Coaches Manual Coach Manual Reduced

COACHES AND MANAGERS MANUAL 2010
Marrickville Football Club

This Manual was written by:

Damian Hadley
With the help of:

Dieter Hochuli
Kirstine Russell
Olly Morse (Burwood Football Club)
And the CDSFA
Inspired by:
Leo Hadley
Primary Sponsor: Secondary Sponsors
© All Rights Reserved 2010 Marrickville Football Club
Phone: (02) 9558 5849 www.marrickvillefc.org.au Email: ssg@marrickvillefc.org.au
2 www.marrickvillefc.org.au
Welcome
Opening Message
Welcome to Marrickville Football Club - Red Devils.
We have put this booklet together to welcome you to the exciting world of football.
We would like to start by extending our thanks to you and all the volunteer coaches and managers. MFC
relies on the generous contributions from our volunteers. Without you MFC would not exist. We hope that
your time is rewarded with the many benefits of being a volunteer. And remember that all of the parents
appreciate your contribution.
This year also is the second year of Small Sided Games at Marrickville Football Club. This format is
endorsed by the FFA for ages U6 to U12. Research has shown that this format creates better footballers.
To ease the players into this format of the game we, with the help of the Canterbury District Soccer
Football Club, have chosen to introduce these game in stages with the continuation of SSG to the U6 and
U7 levels this year.
This is a special time for your child. Being part of a team and participating in a physical activity has many
advantages on and off the football field. Many parents comment on their children showing more
confidence and more self-belief after participating in a team sport such as football.
We also encourage all of our coaches to attend the Grass Roots Coaching Course (3 hours). The course
was developed by the FFA and specially designed to help coaches and managers develop great
footballers.
Young players are the cornerstone of football. They are, and always will be, the future of the sport. Much more important than winning
games is the acquisition of those values inherent in football: fair play, the urge to do better and the sportive spirit.
Angel Maria Villar Llona – Director FIFA Football Commission
Football changes every year and part of our job is to adapt to these changes in order to improve our
training and coaching strategies. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve email us at
ssg@marrickvillefc.org.au. Or if you have any questions please ask.
This Manual
This manual is aimed at all parents/guardians but mainly to all our volunteer coaches and managers of our
U6 and U7 Grass Roots Football Program. We have put this manual together to help you with the coaching
and managing of your team. It is filled with tricks and tips that you can use during your training sessions
to assist your players develop into great people and perhaps even great footballers. We hope that it will
make your time as a coach or manager more enjoyable.
Remember that the most important thing is for you as a parent or guardian to have fun. If you are having
fun then the players will have fun.
We hope that you find the information in this manual useful.
Have fun.
Marrickville Football Club Philosophy

We are a community based club, with the aim to be inclusive, fair, and ensure that fun is the main outcome while your child learns the game of football.
Coaches and Managers Manual 2010 3

Table of Contents
Welcome ..............................................................................................3 Free Expression .........................................................................17
Opening Message ...........................................................................3 Why are both Games and Training Important?...........................17
This Manual ....................................................................................3 Purpose of the Games ...............................................................17
Table of Contents................................................................................5 Purpose of the Training Sessions.............................................18
Section 1: General Information .........................................................7 Section 6: Small Sided Games ..........................................................19
Marrickville Football Club............................................................7 Small Sided Game Philosophy .....................................................19
Key Contacts..............................................................................7 General Information.......................................................................19
Elite Player Development Pathway.........................................7 Your team...................................................................................19
Women’s Development ............................................................7 Gear Bags ...................................................................................19
Junior Referee Programme.......................................................7 Rules ................................................................................................19
Parental Supervision .................................................................7 Summary of SSG Format .........................................................19
Football............................................................................................7 Playing Rules .............................................................................19
Football Federation Australia (FFA).......................................7 Start of play................................................................................20
Hyundai A-League ....................................................................8 Ball in and out of play...............................................................20
Westfield W-League .................................................................8 Scoring........................................................................................20
A-League National Youth League ..........................................8 Substitutions...............................................................................20
Section 2: MFC Policies ....................................................................9 End of Game ..............................................................................20
Safety and Security ........................................................................9 Refereeing ..................................................................................20
Child Protection and Anti-Harassment Policies .........................9 On-Field Coaching ....................................................................20
Grass Roots Policy .........................................................................9 Section 7: Training Sessions..............................................................21
Involvement ...............................................................................9 Training sessions ............................................................................21
Why do Children Play Football? .............................................9 Tips for coaching young players ..................................................21
Codes of Conduct...........................................................................10 Plan your sessions .....................................................................21
Coaches Code of Behaviour.....................................................10 Maximise Touches of the Ball .................................................21
Managers / Officials Code of Conduct ...................................10 Awards........................................................................................21
Parents Code of Behaviour.......................................................10 Misbehaviour ..................................................................................21
Players Code of Conduct..........................................................10 Discipline ...................................................................................22
Section 3: MFC Philosophies ............................................................11 Example training sessions .............................................................22
Marrickville Football Club Philosophy .......................................11 Beginning ...................................................................................22
Marrickville Football Club Mission Statement......................11 Middle.........................................................................................23
How is Our Mission Achieved?...............................................11 End ..............................................................................................24
What is meant by “Skills Development”? ..............................11 Squares .......................................................................................25
MFC’s Focus on Skills Development .....................................11 Parallel Lines .............................................................................26
Skills Development Philosophy...............................................11 React and Sprint ........................................................................27
MFC’s Supportive Environment ..................................................11 Crocodile ....................................................................................28
Positive Environment................................................................11 Dribble Wolf ..............................................................................29
Development and Participation................................................11 Traffic .........................................................................................30
Self-Esteem and Achievement.................................................12 Target Practice...........................................................................31
Coaches and Managers Development .....................................12 Torpedo ......................................................................................32
Section 4: Team Helpers ....................................................................13 Hatch the Chicks .......................................................................33
Volunteers .......................................................................................13 Noahs Ark ..................................................................................34
Benefits of being involved ............................................................13 Section 8: Frequently Asked Questions ...........................................35
Providing a safe and secure environment ....................................13 What are SSG and why do we play them? .............................35
How can I make it more fun for the players?..............................13 Why aren’t the coaches allowed on the field?........................35
Smile...........................................................................................13 Why are the games non-competitive? .....................................35
Be understanding.......................................................................13 What do the managers do? .......................................................36
Emphasise skill development...................................................13 Why doesn’t the club provide coaches?..................................36
Lots of activity...........................................................................13 Quotes.........................................................................................36
Be creative..................................................................................13 Section 9: References & Resources ..................................................37
Be organised ..............................................................................13 Resources ...................................................................................37
Do not focus solely on winning...............................................14 Websites .....................................................................................37
Have fun .....................................................................................14 Blogs ...........................................................................................37
Managers.........................................................................................14 Other Links ................................................................................37
Coaches ...........................................................................................14
Section 5: Skills Development ..........................................................15
What is Skills Development?........................................................15
General Comments about Skills Development ......................15
The Essentials Elements of Skills Development ........................16
Ball Control................................................................................16
Possessing the Ball....................................................................16
Understanding the Game ..........................................................16
Additional Elements of Skills Development...............................16
Awareness ..................................................................................17
Juggling ......................................................................................17
Kicking Skills ............................................................................17
Advanced Skills.........................................................................17
Positional Play ...........................................................................17

Section 1: General Information

We celebrated our 60th birthday in 2006. Newington students, Mr Bruce Livingston & Mr A R Ireland,
wanting to advance the profile of football in Australia formed it in 1945. Last year MFC had over 850
District
players, 60 teams, 9 all female teams, and more than 100 volunteer coaches & managers. Football within each state is divided into
districts. We are part of the Canterbury
Key Contacts District Soccer Football Association
President Ron Royston (CDSFA). It was established in 1923
and has more than 23 clubs across 7
Vice President Tony Lowry
inner west council areas making it one
Secretary Karel Soloman of the largest in NSW.
Treasurer Lisa Chadwick
Assistant Secretary Pam Mort
Elite Player Development Pathway

Marrickville Football Club and Dulwich Hill FC have created an integrated pathway for elite football
development. This partnership has been formed to allow players a better chance to enter the NSW Youth
League at the under 13 aged group. It is called the skills squad and is available for selected players under 8
through to under 12 who wish to commit to a higher level of training with highly qualified coaches from
Dulwich Hill FC.
Women’s Development
We pride ourselves on encouraging and developing girls and women’s football. Almost every U6 and U7 Wet Weather
team last year had at least one girl in their lineup and MFC has 6 all women’s teams in the older years. And
Councils determine if the parks are
remember, there is something very special about football: women can play at a very high international level.
closed during wet weather and make a
The profile of the Matildas is increasing every year. MFC would love to be part of your daughter’s football decision for Saturday games on Friday
story. afternoons. Call the Club on 9558
5849. If there is heavy overnight rain
Junior Referee Programme Friday night then Mackey may be closed
We support junior referees to ref U6 to U9 games. Junior referees are supervised by a club official and paid on Saturday.
by the home team. They wear a yellow 'in Training" vest as part of the Department of Sport and Recreation
If you are playing away games call the
"I'm in yellow, so don't see red!" initiative. Wet Weather council’s wet weather line where you are
going to play:
Parental Supervision
Football at MFC is a shared experience between children and their parent/guardian, therefore, all MFC Marrickville Council 9335 2299
Canada Bay Council 9911 6375
players MUST be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian at all times. We remind all parents that
Canterbury Council 9718 7666
although all care will be taken to provide a safe environment, the responsibility for supervision of your child
Ashfield Council 8752 1506
at MFC falls to the parent/guardian. Burwood Council 9744 7219
Leichhardt Council 9367 9190
Football Strathfield Council 9748 9972
Today, football is played at a professional level all over the world. Millions of people regularly go to football
stadiums to follow their favourite teams, while billions more watch the game on television. A very large
number of people also play football at an amateur level. According to a survey conducted by FIFA published
in 2001, over 240 million people from more than 200 countries regularly play football. Its simple rules and
minimal equipment requirements have no doubt aided its spread and growth in popularity.
The rules of football were codified in England by the Football Association in 1863, and the name association
football was coined to distinguish the game from the other forms of football played at the time, specifically
rugby football. The term soccer originated in England, first appearing in the 1880s as a slang abbreviation of
the word "association", often credited to former England captain Charles Werford-Brown.
Today the sport is generally known simply as football in countries where it is the most popular football code.
In countries where other codes are more popular, the sport is more commonly referred to as soccer, and
indeed is referred to as such in the official names of the governing bodies in the United States and Canada.
FIFA, the sport's world governing body, defines the sport as association football in its statutes, but the term
most commonly used by FIFA and the International Olympic Committee is football. Wikipedia
Football Federation Australia (FFA)

Football Federation Australia (FFA) is the governing body for the sport of football (soccer) in Australia.
Before 1 January 2005, it was known as the Australian Soccer Association (ASA), which succeeded Soccer
Australia in this role in 2003.

Among other duties, the FFA oversees Australia's national football teams (including the Socceroos (men),
the Matildas (women), and various youth teams); national coaching programmes; coordination with the
various state and territory governing bodies; and the national club competition. Until 2004 the national
competition was the National Soccer League; the FFA launched a new national league in 2005, the A-
League.
Ben Buckley is currently the CEO of the FFA and Frank Lowy is the chairman.
Hyundai A-League
The A-League is the premier Australasian domestic Association football (soccer) competition. Run by
Australian governing body Football Federation Australia, it was founded in 2004 and staged its inaugural
season in 2005-06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company Australia, and is therefore officially known
as the Hyundai A-League.
The league is contested by eight teams: seven covering Australia's major cities and regional centres and one
from New Zealand. In the 2009-10 season, this will expand to ten teams.
Westfield W-League
The Westfield W-League is the top level women's association football league in Australia. Established in
2008, it composes of eight teams - the seven Australian A-League clubs, and one team based in Canberra.
Its inaugural season (2008-09) started in October 2008.
One game per week (the 4pm Saturday game) will be broadcast live nationwide on ABC1
A-League National Youth League

The A-League National Youth League is an Australian national association football league run in parallel to
the A-League. The aim of a league is to provide a pathway for young players and state league players to play
regular high-level football, and allow reserve players from senior A-League teams to remain match fit. The
league was announced by Football Federation Australia at the start of March 2008, and the inaugural league
started in August 2008 alongside the A-League 2008-09 season.
All Australian A-League clubs - that is, all A-League teams except Wellington Phoenix - will field a youth
league side.
Each club should have 10–12 Youth Development Players. Players must be between the ages of 16 and 21
as of January 1 in the year the season commences. Four over-age players (including goalkeeper) are also
allowed to be selected. Each youth player must receive a minimum of 30 minutes game time.
These players can be any Australian player within the age group, and can be from the Australian Institute of
Sport. A-League clubs must draw replacement players for their senior teams from the Youth League squad,
except under certain circumstances.
Section 2: MFC Policies

Safety and Security
The primary responsibility of the coach, managers and parents is to provide a safe and secure environment
for the players. This can include:
Identify risks on playing areas. Spend a few minutes before the training sessions to inspect your playing
area and ensure that it is safe.
Ensure that all your equipment is safe and in good working order.
Respect everyone including players, coaches, opposition players, parents, and referee.
Players have rights and responsibilities which include:
To be safe.
To be listened to.
To be respected.
To privacy.
To take calculated risks in a protected environment.
To an inclusive environment.
To be referred to professional help if needed.
To be protected from abuse by other members or outside sources.
Child Protection and Anti-Harassment Policies

It is essential that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities and the rights and responsibility of the
players. Under the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 any adult that is involved in the
organisation, running, teach, coaching or assisting with Football must complete a Disclosure Form in
accordance with the Act. Disclosure Forms are available from MFC. If you have not complete a Disclosure
Form you must not have any involvement with the players, other than you own child, during all activities.
Grass Roots Policy

There are several objectives to providing community football as a sport at a junior level. These include:
Exposing children to the game of football at a junior level in a fun and social environment.
Providing a pathway for players to learn the technical aspects of the game so they can play football at a high
level.
Provide a safe and secure environment where children can have fun with confidence and play with their
friends.
Develop and teach children technical aspects of the game of football that they can use for the rest of their
lives.
Provide children with memorable positive experiences which will give them confidence in life.
Involvement
The main goals are to get children involved, develop a love of the game and keep them coming back for
more. The way to achieve these goals is to:
make the experiences fun by providing varied, interesting and challenging tasks and encouraging social
aspects of the games.
make the experiences positive by making achievable goals and allow them to fulfil them.
make the activities age and ability appropriate.
make them feel secure and confident.
Why do Children Play Football?

Children love learning new things. Playing sport at an early age can fullfill the desire they have to learn.
They also play football for a number of other reasons that include:
Being with friends.
To emulate the superstars and their heroes from the game.
Being part of a team.
Gaining self esteem.
General fitness.
General movement.
Team spirit.

Individual achievement.
Fun and exciting.
Gain physical confidence.
We need to provide an environment where these can be achieved.
Codes of Conduct
Coaches Code of Behaviour
Provide a safe and secure environment
Be reasonable about your demands
All players deserve equal time and attention
Children participate for fun and enjoyment and winning is only a small part of this
Make sure the tasks are age appropriate
Develop team respect, develop respect for coaches, referees and the opposition
Develop respect for football and the club
Encourage respect for rules, regulations and responsibilities and indoctrinate good sporting behaviour
Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young
players.
Managers / Officials Code of Conduct

Provide a safe and secure environment
Be reasonable about your demands
Modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people.
Compliment and encourage all participants.
Be consistent, objective and courteous when making decisions.
Keep up to date with the latest trends in officiating and the principles of growth and development of young
players.
Parents Code of Behaviour

Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
Encourage children to participate, do not force them
Encourage children to play according the rules and spirit of the game
Encourage children and teams to keep control of the ball
Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience. All young people are deserving of
equal attention and opportunity.
Never ridicule or yell at a child or team for making a mistake or losing Parents need to understand the
philosophy of SSG and it will be through
Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performance and skilful plays by all
your support, assistance and positive
participants.
behaviour that the right environment will
‘smart supporting’ – not loud and intense but calm, relaxed and at all times positive. be created for your child to enjoy their
Respect officials’ decisions and teach children to do likewise football experience.
Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not
participate
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every your person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural
background or religion.
Players Code of Conduct

A player’s code of conduct is an important aspect of the football environment. It is often worthwhile to ask
the players to develop their own code of conduct. Ownership of the code of conduct is essential for the
players. They could also develop consequences for not following the code of conduct. Make sure it is short
and simple and easy to follow. If there are too many rules they are unlikely to follow them.
Section 3: MFC Philosophies

Marrickville Football Club Philosophy
We are a community based club, with the aim to be inclusive, fair, and ensure that fun is the main outcome
“…Football associations that are
while your child learns the game of football.
serious about the game’s health and
growth are duty bound to promote
Marrickville Football Club Mission Statement
mass participation and interest.
Our mission is to make better footballers by creating a safe, supportive and fun environment where players Grassroots football (SSG) which
are free to express themselves without pressure. acts as a vehicle for social
integration, health and happiness is
How is Our Mission Achieved? the aim and as a by-product talents
This is achieved by focussing on skills development rather than solely on winning. We cater for all variety of will emerge.”
abilities by being inclusive and fair, developing a life long love for physical activity and football. Statement of FIFA (Andy
Roxburght – UEFA Technical
What is meant by “Skills Development”? Director)
Skills development means developing players skills that are important for football. The key element of skills
development is learning ball control. The two secondary elements are possession and understanding the
game. Section 6 discusses skills development in detail.
MFC’s Focus on Skills Development

In order for the players to develop skills they should be exposed to appropriate training sessions and to
games. The training sessions allow them to learn ball control. The games allow them to understand the
complexities of the game.
Skills Development Philosophy

We believe that in order to make better footballers we should focus on:
Focus on development.
Encourage technique and skill.
Encourage flair, creativity and improvisation.
Encourage passing, not kicking.
Supporting progressive development of children’s football.
Encouraging the team aspect of the game.
Develop good sportsmanship.
MFC’s Supportive Environment

MFC has created a supportive environment not only for the children but also for the parents and the
“…the only way to develop
volunteers. For many coaches and managers this is their first time participating as a volunteer. It is fun, not
healthy, happy and talented football
only for the players but for the coaches and managers too. Being a coach and manager is one of the most players is to follow their natural
rewarding things you can do. development. To rush their
development is to hinder their
A supportive environment includes:
healthy formation and future
Providing the players with a positive and encouraging environment. performance.” Horst Wein -
Placing development and participation above winning. Developing Youth Football Players
Developing self-esteem and sense of achievement of the players.
Being supported by accredited coaches who appreciate their own development and participate in coach
training programs.
Positive Environment
A positive environment is created by:
Learning and using the players names.
Smiling, praising and encouraging the players.
Being patient and supportive.
Having fun.
Development and Participation

Focus is on development and participation by:
Set achievable goals with the players’ maturation in mind.
Make sessions challenging.
Ensure skill development is progressive.

Development and participation are directly linked.
Self-Esteem and Achievement

One of the main reasons that parents get their children involved in football is to see their self-esteem
increase and to develop their sense of achievement.
Coaches and Managers Development

It is important that coaches feel that their own personal development is important. We support this by
offering free coaching courses during the year. This is a fantastic opportunity for coaches.
Section 4: Team Helpers

Volunteers
Most parents appreciate that their involvement is important. It is worthwhile asking for their help. We
recommend a roster be proposed to help with game days, training sessions and other activities. Try to
determine what expertise the parents may provide to the team. The roster could include, drinks, equipment,
field setup, fruit, fundraising, time keeping, game diary write-up.
Benefits of being involved

We thank you for contributing your valuable time to MFC. We hope that you will enjoy your experience with
MFC. There are many benefits from being involved as a volunteer for the club, including:
Personal development and learning.
Satisfaction of seeing players learn skills and grow.
Contribute to the community.
Share talent and knowledge.
Being part of shaping the social and physical development of children.
Partake in accredited coaching programmes.
Help generate a love of football, physical activity and sport in children and parents.
Providing a safe and secure environment

The most important responsibility of all the volunteers is to provide a safe and secure environment. This
includes providing the players with water.
How can I make it more fun for the players?

Surveys by Ewing and Seefeldt in 1988 concluded one very simple thing: players just want to have fun
playing sport. These simple guidelines are taken from Coaching Athletes – A foundation for success by
Monika L Schloder PhD and Richard McGuire PhD may help coaches, managers and parents have fun and
develop a life long love of sport.
Smile
Be happy and enthusiastic. Smile a lot. Laugh easily. Show that coaching and sport is fun for you, too.
Be understanding
Show that you understand players and that you care about them personally, not just as athletes. Be a good
communicator, including being a really good listener.
Emphasise skill development

Place an emphasis on skill development. Players want to learn how to get better. Have a variety of drills,
with varying levels of proficiency demanded, that players at all skills levels can feel both challenged and
improving. Avoid just doing drills that show who’s good and who’s not so good. Create a balance between
skill development and challenge.
Lots of activity
Have lots and loads of activity. The fun of sport is found in the playing and active participation. Keep
everyone involved, and avoid having athletes standing around. Let every player try playing all of the
positions, all aspects of the sport.
Be creative
Be creative and innovative in designing practice activities, games, and drills. Don’t be trapped in having to
“follow the book.” Even let the players participate in the practice planning, or allow them to suggest new
ideas for drills or team activities.
Be organised
Having practices that are organised, but not “over-organised.” Too much organization and regimentation
will restrict or squash spontaneity, freedom of expression, and self-discovery. Remember, an intimate part
of the positive sport experience is that players PLAY sport. Keep the play in sport!

Do not focus solely on winning

Make the competitions fun, regardless of the outcome. Defuse the “winning-makes-me-worthy” bomb that
is so often a part of the sport setting.
Have fun
Allow players to HAVE FUN playing youth sport. Players meet sport at the coach. The experience they have
is defined, shaped, and provided by the coach. Let it be fun. Find great personal enjoyment and fulfilment
in the fun that players have with you in sport.
Managers
The manager should be seen as the first point of call for all the players and parents. Their responsibilities
include:
First point of call for all questions or concerns from the players, parents and the coach,
Communicating information to the players and parents, including game and training times and dates,
Communicate information to the coach,
Supporting the coach
Hold and maintain contact details of all players and parents/guardians and emergency numbers,
Drinks for game and training sessions,
Organising the photos during photo day.
Coaches
The coach is responsible for the technical training, skills development and technical aspects of the players.
Some general guidance on skills development is contained in the following section.
Section 5: Skills Development

What is Skills Development?
Skills development means developing player’s skills that are important for football. The single most “No footballer has ever succeeded
important element to skills development is to learn ball control. The second element to skills development is at a professional level, nor went on
understanding the game. Wedged in between these two elements is the key to playing the game: to enjoy playing football to the
Possessing the Ball, which requires both ball control and an understanding of the game. optimum, without possessing good
ball control.” Les Murray – So,
Put this way skills development is simple. Two things are essential: one, every child needs many, many you want to be a coach
touches of the ball, in varied and interesting ways (to learn ball control) and, two, players need to play many
and varied small sided games without parents involvement and without a focus on winning (to learn an
understanding of the game).
General Comments about Skills Development

At the grassroots level, games and activities should focus on getting many touches of the ball. It is
“Coaches should always aim to
important to have fun and develop a love of football. In fact by making it fun and developing a love of
support the healthy development of
football they will get many touches of the ball. children… The less rigid and more
Although most games and activities are developed to focus on particular skills it is more important for them varied their teaching style and the
training session programme they
to have fun without emphasis on the specific skill they are practicing.
adopt, the more pleasant and
As a coach it is worthwhile being aware of the some of the basic skills and to occasionally conduct an comfortable the atmosphere will
activity that is very specific to the skill so that they can learn how to do it properly and avoid learning bad feel to children.” Horst Wein -
Developing Youth Football Players
habits. These include passing and receiving, dribbling and shooting.
You may be amazed by some of the skills they can learn even at a very early age.

The Essential Elements of Skills Development

As we highlighted, the essentials of skills development are ball control, learning to possess the ball and
understanding the game. Represented by the Skills Development Sphere.
Ball Control
Ball control is the corner stone of players’ football skills. Ball control includes the following skills:
Juggling.
Dribbling.
Passing and receiving.
Shooting.
Ball control is developed by:
Juggling the ball over and over and over again.
Getting many, many touches of the ball.
Using both feet.
Ball feeling.
Getting players to dribble, pass, receive and shoot in a confined space.
Playing games where players are encouraged to possess the ball.
Playing games without pressure.
Possessing the Ball

Possessing the ball is the key to football. Possession is the goal of every major football team throughout the
world. But possession is difficult. It requires:
Ball control.
Understanding of the games.
Awareness (looking up and around the field of play).
Movement (always on your toes).
Understanding the Game

Learning to understand the game comes from playing many different versions of small sided games but also
comes from watching games. Ask the players to watch games or ask older players what they do during the
games.
Milestones for children at the grassroots level learning to understand the game should start with simple
things that we all take for granted such as:
There are two teams and each player is part of one of those teams.
Teams go in opposite directions and each player needs to go in the right direction.
Players change sides at halftime.
A goal is when the ball goes in the net.
When a player kicks the ball out, the other team gets to kick it in.
Don’t forget to reward them for learning these things which you probably take for granted.
Understanding the game includes understanding the rules of the game but also includes:
How to attack, tackle and defend.
How to possess the ball as individual and as a team.
Awareness of your teammates.
Consideration of your opponents.
Where to go when you have the ball and where to go when you don’t have the ball.
The advantages of speeding the game up or slowing it down.
Moving into space to give the player with the ball the option of passing to you.
And so many, many more.
Advanced Elements of Skills Development

Although ball control, possessing the ball and understanding the game are essential elements of skills
development there are many more elements. In fact far more elements that could ever be covered in this
manual. But some other elements, which are not mutually exclusive of the key elements include the
following. These are referred to as advanced elements and should not be the focus at the U6 and U7 levels.
Awareness
Awareness is about players knowing what is going on around them when they have the ball (and when they
don’t). When you watch high-level players, you will notice them glancing up to look around the field while
they are dribbling or before they receive the ball – sometimes called a gesture.
It is important to teach awareness from a very early age. Trying to correct this at a later stage can be very
difficult.
When teaching dribbling skills, encourage or force your players to look up. An easy way to generate
awareness is to dribble in squares with other players that they must avoid while continuously moving.
Another way is to get players who are not dribbling to hold a number of fingers up and the dribbler must look
up and yell out the number.
Juggling
Juggling is an important aspect of football. Ask players to juggle the ball, allowing bounces on the ground,
is great for many aspects of the game. Juggling includes balancing the ball on thigh, foot, back of neck, etc.
Ball feeling is also good for learning to juggle.
Kicking Skills
Kicking skills including how to shoot a ball using the laces, how to pass the ball using the inside and outside
of the foot and how to receive a ball using different parts of the body. These skills usually start to be
developed in the U9s, however, learning these skills early is possible. And in fact learning not to kick with
your toe is perhaps essential at an early age, despite the fact that it usually gets a positive reaction from
players, coaches and parents/guardians.
Advanced Skills
Advanced skills such as 1 v 1 and 2 v 2, heading, positional play, tactical play, technical kicking and
passing and goalkeeping are not typically taught until around the under 9 level. This does not necessarily
mean that training session or games which emphasise these skills are not appropriate. The maturity of the
players should be taken into account when playing games and activities which include these skills.
Positional Play
At the grassroots level it is important to encourage free expression. Most players will naturally fall into
defensive and offensive positions as they feel appropriate and as they learn the game. Young players have
ample amounts of energy and will happily continuously run goal to goal following or dribbling the ball
increasing their chances of touches of the ball. Promoting positional play may impede development and
may limit touches of the ball, something essential to the spirit of SSG.
Positional play also discourages players from trying different positions. A player who has a reputation for
being a defender, and hence plays defence, may never discover that she has an insatiable appetite for
scoring goals.
The training sessions can be used to teach positional play. Ask the players what will happen if everyone is
forward or if everyone is back. Ask them how they can decide as a team who will be forward and who will be
back.
Free Expression
Free expression means allowing players to do what they feel is important without being told what to do. This
free expression is important for them to learn about the game. Remember that research shows that players
will learn significantly better if they learn through their own experiences rather than being told what to do.
That may include sitting back watching how the game unfolds. Many children go through a period of
observation before launching into play. Even if players do not appear to be actively engaging they may - in
their minds - be a part of the team. As you get to know your players you will get a better understanding of
how the learn
Why are both Games and Training Important?

Both games and training sessions are essential for skills development.
Purpose of the Games

Games are an essential component of skills development. It is key to developing an understanding of the
game.
The purpose of the games is to:
Learn the tactical aspects of the game.
Have fun in a safe and supportive environment.
Use skills and techniques in a game environment.

This is done through:

Playing games between teams that are evenly matched in ability, there is little learned by a one-sided game.
Adapting the rules of the games by increasing field size, length of game and number of players as the
players develop.
Reduced number of players to promote more touches of the ball.
Players play different positions.
Learning tactical aspects of the game at the grass roots level include:
Progressing the play in the correct direction (towards the oppositions goal).
Tackling the opposition in an appropriate way.
Understanding and ‘reading’ the game.
Passing, dribbling and shooting, and learning what option is appropriate in different situations.
One touch and two touch shooting and passing options.
Composure, taking time to think and consider options.
Moving into space and movement.
Keeping your head up.
Limiting opposition’s options.
The games are not training grounds. The coaches, managers and parents involvement during the games
should be kept to a minimum. Games are the opportunity for the players to learn by doing. They need to
make decisions by themselves.
One small piece of advice off the field at half-time and at full-time is all that is required.
Purpose of the Training Sessions

At every level the main aim of the training sessions is to learn ball control. Learning ball control is the
essential element of skills development.
Particularly at the U6 and U7 levels ball control is learned through playing games that are fun, inclusive and
allow many, many touches of the ball. Let the games be the teacher and keep the coaching to a minimum.
Players often simply enjoy the social aspect of the training sessions.
The training sessions also provide the opportunity for the coaches to focus on:
Playing fun and varied games.
Teach the players tricks that they might be able to use in a game.
Give the players many touches of the ball.
Teaching the players aspects of the game that they would like the players to develop.
Present questions to the players to get them to think about different options that they might use in a game.
Remember that the age of the players and the training should be player-centred rather than coach-centred.
Section 6: Small Sided Games

Small Sided Games (SSG) are played on small fields 20m x 30m with 4 players per team for under 6s and
under 7s. For U6 and U7 no official records of results, statistics or finals are kept. Games focus on
participation, enjoyment and skill development.
SSG encourage ball and passing skills in a small space – the same way the great players of the world
learned. The leading football nations in the world including Brazil, Holland, France, USA, Spain, Sweden,
Hungary, Portugal and Norway have all adopted SSG for pre-teens.
This format slowly introduces children to the adult game. There is extensive research to show this format
creates better players for all age groups from under 6 to under 12. The FFA has produced a comprehensive
brochure outlining these benefits and the general format. This is available at the club.
Small Sided Game Philosophy

Small Sided Games is not just about playing the games on smaller fields with reduced number of players “It is the birth-right of every child to
but is a philosophy. Essential to the philosophy are three elements: play football without parental
Reduced number of players on a small field involvement”
No competition: no results and no tables
No parents or coaches on the field
General Information
Your team
The club has equipment that the
The players will be divided into Squads of around 10 players for U6 and U7. On game day the Squads will coaches can use during the training
be divided into 2 teams. It is not critical but the teams will be generally divided into ability. Group A – sessions. Please return the equipment
Advanced, B – Basic Ability. Each team will play another team of roughly equal ability. We have found that in sound order at the end of the
games played amongst equal ability are more enjoyable for the players and creates a better learning sessions.
environment.
Gear Bags
Each team will be issued with a game bag that will contain a match ball, practice balls, bibs and cones.
Rules
Summary of SSG Format
Playing Format Under 6 & Under 7
Number of players 4v4
Substitute 2 maximum
Field size 30m x 20m
Field markings Markers or painted line marking
Goal size Min. 1.80m x 0.9m / Max. 2.00m x 1.00m
Goal type Markers, poles, Goals
Ball Size Size 3
Goalkeeper No
Recommended playing time 2 x 15 minutes
Half time break 2-5 minutes
Competition No
Playing Rules
Play should be continuous as possible with no stoppages. Interchange may be made at anytime without
stopping the game;
There is no off-side;
The game is started with a kick off on the halfway line or mark;
The team kicking off will be determined by the referee by toss of coin or which hand is the whistle etc;
When a goal is scored play will restart from the halfway line;
The following restarts are started with a pass (no dribbling in):
sideline kick in (when the ball travels over the sideline);
goal kicks (when the ball travels over the goal line);
kick offs (except at start of game which must be passed to a teammate);
Corner kicks and indirect free kicks must be kicked into play (no dribbling in);
All free kicks are indirect free kicks ie. the ball must be touched twice before a goal can be scored from any
restart;
All opposition players must stand at least 4.5m from the kicker at every restart;
The team taking a restart has 3 seconds to recommence play;
Play in the spirit of the game, ie. no goal keeping, and no loitering in front of the oppositions goal.
Start of play
Kick-off is determined by a choice between the “captains” as to which hand the “match leader” has his or
her whistle in, or coin or any other alternative.
A game is started with a kick forward to a team-mate from the middle of the halfway line. The opposition
must be 4.5m away from the ball at this time. If the player kicks the ball into the goal without a team-mate
touching the ball, it is no goal; when it deflects off a defender into the goal it is a goal.
When a goal is scored, there is a restart from the halfway line.
Ball in and out of play

The ball is out of play when it wholly crosses the goal line or the back line, or when play has been stopped
by the referee.
When the ball wholly crosses the side line there is no throw-in but a kick from behind the sideline. To
encourage quick restarts and decision-making under pressure, the team in possession has three seconds to
recommence the play from a restart. This can be done by the match leader having a countdown of “Ready-
set-go!” When the match leader shouts out: “Go!”, the ball is deemed to be in play and the defending team
can encroach within the 4.5m zone and attempt to win the ball.
When the ball crosses the back line after touching the defending team last there is a corner kick.
When the ball crosses the back line after touching the attacking team last there is a goal kick off the ground
from the back line.
Scoring
A goal is scored when the whole ball crosses the line in the goal. When original goals or goal posts are not
available and cones are used for goals then a goal is scored when the ball passes between the cones without
knocking them over.
Substitutions
Maximum of two substitutes who may rotate during the entire game. The coach or parent is allowed to make
the sustitutions while the ball is in play, but must wait until the substitute player has left the field. If there are
substitutes then all players must get an equal amount of playing time. Therefore:
Group Number of players Substitutes playing time for each player time off for each player
U6 & U7 4v4 1 substitute 24 minutes 6 minutes off
U6 & U7 4v4 2 substitutes 20 minutes 10 minutes off
End of Game
At the end of the game every player can have a penalty kick with no goal keeper and must score a goal.
Refereeing
Junior Referees will referee the SSG. They are called the “GAME LEADER”;
The game leader’s role is to assist the players from both teams during the game;
The game leader’s main role is to keep the game moving fluently and with minimal breaks. In particular this
applies to restarting the game, when the ball is out or a goal scored by keeping opponents 4.5m away from
restarts and applying the 3 second rule with a “ready-set-go” countdown;
The game leader must be fair to both sides;
The game leader should promote the spirit of the game.
On-Field Coaching
On-field coaching is NOT PERMITTED.
Let the children play; Coaches (and parents) are to have minimal involvement in the game;
Section 7: Training Sessions

Training sessions
Mackey Park is reserved for U6 and U7 training on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30. Having all the
coach’s in the same place at the same time will allow you to exchange knowledge and information with other
coaches. It also allows the members of the club to speak to all the coaches at the same time.
Tips for coaching young players

The following are simple guidelines that may help you with your training sessions. These recommendations
are broadly based on the book: Coaching Grassroots Football produced by Football Federation of Australia.
This book accompanies the Grassroots Coaching Course which is available free of charge to all registered
coaches.
Allow the games to be the teacher – if the players figure it out for themselves they will own it, rather than
being told what to do. So rather than thinking of yourself as a coach, think of your self as an organiser or
facilitator.
Ask the players lots of questions.
Plan your session.
Divide your training sessions into 3 roughly 20 minute sessions, the beginning, the middle and the end.
End your training session after 60 minutes. End on a high and they will want to come back for more.
Set realistic, long-term goals that are in line with the maturity of your players. Even U6 and U7’s can
achieve great things. This could be as simple as a drag-back-turn during a game, a pass to a team-mate, a
dribble past an opponent, juggling a ball twice (allowing bounces), controlling a pass, looking up while
dribbling, something simple that they could take away with them.
If an activity isn’t working move on to something else.
Have fun.
It is often important for the coaches to walk the walk and talk the talk. Players respond well to coaches who
participate in the activities. Another way to maintain interest for the children is to say that the coach will
perform a certain task if everyone does the activity correctly, such as run to the end of the field and back
again.
Plan your sessions

Planning is essential. Take a few minutes before your training session to plan out what you will do. Arrive
early and set up your training area. If you set up your training session well you should be able to use the
same setup in many different ways or with perhaps only slight changes to the layout. The example training
sessions may give you some guidance on how to achieve this.
Maximise Touches of the Ball

One of the most important aspects of all football activities is to provide all the players with many touches of
the ball. The more touches, the more the players will develop. SSG was developed to provide players with
more touches of the ball. Training sessions should encourage this also. So consider limiting how often the
players stand in lines without a ball. Games that involve all players dribbling in a square while asking them
to perform tasks is often a good alternative.
Awards
Giving awards can be a great motivator. A coloured A4 paper award with the players name and special note “Remember that the best teacher
with skills they have used during a game is a simple award. Another award is a special bib or trophy that the for the coach is the athlete.”
player of the week can take home. Monika L Schloder PhD and
Richard McGuire PhD, Coaching
Athletes – A foundation for success.
Misbehaviour
Misbehaviour is likely a result of the training session lacking some key aspects of a good session such as:
Activities that are too challenging or too complex, or not challenging enough.
Activities that are lacking in variety, or activities that go on for too long.
Standing in lines.
Unstructured sessions.
Lengthy instructions.

Another approach to addressing misbehaviour is to ask the players to get involved in the activities. There are
several suggested training sessions below which the players can act as the group leaders and can even run
themselves, even at the under 6 level.
Unless it is severe, it is often beneficial to ignore misbehaviour and continue with the session. When the
players see how much fun everyone is having they often stop acting out.
Discipline
Set up a discipline scheme early in the year. Make it clear to the players what the consequences will be
and get them involved in setting up the code of behaviour for the players. A simple three strikes and your
out rule usually works effectively with the consequence of a five-minute time out. You will probably only
have to do it once to send the message. Going out of your way to praise good behaviour may also help.
Example training sessions

Again, the following are simple guidelines that may help you with your training sessions. These
recommendations are broadly based on the book: Coaching Grassroots Football produced by Football
Federation of Australia. This book accompanies the Grassroots Coaching Course which is available free of
charge to all registered coaches.
Divide your sessions into three parts: Beginning, Middle, End. Keep it to around 60 minutes with 2 minutes
at the end for a chat to ask if they had fun.
Beginning 15 - 20 Minutes
General Movement
Grasshopper Get up and catch. Throw the ball up while sitting, then stand up and catch it.
Spelling bee Players trace out letters with their feet with or without the ball
Frog Various jumps. Standing jumps, stepping jumps and hopping jumps
Catapillar Forward roll, could add a jump at the end
Gazelle Running weaving in and out of cones without the ball
The March In squares players follow the coaches commands
Line Running Running in various methods, straight leg, high knees, Heels up, etc.
Balance and Flexibility Pass ball around body, leg, touch ball to toes, etc.
Relays One line, two lines, with ball, full relay with ball
Imaginative games Martin Tyler, Magic Ball
Me and my shadow In pairs, one player runs around performing different activities while the other player must copy.
Throw and move In a square half the players have a ball. Players pass the ball to a player who does not have a ball then move to where they can
receive a ball.
Vietnamese Bib Tag Three players link up with the middle having a bib as a tail. A fourth player has to get the bib. The two side players need to
protect the bib.
Feather and Nest Divide players into 4 even teams. Place balls in the middle of the field. One player at a time goes in and gets a ball and puts it
in their ‘safe’. When all the balls from the middle are gone, collect balls from other players nests.
Robin Hood Make two teams of 3 or more players. Start with an equal number of balls in each teams safe. Players pass the balls from one
teams safe to your safe with each player needing to touch the ball and staying in their zone.
Empty it! Fill it! Players dribble around a square. On ‘Empty it!’ each team must get out of the square and into their homes in equal numbers.
On ‘fill it!’ they must get pack into the big square.
Tunnel Ball Two teams. Players line up and pass the ball though their legs. The last person takes the ball to the front of the line.
Crab Ball Players dribble the ball around a square. Crabs run around kicking balls off players. They then switch with that player.
Tunnels Half the players stand with legs apart. Other players run through legs. How many legs can you get through in 30 seconds.
Bridge Half the players on their haunches. Other players jump over ‘bridges’. How many jumps can you make in 30 seconds.
Tagging Games
Catch the tails Players have bibs tucked in their shorts except one who is the hunter. The hunter collects the bibs. When a players bib is
caught by the hunter, they join them as hunters.
Pairs tag Groups of hunters who are holding hands chase the others, who must also hold hands when caught.
Stick in the mud In a square, two players have balls in their hands. The other players try to avoid them. When they are touched with the ball they
stop and spread their legs. Other players can free them by running through their legs.
Dog & Bone Players have to diagonally cross a square with a player in the middle. The player has to cross one of the two lines defended.
React and Sprint Set up two different coloured lines of cones 12m apart. Pairs of players enter in the middle and the coach calls out a colour.
The two players have to race to that colour.
Beat your reflection Set up two different coloured lines of cones 12m apart. Pairs of players enter the middle. The leading player must make it to
one side first while the other player must beat them.
Ball Mastery – the most important aspect of a player’s development

Juggling Juggling and heading
Ball Feeling Roll ball around feet & backheel
Middle 20 - 25 Minutes
Passing and Receiving
Through the gate Two players pass a ball between two cones
Pairs through the gates Set up 6 small gates. Pairs of players run in and pass through the gates
Pass and follow square 5 or more players in at corners of square. Pass to corner and run to corner
Tunnel target practice pairs of players pass through a third players legs.
Tenpin Bowling pins are setup at each end. Teams try to knock the pins down
Numbers Game 2 sets of 4 players pass a ball in a set order while moving. They then overlap
Shooting Gallery 2 pairs of players on sides of a square. One group pass the others try to hit it.
Formula 1 Players pass a ball down a narrow lane of numbered cones.
Pass to the coach Line of players passes the ball to the coach and back
3v1 in square 3 players pass the ball while one other tries to will it.
4v1 across square 4 players on each side of a square try to pass the ball away from middle player
4v2 in rectangle 4 players on each side of a rectangle try to pass away from 2 middle players
5v2 in a square 5 players inside a square keep away from 2 others
1 Joker 3v2 with one extra player as the joker who plays for whoever passes her the ball
The Tunnel Players pass ball through partners legs
Precise Passing Dribble then pass across a grid
Dribbling - focuses on awareness, turning techniquies while dribbling

Criss Cross Players line up on 4 corners of a square and dribble across the square
North and South Players line up on a line. One team goes North the other goes South
1-2 Races Two teams of players up and back through squares to the end in a relay
Round the Block Two teams at opposite corners of a square dribble around square
Cat and Mouse Two players race around a pyramid – Cat tries to catch the mouse

Traffic All players dribble with a ball in a square and listen to coach for instructions
Protect and Pounce As traffic but players try to kick others balls without loosing their own
Sharks Fish dribble ball around while a shark (without a ball) tries to kick the ball away
Sheepdog Players try to dribble past a player without the ball to get to the other end
Parallel Lines Players dribble between two parallel lines
Eyes up while dribbling Three players dribble between each other calling numbers on partners fingers
Avoiding Collisions Dribble the ball across a grid
Black and white From centre line players dribble to the end line
Dribble Wolf One player turns and says stop. If they see anyone more they go back to start
1v1
Coach Serves - 1v1 Coach throws in ball(s) to players
End 20 Minutes
Shooting Games
Simple Shooting Two lines of players, one passes to the other who then shoot at a goal
One from two Players take turns shooting on two goals with one goal keeper
Up the ladder Shoot on a goal from close and then progress down the ladder
Feed and chase One line of players passes the ball in to the another line who shoot
Shoot, chaser Player tries to defend from shooting player
Small Sided Games

SSG Small Sided Games with Small Goals
SSG with 2 goals Small Sided Game with two goals at each end to promote decision making
Scoring zone Players must score goals within a 3m scoring zone
End Line Score by placing ball on end line or dribble past line (goals or no goals)
No go zone Make a no go zone in the middle of the field to encourage width in play
Man on man Pair up opposition. They can only tackle their own man
Weaker foot Two points for a goal scored with the weaker foot
Some examples of these sessions are shown below:
Squares
Red Devils
Age Group Stage of Session Category Duration

U5 to U9 Beginning Ball Mastery 10 Minutes
Description
Set up a grid of squares about 3 x 3. Make the squares small enough so that they learn to control the ball in a confined
space. Have each player occupy a square and ask them to do a series of tricks and moves, such as:
x Dribble around the square, dribble diagonal and across, (alternate directions and using both feet)
x magic wand – step over the ball then push ball sideways with outside of foot and then dribble magic wand
x scissor step (Rinaldo) – step around the ball almost touching the ground in front of the ball then push with outside
x dribble magic wand, x penguin – lock ball between feet and jump
x reverse, x ‘Get up and catch’ – throw ball up while sitting, then stand up and catch it.
x letters, name, x Various jumps – standing jump, stepping jump, hopping jump.
x Juggling: balance on thigh, foot, bounce and kick, perhaps allow bounces on ground
x Forward roll – progressing to forward roll with a jump at the end.
x Line dancing – jog on the spot, star jumps, step backwards, left, right, touch the ground, jump.
x Pass ball around body, legs, to toes, balance on ball.
Objectives
x Love the ball
Further development
x Let the players choose a trick for everyone to do
x Each move or trick must be done with the weaker foot
Related activities
x Me and My Shadow – In groups of two one player leads and the other has to copy
Coaches notes
This is a great way to start a session.
Parallel Lines
Red Devils

U5 to U9 Middle Dribbling 10 Minutes
Description
Set up two parallel lines 2 metres apart and have the players stand away from these lines. Give pairs of players animal
names. Set a ball on the first line. When the coach calls an animal name these two players dribble between the two
lines. The first to cross 4 lines wins.
Objectives
x Dribbling skills x Control the ball
x Turning
Variations
x Vary the distance between the lines, up to about 5m. The more confined the space the more control they require.
x When the player has completed their run they must pass to one of their team who has to control the ball on the line.
x Go around cones when they turn. Turn one way and then the other.
Further development
x Ask the players to try different types of turning and see which one they think is the quickest. Try exterior, interior, the
sole and the heel. Get different players to show different turning techniques.
Related activities
x Team Parallel Lines. Set up two teams, one on each side. They must dribble across the grid and back to the start.
x Crocodile. Get the players not to touch the ball in the central portion, they must pass the ball between the lines – but
not too hard. Start with 1m wide, then move to 2, 3 & 4m. Crocodile will eat anyone who touches the ball in the river
(between the two rows of cones).
Coaches notes
Remind them to use both feet. Ask players how they think they can speed up their run.
React and Sprint

Red Devils

Description
Set up three lines of cones of different colours. Coach calls out a colour and the players have to dribble to that colour and
then back to centre.
Objectives
x Develops reaction time and speed x Turning x Controlling the ball x Dribbling skills
Variations
x Call colour they have to run to that colour first and then the other colour and back.
x With teams, one team goes and the others hold the ball and stay on line. When the other comes back they form
tunnel with legs and pass the ball through legs.
x With teams, one team goes to the colour called the other team, with ball in hands throws the ball at the crossing
player.
x With teams, one team goes the way called, the other goes the other way (with or without the ball)
x One team dribbles with the ball to the colour and then to centre while other team without the ball goes to the colour
called and then to the other colour. Who can get there fastest.
x One team dribbles their ball to the colour called then passes to the other team when they reach the line.
Further development
x Ask the players to try different types of turning and see which one they think is the quickest. Get different players to
show different turning techniques. Drag back turn, inside, outside of foot.
Related Activities
x Black and White - One colour runs to the line. The other team, without the ball, tries to stop the players from reaching
the line or tries to hit the player’s ball with their ball. (DYFP ‘6. Black and white’ p43)
Coaches notes
Remind them to use both feet. Ask players how they think they can speed up their run and turn.
Crocodile
Red Devils

Description
x Get the players not to touch the ball in the central portion, they must pass the ball between the lines – but not too
hard. Start with 1m wide, then move to 2, 3 & 4m. Crocodile will eat anyone who touches the ball in the river
(between the two rows of cones).
Objectives
x Dribbling skills x Control the ball
x Turning
Variations
x Vary the distance between the lines, up to about 5m. The more confined the space the more control they require.
x When the player has completed their run they must pass to one of their team who has to control the ball on the line.
x Go around cones when they turn. Turn one way and then the other.
Further development
x Ask the players to try different types of turning and see which one they think is the quickest. Try exterior, interior, the
sole and the heel. Get different players to show different turning techniques.
Related activities
x Parallel Lines. Set up two parallel lines 2 metres apart and have the players stand away from these lines. Give pairs of
players animal names. Set a ball on the first line. When the coach calls an animal name these two players dribble
between the two lines. The first to cross 4 lines wins
x Team Parallel Lines. Set up two teams, one on each side. They must dribble across the grid and back to the start.
Coaches notes
Ask players how they think they can speed up their run.
Dribble Wolf
Red Devils

Description
Each player dribbles a ball from the start line to the end line. The first player (or team) to get to the end line with their foot
on the ball wins. The coach is the Wolf. Players must stop with their foot on the ball when the coach yells, “stop” and
turns around. If the coach sees a player move they must go back to the start line.
Objectives
x Awareness.
x Close control of the ball.
x Use left and right foot.
Variations
x One of the players can be the wolf.
x Use less-skilled foot only.
x If the players reach the halfway mark they can dribble to the end. Coach could act as the defender.
x When the coach turns and says “go” players dribble fast to the end line.
Further development
x Pairs of players have a ball and perform one pass and then that player dribbles.
Related activities
x Bullrush – from the same start line as Dribble Wolf, players run to the end line (with or without a ball) with the coach
trying to catch them. Players that are caught by the coach join him to catch the other players.
Coaches notes
Encourage the players to keep their heads up so they can watch the coach and keep the ball close.
Traffic
Red Devils

Description
All the players dribble a ball in a square. They must avoid other balls and players and continuously move. On the
coaches call, stop with the foot on the ball; drag back turn with the ball; do a magic wand.
Objectives
x Awareness. x Use left and right foot.
x Close control of the ball. x Advanced protection of the ball
Variations
x You must kick someone else’s ball away without loosing your own. (DYFP ‘20. Tag game’ p50)
x Coach uses hand signals to make a call. Players must watch the coach.
x Set up two sets of squares. Half the players are in one square and half in the other. On a signal they need to swap
squares with the other team. (DYFP ‘8. Changing the square’ p44)
Further development
x One player without the ball who tries to kick others’ balls out of the square. (DYFP ‘22. Maintaining ball possession’ p51)
x Players in pairs share a ball. On the coach’s call they pass the ball to their partner. (CGF middle ‘pairs in a square’ p66)
Related activities
x Players are in pairs. Coach calls a team colour. The players of that colour have to dribble the ball out of the squares
and control the ball on either end line. The other players leave their ball in the square and try to dispossess the
dribbles of the ball and take the ball back to the centre square. (DYFP ‘24. Escape’ p51)
Coaches notes
Remind them to use both feet.
Target Practice
Red Devils

U5 to U9 Middle Shooting 5 Minutes
Description
Set up two teams. Each team has three balls on three cones as the target. From behind a line about 5m away the
players take turns to try to knock their balls off the cones. The first team to knock the balls off the cones wins.
Objectives
x Shooting
Variations
x Vary the distance from the target to 7, 10, 12m making it more difficult to hit.
x Give the players animal names. Call the animal and that is the person next to kick the ball.
Further development
x Set up hurdles in front of the cones. Players must shoot the ball over the hurdles.
Related activities
x Tunnel Target Practice – Pairs of players about 6m apart pass a ball through a third players legs. (CGF ‘tunnel target practice’ p47)
x Ten Pin Bowling – 2 players stand about 15m apart. Each player has 4 traffic cones in a line. Each player takes turns
to try to knock down the other players cones with a ball. Whoever knocks their opponents down first wins. This is a
great 2 player game. (Coaching Grassroots Football ‘tenpin bowling’ p47)
x Shooting Gallery – 2 pairs of players shoot a ball across a square and try to hit the other players ball. (CGF ‘tunnel target practice’ p49)
x Torpedo – 2 players pass a ball between pairs of players who try to hit the ball.
Coaches notes
Players love trying this one.
Torpedo
Red Devils

U6 to U9 End Passing 10 Minutes
Description
Two players pass a ball back and forth between pairs of players. Players strike the ball to try to hit the moving ball. The
team that hits the ball most often after 10 passes wins.
Objectives
x Passing
x Accuracy
x Timing
Variations
x Place hurdles in front of goal as defenders that need to be avoided. These can be used to encourage players to use
the less skilled foot.
Further development
x Use different parts of the foot, outside, inside, laces.
Related activities
x Shooting Gallery – two pairs of players pass across a square. One pair pass it and the other pair try to hit the ball. (CGF
‘shooting gallery’ p49)
Coaches notes
Ask the players to use their less skilled foot
ub
Hatch the Chicks

Red Devils

U8 to U11 End 1v1 10 Minutes
Description
Set up a field with goals at each end. Two teams. Start with 1v1 with the remaining players in two zones desperate to
get out of their eggs. When a player scores a goal, one of hen’s eggs hatches and can help the hen score again. The
game progresses to 2v1, 3v1, 4v1 then starts over as 1v1. If the ball goes out of play they start over with new hens.
After the initial goal the lone defender just has to clear the ball for the game to be restarted as 1v1. (strongsoccer.com “You’re Outta Here”)
Objectives
x Defending and attacking
x Teamwork
x Shooting
x Advanced passing, ball and scoring skills
Variations
x Place hurdles in front of goal as defenders that need to be avoided. These can be used to encourage players to use
the less skilled foot.
Further development
x Each player must touch the ball before a goal can be scored.
Related activities
x Noahs Ark –Give the players on two teams matching animal names. Call the animal names and throw in two balls.
Each player gets a ball and shoots it into the goal.
Coaches notes
Ask the players to cheer for their teammates.
Noahs Ark
Red Devils

U5 to U11 End 1v1 10 Minutes
Description
Line players up into two teams. Give each player on a team an animal name. Give the players on the other team
matching animal names. Set up a goal at the other end of the area. Call the animal names and throw in two balls. Each
player gets a ball and shoots it into the goal. Players must pay attention, you could be next.
Objectives
x Control the ball x Advanced passing, ball and scoring skiils
x Shooting
Variations
x Use only one ball and pass to each other before shooting.
x Use only one ball and coach acts as a defender to get them to pass the ball.
x Shoot ball in front of a 3m mark or behind a 3m mark.
x Place hurdles in front of goal as defenders that need to be avoided. These can be used to force players to use the less
skilled foot.
x Call two sets of animals. One set scores in yellow goal the other scores in the blue goal.
x Call “Noah’s Ark” and throw in all the balls. Everyone kick a ball, score and then get on the ark.
Further development
x Call two sets of animal names blue team v yellow team
x Use one ball. One team scores in the far goal and the other at the close goal. Use two 2.5m goals. (DYFP ‘25. The challenge’ p52)
Coaches notes
Ask the players that if they both score a goal with their less skilled foot the coach will run to the end of the field
and back.
The players can look at the other player and decide if it is better to dribble closer or to shoot straight away.
Section 8: Frequently Asked Questions

What are SSG and why do we play them?
Small Sided Games are modified versions of the adult 11 v 11, 90 minute games which are suitable for
younger players. They are played with fewer players on smaller fields. This allows players to grow into the
game; following their natural development.
But SSGs are much more than this; it is a philosophy. There are many aspects that are essential to this
philosophy with the whole being far greater than the sum of the parts:
Reduced numbers for more touches, more tricks, more passing, more goals.
Unstructured play with little or no adult involvement.
No scoring or competition.
It is about development, not winning
We are trying to create the same environment that the greats of the game used for their development – street
football.
If you want more information about the philosophy, the FFA has done some great research on the benefits of
SSG. MFC also has numerous brochures and information on the collection of research on SSG.
Why aren’t the coaches allowed on the field?

There are so many reasons:
It is every child’s birthright to play games without parents.
An essential element to the philosophy of SSG is the minimum input from coaches during the games. A lot
of the philosophy is based on a study which Manchester United undertook with their U9 and how the Dutch
have taught their players since the mid 1980's. Fundamental to this is that the focus is on development
rather than winning. We hope that this will develop better players and players who love the game. SSG are
going back to street football which was where the greats of the games learned how to control, possess and
master the ball.
It may also be interesting to reflect on what you will tell the players during the game. Not only would they
not be able to understand your comments, and unlikely to follow the instruction but this is a young person
playing a young persons game and the comments may be appropriate for an adult playing an adult game
where winning is important and skills development is not.
To tell the players what to do during the games may create robots rather than thinking players.
Players learn more effectively when there is no pressure.
The training sessions should be used to teach the strategies for the game. Games are for putting that
learning into action.
Having a person on the field telling them where to go, how to play and what to do, not only confuses and
distracts the players, but takes away from their main goal which is development. There is an argument that if
we constantly tell them what to do during the games they do not learn to think for themselves and we create
robots rather than imaginative players. Remember also that one of the best ways to learn is to make
mistakes so lets let them make mistakes. At halftime, full time or during the training sessions ask them what
they learned.
It may be said that the players actually don't know how to play the game. They don't know the fundamentals
of movement, possession, creating space, developing options which are important to the game. It is
important that they are taught these things and this is what the training sessions are for. Playing "statues"
during the training session where all the players stop and asked what they should do next, not only the player
with the ball, but all the players, to give options, move into space, move forward, etc. But during the games
it is important just to let them play and have fun. Also, our junior game leaders are there to give very gentle
and understated guidance to the players to assist them but essentially the players are there to play in an
unstructured environment playing with friends where they are able to freely express themselves.
Most players will want to win and want to score goals. It is not our intention to take that away from them.
Why are the games non-competitive?

The games for U6 and U7 are non-competitive. This means there is no recorded scores, no league tables
and no playoffs. This does not mean that the players do not compete to win games. In fact most of the
games themselves are very competitive with players desperate to score goals, celebrating a goal and
working hard for the team. At the end of the game, most players know the score and often know exactly who
scored the goals.
But the focus is on development rather than solely on scoring goals and winning the game. Development
comes through touches of the ball, practicing tricks in a safe environment, possessing the ball and working
as a team. A focus on winning is actually a deterrent from development.

What do the managers do?

Section 4 indicates what the managers do.
Why doesn’t the club provide coaches?

There are several reasons why MFC does not provide coaches.
MFC is not a football clinic. We facilitate the training sessions and games. This includes renting the fields,
organising the fields, negotiating with Marrickville Council, organising the games, registering all the players
with the CDSFA and FFA, organising and paying for insurance, purchasing the uniforms and operating the
club. There is significant work, the entire year round, which is undertaken by volunteers to make all this
work.
MFC has a relationship with the Dulwich Hill Football Club. From U8 and up the Dulwich Hill skills squad
has coaches provided to their teams. There is a cost associated with being part of this programme.
MFC is a community club. We rely heavily on the volunteers. We believe that getting parents included in
the coaching and managing develops the strong community in the club.
MFC also has over 60 teams. It would be almost impossible to provide independent coaches to all these
teams.
Why are there no goal keepers?

Goal keeping is a very specialist position. It requires unique skills that require specialist training. These
skills are not the focus at a young age. Goal keeping during SSGs can actually be very boring and they often
get no touches of the balls that goes against the philosophy of SSGs.
Does my child need to attend the training sessions?

Training sessions are an essential element to skills development, the MFC philosophies and the purpose for
MFC existing. Ball control is the focus of the training sessions along with some emphasis on understanding
the game. If your child misses training sessions they will not be getting the most out of their time and will
not reach their full potential as well as let their team down.
Please also remember that most coaches make a huge effort to take the time to attend and organise the
training sessions, to have players not show up is disappointing and discouraging for them.
Section 5 has more information on the importance of training sessions and games.
Can I call to my child while they are playing the game?

Yes. We encourage you to yell encouraging comments to your child during the game.
But we discourage you from yelling instructions to your child while they are playing the game. Telling your
child what to do during the game denies them many essential elements for skills development.
Quote
“In order to be effective as youth leaders and ultimately as role models, coaches have to deal in a
responsible manner with any problems unique to the three age groups. This is often difficult because
“nobody remembers who comes in second” and “win at all cost” attitudes prevail. We are a competition-
driven society, and this point of view by coaches and parents alike has filtered down into youth sports. As a
result, winning-oriented attitudes by coaching volunteers and parents have contributed to the increase in
athletes’ dropping out of sport…
Volunteer coaching is not “sugar and spice and everything nice.” Encouraging the educational process and
providing leadership demands full commitment, patience, tolerance, and it is relentless work. Rewards are
not always in the present. They more often happen later, when former athletes succeed at higher levels of
sport or acknowledge the prior coaching influence in other areas of life.”
Coaching Athletes: A foundation for success - Monika L Schloder PhD and Richard McGuire PhD,.
Section 9: References & Resources

Resources
Coaching Grassroots Football produced by Football Federation of Australia
Small-Sided Games Handbook – Football Federation of Australia
Small-Sided Games Parent Information Guide - Football Federation of Australia
So, you want to be a Coach – Les Murray and Richard Alagich SBS - Renniks Publications 2006
Developing Youth Football Players – Horst Wein, 2007 Human Kinetics
Coaching Athletes: A foundation for success - Monika L Schloder PhD and Richard McGuire PhD,.
Websites
www.marrickvillefc.org.au
www.footballnsw.com.au
www.ausport.gov.au
www.ausport.gov.au/participating/coaches/tools
www.ausport.gov.au/supporting/ethics/child_protection
www.playbytherules.net.au/
www.sportengland.org
www.theworldgame.com.au
www.fourfourtwo.com.au
www.globalfootballsystem.com
www.tiptopcoaching.com
www.insidesoccer.com
www.footballtricks.com
www.ambulance.net.au
www.redcross.org.au
www.asada.gov.au
www.sma.org.au
www.sportsdietitians.com.au
www.runningsports.org
www.familyfoodzone.com
www.smartplay.com.au
Blogs
http://nearpost.blogspot.com
Other Links
http://users.bigpond.net.au/notjustfooty/books/notjustfooty.htm
4v4 manchester united
4for kids uk website

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COACHES AND MANAGERS MANUAL 2010

Marrickville Football Club

This Manual was written by:

With the help of:

Primary Sponsor: Secondary Sponsors

© All Rights Reserved 2010 Marrickville Football Club

Phone: (02) 9558 5849 www.marrickvillefc.org.au Email: ssg@marrickvillefc.org.au

Marrickville Football Club Philosophy

Coaches and Managers Manual 2010 3

Coaches and Managers Manual 2010 5

Section 1: General Information

Elite Player Development Pathway

Football Federation Australia (FFA)

Coaches and Managers Manual 2010 7

A-League National Youth League

Section 2: MFC Policies

Child Protection and Anti-Harassment Policies

Grass Roots Policy

Why do Children Play Football?

Coaches and Managers Manual 2010 9

Managers / Officials Code of Conduct

Parents Code of Behaviour

Players Code of Conduct

Section 3: MFC Philosophies

MFC’s Focus on Skills Development

Skills Development Philosophy

MFC’s Supportive Environment

Development and Participation

Coaches and Managers Manual 2010 11

Development and participation are directly linked.

Self-Esteem and Achievement

Coaches and Managers Development

Section 4: Team Helpers

Benefits of being involved

Providing a safe and secure environment

How can I make it more fun for the players?

Emphasise skill development

Coaches and Managers Manual 2010 13

Do not focus solely on winning

Section 5: Skills Development

General Comments about Skills Development

Coaches and Managers Manual 2010 15

The Essential Elements of Skills Development

Possessing the Ball

Understanding the Game

Advanced Elements of Skills Development

Why are both Games and Training Important?

Purpose of the Games

Coaches and Managers Manual 2010 17

This is done through:

Purpose of the Training Sessions

Section 6: Small Sided Games

Small Sided Game Philosophy

Ball in and out of play

Section 7: Training Sessions

Tips for coaching young players

Plan your sessions

Maximise Touches of the Ball

Coaches and Managers Manual 2010 21

Example training sessions

Catapillar Forward roll, could add a jump at the end

Gazelle Running weaving in and out of cones without the ball

The March In squares players follow the coaches commands

Imaginative games Martin Tyler, Magic Ball