CASL Coaches Connection

Coaches,

I wanted to reach out to everyone to update you on some things that I have received emails and questions regarding the start of the first weekend's matches.  Also, I want to let you know of some updates on content to the blog for you to have a look at when you get the chance.  Finally, I want to address the idea of training warm ups and give you some thoughts and ideas on ways to better prepare players for training and games.

REFEREE INFO

I have contacted our referee assigner, who will be notifying all of the referees about a few issues that I have been contacted about. 

First, the recreation substitution policy states that any stoppage of play, teams are able to substitute players.  This means that any ball that is out of play for a throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, or even free kick.  While all of the referees are planned to be contacted about this, I do recommend that when you meet with the ref prior to the start of the match, that you make sure that this is how he/she will allow substitutions.

Second, all recreation teams are supposed to be given a water break in the middle of each half at the referees stoppage.  Again, this is planned to be communicated as well to the refs.  I do, however, recommend that you ensure prior to the match that the ref will ensure that there will be a break.  The only exception to this is if both the coaches agree before the match not to have a break.  As we get further into the season and it gets cooler, this may be an option.

NEW BLOG CONTENT

• Videos section - There are some videos on 6v6 formations and 8v8 formations.  I also have a nice video posted that details turns. 
• Recreation coaches checklist - This is an outline that details some important things to think about and good practices for coaches.  Have a look.
• U6-U8 training activities

TRAINING WARM UP

One thing that I would really love to try and change and implement across the entire recreation division is the manner in which we as coaches prepare our players for training and games.  Being out and observing training sessions of various teams, I see many teams implementing having players run laps around the field as well as static stretching.  A better method to prepare players is to incorporate something called dynamic stretching and movements.  Basically, the idea behind this is that players keep active and moving in smaller spaces with multiple changes in directions while also stretching on the move. 

A better warm up:

• The warm up should last for about the first 10 minutes of the session, no more.
• Establish a grid or a channels in which players can keep active and moving constantly
• Smaller spaces forces players to change directions often which  adds an element of agility and coordination
• Add in dynamic stretching
• high knees
• butt kickers
• opening and closing gates
• heel walks and toe walks
• shuffles
• Incorporate movements both with and without the ball

Please have a look at the Blog content relating to dynamic warm ups.  I will be creating some links and details on warm up ideas to post to the blog.  Also, every coaching education session, along with any recreation team training that I conduct, I will be using a dynamic warm up.

Thank you again for your dedication and all you do for the recreation division.

Bryan Farnsworth