Jets and Cadets Coaching Curriculum

Material assembled by Bao Terry Cao: USSF National E License, MassYouthSoccer National G
License, NSCAA/NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Soccer Coach, NSCAA License #303501.
Jets and Cadets

General Coaching
Curriculum
For Summer 2016
Games and Exercises drawn from coaching resources and

curriculums approved by
Table of Content
1. Introduction 3
2. Dribbling ....5
3. Individual Play9
4. Passing .12
5. Shooting ...16
6. Goalkeeping exercises ..20
Introduction
Player Development Goals
Technical development: Players are taught the basics of dribbling moves (i.e. inside/outside cut,
inside/outside hooks, dragbacks, the V) Inside of foot shot and pass proficiency (aka Push)
Instep shot and pass proficiency (aka Driven) One Two pass proficiency (aka Wall Pass) 1st
touch control (work with players to use their 1st touch to re-direct the ball in a new direction
rather than killing the ball).
These general techniques will be taught throughout the age group. Older players, i.e. 11-12 year
old players, will be given expansions to these techniques in order for them to become Skills,
i.e. the ability to use the correct techniques in certain situations.
Tactical development: 1 v 1, 2 v 2 Attacking; 1 v 1, 2 v 2 Defending; Playing in Groups of 2
(U9); Playing in Groups of 3 (U10, U11); Playing in Groups of 4 (U12); Direction-oriented
possession games (5 or more passes per possession starting at age 9).
Overall, at this stage players should be focusing mainly on technical training during sessions
while at the same time be introduced to and receiving training on developing tactical
understanding of both basic and dynamic tactical situations.
Training model
Players are encouraged to try a variety of positions on the pitch, both defending and attacking.
Only by experiencing a variety of roles will a player be able to get involved in all aspects of the
games and be exposed to a number of problem solving scenarios. Players are also encouraged to
be fully involved in games and practices by getting as many touches on the ball as possible.
In a typical day of training with me, THERE ARE NO DRILLS. Each and every activity the
players will be participating in will be referred to as games. At this age, players are looking to
perform activities that are fun, exciting and engaging to them. The importance of referring to
training activities as games is tremendous as it removes the drilling aspect from the players
mindsets, allowing them to think that all they are doing are fun games which will motivate
players more.
Curriculum overview
The Jets and Cadets General Coaching Curriculum is consisted of:
10 warm-up games
o 4 dribbling warm-ups
o 1 individual play warm-up
o 3 passing warm-ups
o 1 shooting warm-up
o 1 goalkeeping warm-up
13 small sided games

o 4 dribbling games
o 3 individual play games
o 3 passing games
o 3 shooting games
4 extended small sided games (note: in general training due to time constraint and ability
differences extended small sided games are not appropriate for a large group of players.
These extended small sided games are deemed to be suitable for a wide range of abilities,
therefore are the only ones included)
o 1 individual play game
o 3 shooting games
10 goalkeeping exercises (note: goalkeeping exercises will not be offered during a regular
session, but will instead be held as a special clinic. Team goalkeepers will be given these
exercises during team training when a goalkeeper is not required for training purposes)
Dribbling
Back to coach
Stage: Warm-up
Goal: to teach and develop dribbling, turning, coordination
& balance, agility, awareness and basic motor skills
Preparation: Ball for each player, enclosed space marked
by cones
Recommended duration: 8 minutes
Procedure: each player has a ball. Coaches stand in the middle. One at a time players hand their
balls to the coaches who then toss it away below heads height and the players will fetch the ball
back with first their hands, then will proceed to dribble the ball back. Can also couple with basic
dribbling moves such as the dragback.
Coaching points:
-
How do we dribble without hitting someone else? (heads up)

How do we keep the ball close to ourselves? (small touches)
Which part of the foot do we use to dribble with? (laces)
Body parts
Stage: warm-up
by cones
Procedure: player dribbles inside the box trying to not cross
the lines marked by cones. Coach calls out which part of the
body they want the players to stop the ball with. Can
delegate to one player for other players to mirror.
Coaching points:
5

British bulldogs
Stage: warm-up
Goal: to teach and develop dribbling, turning, coordination & balance, agility, awareness and
basic motor skills
Preparation: Ball for each player, enclosed space marked by two end lines
Procedure: Coach starts as the bulldog in the middle. Players attempt to dribble past the coach
and cross the end line without leaving the designated area. After a few round, coach tries to catch
a player and make them a bullpuppy. Any player caught by the bullpuppy will become a
bullpuppy. Last person standing wins. Progression: add gates so players must dribble through a
number of gates before crossing the lines (bullpuppies cannot block gates)
Cone dribbling
Stage: warm-up, small sided game
by cones
Procedure: Each player starts at their home cone (different colors if possible). Upon the
coachs cue, players dribble around the cones and proceed to another cone, repeating the process.
Have a race, see how many cones a player can dribble around in one minute. Players cannot
touch the cones while dribbling.
Coaching points:
-

How do we turn a ball? (outside / inside)
Gate dribbling
Stage: small sided game
Goal: to teach and develop dribbling, turning, coordination & balance, agility, awareness and
basic motor skills, dribbling to beat an opponent, dribbling to keep possession
Preparation: Ball for each player, enclosed space marked by cones with gates spread around
Procedure: Each player starts at a gate. Upon the coachs cue, players dribble through gates and
move onto another gate, counting how many gates they dribble through in one minute. Progress
to having one or two coaches as defenders to defend the gates, then progress to having one or
two players defending the gates. Final stage, players pair up and go 1 attacker on 1 defender,
turnover every time the attacker loses the ball, compete to beat each others number.
Coaching points:
-

How do we dribble to get past a defender? (dragback, fake, turn etc.)
Dribbling to an endzone
Goal: to teach and develop dribbling, turning, coordination &
balance, agility, awareness and basic motor skills, dribbling to
beat an opponent, dribbling to keep possession
Preparation: Total of 5 balls, enclosed space marked by cones
with 2 endzones in different colors for each team (4 in total)
Procedure: Split into teams of four playing on different pitches
if possible to allow maximum touches. Each team is responsible
for their two endzones. Coach puts one ball into play. Teams compete and try to dribble the ball
into an opponents endzone, stopping the ball inside the endzone to score 1 million points. Coach
puts another ball in, and repeat until one team scores 3 million points.
Coaching points:
7


Hunters
Goal: to teach and develop dribbling,
turning, coordination & balance, agility,
awareness and basic motor skills,
dribbling to beat an opponent, dribbling to
keep possession
Preparation: Ball for each player,
enclosed space marked by cones
Procedure: players start inside the box, two players stand outside on each side (split game into
two fields playing simultaneously). Upon the coachs cue, the two players outside will enter the
box and try to kick the ball away from the players inside. Players with their balls kicked out must
do three juggles to get back in. Each player has two lives. Last person standing wins.
Coaching points:
-

Why do we keep the ball close to ourselves? (small touches to keep possession)
Individual Play
Warm up defensive 1v1/2v2

Stage: warm-up
Goal: to teach and improve individual defending
techniques in 1v1 situations, to teach and improve
collaborative defending techniques in 2v2 situations
in preventing penetrative dribbles or passes
Preparation: enclosed space marked by cones, four
goals on each corner, 3 players line up behind the
goals to ensure maximum participation (two fields
simultaneously if necessary), at least 10 balls on each
field
Procedure: Players across each other play against each other. Defender turns into attacker if ball
is stolen. Switch possession after 3rd player has played. Players try to play the ball past the
opposition goal. Progress to 2v2.
Coaching points:
-
How do we approach the ball as a defender? (fast slow side low)

How do we minimize the angle the attacker has? (stay goalside and corner attacker into
unfavourable angle)
How do we read opposition movements in a 2v2 situation? (body language)
4v2+1
Goal: to teach and improve individual attacking techniques in outnumbered situation, to teach
and improve the technique of directing the ball into a favourable position from pass, to
encourage more shooting, to improve the application of a through pass / killer ball, to teach the
concept of moving into space
Preparation: enclosed space marked by cones and a midway space, one goal on one side and
two goals on the other side, 4 defending players and 2 attacking players (rotate every turn), 1
unopposed attacking player in the middle, at least 6 balls
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Procedure: ball starts with unopposed attacking player, who can play the ball to either side of
the pitch. Attacking players try to score on the goals in their side or can pass back to middle
player if necessary. Rotate turns until everyone has tried out all positions.
Coaching points:
-
How do we direct the ball into a favourable position for a shot instead of just killing it
completely? (using outside to redirect / find space and run for ball instead of waiting)
How do we play the killer pass to an attacking player? (find space between attackers)
How do we weigh / curve a perfect pass? (power / technique)
How do we hold up play as an attacker to wait for support?
4 goals small sided game

Stage: small sided game / expanded small
sided game
Goal: to teach and improve the transition
from defending to attacking, to teach and
improve the concept of attacking down the
flanks, to teach and improve individual
attacking techniques (moving with and
without ball, exploiting spaces behind the
defense)
Preparation: enclosed space marked by
cones, two goals on each side, teams of 46, at least 6 balls
Recommended duration: 16-20 minutes
Procedure: coach starts by tossing ball into the middle. Conditioned game where players have to
score inside either of opposition goals.
Coaching points:
-
10
How do we transition from one flank to the other if route is blocked? (crossfield play)
How do we transition from defense to attack? (take time, play out from the back to
flanks)
How do we find spaces for ourselves on the pitch? (exploiting space behind defense)
How do we make our presence known to our teammates? (communication)
Pairs / Group attacking

Goal: to teach and improve the transition from defending to
attacking, to teach and improve the concept of attacking down
the flanks, to teach and improve individual attacking techniques
(moving with and without ball, exploiting spaces behind the
defense), to teach and improve passing and moving in pairs (1-2
passing if players are skilled enough)
Preparation: two goals 10 steps apart from each other. Players
in pairs or groups of three maximum (4-6 games
simultaneously, can use mini tournament format). At least 6
balls
Recommended duration: 10-12 minutes
Procedure: Team starts on the goal lines. Attacking team must attack in trio, defending team
defends with two defenders and one goalkeeper. If defending team wins back the ball / attacking
team misses, transition from defending into attacking.
Coaching points:
-
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How do we play the 1-2 passes? (good and well weighed first touch)
How do we use the numerical advantage to overwhelm a defensive line? (3rd player
exploiting undefended space)
How do we provide support for a team mate in possession? (dropping behind to provide
options)
Passing
Paint the field
Stage: warm-up
Goal: to teach and improve the technique of passing using the
inside of the foot, to improve the accuracy of the pass
Preparation: enclosed space marked by cones with gates spread
inside, players pair up, maximum of 4 pairs inside one space
(three fields simultaneously if needed)
Procedure: players start between one gate and play a pass to each other, controlling by properly
trapping the ball before moving to the next available gate to repeat the process. Count how many
passes through gates done in one minute. Progression: one touch passing (back and forth to count
as 1)
Coaching points:
- How do we control a pass? (trap instead of stepping on the ball)
- How do we make a good one touch pass? (positioning / utilizing the inside)
Box passing warmup

Stage: warm-up
Goal: to teach and improve the techniques of passing, to teach
and improve communication to improve passing efficiency
Preparation: enclosed square playing space marked by cones.
Six players stand on the sides of the box, six players in the
middle (two simultaneous fields if needed)
Procedure: players on the outside start with the ball. Players on the inside go to a player who
has the ball and either say pass or call out the persons name. Players on the inside receive the
ball and pass it back to the players on the outside. Progression: one touch passing, players on the
inside receive the ball, dribble and pass to a player outside without a ball.
Coaching points: - How do we make a good pass? (inside, weighing)
- How do we make ourselves heard on the pitch to receive a pass? (call out!!!)
12
2v2 passing with end targets

Goal: to teach and improve the techniques of passing, to
teach and improve communication to improve passing
efficiency
Preparation: enclosed square playing space marked by
cones. 2 players per team, 2 teams inside the playing
space, 2 teams behind the playing space on each side (3
fields playing simultaneously). At least 4 balls per field
Procedure: players on the inside start with the ball. Pairs work together to try and pass the ball
to a target player at the end of the box. Once the target player receives the ball, they and their
partner enter the field to replace the team that failed to prevent the pass. If ball is stolen, then the
opposing pair tries to pass the ball to their target players.
Coaching points:
- How do we pass the ball accurately? (heads up, planted foot pointing towards target)
- How do we get past a defender to receive a pass? (exploit spaces behind)
4 goals passing game

Stage: small sided game / extended small sided game
Goal: to teach and improve the techniques of passing, to
teach and improve communication to improve passing
efficiency, to improve the accuracy of passing, to
develop patience from buildups in order to keep
possession
Preparation: enclosed square playing space marked by cones. 4 players per team (3 fields
simultaneously). 4 goals made by 2 cones on each end. At least 4 balls per field.
Procedure: conditioned game where players score inside one of their two opposition goals. Each
goal is worth the number of passes that lead to the goal.
Coaching points:
- How do we keep possession in a buildup? (pass to teammate, move and receive)
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3v2 overlap/through/1-2 passing

Goal: to teach and practice the concept of overlapping, 1-2
and through balls
Preparation: enclosed square playing space marked by
cones with one goal at each end. 1 team of 3, 1 team of 2
(4-5 fields playing simultaneously).
Procedure: conditioned game where players score inside their opponents goal. Each through
ball, overlap or 1-2 combination that leads to a goal gets 5 bonus points.
Coaching points:
- How do we get past a defender using the 1-2 combination? (pass and move)
- How do we plant a good through ball? (spatial awareness)
- How do we make a pass to an overlapping winger? (curved pass)
- How do we support a player in possession? (width / depth / cover)
Variation: 4v4 overlap/through/1-2 passing

Stage: extended small sided game
Same as the 3v2 game, except 4v4 with one goalkeeper. Same scoring system.
Handball
Stage: warm-up
Goal: to teach spatial awareness, pass-and-move, overlap,
moving into supporting position
Preparation: enclosed playing space marked by cones.
Teams of 5 or 6 (2 fields playing simultaneously).
Procedure: players try to pass the ball to their teammate 5 times in a row to score one point.
Players can take two steps after receiving a pass. Players have to stay two steps away from the
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player in possession. Progression: add a goal to each side, score by heading / volleying the ball
into the goal.
Coaching points:
- Where do we move after making a pass? (move into space / drop back)
- Where can we move to receive a pass? (behind / between defense / on flank)
15
Shooting
World Cup Shooting + goalie training

Stage: warm-up / small sided game
Goal: to teach the technique of striking the ball, to
improve shooting accuracy, to improve shooting
technique. FOR GOALKEEPER: to teach the
technique of scooping, to teach the technique of
falling (NOT DIVING) for the ball, to teach
footwork and the technique of tracking shooters, to
teach the technique of the contour catch, to teach
the technique of palming the ball.
Preparation and Procedure: Set up two goals and add a middle line. Players play one on one,
taking turn to shoot the ball and trying to score into their opponents goal. 10-12 games going at
the same time, World Cup style (winner moves up, loser moves down).
Recommended duration: 10 minutes, 2 minutes per game.
Coaching points:
For shooting:
- Which part of the foot do we use to strike the ball? (laces)
- How do we make our shots harder to save? (aim for far post / place a shot with the inside)
- How do we approach the ball to strike? (from an angle for power)
For goalkeeping:
- How do we fall for the ball without hurting ourselves? (land on the side, foot up for
balance)
- How do we catch the ball successfully? (contour catch, using body as cushion)
- How can we use our feet to goalkeep? (footwork, moving / taking steps before falling)
16
3v3 shooting
Stage: Small sided game / expanded small sided game
Goal: to teach the technique of shooting, to develop
building and setting up teammate for a shot
Preparation: rectangular playing space marked by
cones with 2 wide goals at each end. Teams of 3 with
2 outfielders and 1 goalkeeper (3-4 games
simultaneously). At least six balls per field.
Procedure: conditioned game where players attempt to score into the oppositions goal. Each
team has 45 seconds to score, turnover from attacking to defending if possession is lost. If ball
leaves play early, coach plays in another ball. Progression to 2-touch shot, 1-touch shot, add
incentives to set up a team mate for a goal.
Coaching points:
- How do we set up a good scoring opportunity for our team mate? (ball weighed within
reach, diagonal / through balls)
- How do we strike the ball efficiently? (with laces)
- Where do we aim to get our best chance of scoring? (far posts).
4v4 (2v1) shooting

Stage: expanded small sided game
Goal: to encourage the taking of shots, to encourage
taking chances with limited touches on the ball
Preparation: rectangular playing space marked by
cones with 2 goals at each end. Teams of 4 with 1
goalkeeper, 2 defenders and 1 attacker in the
opposition endzone (3 fields playing simultaneously).
At least six balls per field.
Procedure: conditioned game where players attempt to score into the oppositions goal. Each
team has 45 seconds to score, turnover from attacking to defending if possession is lost. If ball
leaves play early, coach plays in another ball. Progression to 2-touch shot, 1-touch shot, add
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incentives to set up a team mate for a goal from a first touch. Defenders cannot move past the
midway line and cannot shoot.
Coaching points:
- How do we set up a good scoring opportunity for our team mate? (ball weighed within
reach, diagonal / through balls)
- How do we receive the ball to open up a scoring opportunity? (redirect into open space)
Pass-pass-shoot
Goal: to improve the shooting technique of
both placing the ball into the near post with
the inside and blasting the ball into the far
post with the laces, to improve passing
accuracy.
Preparation: half a full sized playing field
with 2 big goals on each end. 2 players on
each side of the midway line goal, 2 players on each side of the end goal line, 2 players in the
middle (coach), 1 goalkeeper in each goal (2 fields playing simultaneously). Ball starts with
players diagonal of each other.
Procedure: player with the ball passes to the target player (coach) in the middle, who then will
lay it off and the player runs to retrieve the ball, passing it forward to the player right in front of
them who then lays it off for the first player to take a shot. Rotate roles until everyone has taken
a shot.
Coaching points:
- When to shoot with power and when to shoot with accuracy? (near post vs far post)
- How can we shoot the ball? (laces / inside)
- How do we tee up a perfect pass for a team mate to score? (passing accuracy / power)
7v5 with 3 goals

Stage: expanded small sided game
Goal: to improve the shooting technique directly from a pass, to encourage shooting from all
possession inside the penalty area
18
Preparation: marked penalty area with a

big goal. 2 small goals 5 steps away from
each corner of the box. Team of 7 vs team
of 5 including goalkeeper. At least 6 balls.
Procedure: attacking players have exactly
2 touches once they are inside the penalty
box to score. If defending team wins the
ball back they can score inside one of the
two goals outside the box.
Coaching points:
- How do we make our possession inside the box count? (shoot, shoot, shoot)
- Why is spatial awareness important? (finding space for the shot / throughball)
- How do we set up our team mate for a goalscoring chance? (open passes instead of
cornering team mates into a defended space)
19
Goalkeeping Exercises
Note: goalkeeping exercises will not be included in a regular session. This will be held as a
special clinic for players expressing a desire to learn more about goalkeeping. These exercises
will be used in place of team training exercises included in the Cadets Advanced Coaching
Curriculum where goalies are not required as part of the exercise.
All goalkeeping exercises are drawn from MassYouthSoccers training curriculum.
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Jets and Cadets Coaching Curriculum

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Material assembled by Bao Terry Cao: USSF National E License, MassYouthSoccer National G

License, NSCAA/NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Soccer Coach, NSCAA License #303501.

Jets and Cadets

Games and Exercises drawn from coaching resources and

13 small sided games

How do we dribble without hitting someone else? (heads up)

How do we dribble without hitting someone else? (heads up)

How do we dribble without hitting someone else? (heads up)

How do we keep the ball close to ourselves? (small touches)

How do we dribble without hitting someone else? (heads up)

Which part of the foot do we use to dribble with? (laces)

How do we dribble without hitting someone else? (heads up)

Warm up defensive 1v1/2v2

How do we approach the ball as a defender? (fast slow side low)

4 goals small sided game

Pairs / Group attacking

Box passing warmup

2v2 passing with end targets

4 goals passing game

3v2 overlap/through/1-2 passing

Variation: 4v4 overlap/through/1-2 passing

World Cup Shooting + goalie training

4v4 (2v1) shooting

7v5 with 3 goals

Preparation: marked penalty area with a

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