Coach Resources

Drills - General Guidelines

There are countless drills and many books and videos are available to teach you. You can look up videos online or go to a local library and find a book.
You don't need 100 drills. Pick a few and work at them.
  • Step 1 - Explain the drill (why it is done, how it is done).
  • Step 2 - Demonstrate the drill (slowly, step-by-step).
  • Step 3 - Execute the drill.
  • Step 4 - Figure out what went wrong (it's often the instructions); fix it, and start over!
  • Step 5 - Use assistance from pictures, videos, CDs or experienced coaches to demonstrate.​​
Some drills will not work well at first. Maybe they need a small adjustment (e.g. too many players, or players standing too close or too far apart).

Repetition of drills builds skills. It can also be boring. So use variations of drills, and don't repeat the same drill too often. If your players are not enjoying and not learning from a particular drill, find another that focuses on the same skills.

Start a drill simply and progress to the harder stuff. For example, begin with a simple passing triangle; then introduce a chaser.

Play with the kids! Sometimes you should join in the drill as a participant rather than as a coach. Not only will the kids enjoy it, but you will gain a better appreciation of the skills you are asking them to master. You can also control the intensity by your play.

IDEA: Call a parent from the sidelines to be goalkeeper for a shooting drill!

Experiment! Don't be afraid to try new ideas.

Split the team into small groups for you and your assistants to teach a drill; then rotate. 

This keeps more players busy and allows more individual attention.

When organizing the kids into small groups, consider their abilities. For example, in some dribbling or passing drills it might be best to have pairs with similar abilities. 

Conversely, in competition (e.g. 2v2) you might pair stronger and weaker players for balance.

Start a drill slowly. WALK through it first, then do it at half speed, and finally at full speed.

Remember: showing is better than talking!
Check out these great sites for training, drills, and coaching information!

Techniques 

Ball Control
Getting and keeping the ball under control is an important skill a football player has to learn and in response to this, an essential skill a coach should teach players of all positions is to develop the ability to handle the ball with a constructive first touch to promptly decide on the following move (dribble, pass or shoot) without giving the opponent the chance to gain possession.​
Ball Juggling
Juggling a soccer ball has many benefits that can help your overall game. These include:
​Better ball control
Improved first touch 
Improved skill with weaker foot
Increased confidence
Improved eye-foot coordination 
Helps with receiving the ball in the air

Tactics

Remember, tactics are not important for the U6-U8 player and should not be stressed. As the players mature, and the concept of team play begins to develop, the tactical elements can be introduced. Listed below are some basic guidelines for the coach, which fall into the realm of tactics.

Season Lesson Plans

View and download 6-week lesson plans. Each plan is designed for a particular age group.
Field Setup

U6 Coaches Goal Directions

​The U 6 coaches are the only coaches that need to set up thier goals. The first game teams on the schedule will set up the goals and the last game teams will take them down at the the end of play. Plan to be alittle early to have the goals set in time for play. The goals are located at each U6 field in the equipment box. Both fields at each location need to be set up since we are using the dual field method of play. (That is to say two games at the same time at the same location) At this level, coaches will use cones to mark the corners of the fields. It is helpful to bring a hammer for set up. If you need help call your Commissioner. Click on the link to download directions. Be patient it takes a while especially if your on a modem or have a older computer.

Corner Cones

Corner Flags
U6 and U8 coaches are reminded to the place taller safety cones at each corner of their fields. Again you may leave them set up for the next game. Coaches with the last game should re-secure them in the equipment box at the end of the day. ​
We have a supply of flags at the field. Please ask the referee if none are set up at your field. Flags need to be set up the first game at each field. You can leave them set up for the next game. Teams with the last game of the day should take down the cornor flags place them on the table by the field shed as you exit.

Parent Communication

​​Coaching is exciting and rewarding, but occasionally you may experience difficulty with parents. Some parents may want their child to play more, others may question your judgment as a coach. Whatever the concern, a parent is generally just looking out for their child, often at your expense. Don't be discouraged! Here are some things you can do to open up communication and make dealing with parents a positive aspect of your coaching duties. View and download our guide to parent communication. ​

​​GHYSA Policy - End of the Year Activities

​During the Coaches meeting we talked about the year end activities to celebrate the end of the season. Team moms can work with parents to put together a year end party at one of the many local business. If some handy parent wants to bake a cake that usually goes over well. Trophies can be obtained from several sources for around $6.00 give or take a few dollars (pays to shop for the best deal). Coupled with some money for the eating establishment a collection around $15 to $ 20 for each child can provides a memorable event for the players.

GHYSA want to remind all that our program is based on age appropriate play. You may of heard of a Parent Child Game as a way to end the season. GHYSA DOES NOT ALLOW this practice. Parents, coaches will not encourage or host this type of game. Children safety must always be our first priority.
GHYSA POLICY AWARDS: Participation awards for ALL are allowed. No trophies or awards just for best team. The League does not provide awards. Coaches and the teams Parents may decide to provide participation awards. Typically a collection from the parents funds this award and year-end party. Several local suppliers can provide trophies. We will list some suppliers that coaches can contact to shop for the best deal. The below listing is not an endorsement of any supplier and coaches are welcome to e-mail other suppliers to be added to this list.

Trophy Suppliers

Valley Trophy Co.
732 State Route 93
Sugarloaf, PA 18249 
(570) 788-5889 
​