as we move through the different divisions of LJSA. We must walk before we can run.

Lower DivisionFocus at this level should center around dribbling, proper passing technique, proper shooting technique, and proper throw-in. *Be sure to focus on both left and right feet.

-Dribbling – use inside and outsides of both feet to dribble around obstacles/defenders, use the tops of laces when dribbling at speed. Focus on dribbling away from the goalkeeper-Passing – Square hips and use inside of the foot (close to the heel) to pass the ball. Use both feet to pass. *Point of Emphasis- Do not allow the Toe-Ball.-Shooting – Use laces and side of foot to shoot on goal. Focus on shooting away from the goalkeeper. *Point of Emphasis- Do not allow the Toe-ball.-Throw-in – Both feet on the ground, ball must come directly over the head. Adanced players can drag their back toe and step into the throw, while keeping both feet down. Throws should be down the sideline and forward.-Goalkeeper – Everyone should play keeper at some point.-Encouragement – Praise good play. Constantly reinforce while still correcting bad form. Feeling confident in their abilities builds excitement in the game.

Middle 1 & 2Focus at this level should be on improving passing, maintaining space, proper trapping, defensive shape, dribbling with cuts, and proper shooting technique. *Be sure to develop both left and right feet.

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Passing – Players should perfect passing on the ground. They should be able to consistently pass with the inside of their foot and hit their partner on target. Transition this into passing while moving. Possession drill is a great way to develop this. Be sure to require both left and right foot. Passes should be a variation of one-touch passes, two touch passes, and dribbling to a location before passing. Maintaining Space – One of the most important aspects of Middle 1 should be a focus on maintaining shape (see p8-16). Players need to play their positions. Focus especially on in-game situations with wing midfielders. Left wing should not be on the right side. Players can shift to the middle, but should overall maintain the basic starting shape. Forwards should stay up close to the opposing defenders. (Don’t teach them to play offside, though!) Defenders should push up to the half-line on offense. Encourage players to “Spread out” by playing their positions. This can be re-enforced at practice through the possession drill and scrimmaging. (During these drills occasionally “Freeze” the field when players are clumping around the ball to teach them to stop clumping.)Proper Trapping – Middle 1 players should be able to trap a ball within 1 step. Focus on pushing the heal into the ground as contact is made between the instep and the ball. This creates slight backspin on the ball, stopping it from rolling away. Players should also use the outside of the foot to trap the ball away from a defender. This “first touch” must be close and under control. Trapping should be likened to catching a pass in any other sport. You can’t do anything with the ball until you catch it.Defensive Shape – Defenders should work together in a see-saw motion in order to attack the ball. As one player attacks the ball, the other drops behind and to one side to “give support” to the other defender. Proper defensive stance is important as well (Knees bent, feet staggered, on your toes – Same stance as basketball, baseball, softball, football, etc.) Teach shepherding away from the goal rather than lunging at the ball. All cleared balls should be to the outside of the field. Try to encourage passing out of the defense, though.Dribbling with cuts – Individual dribbling should be developed. Try to prevent players from just kicking the ball every time (especially defenders). Look to dribble out of traffic, dribble to force a defender to commit to the ball, and look to dribble to create passing and shooting opportunities. Dribbling should focus on cuts with the outside of the foot and using both feet to pull the ball away from defenders. Dribbling through cones and teaching basic dribbling touches and moves can be taught. Research moves and encourage kids and parents to research moves on-line and to use creativity to develop their own moves. (Some moves to research – Lunge, Double lunge, Scissors, Double Scissors, simple cuts, fake-shots, the Maradona, the rainbow, pull-behind, stationary, basic pull-back, defensive pull-back, Cruyff turn, Rivelino, Pull back Vee, the Okocha, etc.)Proper Shooting technique – Players should continue to use laces to shoot. Focus on good technique with no toe-balls. Two techniques to use are “barefoot shooting” and “kicking into coach’s hands”. “Barefoot shooting” is just as it sounds. Have the players take off their shoes and kick barefoot. Using the toe will hurt, but using the proper part of the foot is relatively painless. Players should lock their ankles, and drive through the ball. When “Kicking into the coach’s hands” the coach should lay on the ground to the outside of the kicking foot holding the ball outstretched and on the ground with hands behind the ball.

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Have players kick the ball in your hands until you feel a solid kick. Then have them kick the ball using the same technique into the goal. Focus on shooting for back post away from the goalkeeper. Also encourage players to follow the ball by saving the ball from their shots back into play and force the shooter to “follow the shot” to finish their shot.Goalkeeping – All players should have a chance to play goalkeeper. Goalkeepers should be taught to punt the ball by holding with one hand and dropping to the opposite foot to punt. Be sure to point the toe and lock the ankle. Proper hand positioning can also be taught. Catching the ball should be done with the “W” shape of the hands. The ball should be cradled in the fingertips.

Upper DivisionBy this level of play, players should begin transitioning into advanced understanding of the game. Passing, trapping, dribbling, and shooting should be fine-tuned and players should begin to utilize these skills independently and make decisions for themselves during the games. Major emphasis at this level should be around possessing the ball, accurate passing, and movement off the ball.

Passing – By the upper division, players should have perfected passing technique. This, however, does not imply that proper passing will no longer have to be taught; instead, passing at the upper division should focus on in game situations much more. Players should be discouraged from simply kicking the ball. “Pass with a purpose” should be the mantra of the upper division. These passes should focus on side to side and backward passing in game situations to pull the ball away from traffic and “opening the field” to create space on the field. Possession, possession, possession!Trapping - Players must be able to bring the ball under control quickly and to completely stop the ball within one touch. Focus at this level should be on trapping the ball away from the defender and using the body to physically shield the ball away from the defender. Specifically teach 1) receiving the ball, 2) shielding the defender off, 3) laying the ball off to a nearby teammate, and finally, 4) moving off the ball to create a receiving opportunity.Dribbling – See middle division skills. Dribbling at this level should focus on dribbling to gain space only and then passing. Players should be discouraged from dribbling coast to coast. At the high school level and beyond, this type of dribbling will not happen. Encourage dribbling in small space with the head up to find the open players. If the player dribbles through 6 players, that means there are 5 players not being marked…pass the ball. This is not to say that dribbling is not important. Players need to practice dribbling and feel confident with the ball at their foot, but games should not become dribbling exhibitions. Encourage creativity and research on moves.Shooting – Players should practice shooting with all parts of the foot (inside, outside, laces), and they should begin to understand the uses for each. 1) Inside of foot chip – to curl the ball toward the goal. 2) Inside of foot pass – to direct a simple pass into the sides of the net away from the keeper. 3) Outside of foot – to give the ball curl strike the ball slightly off center with the outside of foot. Laces – head down, knee over the ball, hips square to goal to hit the ball with power from outside of the 18 yard line.

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Defensive Shape – Focus on defensive shape should have players shifting to support each other and maintain 5-10 yards of space maximum close to the goal and 10-15 yards of space maximum as they move out to the half. Players should especially use time when the ball is not in their defensive half to form up and find marks. Communication and working together is incredibly important. When the ball is played out of the back, encourage passing the ball with a purpose to the outsides of the field and then moving up to get involved in the offense. The biggest error that teams make defensively is to clear the ball as hard as they can, and then the defenders walk out slowly. Defenders must get up and get involved in the offensive play or the field gets stretched too much and the “Limestone Gap” forms between the defense and the offense,Maintaining shape – Players should understand movement and formations and move to form the “5 Positions” (see next section). This is most effective when wings play wide, defenders play the ball on the ground, and the entire team moves to possess the ball out of their defensive area.Building Creativity – Encourage players to grow creatively, but ensure that fundamentals are learned before creativity. It doesn’t matter if they can do a rainbow or dribble through 6 players of they cannot pass the ball properly. Goalkeeping – All players should have a chance to play goalkeeper. Goalkeepers should be able to punt the ball or throw the ball out. Throwing the ball allows for quicker transition to the possession game. See Middle Division for more specifics on keeping. Players should move with the play and understand cutting down angles. Attaching a rope to each goalpost and creating a triangle with the rope can help the goalkeeper visualize where to stand at each angle to cut down the angle.

Teaching PositioningThe Limestone philosophy of teaching positioning (G3) is based around small game situations that are applied to larger game settings. Teaching correct positioning should be based around the location of the players to the ball. Using the progression of each division, we simply expand our positioning into forming up around the ball.

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The formations will be formed using a 2-1-2 formation for Lower Division, 2-3-2 for Middle 1, 3-3-2 for Middle 2, and 4-4-2 for Upper Division; however, this positioning can be adjusted to work with any formation.

Lower Division 2-1-2 (2 Defenders, 1 Midfielder, 2 Forwards)

Attempt to keep the players in a square shape with the ball in the middle of the square.

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As the ball is passed from the forward to midfielder, the team should shift to maintain the square shape.

This always give the player with the ball four options to pass the ball.

This formation allows for multiple passing formations. One of the most effective passing formations is to “switch fields” by moving the ball

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backwards to the 2 spot, passing to the 3 spot, and then passing forward out of traffic into the 5 spot to “Go to goal”.

Another passing formation is to create a “Fishhook”. This passing formation attacks the flank of the field by passing backwards to the 2 spot, then passing forward to the 4 spot, dribbling to the corner and passing across the goal mouth for another player to shoot.

Middle 1These passing formations will remain the same as the player advances into the Middle Division. By adding additional players in 8v8, those 8 players will still look to form up the 5 positions , but they must shift together to do so.

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As the ball moves to the Wing Midfielder position, players will want to shift their positioning.

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They should look to form the 5 positions around the ball.

Right forward will move to the sideline in the 4 spot, the Center mid will push up to the 5 spot, both defenders form the trailing 2 and 3 spots, and other players shift to maintain dimensions.

*Point of emphasis – In Middle 1 keeping the left forward playing high and central, and the left wing playing wide, is important.

Middle 2These passing formations will remain the same as the player advances into Middle 2. By adding additional players in 9v9, those 9 players will still look to form up the 5 positions, but they must shift together to do so. Middle 2 simply adds a 3rd

defender.

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Again as the ball shifts wide, players will shift their positioning.

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They will look to form the 5 positions around the ball.

Upper Division

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These passing formations will remain the same as the player advances into the Upper Division. By adding additional players in 11v11, those 11 players will still look to form up the 5 positions, but they must shift together to do so.

By adding an additional Central Midfielder and a 4th defender, the field is then filled with 10 field players.

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These 10 players should look to form two sets of the 5 positions on offense.

As the ball moves 5 players should form around the ball into the 5 spots, and the other 5 players should look to keep their shape to anticipate where the ball will move.

As the ball switches to different players, each player must their positioning to “keep their shape”.

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Drills for PracticeEach team should practice regularly throughout the season. Practicing only once or twice at the beginning of the season and not practicing again robs the players of valuable teaching time. Each practice should have a major skill that is the focus of the practice. Below is a sample practice plan for each division. You can use these exact practice plans or create your own.

Remember: kids typically pay attention for 1 minute per year of age, so a 5 year old can stay on task for 5 minutes or a 12 year old can stay on task for 12 minutes, so don’t be afraid to change the drills frequently. Even a simple variation to the drill can make it last longer such as changing a dribbling drill to “now use only your left foot” after the first 5 minutes with the lower division. Changing the drill changes the task and keeps the 5 year old on task longer.

Sample PracticeLower DivisionPractice 1: Focus Touch (45-60 minutes)

Activity 1: (0-15 minutes) Pass with a partner – focus on proper technique (inside of foot pass and trap with no toe-balls) after 5 minutes switch to left foot only then switch back to right foot only after another 5 minutes.Activity 2: (15-20 minutes ) Stretch and learn names of teammates– keep it fun Activity 3: (20-30 minutes) Dribble through cones – use inside of left foot and right foot, switch to inside/outside of right foot after 5 minutes.Activity 4: (30-45 minutes) Possession. Split players into 2 teams. Play keep away. Encourage players to spread out and move to get open. Stop the game frequently and “Freeze players” to show clumping around the ball. Spread them out and start again.Activity 5: (45-60 minutes) Sharks and minnows. Pick one or two sharks. Minnows will try to run from one side of the field to the other. If they are tagged by the sharks, they become sharks. Last Minnow wins.

Practice 2: Focus Throw-ins and Shooting (45-60 Minutes)Activity 1: (0-15 minutes) Pass with a partner – focus on proper technique (inside of foot pass and trap with no toe-balls) after 5 minutes switch to left foot only, then switch back to right foot only after another 5 minutes.Activity 2: (15-20 minutes) Stretch and run around the field.Activity 3: (20-30 minutes) Throw-ins with partner. Focus on proper technique. Both feet down. Straight over the head.Activity 4: (30-35 minutes) 2 lines. Line 1:Make a curving run down the sideline. Receive ball and shoot on goal. Line 2: Stand on sideline and throw the ball to runner. Activity 5: (35-45 minutes) 1 line facing goal. Coach (in goal) passes to player in line. Player should dribble toward the goal and kick away from the coach to score. Coach should move to a different side of the goal randomly to force the players to look up and find the open net.Activity 6: (45-60 minutes) Split into positions and scrimmage

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Practice 3: Focus Structure (45-60 minutes)Activity 1: (0-15 minutes) Set up 4 cones for every 3 players. The 1st player will pass to one of the other players and then move to the empty cone. Encourage running to the empty cone instead of walking.

Activity 2: (15-20 minutes) Stretch and run to trees and backActivity 3: (20-35 minutes) Set up 1 player with a ball and 4 players surround the ball in “the 5 positions” (see p.8). Players should be spread out 5-10 yards apart. Player 1 will pass to any of the other players. This player then becomes the 1 position and the other 4 players should try to form up around the ball again. Encourage quick movement and maintaining spread out shape.

Activity 4: (35-45 minutes) Split into positions and scrimmage. Stop frequently to show players forming into the “5 positions” spread out.

Activity 5: (45-60 minutes) Play freeze tag. Players must stay within the lines of the field. Unfreeze a player by crawling under their legs.

Sample PracticeMiddle 1&2Practice 1: Focus Touch (45-60 minutes)

Activity 1: (0-15 minutes) Pass with a partner through cones – focus on proper technique (inside of foot pass and trap with no toe-balls) after 5 minutes switch to left foot only then switch back to right foot only after another 5 minutes.Activity 2: (15-20 minutes ) Stretch and learn names of teammates– keep it fun Activity 3: (20-30 minutes) Dribble through cones – use inside of left foot and right foot, switch to inside/outside of right foot after 5 minutes. Teach some moves. Encourage players to do a move on the cone as they approach the cones.Activity 4: (30-45 minutes) Possession. Split players into 2 teams. Play keep away. Encourage players to spread out and move to get open. Stop the game frequently and “Freeze players” to show clumping around the ball. Spread them out and start again.Activity 5: (45-60 minutes) Juggling. Have players use feet, thighs, and chest to Juggle the ball. Have them count their highest number and try to beat it. Inform players that you will have a juggling competition next practice.

Practice 2: Focus Trapping and Shooting (45-60 Minutes)Activity 1: (0-15 minutes) Pass with a partner – focus on proper technique (inside of foot pass and trap with no toe-balls) after 5 minutes switch to left foot only then switch back to right foot only after another 5 minutes.Activity 2: (15-20 minutes) Stretch and run around the field.Activity 3: (20-30 minutes) Juggling Competition. See who can get the most juggles Activity 4: (30-45 minutes) Do stationary touches on the ball. Top Touch, Side touch, Cut with the outside of the foot. After completing these stationary moves, have the team do 10 top touch, cut away dribble 10 steps, cut away, do 10 side touches, cut away, and repeat. Activity 5: (45-60 minutes) 2 offensive lines at half and 1 defensive line behind the goal. Have a defensive player pass to the offensive line. Both players attack the defensive player 2v1 to score. Encourage proper shooting technique…not with the toe. Stress

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offensive players spreading out and staying on their side of the field. Use passing, individual cuts, and individual moves to beat the defender.

Practice 3: Focus Structure (45-60 minutes)Activity 1: (0-15 minutes) set up 1 player with a ball and 4 players surround the ball in “the 5 positions” (see p.8). Players should be spread out 10-15 yards apart. Player 1 will pass to any of the other players. This player then becomes the 1 position and the other 4 players should try to form up around the ball again. Encourage quick movement and maintaining spread out shape.

Activity 2: (15-20 minutes) Stretch and run to each corner flag and back to the middle each time.

Activity 3: (20-35 minutes) Return to activity 1, but this time add 2 players. Have the additional players look to form outlet passes from the other 5 players. When the outside player receives the ball, 4 players should try to form up around the ball 10-15 yards apart and others should form the outlet passes.

Activity 4: (35-45 minutes) Split into positions and scrimmage. Stop frequently to show players forming into the “5 positions” spread out.

Activity 5: (45-60 minutes) Split into 2v2 teams and have players play 2v2, scoring on cones. Encourage defenders to work together shifting 1 to the ball and the other covering on defense.

Sample PracticeUpper DivisionPractice 1: Focus Touch (45-60 minutes)

Activity 1: (0-15 minutes) Pass with a partner through cones –have players receive the ball with a good trap behind the cones, cut with the outside of the foot to the outside of their cones and pass back to their partner through the cones. After 5 minutes switch to left foot only then switch back to right foot only after another 5 minutes.Activity 2: (15-20 minutes ) Stretch and learn names of teammates– keep it fun Activity 3: (20-30 minutes) Dribble through cones – use inside of left foot and right foot, switch to inside/outside of right foot after 5 minutes. Teach advanced moves. Encourage players to do a move on the cone as they approach the cones. Encourage players to research moves at home and come to next practice with “their signature move”.Activity 4: (30-45 minutes) Possession. Split players into 2 teams. Play keep away. Encourage players to spread out and move to get open. Stop the game frequently and “Freeze players” to show clumping around the ball. Spread them out and start again.Activity 5: (45-60 minutes) Juggling. Have players use feet, thighs, and chest to Juggle the ball. Have them count their highest number and try to beat it. Inform players that you will have a juggling competition next practice in addition to “Signature Move Show-and-tell”

Practice 2: Focus Trapping and Shooting (45-60 Minutes)Activity 1: (0-15 minutes) Pass with a partner.

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Activity 2: (15-20 minutes) Stretch and run around the field.Activity 3: (20-30 minutes) Juggling Competition. See who can get the most juggles. Have players show off their “signature move.”Activity 4: (30-45 minutes) Do stationary touches on the ball. Top Touch, Side Touch, Cut with the outside of the foot. After completing these stationary moves, have the team do 10 top touch, cut away dribble 10 steps, cut away, do their signature move, cut away, and repeat. Activity 5: (45-60 minutes) 3 offensive lines at half and 2 defensive lines behind the goal. Have a defensive player pass to the offensive line. 3 offensive players attack the defensive players 3v2 to score. Encourage proper shooting technique…not with the toe. Stress offensive players spreading out and staying on their side of the field. Use passing, individual cuts, and individual moves to beat the defender. Defenders focus on shifting together to steal the ball.

Practice 3: Focus Structure (45-60 minutes)Activity 1: (0-15 minutes) set up 1 player with a ball and 4 players surround the ball in “the 5 positions” (see p.8). Players should be spread out 10-15 yards apart. Player 1 will pass to any of the other players. This player then becomes the 1 position and the other 4 players should try to form up around the ball again. Encourage quick movement and maintaining spread out shape.

Activity 2: (15-20 minutes) Stretch and run to each corner flag and back to the middle each time.

Activity 3: (20-35 minutes) Return to activity 1, but this time add 4 players. Have the additional players look to form outlet passes from the other 5 players. When the outside player receives the ball, 4 players should try to form up around the ball 10-15 yards apart and others should form the outlet passes and drop passes.

Activity 4: (35-45 minutes) Split into positions and scrimmage. Stop frequently to show players forming into the “5 positions” spread out.

Activity 5: (45-60 minutes) Split into groups of 5 and have players play 3v2 man in the middle. Encourage defenders to work together shifting 1 to the ball and the other covering on defense. When defense steals, switch out with an offensive player.

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Table of Contents

League Philosophy Page 1

League Overview Page 1-2

LJSA Coaching Philosophy and League Goals Page 2

League Rules Page 3

Goal #1: Fun, Fair play, and Equality of opportunity Page 4

Goal #2: Fundamentals Page 4-7

Goal #3: Structure Page 8-16

Drills and Sample Practices Page 17-20

Additional Drills Supplemental Handout