How To Conform With The NSCAA Guidelines

Step 1. Begin Practice = Give a brief demonstration/explanation on the part of the foot/shoe that will be used to both Pass & Receive the ball — (Inside of the foot). Make sure that the players touch/tap this part while you continue your demo/exp. They will be working on muscle memory while you are assured that they understand which part of the shoe will come into play.

Step 2. Warm-up using the Figure-8 Routine = Simply have the players go through the Routine with the restriction that they can only touch the ball with the (Inside of the foot). You may want to ask them to exaggerate the back swing of the foot while they are dribbling mimicking the passing motion. You can have them pass the ball 'to themselves' while going around the cones. They will receive many more ball touches with the (Inside of the foot) then you can imagine. And we know that repetition is the key to learning.

Step 3. One + One = Use 'the Serve Pattern' which was designed to focus on perfecting both Passing and Receiving techniques. We have not found a simpler way to assure a Diagonal Release and a Proper One Touch. Make sure the Passer uses the 'Push-Peak-Pass' sequence and that the Receiver uses the 'Magic Hop.' If you are looking to have them Pass/Receive many/many times then use the 'accordion movement' which assures long and short passes with one-touch control.

Step 4. One vs. One = Since the players are eager to compete they will not focus on either the Pass or the First Touch. So, you will be able to see if they made any progress or improvement in either technique during this Step.

Step 5. Half Time Routine = Rest, Water, etc. Review your demonstration & explanation if you find this is necessary because of weak Passes and First Touches during Step 4. Then, get them ready for the Second Half of Practice…

Step 6. Small Sided Games = Use 'UN-EVEN Small Sided Games' and enforce the 'Two-Touch' rule. The ratio of players per side will depend on the skill level of your players. I would suggest starting with the 4 + 0 game and see if they are able to Pass & Receive to your satisfaction. If the game is too easy then add One Opponent for a 4 + 1 game and keep adding opponents until the 4 players are truly challenged to Pass & Receive. Remember that the (+) means that the players will cooperate and understand that there will be stoppages for coaching.(Fundamental Stage)

Should you make corrections during the Cooperative Stage be sure to Re-Start by having the players perform your correction: First by Walking -Fundamental Stage. Second by Jogging - Match Related. Finally At Game Speed - Match Condition.

Check their progress in their Passing & Receiving by allowing them to play 4 vs. 0, 4 vs.1, 4 vs. 2, or 4 vs.3 games. Do not use the 4+4 or 4 vs. 4 games to improve these themes. Also remember that during your (vs) games you must be (verbally silent) and take notes on weaknesses in these themes.

Step 7. Scrimmage = Play 'EVEN' sided games to prepare them for the Saturday match. Begin with the (+) Scrimmage and make sure they understand that stoppages will take place to correct their Passing or First Touch techniques. Follow this with a (vs) Scrimmage where you take notes on which players need more work on these themes.

Step 8. Cool-down = Individual compliments on their progress during this practice using both Passing & Receiving techniques. And bringing the body back to a normal state -stretching!

Step 9. End of Practice = Review the themes, Compliment the Team, Prepare for future events and Give a Homework assignment to work on the two themes of Passing & Receiving. If they don't have a friend to work with…Then show them how they can use a "Wall" as a partner to continue practicing these two themes.