Help Column
What are the Laws of the Game? Learn about them at FIFA.
Would you like to become a coach? Interested in getting a license? E-mail the Soccer Office.

 
Links:
USSF Coaching
Got a helpful link you want other Topeka coaches to know about? E-mail the SSA office about it.
 
Training and Licensing
Coaches, take the time to learn the game. This will help our children to become more proficient and confident in their playing abilities. To assist in this program, SSA will sponsor clinics for head and assistant coaches. Licensing for the assistant coaches is recommended. These clinics not only include skill and developmental drills, but safety as well. New clinics will be posted on the home page and the upcoming events page.

 



 

Lesson Plans at bottom of page!

 

Practice is an integral part of the game. It allows players fellowship, time to fine tune and learn new skills, as well as help prevent injuries during games.  In order to provide the best possible field conditions for games, practice is not allowed on SSA game fields at any time.


Equipment
Soccer is easy to teach to children. After all it is a simple game. But to teach it well requires some preparation. Here is a list of recommended coaching aids:

  • Cones-available in all sizes. It is good to also have the flat discs as well or plastic lids to mark off lines.
  • Portable goals. 4 larger traffic cones serve well for goals. Corner flags can be placed through the middle for height.
  • Training bibs will help to distinguish teams.
  • Soccer balls. Make sure everyone of your players brings a ball to every practice. Count on bringing a few extras yourself.

Make sure your kids bring water to the practice and remember to always wear your shin guards, they are mandatory.

 Small-sided Games and Lesson Plans
Listed below are lesson plans for all coaches.  These lesson plans follow natural progression of young players, please use them to provide instruction for your players.  The better trained our players are the more fun they will have.  If you are new to coaching soccer or just need some help with a practice session go to Talk Soccer and post your question.
 

COACHING

Coaches...when you are training your team it is very important that you observe what the players are doing. To do this you must position yourself so that you can see the complete activity...sort of like a flank player shaping up to see the whole field.

It is also very important to be quiet so that you can truly listen to the training session. What are the players saying? What directions are they giving to each other? What players are emerging and developing as leaders?

When you watch and listen, you have a chance to catch the players doing something "right"! Reinforce the "good stuff" and watch your team flourish.


Click the link below for the corresponding Lesson Plan. 

INDIVIDUAL SESSION LESSON PLANS

US Youth Soccer Introduction to Coaching Youth Soccer

U6 Balance and Coordination                                             U8 Lower Limb Coordination                                            U10 Shooting                                                                       U12 Spatial Awareness

U8 Passing                                                                           U10 Receiving Lofted Balls                                               U12 Dribbling                                                                      U14 Penetrating Passes

U6 Ball Movement                                                              U10 Possession                                                                  U12 Penetration                                                                 U14 Volleying Techniques

U12 Goalkeeping                                                                U14 Passing for Possession                                             U15 Finding Strikers                                                          U17 Back Third to Middle Third

U10 Dribbling                                                                      U12 Crossing                                                                       U12 Passing                                                                        U15 Goalmouth Positioning

U12 Penetration                                                                 U14 Covering Defender                                                     U16 Vision                                                                           U18 Heading

U16 Possession                                                                  U17 Combining                                                                   U17 Finishing                                                                      U19 Possession

U6 Coordination Movement                                               U8 Pairs Activities                                                              U10 Distribution                                                                 U12 Passing

U6 Moving with the Ball                                                    U12 Third Attacker

U10 Passing                                                                        U12 Tackling                                                                        U16 Flank Attack

U10 Shooting                                                                      U12 Tackling 1                                                                        U14 Volleying  Techniques

ENTIRE SEASON LESSON PLANS

U8-U10 Season Lesson Plans                                        U11-U12 Season Lesson Plans                                               U13-U14 Season Lesson Plans
         

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