QUICK-START GUIDE FOR COACHES

Quick-Start Guide for Coaches

Football (Soccer)

Official Events

1.       Eleven-a-side team competition according to FIFA rules

2.       Five-a-side team (outdoor)

3.       Futsal competition according to FIFA rules

4.       Seven-a-side team (outdoor)

5.       Unified Sports 11-a-side team competition

6.       Unified Sports 5-a-side team competition

7.       Unified Sports 7-a-side team competition

The following events provide meaningful competition for athletes with lower ability levels.

1.       Individual skills competition (ISC)

The Pitch

The layout of a field is shown on page 4. The dimensions can be varied, depending on the number of players and their ability levels. Coaches need to spend adequate time at each practice identifying the boundaries and markings of the field, particularly with beginner players.

Goal Box

Goalkeeper must place the ball within this box for a goal kick (11-a-side only).

Penalty Area

Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use his/her hands within this box. Any major foul inside this area results in a one-on-one penalty kick taken from the penalty spot. When a penalty is in progress, all other players must stand outside the penalty area, including the penalty arc.

Center Circle

A kickoff is taken from the center of this circle. All defenders must stand beyond the circle.

Halfway Line

Both teams must be behind their side of this on a kickoff.

Sideline

The ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed this line and the referee has stopped play.

Corner-Kick Arc

The ball must be placed within this arc for a corner kic 

5-a-side Key Pitch Dimensions

Minimum Field Size	40 meters by 30 meters (44 yards by 33 yards)
Maximum Field Size	50 meters by 35 meters (55 yards by 38 yards)
Penalty Area	7 meters deep by 12 meters wide (8 yards by 13 yards)
Penalty Spot	6.4 meters (7 yards) from the goal line
Goal Size	1.8 meters high by 3.7 meters wide (6 feet by 12 feet)

7-a-side Key Pitch Dimensions

Minimum Field Size	50 meters by 35 meters (55 yards by 38 yards)
Maximum Field Size	70 meters by 50 meters (77 yards by 55 yards)
Penalty Area	7 meters deep by 12 meters wide (8 yards by 13 yards)
Penalty Spot	6.4 meters (7 yards) from the goal line
Goal Size	1.8 meters high by 3.7 meters wide (6 feet by 12 feet)

11-a-side Key Pitch Dimensions

Minimum Field Size	91.4 meters by 50.3 meters (100 yards by 55 yards)
Maximum Field Size	109.7 meters by 68.6 meters  (120 yards by 75 yards)
Penalty Area	16.5 meters deep by 40.2 meters wide (18 yards by 44 yards)
Penalty Spot	11 meters (12 yards) from the goal line
Goal Size	2.4 meters high by 7.3 meters wide (8 feet by 24 feet.)

Essential Components of Planning a Football Training Session

Special Olympics athletes respond well to a simple, well-structured training routine with which they can become familiar. An organized plan, prepared before you get to the field, will help establish such a routine and help make best use of your limited time. A recommended training plan is outlined below.

Warming Up/ Stretching

·         Every player warms up with a ball; i.e., low-intensity dribbling drills.

·         Stretch each muscle group.

·         Have players lead the stretching while coaches assist individual players when necessary.

·         Finish the warm-up with a fun dribbling/tag game.

Sample Warm-Up Routine

Easy Aerobic Run

Flexibility Stretches

Triceps Stretch

Side Stretch

Groin Stretch

Supine Hamstring Stretch

Hamstring Stretch

Seated Saddle Stretch

Hurdler’s Stretch/Reverse

Quad Stretch

Abdominal Stretch

Toe Pointers

Mobility Stretches

Forward-&-Back Leg Swings

Side Swings

Lunges

Rhythm Drills

Easy Skipping

High Knees

High Skipping

Jogging Butt Kicks

Skipping Kicks

Skills Instruction

·         Quickly review and practice previously taught skills.

·         Introduce the theme of the skills activity.

·         Demonstrate skills simply and dramatically.

·         Divide into groups of six or less for practice.

·         Physically assist and prompt lower ability players when necessary.

·         Introduce and practice new skills early in the practice session.

Competition Experience

·         Use mini-games (one versus one / three versus three) to teach basic rules and game understanding.

·         Use scrimmages to teach basic positions and restarts.

·         Always allow at least 10 minutes of free play where the coach says nothing. Let them play.

Cool-Down

·         Slow run/walk/stretch.

·         As the players cool down, comment on the session and the next game.

·         Finish with a team cheer.

Sample Cool-Down Routine

Activity	Purpose	Time (minimum)
Slow aerobic run	Lowers body temperature Gradually reduces heart rate	5 minutes
Light stretching	Removes waste from muscles	5 minutes