There are two philosophies in soccer: one is to produce the best possible players, measured by goals scored, wins and trophies. The second philosophy, the YSI one, is more developmental: to create lifetime love of the game, individual player progress, and sportsmanship. We try to teach basic soccer skills in a fun, positive environment, allowing every kid to maximize his potential. Please try to use positive feedback. If you have point out mistakes, do it somewhat later in the game, at half time or by the sideline, one on one. Don't single out players. Give alternatives. Calmly give new instructions. Keep it positive.

Have all players spent about the same amount of time on the field. Don't leave your best players in the game at all times.

All this will prevent burnout from the sport before they can even get to High School where the other philosophy becomes more important.

Shin guards are mandatory, even on the first practice. They should be worn under long socks. Cleats are optional, especially in the younger age groups. Tell them to bring water bottle and have each player bring an appropriate size ball. You can buy them cheap at Wallmart ...

Absolutely no jewelry is allowed. Earrings can be covered with tape or band-aids.

Bring a 1^st aid kit, including something for ant bites (like an analgesic-antibacterial spray), some cotton ball (for bloody noses) and chemical ice for bruises and sprains.

Bad Weather: 

Tell your parents to come out to the field anyway if it rains at their house. You might choose to give them your cell phone number. Drizzle should not stop you from practicing. Games will be played in that type of weather. Beware of lightning though. Tell your parents to check the YSI phone on Saturday if there is any doubt that games will go on due to bad weather.

There are more than 50 YSI teams this Fall, all practicing two nights a week. There are also about 10 select teams and more than 30 YMCA teams. YMCA has contract with Kanapaha park and Vista Health park. They practice there and have some of their games. YSI met with GSSC and YMCA to coordinate those sites and we made diagrams with designated fields for each club. I am asking the teams that are planning to practice at Vista to stay after rosters are given as we have do not have enough space available on Tuesday and Thursday nights and need to make some changes to come to an agreement

I want to thank the coaches that I contacted in the last few weeks and were flexible, willing to change practice site and nights of the week

Speak to them, inform them. Encourage them to cheer for all players, to be positive and warn them against trying to instill the win to win by screaming. Never allow any referee, coach or player verbal abuse.

Ask the parents to help out: snack schedule, picking up newsletters, gathering ball behind goal or practice area. They will appreciate the time and effort you put in even more.

• Be prepared. Have a plan before you get to practice. You can always add, delete or change your plan, but at least you have something to fall back to.

• One of your goals during practice should be to have every kid have as many touches on a ball as possible. Try to make up most of your drills, including conditioning if you choose to make it part of your practice hour, with the ball at the feet, on their head…
• Avoid "Lines, laps and lectures" Don't have your kids stay in line a lot. They do not like it. You will see behavior that disturbs the session. Split them up in smaller groups, using assistant coaches to their maximal potential. Organize game activities instead of drills. Running laps makes great long distance runners, but soccer is a game with periods of standing, walking, jogging and all-out sprinting. Try to replicate this type of action. Teach the kids to use both feet equally well. Avoid long lectures. A minute of sitting down is forever, especially for a 6 or 7 year old.
• The good "L" is LAUGHTER.
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• Give all the players an appreciation for all positions, including goalie as long as they have practiced the position and feel comfortable with it.

• What we are not here for is winning games. Honestly, I have coached U7 for 4 seasons now and have absolutely no idea what my teams record were.

• Heading the hard ball repetitively, especially if hard driven, might not be a good idea, although, scientific results are inconclusive at this time.

• I need a nickname for all teams to put on roster. If you don't give it to us in the next week, we will have to make one up ourselves to put on the game schedule. Call it in on YSI phone line.

• Who has attended a licensed soccer coaching clinic? Who is interested in participating in a clinic put on by FYSA? Write your name, number and preferred month on sign up sheet.

• For info on coaching manuals, check with US soccer web site or 1-800-4-soccer. Other websites: thesoccercoach.com, youthsoccer.org

• The 4 vs. 4 game provides a wonderfully economic way to approach teaching the game of soccer to young players. You can start by just passing and dribbling the ball around in a defined area, one ball for each team just working on spacing.
• Next, play 4 vs. 4 in the same size area but create end zones with discs. The object of the game is to stop the ball in the zone you are attacking
• Progress to where the ball has to be stopped on the goal line. Use dribbling and passing to get the ball to the line.
• Then add small, multiple goals. In order to score, the attacking team can stop the ball in any of the small goals on the opposite side of the field.
• Add larger goals with flags, cones or portable goals to incorporate ‘finishing. Keep the field small to allow lots of shooting and scoring. Add goalkeepers, but encourage them to play as a field player and move away from the goal.
Let the game be the teacher! (adapted from Kwikgoal (youth scene) in Soccer Journal May/June 1995)

A typical practice might be to begin with an activity that engages all players with their own ball as they filter in, such as an obstacle course, or kicks on a goalie. Next, do a warm-up lap with everyone together, then stretches. Practice should then work on a variety of aspects from skill work to conditioning, to situational plays.
    With skill work, start with a simple skill drill and repeat it adding more complexity. With situational plays you are setting up situations they will face in a game. The aim is to have the players experience certain situations and know how to react either automatically or to know what their options are so that their decisions can be quick. Ultimately you want to develop kids with good skills and who can think independently. The training applies to those that have the ball and those who don't, as support.

What if I'm new to the game myself?
YSI whole heartedly accepts anyone interested in being a YSI coach and will try to provide support throughout the season. An inexperienced coach can get their feet wet with U7, U9, and even U11 age groups. At these levels you will be able to learn as they learn. The philosophy of YSI calls for patient, enthusiastic, fun-loving people with time to spend assisting the overall development of youngsters. An inexperienced coach may have some difficulty working with the U13 and U15 age groups since these groups are more competitive and mature. They are ready to understand team strategy and game strategy but they will also challenge your knowledge if you aren't prepared. It's recommended that an inexperienced person begin as an assistant coach at this level.

How can I improve my coaching techniques?
There are a number of resources available in the Gainesville area for any coach at any level to improve their skills.

1. The adult leagues of Gainesville annually offer their services to any coach who wants their assistance. Contact the Gainesville Recreational Soccer League.

2. There are excellent coaching clinics sponsored by FYSI around the state. Through these one can receive certification for F, E, and D licenses. See the schedule.

3. YSI has a library of skill development books and videos that can be checked out by contacting Sylvia Crook. YSI also purchases skill development books from Major League Soccer for resale to its coaches. Each book contains age/skill appropriate drills, games and exercises for a particular age group and were compiled for the successful MLS summer camps for kids.

4. Watch higher level of play in the Gainesville area. The Lady Gator soccer games are well coached and well played. GRSL and the high school games are also worthwhile. More importantly, encourage your players to see these!

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