Resources for Coaches

Coaching Articles

Articles from Dr. Mary Fry, KU Sport Psychology - referenced during Spring 2011 Recreational Coach Meeting

Creating a Positive Climate for Young Athletes from Day 1

Young Athletes Perceptions of their Coaches' and Teammates' Caring and Uncaring Behaviors.
 
Footwork - Soccer Speed
    
Mike Flynn, Rebound Sports and Performance

First Aid - click here

Common Faults of Coaches as they Teach - US Youth Soccer

Role Models for Life - US Youth Soccer

Coaching Websites

There are various websites available with coaching information.  A few are listed below.  If you find one you would like to share, please send the information to the SSA office.  

Coaching Drills

Coaching Corner: Crossing to Near- and Far-Post Spaces
 
This installment of the Coaching Corner comes from the NSCAA book Soccer Skills and Drills, published by Human Kinetics. It comes from Chapter 8: Applying Techniques Tactically. For information on how to order a copy of Soccer Skills and Drills, CLICK HERE.
 
Purpose: To practice quality strikes to near-post and far-post spaces.
 
Procedure: This drill becomes more specific for the crosser, as a near-space and a far-post space are marked on the field (in addition to the second six-yard box). The coach may use cones or vests to make a visual representation of the general size and location of the near- and far-post spaces. The far-post space is larger and located diagonally behind the near-post space (depth). The crosser will dribble the ball diagonally from the touchline cones toward the goal-line cone. As the crosser nears the goal line, he or she makes a long preparation prior to striking the cross. Attackers 1 and 2 make their runs and read the body language and position of the crosser to know when to arrive in their respective spaces. Timing of the runs is essential!
 
Coaching Points: The attackers must time their runs so that they arrive in the near- or far-post space at the same time as the ball. Split-second timing will give the attacker the advantage of being a step ahead of the defender. This exercise should be done from both flanks.
 
For drill animation, CLICK HERE.
 
For more information on TactFOOT discounts for NSCAA members, CLICK HERE.