Coach Requirements – Garda Vetting & Safeguarding. You are encouraged to complete coach education courses to enhance your knowledge and skills. New FAI course structure to be announced in 2025. Register for coaching courses on FAI Connect.
Equipment – Jerseys, Bibs, Balls (correct size and weight), Cones, First Aid, Team Sheet/Match Card, Ref Fee.
Phone – Message Club Secretary and League Secretary with results after match.
Have you got the balls? We cannot expect players to be better on the ball if they have no ball.
Lead Coaches – Each age group within the club has a lead coach who co-ordinates.
WhatsApp Communication – Clear, accurate and consistent communication needed re training and matches. One full message is better than three mini messages. Use polls. Are all coaches and parents added? Are all coaches on coaches WhatsApp group?
Injury Form (online) – Complete ASAP after training session or match. Then reviewed by Child Protection Officer.
What is your coaching philosophy? What are your values? What is your approach and aims? Winning? Participation? Skill progression? Enjoyment?
Coaching philosophy determined by coach approach, session and match objectives and the values of the coach filtering down to the players. Remind players of the code of conduct and the values therein.
Codes of Conduct – Players, Parents & Coaches – Emphasise code for players at early training sessions. Could parents be present also? Rooted in respect for all. Be sound or be silent! Respect and trust your fellow coaches – don’t interfere and instruct players during matches when you are not involved. This undermines the coach and confuses players on the pitch. Assistance may be needed at times during the season but interference needs to be avoided.
Creative Coaching – Patterns of play determined by players available to the coach and the emphasise of each individual coach. Creativity is key. Creative coaching results in creative play and players.
IDEAL Coaching – Introduction. Demonstration. Explanation. Action. Learning.
CORE Values – Communication, Organisation, Responsibility, Education
Communicate to Educate.
Connection before content – know the person to coach the player.
SMART Goals – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely.
Success – What is success for you as a coach? What does it look like? How do you define success? Silverware signifies success but it is much more than shiny trophies. Success is subjective. Though silverware is seen as the summit of success, success can be achieved at many levels. Success is skill progression. Success is consistent effort, communication and preparation. Success is respectful relationships. Success is the realisation of expectation. Success is excellence. Success is socialisation. Success is participation. Success is player retention. Success can be small or sizeable. Success is encouragement and enjoyment for all in a safe and supportive environment.
5 Ss of Soccer – Shape (Positions), Shutdown (Close-down opposition), Stamina (Fitness & Effort), Speed (Sharpness), Score.
In Possession – use the space – width and depth.
Out of possession – close the space.
FOOT! – Focus on one thing in each session and match
THINK – Is your feedback to players true, helpful, important, necessary and kind?
Four Elements of the Game: In Possession, Out of Possession, Defending Transitions, Attacking Transitions.
Passing – TAP – Timing, Accuracy, Pace.
Cushion pass – short range. Instep – long range. Standing foot beside ball – short range. Standing foot behind ball – long range.
Shooting – standing foot beside ball, head over ball. Higher power equals lower precision.
Heading – Eyes Open, Mouth Closed. Power from the neck.
Defending 4Ds
Delay – Slow the attacker as much as possible
Deflect – Direct attacker away from your goal
Decide – Do I hold up attacker or engage? Their speed, touch and support/numbers determines your decision
Defend – Side on, stay on your feet, shield the ball and your goal. Put your body between the attacker and the ball.
Scanning
Spatial and opponent awareness on the pitch is crucial. Before and after each movement and ball contact, scan – look left and right.
Check your wing mirrors!
GK Tips 🧤🧤
Neutral Stance: Hands at hips, Nose over toes for balance, Heels off ground, Feet slightly in front of goal line
Head Shots: Thumbs together, Eyes behind ball, Fingers facing down slightly to divert ball downwards
Body Shots: Toes facing ball, Hands together and open…ask for the money!
Leg Shots: Toes facing ball, Wide stance, Ball up the Ramp – elbows and hands together
Diving: Elbow then shoulder, Don’t dive on chest, Control your other leg to allow you to get back up quickly
Shots – Close Range: Wide legs, Chest over knees
Shots – Long Range: Narrow legs, Chest slightly over knees to avoid falling back.
Trust your players and trust your fellow coaches.
Mistakes are opportunities to learn – even referees make mistakes!
Reflect & Project…At training, how much ball time does each player have? What is your ball:player ratio? Do you preview and review your session with your players? What is the objective in each session and match? Are your session drills appropriate for the age and stage of development of your players? Is there progression in the drill and in the skill – slow to fast, one ball to multi? Do you use SSGs to develop skills? What is the coach:player talk ratio? Does the values of the coach match those of the players? Is the code of conduct mentioned at the outset and during the season? What are the individual and collective goals for the season? Are they SMART?
Develop skills of players within SSGs and not just in stand alone skill drills.
Coach Education materials (sessions plans, videos) and coach ed events and info (FAI, RDYSL) will be circulated during the season as in previous seasons in the Roscommon Town Youth Soccer coaches WhatsApp group and on the RDYSL coaches WhatsApp group.
https://www.fai.ie/play-and-participate/coaches/sessions/
Social Media 📱
Follow Shane Smith on Twitter. Follow just.playsports and din.academy on Instagram for useful drills.
Social media is an easy way to learn and pick up useful info. Follow FAI Coach Education.
