Coach Youth Soccer

When a soccer field diagram is used to teach the kids soccer formations and various positions, the job of planning and execution becomes very simple. When the kids are younger, say between 4 to 6 years in age, it is better to make them play in small sided soccer, like a 3 v 3, or a 4 v 4 without goalkeepers.

As they grow up, they can then move to a 5 v 5 with a goalkeeper. There are a lot of advantages. They enjoy the game more, have maximum touch possible with the ball and learn the concepts better.

This is an age where the kids are only learning to pass the ball and control it. You can also start teaching them formations and positions. This is the time when players should be identified as forwards or defenders. Make sure that your players land at their positions in so far as possible.

With time, the number of players will someday increase with the size of the soccer field. It would then get a bit difficult to make formations. Nevertheless, make it a point that players are allocated positions and also they show full integrity in acting upon from their positions.

Soccer formation

Once you’ve selected the formations, talk about these with your players. Make them understand the concept behind it and also why you think a certain player is better suited in a single position than anyone else. For this reason, a soccer field diagram is very handy. It’s easy for kids to learn by looking at the diagrammatic version. There would also be some players who learn by reading the printed content or by watching you perform drills on the field.

There are some general guidelines or soccer tactics that must be followed with every position; such as responsibilities of defenders, midfielders, and forwards. These directives make a 2-2-2 formation in a 7 v 7 game possible. These directives are broad but you can modify them to suit your plans for the team.

For example, you can have 3 midfielders in place of 2. You may prefer your center midfielder to act forcefully on offence or need him to mark the opposition’s midfielders on defense. You may want that your wing defenders take all throw-ins. There can be many alterations.

Other than the diagram, you should attempt to write down your thoughts. This gives the players something to read time and again which ultimately helps them in understanding things better. The parents can also go through the document and visualize your goals for the players and the team as a whole.

Teach soccer positions with the help of field diagrams doesn’t matter what else you choose to do. This can help you save on a lot of time and energy required to explain formations and is therefore a great mechanism.

Where’s the time to wait now? Go ahead and use a soccer field diagram to start teaching your players various formations and positions on the field. You’ll find a wealth of information on our youth soccer coaching community. Join today to take advantage of all the relevant information.

Andre Botelho is known online as “The Expert Youth Soccer Coach” and his free ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. Learn how to skyrocket your players’ skills and make practice sessions fun in record time. Download your free ebook at: Soccer Coaching.

Have you ever imagined how helpful a soccer field diagram can be in designing practice sessions? The importance of documenting the plans carved out for the training season has already been discussed earlier. This helps in making the plans flexible and it is easier to revise then, if need be.

It’s essential in case of choosing the soccer formations for players that they already are well versed with the various dimensions of the soccer field.

As a coach, the first thing for you is to decide the agenda of your training session. In this, include the most important points like what must be taught, where, and when? Following this, you must work on selecting the right methods and skills for the players to carry out what you’ve decided to teach them.

That part of the field where the session will take place needs to be allocated. You should also note down the reason as to why you wish to teach a particular skill. Its latent benefits and value could be one of the reasons. It would also be immensely helpful to document the occasions on when this skill will be used.

Soccer Formations

Your practice plan should also point out the precise method that’ll be used in a particular technique. Draw everything on the soccer field diagram once the above mentioned things have been done with. The goal box, penalty box, the end line, and the arcs where the flags are placed along with the centerline and circle should be a part of the diagram.

Then the next thing to do in deciding the soccer positions is the requirement of the practice gear for the session. Now every player should have a ball. All players should be instructed to get their own balls. In addition, they should carry their own water bottles to the field.

The cones can be used to specify the area of the field. These also aid in putting together various soccer drills. The players should also be made to wear practice vests that protect them and also make the players distinct from each other.

And then it is about using the goal boxes. It is a widely accepted fact in soccer tactics that use of real goals during practice sessions helps the players identify with real situations. Use the flags too as they help in scrimmages. Arrange for a first aid kit that has sufficient medical supplies.

Finally, keep a lot of refreshment snacks ready. You will also need ice cubes and to store them, a little cooler. In case there is a serious injury to any player, having a cellular phone will be handy so that you can immediately arrange medical help.

Your next step! To take what you’ve just learned and draw a soccer field diagram. Then design a practice session accordingly. Our youth soccer coaching community has a wealth of soccer resources for your coaching needs and planning.

Our resource database is always getting renewed with new resources such as articles and videos. Register today and make the most of these resources.

Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players’ skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: Soccer field diagram.