Grassroots Workbook & Practice Plans: The Ontario Soccer Association
Grassroots Workbook & Practice Plans: The Ontario Soccer Association
Grassroots Workbook & Practice Plans: The Ontario Soccer Association
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Introduction
Welcome to the second edition of the Grassroots Soccer Provincial curriculum. This resource should be used in
conjunction with the first edition of the curriculum. The Ontario Soccer Association has created this resource for
Districts, Clubs, Academies, and youth coaches to follow a coaching curriculum that is designed to meet physical
literacy needs for players from age 4-12
The information within this document will allow Technical Directors as well as youth coaches to create programs
and coaching sessions that are appropriate for the development stage of each player. By implementing the
curriculum, along with good coaching methodology, players will benefit from and enjoy practice sessions more. All
sessions will focus on player development in a low stress, supportive, positive, fun-filled and safe environment. By
coaches creating this environment the players will be excited to learn and be anxious to return.
In general terms a curriculum consists of information that promotes technical, social, physical and psychological
development of the players. In addition to the activity examples and sample session plans it includes approaches to
teaching and learning. The curriculum helps to remove the ‘guess work’ in choosing developmentally appropriate
content and enables coaches to work on their methodology and coaching style.
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2
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
FUNdamentals Week 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Physical Literacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
FUNdamentals Week 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
FUNdamentals Week 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
FUNdamentals Week 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
FUNdamentals Week 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3
FUNdamentals Practice Plans
OSA Player Development – The Station Concept
The activities provided illustrate how stations can being used during
Grassroots practices.
During the practice players will spend an allotted time at each station
having fun, developing specific skills and qualities before moving onto
the next station. By using station work we create an environment where
players are continually motivated and that they are continually
challenged.
All sessions take a holistic approach to developing our youth. Each game
and activity will focus on four main areas of the child's development;
these include social/emotional, physical, psychological and also
technical. If working with a larger group organize players into groups of 8-10. Each
station has a coach who will lead that specific station for the session.
Total Practice time: 45 - 70 minutes as per the OSA Recreational and
Players rotate every 12 minutes with a two minute break in between each
Development Matrix
station to have a water break and move to the next station.
If working with a smaller group you can still have the four stations and
players will move together through all four stations until all are complete.
5
FUNdamentals practice plan – Week 1
STATION A - GENERAL MOVEMENT
Time Frame: 8 - 10 minutes
Emphasis: Listening
Different types of running/movements
Changing direction
Agility, Balance, Coordination
FUN!
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence N/A
Being safe
Organization: Players are placed into pairs in a 25m x 25m area. PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Running Listening
Procedure: 1 player becomes the leader and the 2nd player becomes the follower.
Encourage the players to use different movements such as walking, running, jumping, A,B,C’s Communicating
rolling, running backwards and also sideways. After 30 seconds players switch. Change of direction Celebrating
Progression: Each player has a ball.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Running with the ball
6
FUNdamentals practice plan – Week 1
STATION C - SOCCER TECHNIQUE – NUMBERS GAME
Time Frame: 8 - 10 minutes
Emphasis: Listening
Running with the ball
Dribbling
1v1 attacking/defending
Shooting
Changing direction
Agility, Balance, Coordination
Imagination
FUN!
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Running with the ball
Shooting
1v1
Organization: Players are organized into 2 teams. Each player is given a number. PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Field is 30m x 25m with a goal at each end. A,B,C’s Listening
Procedure: The coach calls a specific number and that number runs into the field. Change of direction Communicating
These 2 players now play 1v1 to goal. Celebrating
Progression: The coach can call out more than one number to create a 2v2 or 3v3.
Emphasis: Listening
Running with the ball
Passing
Shooting
Dribbling
Team work
Changing direction
Agility, Balance, Coordination
Imagination
FUN!
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Running with the ball
Organization: Players play 5v5 on a 35m x 25m field. The Retreat line is located at PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
the half way line. A,B,C’s Listening
Procedure: Once the ball goes out for a goal kick or the goalkeeper has control of the Change of direction Communicating
ball the opposition must retreat behind the retreat line. Once the player receives the Celebrating
pass from the goalkeeper the game is live. If you have odd numbers you can have the
extra player become a neutral player in the game.
7
Games Based Practices
Placing grassroots players in to a game based practice environment will
accelerate the players development of technical ability and game
intelligence. Small sided games are clear for children and the space that they
play in is appropriate for their bodies. Playing in small sided games gives
players enough options to have them thinking, but at the same time does not
overload them with too many options were they become stressed and panic.
In a small sided game you are improving young players’ technique and skills
by giving them a far greater number of ball contacts. The emphasis on
control, passing and shooting skills gives the fundamental building blocks of
soccer, Plus it's fun for all the players. Players are constantly involved, they “Being physically literate should be the outcome of a high quality
attack and defend. The number of passes, touches, shots, saves and 1v1 movement skills programme that focuses with younger players on
situations are all increased. Through this players are in the best learning developing agility, balance, coordination and speed. These aren’t just skills
environment where THEY get to make the decisions. for football, these are core skills that will help you be better in all sports and
set you up with a healthy lifestyle forever”
The games based approach allows players to become creative, learn from
mistakes, be competitive and allows the players to have FUN! Nick Levett
The FA National Development Manager
Q . What's the 1st question players ask when they come to practice?
“Lets give the players what they want, place them in to game based
A. When are we going to play soccer today? practices and lets see them develop and fall in love with the game at the
Typical response from the Coach – Towards the end of practice if you grassroots level”
work hard.
Carl Horton
OSA Regional Player Development Manager, West
“Teaching instead of judging” - Bobby Lennox, The Ontario Association Manager, Player Development
Boost For U8 Players ŸPromote that all children have the opportunity to take restarts
ŸEnsure the field of play is safe
The objective of the Game Leader program is to allow for an
improved, child friendly approach to supervising small sided games ŸEnsure the field is marked out using markers, cones or lines
for children U6-U8 and creating more opportunities for parents to get ŸEnsure the ball is safe and the correct size for play
involved. The Game Leader program has been designed by The OSA
Player Development, Referee and Coaching departments. It is ŸCheck that the goals (when available) are safe and appropriate size
supported and endorsed by the Canadian Soccer Association. ŸUse the “ready, set, go” prompt to encourage quick restarts to play
The Game Leader will be trained to achieve a few objectives on the ŸAsk children to pass or dribble the ball into play from all restarts
field: rather than the aimless big kick
1. Enable children to have a fun and rewarding experience while ŸEnsure the opposing team retreats to the halfway line for all goal line
competing in small sided games. restarts
2. Ensure player safety.
3. Implement simplified rules while keeping the game moving --
ŸEncourage team officials and parents to create a safe enjoyable and
positive playing environment for all children
limiting stoppages and assisting the young players with all
restarts. ŸProvide encouragement and praise for both teams. This will facilitate
players learning and having more fun
The Game Leader can be a club representative, coach, parent or a
beginning or senior referee who has been selected by the club or ŸDe-emphasize winning and losing and the score in the game
district to participate in the Game Leader Instruction program.
8
Retreat Line
Rationale
The world of soccer is evolving and Canadian youth must also advance with the game. The modern game now evolves around maintaining
possession of the ball, with controlled, precise build up play starting with the goalkeeper. Players must understand the right time to play forward
and/or backwards.
To enable youth players to play this style of soccer they must learn to play through the thirds of the field and have the ability to maintain possession
throughout the whole field, while under pressure. Every player on the field must become comfortable in possession of the ball. Possession based
soccer should become their default style of play.
By implementing the retreat line at the Grassroots stages we will allow the players to grow in confidence and become better all-round soccer players.
LEGEND
= Retreat Line
The Procedure
The retreat line will come into play when the ball has gone out for a goal kick or when the goalkeeper has the ball in his/her arms.
All opponents must be behind the retreat line and cannot cross the retreat line until the ball:
Emphasis: Listening
Different types of running/movements
Changing direction
Agility, Balance, Coordination
FUN!
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence N/A
Being safe
Organization: Players are placed into pairs in a 25m x 25m area. PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
A,B,C’s Listening
Procedure: 1 player becomes the leader and the 2nd player becomes the follower.
Encourage the players to use different movements such as walking, running, jumping, Change of direction Communicating
rolling, running backwards and also sideways. After 30 seconds players switch. Celebrating
Progression: Each player has a ball.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Passing - Receiving
Being safe Dribbling
Running with the ball
Organization: Players are placed into 2s inside 30m x 30m area. SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
Procedure: Players pass and move inside area. Focus should be on how the player A,B,C’s Listening
passes and receives the ball. Change of Direction Communicating
Progression: To make it fun/competitive for the players add gates into the area and Celebrating
on the command of "Shopping" players look to pass the ball through the gates. Each
gate = 1 point, after 60 seconds pair with the most points wins the competition. Repeat
game several times.
10
FUNdamentals practice plan – Week 2
STATION C - SOCCER TECHNIQUE – 3v1 TO GOAL
Time Frame: 8 -10 minutes
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Running with the ball
Shooting
Passing/Receiving
Organization: Field size is 15m x 25m with a 5m safe zone in the middle. 3 attackers,
2 defenders and 2 goalkeepers set up as above.
PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Procedure: Activity starts with 3 players in central safe zone, with defender & GK A,B,C’s Listening
defending the goal at either end. The coach plays a ball into the attackers in the safe
zone and they look to attack either end. If attackers' progress is blocked, they can take Change of direction Communicating
ball back into safe zone & attack in other direction. Celebrating
Should the GK save an attempt on goal, the goalkeeper should roll the ball to the
defender if possible, who then transfers the ball into the defender in the opposite half.
Defender receives and attempts to turn & score against GK at that end. Keep rotating
the players to allow them all to experience attacking, defending and goalkeeping.
Emphasis: Listening
Running with the ball
Passing
Shooting
Dribbling
Team work
Changing direction
Agility, Balance, Coordination
Imagination
FUN!
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Running with the ball
Organization: Players play 5v5 on a 35m x 25m field. The Retreat line is located at PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
the half way line. A,B,C’s Listening
Procedure: Once the ball goes out for a goal kick or the goalkeeper has control of the Change of direction Communicating
ball the opposition must retreat behind the retreat line. Once the player receives the Celebrating
pass from the goalkeeper the game is live. If you have odd numbers you can have the
extra player become a neutral player in the game.
11
FUNdamentals practice plan – Week 3
STATION A - GENERAL MOVEMENTS WITH A BALL
Time Frame: 8 - 10 minutes
Emphasis: Listening
Different types of running/movements
Dribbling
Changing direction
Agility, Balance, Coordination
FUN!
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Moves
Turning
Organization: Players are placed into pairs in a 25m x 25m area. PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
A,B,C’s Listening
Procedure: 1 player becomes the leader and the 2nd player becomes the follower.
Encourage the players to use different movements such as walking, running, jumping, Change of direction Communicating
rolling, running backwards and also sideways. After 30 seconds players switch. Celebrating
Progression: Each player has a ball.
Emphasis: Dribbling
1v1 attacking/defending
Changing direction
Agility, Balance, Coordination
Imagination
Change of speed
FUN!
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Running with the ball
1v1 attack/defending
12
FUNdamentals practice plan – Week 3
STATION C - SOCCER TECHNIQUE – 1v1 TO A GOAL WITH GKS
Time Frame: 8 - 10 minutes
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Running with the ball
Imagination Shooting
PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Organization: Players are organized into 2 teams. Each player is given a number. Field
is 30m x 25m with a goal at each end. A,B,C’s Listening
Change of direction Communicating
Procedure: The coach calls a specific number and that number runs into the field.
These 2 players now play 1v1 to goal. Celebrating
Progression: The coach can call out more than one number to create a 2v2 or 3v3.
Emphasis: Listening
Running with the ball
Passing
Shooting
Dribbling
Team work
Changing direction
Agility, Balance, Coordination
Imagination
FUN!
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Running with the ball
Organization: Players play 5v5 on a 35m x 25m field. The Retreat line is located at
the half way line.
Procedure: Once the ball goes out for a goal kick or the goalkeeper has control of the PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
ball the opposition must retreat behind the retreat line. Once the player receives the A,B,C’s Listening
pass from the goalkeeper the game is live. If you have odd numbers you can have the Change of direction Communicating
extra player become a neutral player in the game. Celebrating
13
FUNdamentals practice plan – Week 4
STATION A - GENERAL MOVEMENTS
Time Frame: 8 - 10 minutes
Emphasis: Awareness
Basic movements
Dribbling/races
FUN!
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Positive reinforcement Running with the ball
Confidence Part of the ball
Being safe Part of the foot
Emphasis: Coordination
Spatial awareness
FUN
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Confidence Kicking the ball
Being safe
Awareness
Organization: 30m x 30m area. Cones are setup around the area. 2 taggers. SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
Procedure: Taggers try to tag players. Players can be safe if they are on a cone. A,B,C’s Listening
Only one player is allowed on a cone. If a player runs to a cone with a player already Change of Direction Communicating
on it, the player on the cone must leave. Celebrating
Progression: A ball can be added for non-taggers.
14
FUNdamentals practice plan – Week 4
STATION C - SOCCER TECHNIQUE - SHOOTING
Time Frame: 8 - 10 minutes
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Positive reinforcement Shooting
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe
Fun
PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Organization: Mark out a shooting line 8m in front of small goal, and place a staring
cone 5m from the line. Speed Listening
A,B,C’s Communicating
Procedure: One player from each team stands at the post and two players with ball at
the each side of the line. Two players at starting cone, on coach's signal they must Change of Direction Celebrating
touch the cone, and run in full speed to shoot the ball. The first player to score gets 2
points. Players at the post collect the ball and dribble to shooting line. Two players at the
shooting line, place two balls on the line, and run to staring cone and ready for the race.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Fun Dribbling
Confidence 1v1
Being safe Shooting
Organization: Players play 5v5 on a 35m x 25m field. The Retreat line is located at PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
the half way line. Speed Listening
Procedure: Once the ball goes out for a goal kick or the goalkeeper has control of the A,B,C’s Communicating
ball the opposition must retreat behind the retreat line. Once the player receives the Change of Direction Celebrating
pass from the goalkeeper the game is live. If you have odd numbers you can have the
extra player become a neutral player in the game.
15
FUNdamentals practice plan – Week 5
STATION A - GENERAL MOVEMENTS
Time Frame: 8 - 10 minutes
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Positive reinforcement N/A
Confidence
Being safe
Organization: 20m x 20m area as shown. Four different stations. PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Eye-foot coordination Listening
Procedure: Players stay at each station for 60 seconds and then rotate.
Agility, Balance Communicating
Station 1: Hop on one leg Station 2: Bunny Hops Change of Direction Celebrating
Station 3: Skip backward Station 4: Players decide
Progression: A soccer ball can be added.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Success Shooting
Confidence Goalkeeping
Feeling safe
Organization: 20m x 20m area as shown. 10 players. Each player has a ball. SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
Procedure: Players move freely within the area. Players follow coach's commands: Agility Celebrating
1- Salute captain: Raise hand and balance on one leg. Balance Fun!
2- Scrub the decks: Imitate washing the floor with the ball
3- Raise the sails: Move around with ball and swing your arms
Coordination
4- Row the lifeboat: Move the ball backwards.
16
FUNdamentals practice plan – Week 5
STATION C - SOCCER TECHNIQUE – FEINT TO BEAT A PLAYER
Time Frame: 8 - 10 minutes
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Positive reinforcement Dribbling
Confidence Part of the foot
Being safe Part of the ball
Fun Using both feet
PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Organization: 20m x 20m field as shown. 10 players with ball each. Cones placed
inside area. Speed Listening
A,B,C’s Communicating
Procedure: Players move freely within the area stopping the ball at each cone and
doing a fake/move before exploding past the cone. Change of Direction Interaction with peers
Progression: Players perform a fake/move as they moving between the cones.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
Fun Passing
Confidence Dribbling
Being safe Shooting
Decision making
Organization: Players play 5v5 on a 35mx25m field. The Retreat line is located at the PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
half way line. 2 goals are located at each end Speed Listening
Procedure: Once the ball goes out for a goal kick or the goalkeeper has control of the A,B,C’s Communicating
ball the opposition must retreat behind the retreat line. Once the player receives the Change of Direction Celebrating
pass from the goalkeeper the game is live. When scoring a goal team in possession
has two goals to score on.
If you have odd numbers you can have the extra player become a neutral player in the
game who plays for the team in possession.
17
FUNdamentals practice plan
STATION A - GENERAL MOVEMENT
For coaches to plan their own sessions Time Frame: 8 - 10 minutes
Emphasis:
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Emphasis:
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
18
FUNdamentals practice plan
STATION C - SOCCER TECHNIQUE
For coaches to plan their own sessions Time Frame: 8 - 10 minutes
Emphasis:
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Emphasis:
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNICAL
PHYSICAL SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
19
For more information on grassroots soccer development please contact:
[email protected] or visit www.ontariosoccer.net/grassroots
Acknowledgments
The OSA would like to acknowledge time and support in developing this resource from technical leaders in
the province.
The OSA would like to acknowledge the other readily available documents, resources and suppliers we
reference in creating this curriculum:
CANADA