JBS Calendar

Coaches Corner

GSSA's next Coaching Courses will be held in January and February 2012 and the schedule will be posted in mid December 2011.

Under the auspices of the United States Soccer Federation, the Georgia Soccer conducts the State Coaching School Program in order to educate and certify soccer coaches in accordance with the national coaching scheme.

Regardless of previous coaching or playing experience, the Georgia Soccer Coaching School Program is designed to help each coach develop a sound theoretical and practical knowledge of coaching soccer. By offering licensing courses at five different levels, the school is able to expose the beginning as well as the more experienced coach to the internationally recognized modern methods of coaching.

Most Courses are held in pre-spring (January & February) and pre-fall (July & August) period of each year. Course schedules are posted in mid December and Mid June respectively.

State ‘G’ Certificate Coaching Course - Course is FREE

Aimed at coaches and parents of U-6 and U-8 players. The course is four hours long and provides fun activities that enhance players’ skill development. Attendance is required to receive the ‘G’ certificate.

State ‘F’ Certificate Coaching Course - Course is FREE

The ‘F’ course is tailored for the coach who is working with U-10 and U-12 Recreational players. The emphasis is on teaching young players through a variety of fun games and practices. The course consists of 7 hours of instruction and practice. Attendance is required to receive the ‘F’ certificate. There is no pre-requisite for this course. However, U-6 & U-8 coaches must start with the ‘G’ course.

State ‘Recreational ‘E’ Certificate Coaching Course - Course is Free

The ‘Rec E’ is aimed at coaches of recreational players U-14 and older. The course consists of 7 hrs. of instruction and practices. Attendance is required to receive the ‘Rec E’ certificate. There is no pre-requisite for this course as long as attendees are coaching U-14 or older. The ‘Rec E’ certificate cannot be used as a pre-requisite for the ‘D’ course.

Watch these helpful videos to get ideas on practice drills for your team. Notice that this coach maintains control by speaking loudly and clearly and by keeping all players involved at all times. Also notice that he is having fun with his team!

	Fetch, Hide & Seek, etc.	Players bring the ball to coach who tosses it for the player to retrieve. Players eyes closed, coach moves to new location. Skill: Speed, reaction time
	Keep away from Coach	Players are confined to a small space and they need to keep the ball away from coach. Skill: Ball Control
	Yard Sale	Spread out soccer items (pinnies, cones, etc) and have players retrieve as many as possible in a given time. Skill: Eyes up while dribbling.
	Keep away & keep your tail	Keep the ball away from others while also keeping possession of your item. Skill: Awareness of multiple players.
	Pass through the cones to score	In pairs, the players need to pass the ball through sets of cones 3 feet apart to score. Skill: Accurate Passing.
	First to the Ball	Each player gets a partner and then coach splits the team into two groups. Coach throws a ball and calls a number. Players with that number race to the ball and to score a goal. Skill: Speed, ball control
	First to the Ball (multi-player)	Similar to First to the Ball, but coach calls multiple numbers so each player has a teammate on the field during their turn. Skill: Speed, awareness
	Everyone gets a touch on the ball. (multiple variations)	Teams of three. Coach tosses the ball and each team retrieves the ball, but must pass it between them before returning to the coach to score. Skill: Agility, passing
	Group up!	Team dribbles in confined space until coach calls a number. Players must group up by that number. Odd player out must do a drill. Skill: Ball control
	2 on 1	Three lines, two offense and one defense. Two offense must work together to score with a defender between them. Skill: Passing, teamwork
	Defend the Line	In a square, one player defends each side while players in the middle try to cross their line. Skills: Defense, agility
	Defend the Box	Split into two teams, offense and defense, in a confined space. Each offensive player has a ball and must keep it in the space for the allotted time. Skills: Working together on defense.

HELPFUL DOCUMENTS

U6 - U8 US Youth Soccer Practice Drills

Coaches Rules and Guidelines

Coaching Tips

KINS for Coaches