Soccer Edition 62

This newsletter has been contributed by Colin Schmidt of www.coachingcards.com

READ THIS FIRST!!

This newsletter is dedicated to "set play" situations or "restarts" that occur in soccer games.  While soccer is for the most part a free-flowing sport, there are situations where plays can be scripted or rehearsed.  Such situation occur most frequently on free kicks, throw-ins and corner kicks.  Teams can maximize these situations by identifying several plays for each situation and "rehearsing" them in practice. 

Rehearsed set plays are for older teams (U11 and above).  Younger teams can have one or two simple plays for each situation.  The coach of younger teams should not waste too much practice time on set plays.  At the younger ages, the focus is on skills and on playing.  The restart is just a way to get the ball back into play.  

Let me say from the outset:  set plays do not have to be complicated!  At all ages: the simpler the better.  A little coordination goes along way.  Coordination means rehearsing situations in practices.  During the game, the players will not have time to huddle up for every restart.  They will need to signal to each other quickly and get the ball into play.  They will need to read the situation and put the ball into play.

You'll need two or three key players for each situation.  These players should be the ones who decided what to do and when to do it.  All other teammates will play supporting roles.   On a throw-in on the right side of the field, for example, the key players will be the right midfielder and the right wing and the right defender.  In many situations, the right midfielder will throw the ball into play.  The right-wing will receive the ball or make the space for another player to receive the ball (perhaps the center forward). See throw-ins below for more complete description.    

My point is that you as the coach will need to provide guidance.  You will need to explain in practices the importance of restarts.  The players will need to take ownership.  The players will need to perform them in the games.  In all my years coaching I've never seen the coach step on to the field and take a free-kick.

When: at the start of each half and after a team scores.

Key players: two forwards, center midfielder. 

Strategy: get the ball into play, maintain position. 

Kick Off Set Plays: Not much advantage is gained from a kick-off.  The best play is to 1) kick the ball wide to an on- running player or 2) Roll the ball forward to a teammate then play the ball back to a midfielder.  The midfielder then looks to play the ball to a teammate (forward or wide).   

C. THROW IN  When: when the ball goes over the side-line.  Key players: outside (flank) players: defender, midfielder, forward)  Strategy: get the ball into play, maintain position.  Throw In Plays:  By far the best option is to throw the ball down the line.  In the defensive third the outside fullback (defender) should take the throw.  In the middle or attacking third the outside midfielder takes the through. Down the line #1: Player picks up ball and quickly tries to throw the ball over the defenders and into space for teammate.  Down the line #2: This play occurs when the defenders have dropped back and the thrower cannot throw the ball over the head(s) of the defense. The outside wing or midfielder comes back toward the ball and another player runs into the space behind the defense.   Up, Back & Forward: A third play is to throw the ball forward to a player who is well marked by a defender.  The receiving player then drops (passes) the ball back to the thrower or to another support player.  This player then plays the ball forward.  Not pictured.

D. Corner Kick When: when defensive team last touches ball and ball goes over end line.  Key players: all  Strategy: get the ball in front of the goal and score.  Corner Kick : The key to the corner kick is to get the ball in front of the goal AND to have teammates "framing" the goal in key positions to score or to keep the attack alive.     Key areas to cover: A, B and C are three runners who run toward the far post (A), the middle (B), and the near post (C). Player D is the "garbage" player.  If the ball travels across the goal he/she keeps the ball in play.  Player E stays on top of the box and "seals" the play in should the ball be cleared or deflected out.   The "short corner": if you don't have a player who can kick the ball in the air in front of the goal then place two players at the corner.  The first player touches the ball to the second player who dribbles toward goal and/or crosses it in front of the goal.  In the diagram the second player would be right footed.  If the kick was on the other side, you'd want a left footed player to receive the pass from the corner kick.   The runners:  Players A, B and C must time their runs so that they are running forward at the ball after the ball has been kicked.  You don't want any back-peddling here.  Players can mix up their runs and target areas.  (Player A doesn't have to always run to the far post).  Players A, B, C must challenge for the ball.  They are aggressive, goal-scoring type players.

When: when the other team commits a foul.

Key players: center midfielder, forwards.  

Strategy: get the ball in front of goal, score. 

Signal for Indirect kick.	Signal for direct kick.  One hand points in direction of kick (the direction of the attacking team who has been rewarded the kick).  The other hand points to where the ball should be placed.

Direct Free Kicks: The direct free kick occurs after a serious foul.  The kicker can score directly off the kick.  The other team must be 10 yards away (U11 and above).  The kicking team must ask the referee for 10 yards--if they want it--and then must wait till the referee signals for play to restart.     

If the ball is in shooting range, have a strong kicker aim for goal.  Ask for 10 yards.  Once the referee signals try to place the ball over or around the defensive "wall."  Other players follow the shot in.  MANY goals result from rebounds or deflections.

Indirect Free Kicks: Some fouls result in an indirect free kick.  The referee signals this by keeping the arm raised until the kick occurs.   On an indirect free kick two or more players must touch the ball before a goal can be scored.     

Indirect kicks are very dangerous if they are within shooting range.  The first player (A) taps the ball to a teammate (B).  This player stops the ball for another player (C) to run through and shoot onto goal.
A simpler play is for Player A to tap the ball to Player B who shoots on goal.
If the ball is outside shooting range for an indirect or free kick then a good play is to send the ball into goal area.  Train your team to play hard to win that ball.  Lots of goals will result from this plays or the play that follows the kick!

IMPORTANT NOTE: the variety of free kicks are numerous.  A lot depends on the position of the ball and the age and strength of the players.  I've written an entire  Coaching Card section on "Set Plays."  I encourage older, more advanced teams to study these plays in greater detail.  More information can be found at my web site:  www.coachingcards.com.

The Coaching Card EMAIL NEWSLETTER is written by Colin Schmidt, author of several coaching books and former Director of Coaching for Table Mountain Soccer Association in Golden, Colorado. Colin holds a Premier National Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches of America and served as a Director of Coaching for the Colorado State Youth Soccer Association. He currently works for the Special Olympics in Northern California.  

QUESTIONS: If at any time you have a soccer coaching question that is not answered in the newsletter or on the web site, please e-mail me at schmidty1@juno.com. 

CoachingCards.com: Be sure to check the www.coachingcards.com website for other coaching information. The web site is updated regularly.  I've recently added two new products.

Two outstanding NEW products: 

Player Sports Cards: these pocket-size cards are for players (and coaches).  Individual skills are well drawn on 104 full-color panels. Excellent for all players!

"Ultimate Soccer" Board Game: learn tactics with teammates, friends or family while playing this fun, soccer orientated board game.  There's nothing like it around!