Resources
Resources for Coaches
Bye Size Coaching
Bays United is pleased provide access to Byte Size Coaching. Byte Size Coaching gives coaches the tools they need to succeed. The Byte Size Coaching program is a customizable coaching website containing a balanced and progressive curriculum designed to benefit the players and coaches alike. Please click on the link for details.
www2.bytesizecoaching.com/baysunited
Bays United U6-U11 Coaches Resource Guide
The U6-U11 Coaches Resource Guide contains proven coaching drills for technical skills training of young players. Technical areas include Dribbling, Passing and Shooting. In addition, the Guide describes a variety of mini games for team practices and warm-ups that engage players in applying these skills in a fun, active context. Coaches will find this document invaluable in planning their team practice sessions.
Click here to download the U6-U11 Coaches Resource Guide 2006 - PDF
U12-U18 recommended book
Malcolm Cook & Jimmy Shoulder. Soccer Training: Games, Drills and Fitness Practices. London: A&C Black, 2003.
* Excellent diagrams and clear instructions for a multitude of drills to address every aspect of soccer, organized under clear chapters: ball control, passing, screening, dribbling, crossing and heading, shooting, goalkeeping, tactical games, indoor games, aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, strength training, core stability and flexibility.
* Best suited to players ages U13-U18, though many drills and activities will also work well for U11-U12.
* Easy to order though Bolen Books or other bookstores in Victoria, or online at Amazon.com.
Coaching Goalkeepers
Shel Brodsgaard. Guarding the Goal. Vancouver: Raincoast Books, 2003.
Guarding the Goal. Companion DVD, 2003. 40 minutes.
* Both of these items are available at the Oak Bay branch of the Victoria Public Library. The DVD is probably the best way to see the drills demonstrated, and owning a copy of the book is good for ongoing coaching reminders.
* A multitude of drills to train youth goalkeepers from Beginner (age 8-11), Intermediate (age 12-14) and Advanced (age 15-17).
* Why even try? Most coaches have absolutely no experience with the goalkeeping position, so you are not alone. The good news is that these resources make it easy for you to coach sound goalkeeping technique even if you've never played the position (or even the game of soccer!).
* It's important to take time each season to dedicate a few training sessions (or portions thereof) to training your goalkeepers. At U8-U11, it's logical to involve ALL of your players in goalkeeper training, so everyone has a chance to learn basic skills and gain confidence trying the position. At U12 and above, only 2-3 players from your team might be interested in the position, but they deserve to have regular training opportunities (other than shooting practice for their teammates!). Encourage them to attend goalkeeping camps and special Bays United goalkeeping sessions. If you have an assistant coach, try to engage your assistant in learning the drills for goalkeeping (e.g. video above) and then working with your goalkeeper(s) for some portion of each of your team practices during the season.