From: Coach Bob Bigney, ASA Technical Director - April 15, 2008
Weekend Review for Arlington soccer coaches
Coaches -

Each weekend, I try to get out and observe as many games, at as many locations, in as many age groups, as possible.  It is a long day, but I enjoy it - and it provides me with valuable information about the ASA.

On Tuesdays this season, be on the look out for my Weekend Review.  I will provide some insights from the past weekend, select a 'Team of the Week' and offer a new activity to do at your team's practice.

Hope you enjoy the Weekend Review. 

Arlington Soccer Association - Arlington, VAThanks for all you do to help the ASA and youth soccer.

Bob Bigney
Technical Director
Arlington Soccer Association
Observations from the weekend
 
One of the great things about soccer (and why kids love it) is that it is a free-flowing game with very little stoppages.  Players are free to roam all over the field and make decisions for themselves.

As coaches - please allow the players to enjoy these aspects of the game.  Remember these points as we help our players develop:

  • Give players the freedom to run the field.  Nobody should be locked into a set position, where they HAVE to stay in a certain spot on the field.
     
  • Let players figure out the game on their own.  Yes, we as coaches may have to 'guide' them in the right direction, but if the players make their own decisions, they will enjoy the game more.
     
  • Players learn from making mistakes - allow for them to happen (because they will) and help players to learn what they could have done better.
     
  • Children are not little adults.  They think, move and act differently than adults.  Try to see the game from their eyes.
     
  • Youth soccer should teach our children all the best that sports have to offer.  Remember, we are developing the citizens of the future.  What sort of values and ethics do we want these children to take away from their soccer experience?
Team of the Week

I did see many teams that were having fun and playing some great soccer over this opening weekend.  One team stood out:

On Saturday, I observed the u12 Boys Falls Church team playing at Swanson MS.  Decked out in their red Hummel uniforms, they reminded me of the great Danish teams of the '80's. 

This team played a very nice passing game and controled the ball well as they moved it up field, but what impressed me most was how all players attacked when their team had the ball - and all players defended when they lost the ball.  They really played well as a group.
 
I was also impressed with the honest and friendly way this team played the game.  The boys were having fun, they showed respect to the referee and they played with true sportsmanship.
 
Congratulations to the u12 Boys Falls Church team - and their coach, Marc Hinson.  Well done!
 
You are my first selection as the ASA Team of the Week.
Activity of the Week

Coaches - here's a simple game I think your players will love. 

  • Divide your squad into 2 teams. 
  • In the middle of your playing area, place 3 cones in a triangle. 
    For added fun, place a big trash can in the middle of the triangle.
  • Each side of the triangle is a goal.  Coach can be the GK.
  • Both teams are trying to score in any goal.
  • The team that doesn't have the ball defends - and then tries to go for goal.  Both teams are shooting for the triangle.
  • Nobody is allowed to run through the triangle!
  • The game should go all around the triangle.  If one goal is crowded with defenders, the team with the ball should try to switch it over to another side of the triangle that is open.

Key coaching points:
*Passing and moving to get the ball to an open space;
*As a team, deciding which goal to attack;
*Good shooting technique

Arlington Soccer Association | 4918 North 28th Street | Arlington | VA | 22207-2712