A coaches Dream - A practice session that practically runs itself, conditions effectively, develops skills, and is fun. Yes, what I am referring to is the (one + one and one vs. one) player training that State Coaching Director Karl Dewazien has been teaching to coaches for the past couple of years.
My coaching partner and I attended a "D" license course two years ago where Karl demonstrated the use of this training. Essentially the coach and youth soccer players set up side-by-side mini fields about 10 yards long with mini goals about 3 feet in width. Youth soccer players line up at the goals across from a cooperative or competing player with players on one side each with a ball.
When the two 'captain' players begin the action all other games begin. The players go through 'the SERVE' which is an environment we found teaches all the basic attacking skills needed by a player with the ball. Should they begin the 'action' with the right foot -they must then change direction with the left foot when going around the opposite cone-post. They are asked to make a body feint or foot fake while going to the 'service cone'. Then they are asked to 'Push' the ball forward, far enough so that they have time to 'Peek' and see their partner finally they 'Pass the ball and the action really begins. If they are cooperating then the youth soccer player without the soccer ball is asked to either walk, jog or sprint at the player with the ball who is working on a special technique called the theme.
If however they are competitive then players with the ball play against the opposite player with each youth soccer player then trying to possess the ball and score on the opponents goal. Simultaneously 8 small-sided games are played with each player trying to score as many goals as possible and at the same time protect their own goal from their direct opponents scoring threat.
After 30 seconds, we ask one of the players to call "stop" so that we youth soccer coaches can record the scores. This is also a good time for the competing players to take a breather. Players then rotate one player clockwise and a new set of games begin, with 8 new small-sided games and players competing against a different opponent. Since there are essentially 15 opponents at a 16-player practice, youth soccer players will compete against each of their teammates and coaches will record scores. 30 seconds may not sound like a long time but try a one-on-one small-sided game for 30 seconds and see for yourself.
This 15-20 minute session is the most effective use of time I have ever experienced at a youth practice. Players work on attacking and defending skills, they condition, they have fun, and they have minimal coaching input. We have used this session effectively for the last two years with U-16 and U-17 Al Caffodio players and I continue to vote this #1 in effectiveness for training youth players.
Thanks Karl, keep up the good work.
Dave Hammond
Mustang Soccer
