Coach Training Program
Overview
Welcome to United Soccer Academies! As part of our commitment to excellence and development, we are excited to introduce you to our 4-week Coach Training Program. This program is designed to equip our new coaches with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to thrive in our academy. Below is an overview of the program and the objectives we aim to achieve.
Program Structure
Duration: 4 weeks
Frequency: 1 night per week
Coaching Sessions: 2 sessions with 2 different groups each night
Objectives
Reliability and Preparation:
We expect our coaches to demonstrate reliability by being punctual and prepared for each session. Your ability to organize and execute your sessions smoothly is crucial.
Interpersonal Skills:
Effective interaction with players of various ages is a key aspect of this program. We value coaches who can build positive relationships and foster a supportive environment for our players.
Coaching Development:
While we do not expect mastery in coaching within just four sessions, we aim for our coaches to develop a foundational competence in running activities and small-sided games. Your growth as a coach is a journey we are committed to supporting.
Session Planning:
Utilizing the session plans and activity guides provided is essential. These resources are designed to help you deliver structured and effective coaching sessions.
Compensation
Training Phase:
During the training phase, coaches will receive compensation at a rate of $15.60 for student coaches and $16.55 for adult coaches. This will be paid on the 1st of the month via a cash e-transfer.
Post-Training Advancement:
Upon successful completion of the training phase, coaches will receive an increase in their hourly rate. This adjustment will be based on performance and the level of responsibility you demonstrate during sessions.
Goal of the Training Program
Our ultimate goal is to ensure that by the end of the 8 sessions, you are capable of running soccer activities with confidence and competence. We are looking for coaches who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the development of our players. Successful completion of the training program will lead to further investment in your coaching career with us, as we believe in nurturing talent and dedication.
Coaching Principles
This activity focuses on developing players’ ability to penetrate the opponent’s defensive structure by maintaining possession and utilizing supporting players positioned outside of the main play area. The key principles are penetrating a compact defense by using width and depth, as well as encouraging supporting movements off the ball to provide passing options and create scoring opportunities.
Variations & Progressions
Require teams to complete a one-two pass with an outside player before the point is awarded, emphasizing quick support play and penetration with combination passing. The outside player must play the ball back in with only one touch. To make it even more difficult require the pass be to a different player than the one who made the pass.
After making a successful pass to an outside teammate, the player who passed the ball must quickly exit the square and replace the position of the outside player they passed to. The outside player then moves into the square. This rotation demands quick adaptation, constant movement, and versatile playing skills as players switch between different roles and perspectives on the field.
Once a player inside the square passes the ball to an outside teammate, they cannot pass it back to the same outside player. Instead, they must find a way to pass to their other outside teammate on the opposite side of the square. This rule encourages players to switch the play and utilize the full area, enhancing their awareness and ability to create space.
Coaching Points
Encourage the inside players to move dynamically, creating angles and opportunities for the ball carrier to penetrate the opposition’s structure with a pass to the outside players.
Players should exploit the full width and depth of the playing area, using their outside players to stretch the defense and create spaces within the defensive block.
- Players must constantly communicate and stay aware of their teammates’ positions, ensuring that they provide support and options for the ball carrier to maintain fluid play.