Tonawanda Soccer Club

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We are very grateful to all of our volunteer coaches for their hard work and dedication throughout the seasons. To become a coach, please visit the "Volunteer Opportunities" tab under Registration Info

Lower House
-Don't forget, most of this level haven't played yet or are just beginning. They still need to know how to line up on the field, run towards a net, pass, etc. the basics are essential.
-Have fun! Allow the players to use their imaginations with your drills and games
-Do not spend too much time lecturing or on one drill. Keep the players occupied and moving

Upper House
-You still might have some new players, so make sure to go over the basics with everyone.
-Players at this age are able to play with more skill and handle more skill oriented drills, but still make sure to have fun!
-All rules of the game should be addressed. Field positioning and passing should be stressed more to prepare for a higher level of play.

Premier League
-You still might have players brand new to the game. Make sure to coach to all players, and make sure everyone understands the game. You are only as strong as your least experienced player
-Players at this age are able to handle more complex drills and a higher level of game play. Remember, they are still kids though, so try to have fun with your drills and not make everything too serious.
-All rules of the game should be known and enforced.
-Players at this age will start to enjoy competition more in practices and the games. Make sure all players are good sports and know how to safely play the game and be aggressive without hurting themselves or others.

Positioning
-Positioning is extremely important for advanced gameplay.
-Players should be familiar with all positions and the responsibilities of each position.
-Players are encouraged to stay spread out from one another to create passing options and keep the ball moving

Footwork
-Good footwork is essential for all aspects of the game. Players should be comfortable moving with the ball, and should use the correct parts of their feet for each action.
-Footwork is something that players can easily practice and improve upon at home as well. Encourage players to practice these drills on their own and in the off season

Shooting
-Players should be comfortable shooting from all areas/angles of the field and with both feet.
-Encourage shooting from distance instead of having the players dribble in all the way to the goal before shooting
-Proper technique, form, and follow through for shooting are important to develop early. Power will come later as players grow

Passing
- Passing is one of the hardest things for players to do effectively. Ensuring proper field placement and spreading out is one of the first steps.
-Players should learn how to position themselves for a pass, and understand how to get open and when to look for a pass.
-Make sure your players are going to the ball on a pass, and not waiting for the ball to come to them.
-Players should focus on accuracy, and knowing when to pass directly to a player vs. when to pass in front of or behind them.

Goalkeeping
-Goalkeeping is only used in the Upper House and Premier levels.
-Players interested in playing Goalie should be taught how to safely and correctly challenge the ball and block shots.
-Goalies are the last line of defense, and can easily get discouraged if shots are scored on them. Be sure to provide lots of encouragement and affirmation to the players.
-It can be difficult to find time to train just one of a handful of players in a practice on goalie without neglecting the other players. Players interested in goalie are encouraged to sign up for our goalie camp.

Defense
-All players should understand the basics of defensive play, and how to slow down and stop an attacking player.
-Make sure defenders are attacking early and not waiting for the opposing player to make it to the backfield before challenging.
-Players should understand the nuances of not just kicking the ball out of bounds or booting it downfield, and instead should learn to progress the ball forward, pass to open teammates, and set up a play

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