Toms River Youth Soccer Club
Toms River Youth Soccer Club Club Philosophy Introduction The mission of Toms River Youth Soccer Club (TRYSC) is to help our members – children, coaches, and families – develop the skill and knowledge to play, as well as respect and enjoy the world’s game of soccer in a safe, fun environment. From the age of 4 through to 16, TRYSC strives to create the right environment for the development of soccer skill, whilst also fostering the development of the whole child not just the player. The club welcomes all skill levels and aims to provide both recreational and competitive levels of soccer. TRYSC, one of the largest soccer clubs in New Jersey, includes over 990 players and 77 teams from ages four and up. Our teams compete in the Ocean County Recreational, Jersey Coast, and MOSA leagues, as well as our in house Instructional Program for boys and girls aged four to seven. In 2005, TRYSC was selected as the first club alliance team as part of Red Bull New York Training Programs and was named the 2004 and 2005 Red Bull New York Youth Soccer Club of the Year. TRYSC also hosts TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer), a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. Our Philosophy The TRYSC development philosophy is based upon the latest coaching theory that players learn best when placed in situations where they have to problem solve. Players are placed in practices where decision making abilities are stressed making it better for skill learning. Small sided games on a smaller field present scenarios to players and allow them to gain the necessary experience them to transfer learning from practice to the game. TRYSC believes that ‘forming the player is more important than winning the next game’. Players will learn through playing the game and begin to develop both technically, socially and intellectually. The program encourages players to develop mastery of skills in an environment that is ‘task’ orientated rather than ‘score’ orientated. At this stage, it is key to emphasis the development of individual skills as well as beginning to form the ability to make decisions so as to take advantage of this stage of player’s development. TRYSC believes that understanding ‘the soccer picture’ is crucial to forming thinking players. The program is focused on developing correct technique, encouraging creativity and building player confidence on the ball. By playing small sided soccer games and adapting the conditions of the game, players develop technical skill and game awareness at an accelerated rate with more touches on the ball; more opportunities to play on both sides of the ball and more involved playing time. TRYSC believes that getting “thinking” players is more important than obedient players. Coaches must realize that at this stage of their development, self discovery and guided learning are keys to player formation. Coaching must revolve around a player-centered approach that gives players problems to solve. The coach is there to help, guide and support their learning but not dominate it. Teams will be encouraged to pursue spontaneity, creativity and individual initiatives. Players will learn through playing the game as this forces players to think and increases learning transfer from practice to the field. Players will be taught the values of working as a team and that the efforts of the individual add
up to the level of team performance. Players will also be given examples of performance for specific positions so that they may try these in the game. Finally, coaches must understand that the training must simulate competition difficulties so that players develop the technical and tactical understanding of the game as quickly as possible.
Club Goals Toms River Youth Soccer Club provides a multi-faceted approach toward development in youth soccer. Player Formation To develop an optimum ball relationship in our players so that they may perform as individuals on the field. To understand the ‘soccer picture’ through learning concepts of the game and gaining an awareness of how the game should be played. Coach Education To start to develop coaches who understand the basic principles of the game of soccer. To understand the basic structure of a soccer coaching session. To understand that the ‘HOW’ is more important than the ‘WHAT’. Club Development To create a core of technically gifted players that provide a solid foundation for the club to build upon in the future. To increase player retention after the transition from U7 to U8 and U10 to U11. To decrease player attrition in the older age groups (U12 and above) by forming a select program. To unify the clubs development practice to ensure a consistent approach.
Player Formation
TRYSC
Coach Education
Club Development
Session Structure U6 – U7 At this stage of the players development, the focus should be solely on players having fun experiences while developing individual technical skills. At U6 and U7, sessions last for 60 minutes and will follow a 15:15:30 format. The first 15 minutes should consist of ball mastery. The second 15 minutes should consist of be a fun based game where a technical skill is introduced to the players. The final 30 minutes will be the free play of 3v3 games. Ball mastery. The first part of the session will be the ball mastery where the players look to develop and optimal ball relationship. This will be led by the coach where players will perform the skill unopposed so there is no pressure on the players to ensure success is high. The skill that will be introduced will be from the skill list outlined in the curriculum framework and will include: Ball Mastery: Toe Taps, Insides, Inside/Outside, Roll Stop, Push Pull. Turns: Inside Hook, Outside Hook, Drag Back. Fun based game. The second part of the session will be 15 minutes of a fun based game. Here, players will be asked to perform the skill learned earlier in the session, but now in a pressurized situation. Key points will be made to players to make them aware of certain situations but ultimately players will be to learn and experiment on their own. Games played will be outlined in the age group curriculum as defined by the club. Free Play The final part of the session will be 30 minutes of 3v3 free play. It is firmly encouraged that during this part of the session, the coach steps back and allows the players to play. This again allows players to make their own decisions.
U8 – U11 At this stage of development, the focus should be on creating technically gifted players who understand not just HOW to manipulate the ball, but WHY they do it. At U8 to U11, sessions last for 90 minutes and will follow a 30:30:30 format. The first 30 minutes will develop the technical ball mastery of the players. The second 30 minutes will be the ‘Learning Game’ and the final 30 minutes will be free play 4v4. Technical Warm Up. The first part of the session will be 30 minutes of technical ball mastery. This will be focused on the theme as outlined in the curriculum and will include, dribbling, passing and receiving and shooting. Below is the outline for each session according to the desired out come of the small sided game. For example: For U8 teams, the emphasis should be placed on fun games and non directive coaching where the players are learning the skill through playing. For U9/U11 teams, the emphasis should be placed on developing technical skill and smoothness under pressure. The ‘Learning Game’ The second part of the session will be 30 minutes of a conditioned small sided game. Here, players will be guided to play and apply skills from the ball mastery section of the session to the small sided game. These are designed so that players experience a large amount of repetition and can learn to make decisions themselves. Key pictures will be highlighted to players to make them aware of certain situations but ultimately players will be expected to problem solve on their own. Free Play The final part of the session will be 30 minutes of free play. It is firmly encouraged that during this part of the session, the coach steps back and allows the players to play. This again encourages players to make their own decisions. However, coaches must again look to step in and highlight key pictures in a minimally invasive way so as not to disrupt the playing time. The free play can also have a condition added as to elicit the desired response according to the training theme.
Curriculum The TRYSC development program curriculum specializes in teaching players the technical skills required for success as well as the required understanding for how the game is played. The progressive curriculum builds up from simple to complex using a small sided game format (1v1, 2v2, 3v3 and 4v4) and teaches players to observe their soccer picture and discover for themselves the correct solution to the soccer problem. The TRYSC development program takes into account:
Age group characteristics Specific age group objectives Curriculum Content Coaching methodology
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. U6, U7 and U8 Groups. At the U6 to U8 level, young children are still physically immature and have very rough motor skill patterns. Gross motor movement like walking and running are becoming automatic. Finer skills such as changing direction quickly (agility) and their relationship with the soccer ball are still un-coordinated. Players much prefer playing to watching and are selfish by nature and are more inclined towards small group activities of 1 or 2 players maximum. Players are also beginning to bring in past experiences in order to problem solve in the present. Finally, players at this age are typically not concerned with the results of competition and equate levels of effort with performance.
U6 - U8 Learning Objectives As in with all three age groups, the emphasis will very much be on the development of individual skill. At the U8 age group, players will be taught: Individual Possession To begin to develop a strong technical relationship with the ball focusing on first touch, dribbling, passing and shooting should be the paramount focus. The ability to manipulate the ball, change direction quickly and create individual space is important so that players can deal with the 1v1 situation. Here, players will also begin to look to understand the soccer picture and how it helps them to make decisions. Group Possession. Players at this age find it very difficult to work in big groups so we must attempt to make the decisions as simple as possible if we are to develop a ‘thinking mentality’. Players will learn to play in pairs so that they may learn the fundamentals of playing in a team, learning to support each other, how to create and find space. Attacking. Players will learn the game through playing the game. Using small sided games coaches will attempt to gain players understanding of what to do depending on the ‘soccer picture’.
Defending. Although not focused on with regards to teaching players the concepts of defending 1v1, players will learn through self discovery and play the importance of defending and tackling. It is recognized that some players will be more inclined to defensive duties than attacking.
Curriculum Content Technical The curriculum will focus on: Dribbling with all surfaces of the foot, changes of direction using the inside, st outside and bottom of the foot, ball control, juggling, 1 touch, short passing and shooting. Tactical The curriculum will develop the players understanding of how the game should be played. Players will start to understand what the ‘soccer picture’ is and look to make decisions based on what they see in it. Understanding of space and shape when in possession of the ball will be focused on. Physical Through playing the game all of the physical capacities stressed during the game of soccer will be developed. With the heavy focus on 1v1 play, strength, power and speed will improve due to the repeated use of the body to protect the ball and explode away from defenders. Agility will be stressed also, as this is key to changing direction and beating defenders. Psycho-Social Players will be empowered during game play and made responsible for making decisions. Problem solving as an individual and as a group will be encouraged. Players will also learn that making mistakes is acceptable and to learn from them. Players will also learn to work as part of a group and realize that soccer is a team sport involving many players.
Coaching Methodology Players at this age have a very short attention span and focus is lost very quickly. Players are still not ready for deep, technical instruction therefore players must learn individual mastery of the ball through non directive coaching. Having players learn through fun games while still developing the technical foundations to play the game allow the coach to have an influence on their development. Coaches must look to encourage players to observe the soccer picture and make a decision based on what they see. Coaches should not worry about teach players formations and the roles as responsibilities of how to play certain positions but focus on players developing an understanding of overall shape and to remaining on their side of the field to create balance.
U9 to U11 Groups Players at U9 to U11 have a considerably longer attention span than there younger players. Players are far more team oriented as their understanding of sharing and appreciation for others starts to develop. Players are more emotionally developed more stable. Player’s motor control is starting to become more refined as they can now handle tasks that require more intricate movements. Changing direction is improved and overall speed is starting to be improved as they gain control of their limbs and muscles start to grow slightly. U9 – U11 Learning Objectives Individual Possession Here players will look to continue to develop a strong technical relationship with the ball. Here players will be expected to progress on to increasingly varied techniques looking at directing the first touch into space, increasing the ability to use all parts of the feet to manipulate the ball and passing the ball over greater distances. We will still also be looking to bring in basic feints to beat a defender. We will also look to encourage experimentation and freedom of expression during sessions and also away from the field. Group Possession At this age, players will start to understand playing in groups and will be taught the principles and concepts of the game in small groups (2v2/3v3). Players will be taught to understand the importance of knowing when to recognize the moment when to play sideways and backwards against when to play forwards. This also means that players must understand the importance of support play and the creation of triangles. Attacking Using the small sided game format, players will continue to learn through playing the game. Players will be constantly asked to make decisions based upon their ‘soccer picture’ with games that are tailored to develop decision making when attacking 1v1 – 4v4. Players will look to support players behind the ball in order to give the option to pass backwards. Defending Although not specifically focused on, players will begin to understand the importance of defending competently when 1v1 and 2v2. Players will by now have started to identify whether they are an attacking minded player or defensive oriented.
Curriculum Content. Technical The curriculum will focus on; dribbling including turns to create space and feints to beat defenders. Passing will include short passing and driven passing as well as looking at developing the softness of the first touch, and relieving pressure with the first touch. Continued development of control with juggling. All of these should be encouraged away from the field as well as on the field. Tactical Players will continue to look to make decisions based on is in the ‘soccer picture’. Players will also look to understand the concepts of playing including width and length to playing space and shape. All concepts will be brought in through a small sided game format so players understand the pictures in front of them and gain enough repetition to learn. Triangles will be made clear to players to understand support play. Keeping this basic shape will provide a player in possession of the ball with two options to pass.
Physical Players will begin to develop the physical capacities to play the game. Through a heavily active lifestyle, players will have good levels of fitness required for the game of soccer. Although specific fitness improvements should not be focused on at this time, due to the importance of technical development, player should be instructed to keep the tempo and activity levels of sessions high so as to develop key fitness components. 1v1 confrontations should be encouraged to develop the power and strength needed to hold players off the ball. Psycho-Social Their basis of enjoyment is derived from touching the ball and competing between friends. Playing will have minimal discussion points and lots of opportunities for players to touch the ball, players will be asked to consider and discover the key factors to the session. It is important still that players are empowered to find the solutions to soccer related problems through looking at the soccer picture. Players at this age will start to become very motivated and committed to playing the game and this should be encouraged. Players will often practice away from the field and take responsibility for their play.
Coaching Methodology. It is important to understand that as players are developing so should the situations that you place them in. Play small-sided games with uneven numbers (3v2 4v2 etc) to get the desired experience and understanding. Playing numbers up will allow you as a coach to get the players to perform with enough success as well as the activity being challenging. Coaches should also try and keep things simple, refer to things such as ‘picture’ and shape’ rather than relaying to the formation of a team. Feedback at this age is important. Coaches should emphasize the positive in all play, but do stop a session to point out difficulties the players may be having. Ultimately, coaches should look create situations, reflective of the game (like 2v2 – 4v4 with goals) where players do most of the thinking. Here, coaches should step back and observe the players play and let them sort out any problems.
up to the level of team performance. Players will also be given examples of performance for specific positions so that they may try these in the game. Finally, coaches must understand that the training must simulate competition difficulties so that players develop the technical and tactical understanding of the game as quickly as possible.
Club Goals Toms River Youth Soccer Club provides a multi-faceted approach toward development in youth soccer. Player Formation To develop an optimum ball relationship in our players so that they may perform as individuals on the field. To understand the ‘soccer picture’ through learning concepts of the game and gaining an awareness of how the game should be played. Coach Education To start to develop coaches who understand the basic principles of the game of soccer. To understand the basic structure of a soccer coaching session. To understand that the ‘HOW’ is more important than the ‘WHAT’. Club Development To create a core of technically gifted players that provide a solid foundation for the club to build upon in the future. To increase player retention after the transition from U7 to U8 and U10 to U11. To decrease player attrition in the older age groups (U12 and above) by forming a select program. To unify the clubs development practice to ensure a consistent approach.
Player Formation
TRYSC
Coach Education
Club Development
Session Structure U6 – U7 At this stage of the players development, the focus should be solely on players having fun experiences while developing individual technical skills. At U6 and U7, sessions last for 60 minutes and will follow a 15:15:30 format. The first 15 minutes should consist of ball mastery. The second 15 minutes should consist of be a fun based game where a technical skill is introduced to the players. The final 30 minutes will be the free play of 3v3 games. Ball mastery. The first part of the session will be the ball mastery where the players look to develop and optimal ball relationship. This will be led by the coach where players will perform the skill unopposed so there is no pressure on the players to ensure success is high. The skill that will be introduced will be from the skill list outlined in the curriculum framework and will include: Ball Mastery: Toe Taps, Insides, Inside/Outside, Roll Stop, Push Pull. Turns: Inside Hook, Outside Hook, Drag Back. Fun based game. The second part of the session will be 15 minutes of a fun based game. Here, players will be asked to perform the skill learned earlier in the session, but now in a pressurized situation. Key points will be made to players to make them aware of certain situations but ultimately players will be to learn and experiment on their own. Games played will be outlined in the age group curriculum as defined by the club. Free Play The final part of the session will be 30 minutes of 3v3 free play. It is firmly encouraged that during this part of the session, the coach steps back and allows the players to play. This again allows players to make their own decisions.
U8 – U11 At this stage of development, the focus should be on creating technically gifted players who understand not just HOW to manipulate the ball, but WHY they do it. At U8 to U11, sessions last for 90 minutes and will follow a 30:30:30 format. The first 30 minutes will develop the technical ball mastery of the players. The second 30 minutes will be the ‘Learning Game’ and the final 30 minutes will be free play 4v4. Technical Warm Up. The first part of the session will be 30 minutes of technical ball mastery. This will be focused on the theme as outlined in the curriculum and will include, dribbling, passing and receiving and shooting. Below is the outline for each session according to the desired out come of the small sided game. For example: For U8 teams, the emphasis should be placed on fun games and non directive coaching where the players are learning the skill through playing. For U9/U11 teams, the emphasis should be placed on developing technical skill and smoothness under pressure. The ‘Learning Game’ The second part of the session will be 30 minutes of a conditioned small sided game. Here, players will be guided to play and apply skills from the ball mastery section of the session to the small sided game. These are designed so that players experience a large amount of repetition and can learn to make decisions themselves. Key pictures will be highlighted to players to make them aware of certain situations but ultimately players will be expected to problem solve on their own. Free Play The final part of the session will be 30 minutes of free play. It is firmly encouraged that during this part of the session, the coach steps back and allows the players to play. This again encourages players to make their own decisions. However, coaches must again look to step in and highlight key pictures in a minimally invasive way so as not to disrupt the playing time. The free play can also have a condition added as to elicit the desired response according to the training theme.
Curriculum The TRYSC development program curriculum specializes in teaching players the technical skills required for success as well as the required understanding for how the game is played. The progressive curriculum builds up from simple to complex using a small sided game format (1v1, 2v2, 3v3 and 4v4) and teaches players to observe their soccer picture and discover for themselves the correct solution to the soccer problem. The TRYSC development program takes into account:
Age group characteristics Specific age group objectives Curriculum Content Coaching methodology
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. U6, U7 and U8 Groups. At the U6 to U8 level, young children are still physically immature and have very rough motor skill patterns. Gross motor movement like walking and running are becoming automatic. Finer skills such as changing direction quickly (agility) and their relationship with the soccer ball are still un-coordinated. Players much prefer playing to watching and are selfish by nature and are more inclined towards small group activities of 1 or 2 players maximum. Players are also beginning to bring in past experiences in order to problem solve in the present. Finally, players at this age are typically not concerned with the results of competition and equate levels of effort with performance.
U6 - U8 Learning Objectives As in with all three age groups, the emphasis will very much be on the development of individual skill. At the U8 age group, players will be taught: Individual Possession To begin to develop a strong technical relationship with the ball focusing on first touch, dribbling, passing and shooting should be the paramount focus. The ability to manipulate the ball, change direction quickly and create individual space is important so that players can deal with the 1v1 situation. Here, players will also begin to look to understand the soccer picture and how it helps them to make decisions. Group Possession. Players at this age find it very difficult to work in big groups so we must attempt to make the decisions as simple as possible if we are to develop a ‘thinking mentality’. Players will learn to play in pairs so that they may learn the fundamentals of playing in a team, learning to support each other, how to create and find space. Attacking. Players will learn the game through playing the game. Using small sided games coaches will attempt to gain players understanding of what to do depending on the ‘soccer picture’.
Defending. Although not focused on with regards to teaching players the concepts of defending 1v1, players will learn through self discovery and play the importance of defending and tackling. It is recognized that some players will be more inclined to defensive duties than attacking.
Curriculum Content Technical The curriculum will focus on: Dribbling with all surfaces of the foot, changes of direction using the inside, st outside and bottom of the foot, ball control, juggling, 1 touch, short passing and shooting. Tactical The curriculum will develop the players understanding of how the game should be played. Players will start to understand what the ‘soccer picture’ is and look to make decisions based on what they see in it. Understanding of space and shape when in possession of the ball will be focused on. Physical Through playing the game all of the physical capacities stressed during the game of soccer will be developed. With the heavy focus on 1v1 play, strength, power and speed will improve due to the repeated use of the body to protect the ball and explode away from defenders. Agility will be stressed also, as this is key to changing direction and beating defenders. Psycho-Social Players will be empowered during game play and made responsible for making decisions. Problem solving as an individual and as a group will be encouraged. Players will also learn that making mistakes is acceptable and to learn from them. Players will also learn to work as part of a group and realize that soccer is a team sport involving many players.
Coaching Methodology Players at this age have a very short attention span and focus is lost very quickly. Players are still not ready for deep, technical instruction therefore players must learn individual mastery of the ball through non directive coaching. Having players learn through fun games while still developing the technical foundations to play the game allow the coach to have an influence on their development. Coaches must look to encourage players to observe the soccer picture and make a decision based on what they see. Coaches should not worry about teach players formations and the roles as responsibilities of how to play certain positions but focus on players developing an understanding of overall shape and to remaining on their side of the field to create balance.
U9 to U11 Groups Players at U9 to U11 have a considerably longer attention span than there younger players. Players are far more team oriented as their understanding of sharing and appreciation for others starts to develop. Players are more emotionally developed more stable. Player’s motor control is starting to become more refined as they can now handle tasks that require more intricate movements. Changing direction is improved and overall speed is starting to be improved as they gain control of their limbs and muscles start to grow slightly. U9 – U11 Learning Objectives Individual Possession Here players will look to continue to develop a strong technical relationship with the ball. Here players will be expected to progress on to increasingly varied techniques looking at directing the first touch into space, increasing the ability to use all parts of the feet to manipulate the ball and passing the ball over greater distances. We will still also be looking to bring in basic feints to beat a defender. We will also look to encourage experimentation and freedom of expression during sessions and also away from the field. Group Possession At this age, players will start to understand playing in groups and will be taught the principles and concepts of the game in small groups (2v2/3v3). Players will be taught to understand the importance of knowing when to recognize the moment when to play sideways and backwards against when to play forwards. This also means that players must understand the importance of support play and the creation of triangles. Attacking Using the small sided game format, players will continue to learn through playing the game. Players will be constantly asked to make decisions based upon their ‘soccer picture’ with games that are tailored to develop decision making when attacking 1v1 – 4v4. Players will look to support players behind the ball in order to give the option to pass backwards. Defending Although not specifically focused on, players will begin to understand the importance of defending competently when 1v1 and 2v2. Players will by now have started to identify whether they are an attacking minded player or defensive oriented.
Curriculum Content. Technical The curriculum will focus on; dribbling including turns to create space and feints to beat defenders. Passing will include short passing and driven passing as well as looking at developing the softness of the first touch, and relieving pressure with the first touch. Continued development of control with juggling. All of these should be encouraged away from the field as well as on the field. Tactical Players will continue to look to make decisions based on is in the ‘soccer picture’. Players will also look to understand the concepts of playing including width and length to playing space and shape. All concepts will be brought in through a small sided game format so players understand the pictures in front of them and gain enough repetition to learn. Triangles will be made clear to players to understand support play. Keeping this basic shape will provide a player in possession of the ball with two options to pass.
Physical Players will begin to develop the physical capacities to play the game. Through a heavily active lifestyle, players will have good levels of fitness required for the game of soccer. Although specific fitness improvements should not be focused on at this time, due to the importance of technical development, player should be instructed to keep the tempo and activity levels of sessions high so as to develop key fitness components. 1v1 confrontations should be encouraged to develop the power and strength needed to hold players off the ball. Psycho-Social Their basis of enjoyment is derived from touching the ball and competing between friends. Playing will have minimal discussion points and lots of opportunities for players to touch the ball, players will be asked to consider and discover the key factors to the session. It is important still that players are empowered to find the solutions to soccer related problems through looking at the soccer picture. Players at this age will start to become very motivated and committed to playing the game and this should be encouraged. Players will often practice away from the field and take responsibility for their play.
Coaching Methodology. It is important to understand that as players are developing so should the situations that you place them in. Play small-sided games with uneven numbers (3v2 4v2 etc) to get the desired experience and understanding. Playing numbers up will allow you as a coach to get the players to perform with enough success as well as the activity being challenging. Coaches should also try and keep things simple, refer to things such as ‘picture’ and shape’ rather than relaying to the formation of a team. Feedback at this age is important. Coaches should emphasize the positive in all play, but do stop a session to point out difficulties the players may be having. Ultimately, coaches should look create situations, reflective of the game (like 2v2 – 4v4 with goals) where players do most of the thinking. Here, coaches should step back and observe the players play and let them sort out any problems.
