Coaches,

We are now progressing through our second week of training sessions heading into our first weekend of games this weekend, so I wanted to reach out to everyone with some thoughts, ideas, and tips.  One thing that I will be doing this season with both the recreation and challenge divisions is that I frequently go out to observe training sessions.  Similarly, both of the staff working with me will be doing the same thing and we will be sure to get out to Garner, Cary, Raleigh, and Wake Forest.  So, you may see me out walking around the training ground.  On occasion I may stop over to speak with a coach, but very seldom as I do not want to interfere with your session, but I may follow up with you via email if there is anything that I want to pass along.

Here are some of the things that I look for with coaches/teams during training:

• Energy and passion from the coach or coaches.  This is one of the most important aspects to coaching as players are going to feed off of and emulate the personality, energy, enthusiasm, and passion of the coach.  If you as the coach carry yourself as though you do not want to be there, your players are going to follow suit.  For the 90 minutes of your session with your players, bring the energy, passion, excitement, and love of the game of soccer.  
• Organization.  Coaches need to be organized with their activities in order to maximize the value for which the players can learn and develop.  Good coaches have great organization and are able to have very minimal transition time between activities, which also helps to keep the players focused and on task.  Most silly incidents and injuries at practice will occur in the time between activities, so minimizing this time with good organization not only makes more effective use of your 90 minutes of training, but will also minimize silliness and accidents with players during this "dead time".
• Communication:  At training I really like to find examples of coaches that are coaching and teaching.  For anyone that has been through any level of coaching course, one of the most prominent aspects of these courses are finding those coachable moments and making corrections and teaching.
• Training session flow:  Within any training session there needs to be a connection of activities that all relate to one primary topic.  An awful training session will be one in which there is a dribbling activity, followed by a passing activity, then a shooting activity, and then some game.  Example of a session that focuses on 1v1 attacking:
• Technical warm up with lots of touches on the ball to include a few 1v1 moves (no pressure).
• Activity 1:  Simulate 1v1, such that the defender must apply no more than 50% defensive pressure.  
• Activity 2:  Live defending of 1v1 play with line soccer.  Divide the team up into 2 and play 3 minute games between the teams.  Add a competitive element to the 1v1 attacking game.
• End game.  Play a game as normal for the final 25-30 minutes.  Since the focus of the day was 1v1, award teams a bonus goal each time they successfully beat a defender with a 1v1 move.
• Lines at training:  Far too often do I see coaches running an activity in which too many players are standing.  For example, I observed a team this past week doing a "running with the ball activity".  This was an older girls team of about 14 players.  The team was divided in half with 7 players on one side facing the other 7 players.  One player at a time had a ball and would speed dribble across to the other side and then it would repeat.  The problem with this is that with 14 players, only one is working with the ball at any one time, with 13 girls standing.  
• Any activities involving lines should have no more than 4 players per line.  
• For example, if I had a team of 12-16 players, I would split them up into 4 groups of 3-4 players each and each group gets a ball.  This ensures that the work to rest ratio is much higher with one player working and 3 actively resting.  This not only gets more touches for the players more frequently, but you can also add the component of fitness with higher work rates.

Training Activity - Rotational Possession and End game option

Title: Rotational Possession with active neutrals

Equipment:

·         6 cones

·         6 training bibs (one color)

Setup:  Create a rectangular grid as shown such that the length of the grid is divided on the long sides.  Divide the players into 2 teams.  12 players are shown in this setup.  Position 6 players on the outside of the grid, 3 from each team.  Players in yellow are on opposite sides of the length of the rectangle with one player from each team on one of the end lines.

·         Players positioned on the outside of the grid are coached to move laterally between the cones they are bound to create angles to receive the ball.

Activity:  The activity shown is with a total of 12 players, 6 on each team.  3 players on each team are inside the grid with the other players positioned on the outside of the grid.  Inside the grid, play is always 3v3 with players on each team trying to keep possession, attempting to get 7 passes for a point. 

·         When a player on the inside of the grid passes to a player on the outside of the grid, the player passing the ball sprints to replace the player’s position on the outside of the grid.  The player receiving the ball on the outside of the grid penetrates with the ball into the grid, maintaining 3v3 inside the grid.  Each pass from a central player to an outside player results in rotational replacement of the 2 players.

Progressions:

1.       Begins with the player on the outside penetrating with speed, dribbling into the central grid to connect with team mates.

2.       When a central player passes to an outside player, the player initiating the pass must support the pass and get a quick 1-2 combination from the outside player. 

a.       A central player passes to an outside player.  The central player sprints to get the pass back from the outside player who then returns the ball back to his/her feet.  The players then switch roles.

3.       When a central player passes to an outside player, the players switch roles, but the outside player must pass 1-time to any other player inside the grid.  Therefore, the outside player still comes into the central are, but he/she only gets one touch to play the ball when passed to him/her.

a.       You must coach the supporting players inside the grid to make runs to the player receiving the ball, so that he/she is able to play 1-time and the team can maintain possession.

End Game Activity:

A great final activity that I like to utilize after the rotational possession is the following:

·         Use the same grid but place two small goals in the center back to back.

·         Teams are divided into 2 teams

·         Depending on the number of players, you can have neutrals on the outside, either on the shorter or longer sides

·         Teams can score in either goal once they win possession

o   If the soccer is not good, then put restrictions on making a minimum of 3 passes before a goal, or on a change of possession the team must find a neutral before scoring.

Technical - What to teach and why?

Coaches,

I want to pass along some of my thoughts as it relates to player development and specifically technical skill development.  Over the past 10+ years of coaching, I have spent the majority of my time with younger players, thus I have developed a strong interest and focus on player development.  My coaching philosophy is centered around this framework, and thus all of my training sessions are linked to what I try and develop and focus with my players and would be consistent if I were coaching recreation, challenge, or classic level players.  Therefore, I want to share a couple of thoughts that I use as I approach a season with a team.

Technical Skill Development....What do you teach and why?  I ask this as there really are a great deal of unique skill sets in which you could focus your players.
Are you a huge proponent of the Anson Dorrance UNC philosophy in which you focus on developing the 1v1 artist? Are you a coach that plays direct, with defenders and mids taking one huge kick to get the ball as far up the field as possible as fast as possible?  Are you a coach that focuses on possession between the thirds and laterally across the pitch?  Are you a coach that wants to penetrate into wide areas of the pitch and create chances on goal via crosses?

Depending on how you would answer the questions above leads me into identifying which technical skills are most critical to your player's and team's success.  For example, I focus on possession, speed of play, and putting players in situations in which they have to make soccer decisions.  I teach my defenders to play out of the back and link up with my midfielders, essentially playing their way out of trouble.

Player scenario - my right back has the ball at his feet:

• If the player has space in front of him, he must dribble for speed and penetrate into space
• Technique 1: Running with the ball
• If the player encounters a defender, he has 3 options available to him:
• 1-Take on the defender (technique - 1v1 to beat an opponent)
• 2-Pass to a team mate to keep possession (technique - passing technique/ short or long)
• 3-Turn and shield the ball and pass negative to keep possession
• techniques - turns and change of direction, Passing
• Assuming option 3 is selected, the player receiving the ball must have the technique to properly receive the ball
• Technique - receiving the ball, 1st touch control

Summary:  Dribbling, running with the ball, passing, receiving, 1v1, 1st touch, receiving the ball across the body, etc.

Bryan Farnsworth

Director 

Communication

Hello Coaches,

Frequently I will plan to post here thoughts, insight, and perspective about a variety of things, hopefully for you to think about and possibly benefit.  Myself, I am a sponge for learning as I am always open to ideas, thoughts, and observation to learn and develop, none is more true that that when I am wearing my coaching hat.  Much of the philosophies that I have developed over the years have been from observations, reading, videos, and conversations with fellow coaches, but I use these as tools in which I tweak and modify to use with my players and my professional development.  I hope that you think of the posts contained here on this blog as information and tools, from which you can elect to use or learn and apply to your coaching.

As the start of the new season is on the horizon, I wanted to address with you some thoughts about communication.  Being a good communicator as a coach is of paramount importance, whether it be how you teach and coach players, engage with referees, address fellow coaches, or interface with parents.  I tend to be an over communicator with my team parents as I have found that informed parents are content parents.  I usually will send out an email to my teams every other week during the season to address concepts and focus of training, problems I may be having, as well as successes that I may be experiencing.  I do this in part, especially with younger ages so as the ideas that I am focusing on can be readily apparent and visible to the parents during the games.  For example, I do not allow my U10-12 goalkeeper punt the ball, ever, as I want to develop players that can make soccer decisions and play out of the back.  I make sure that I communicate this style and philosophy to my team in advance, partly so they know I am focusing on this aspect of player development, but also so that parents know why I do not punt the ball.  Some parents may be unfamiliar with the game, so by me expressing my coaching philosophy, they know the reason why and the benefit not to punt the ball.

Good team communication is also vital in other areas that may not be readily apparent, especially for a new or inexperienced coach.  Players and parents are going to emulate the coach, and this is especially true in the way he or she communicates.  Far too often I will observe a coach or group of coaches on the sideline that are of of their minds screaming and yelling.  What often accompanies this are kids and parents which do the exact same things.  Teams that have coaches yell and berate referees, will also have issues with parents and sometimes players that do the same.  Please be mindful of the communication style you readily use as your players and parents will follow suit.

Just some thoughts, more to come.

Bryan Farnsworth
Director of Coaching Education and Player Development

Hello Coaches,

Please read this message in its entirety.

This past Saturday I was out at WRAL observing several games and have some observations that I wish to share with the community.  In future weeks, I will be sure to visit Wake Forest, Cary, and Garner.

Pre-Game Warmup

By far the most common warm up that I saw on almost every field was a shooting line.  Players would stand in a long line and take turns shooting on goal.  A pre-game warm up should prepare the players mentally and physically to perform in the game.  There should be active moving, changing directions, and multiple touches on the ball.  Players should be put into situations in which they will be exposed to in the game, to allow the players opportunities for success.

Example:  5mins - dynamic movement and warm up.  10 mins- dribbling, turning, passing activity 10-mins possession activity 5 mins - shooting

U9/U10 Goal kicks

Observing several of the U9/10 games, I have a thought that I want to pass along to the coaches to improve the goal kick restart.  Having all of the defenders back to the midline is intended to give the team in possession opportunity to pass and play the ball up the field.  I encourage you to have your kicker pass the ball to a team mate and work the ball out of the defensive half.  I saw too often the keeper trying to kick the ball as far forward as possible, which is not the intent.  If you look to keep possession, your players will benefit.

Numbers on Uniforms

I saw one team that had numbers pinned to their uniforms.  I am not sure if there were any other teams at other locations, but this is not allowed.  Please be sure that the uniforms all have numbers on the uniforms without any safety pins.

Official Printed Rosters

CASL rules require all U9 through U19 recreaton teams to provide a printed "official match roster" to the referee before each game. The reason for this is to be able to track warnings and ejections of players as well as to ensure that only registered players, covered by insure, are competing in the game.  Failure to do so by rule constitutes a forfeit.  I recommend that each coach make multiple copies of their roster and have with them at each game.

Training-Important!!

If you train on a field that is a game field, DO NOT TRAIN IN THE PENALTY BOX!!!  If you need to do something to goals, pull the goal out of the penalty box.  This is the area of the field that takes the most wear, so if teams train in these spaces on their training days, the fields are going to deteriorate for offical games.  Please do your part to protect the fields.  Also, while I am out observing training sessions and I see teams training in these spaces I will ask you to move.

Thank you for all that you do!!!

Bryan Farnsworth

Director of Recreation

Coaches,

Please read this message in its entirety and pass along any pertinent information on to your families.

Well, the season is all set to begin tomorrow!!  With that in mind I wanted to get out a communication to all coaches on a few items that I believe are critically important to having a successful season.  I will be out for the majority of tomorrow observing games, so if you see me feel free to stop me to chat, ask questions, or anything you like.  I am here for you!!!

Important for this weekend:

1.      Regardless of how nice it the weather is today and in the morning, please be sure to check the weather hotline before departing for your game. 

2.      Know exactly what field you match is on and the exact location.  Also, be sure to allow yourself plenty of extra time to arrive before your first game. 

3.      When travelling in and around WRAL soccer center, please slow down.  There will be kids everywhere, so please be extra cautious.

4.      Ensure that if you are the coach for a U9 or older team that you must have a printed copy of your match roster and your match report for the game.  Please do not forget.

Rules:

Please, know and be familiar with the rules for your age group before showing up to the field.  There have been a few changes in both the 4v4 and 6v6 format.  An updated link to all the rules can be located on the recreation blog.

Community:

This item is probably the most important of everything that I wish to communicate with you and will continue to do so this season and in seasons to come.  It is my vision that each coach and team to develop a mindset that the CASL recreation is a community.  Do everything that you can to work together, to compromise with other coaches and teams, to communicate always with respect and professionalism, and most importantly of all, facilitate a positive and enjoyable soccer experience for the players and families.

Something that I expressed at the recreation coaches meeting was that soccer pathway of a typical older CASL player.  While not all of our graduating soccer players played CASL recreation soccer, I can bet that a tremendous majority started playing soccer in a recreation league of some town/community.  At one time the players were dispersed throughout many different recreation teams, competing against one another with their dad’s and mom’s coaching.  Now, many years later, several of these players are playing, competing, and traveling together.  It all starts now in recreation soccer, so we, the CASL recreation community, needs to foster this idea of community while you compete and develop your current roster of youth soccer players.

Code of Conduct:

Simply, if you are a coach, you need to be familiar with the code of conduct.  If you have not read it, read it before coaching this weekend.  You can reference the general code of conduct and the coach’s code of conduct in the CASL Rule Book. 

“Ignorance of the law is no excuse. That's the standard line motorists hear when they say they weren't aware of the speed limit.”

U7 and U8 coaches/teams,

I wanted to follow up on the mass email that was sent yesterday as it relates to games this weekend for U7 and U8 recreation.  Because we have had such bad luck with the weather over the past 2 weeks, the CASL administration worked to come up with a solution that hopefully will be of benefit to a majority of our membership. 

All U7 and U8 games are cancelled for this weekend, so no official games will be played.  If you had a game scheduled for this weekend, it is your choice to show up during your game time and use the game field for training or scrimmage.  Please recognize that 2 teams are slotted for each field, so you will have to work together to come up with your plan for Saturday.  If for some reason you are on a field and the other team elecs not to show, you then have full use of the entire space.

If you happen to coach an older team or have a child that participates on an older team, everything will proceed as normal with those ages. 

Only use the field and time that you are assigned to for your specific match.

This decision will allow teams the opportunity to train on a game field on Saturday and also get their normal training in next week, so that these teams may have 2 training sessions before a first official game.

Please recognoze that all training field closures will be handled in the same manner as always, via the weather hotline.  

Summary:

• All U7 and U8 games are cancelled this weekend and only U7 and U8 games.
• It is your choice to show up and use your scheduled game time as training/scrimmage time.  Do not contact CASL, just simply have your team show up as usual and take advantage of the allocated space
• This decision has zero impact on training days and times.  This will be handled as usual via the weather hotline. 
• Please work together with the opposing team to share the field space and be respectful to be off prior to the next set of teams to arrive.

Bryan Farnsworth

Director of Recreation