Basic Concepts:
Offense – we are all on offense when our team has the ball
If we are the player with the ball we should be looking to dibble, pass or shoot. If we do not have the ball we should be looking to help by getting open.
Terminology: “Be a Minnow”, “Dibble to Goal”, “Make a Pass”, “Take a Shot”
Defense – we are all on defense when the other team has the ball
If we are the player closest to the player with the ball we should try and take it away. Defenders further away should stay “Goal Side of the Ball”
Terminology: “Be a Shark”, “Take the ball away”, “Get Goal Side”
Drills – See S-1, S-2, S-3
Basic Skills:
Dribbling – moving with the soccer ball by using rapid touches in succession
Proper Technique – using the 4 different parts of the foot (inside, outside, top/laces, & bottom/sole) to move the ball no more than 1 to 3 feet away.
Terminology: “Toe-Taps”, “Brushes”, “Tick-Tocks”, “Draw-Backs”
Drills – See W-1 and D-1 through D-8
Passing – striking the ball in the direction of a teammate
Proper Technique – make an “L” with feet, the plant foot points in the intended direction of the pass. The swing leg uses the motion from the hip to strike the ball with the inside of the foot right at the equator/midpoint of the ball.
Terminology: “To the feet”, “NO to the TOE”
Drills – See P-1 through P-4
Shooting – striking the ball in the direction of the goal
Proper Technique – plant foot just back from ball using hips and leg to muscle trough the ball striking it in on the equator with the top/laces part of the foot
Terminology: “Use the Laces”, “NO to the TOE”
Drills – See D-7through D-9
Trapping – controlling a ball by changing its direction
Proper Technique – catch the ball by moving foot first to the ball and then slowly with the ball. Also by creating a wedge with either the foot or shin.
Terminology: “Keep the Ball in Front”, “Wedge”
Drills – See P-1 through P-4
Shielding – keeping the body between the opposing player and the ball
Proper Technique – using the 4 different parts of the foot (inside, outside, top/laces, & bottom/sole) to move the ball no more than 1 to 3 feet away.
Terminology: “Stay Between”, “Posses the Ball”
Drills – See D-2 and D-3