A coaching manual focusing on small sided games has never been so relevant and applicable as it is today. The short and long term effects of the U.S. Soccer's Player Development initiatives are far reaching, impacting all youth clubs and coaches. Arguably the most significant decision in a decade, the youth soccer landscape is changing rapidly for coaches and administrators. Prior to Fall season 2015 U.S. Soccer released details of its Player Development Initiatives, designed to improve the youth soccer landscape at the entry levels. By Fall 2017, more than 10,000 youth clubs, and countless leagues and associations across the U.S. are required to adopt these mandates. Coaching 4v4, 7v7 & 9v9 Small Sided Soccer - Volume 1 is an ideal resource for coaches working with 6-12 year old players and includes 42 coaching activities expertly illustrated in black and white. Although these game formats are particularly for coaches teaching 4v4, 7v7 and 9v9 game formats, this manual is highly relevant to coaches, administrators, leaders and directors involved in youth soccer. In fact, you may find this program helpful to familiarize parents with small sided games. To assist coaches choose the right activity based on the ability and readiness of players, we have included the 'Competency Matrix' from the NSCAA Player Development Curriculum. For each activity we have identified the most appropriate Stage/s of Development and listed the primary performance competencies. The manual supports the NSCAA 'Small Sided Games - 4v4, 7v7 and 9v9 Diploma', an eLearning program offered by NSCAA in 2015/16, featuring 4 presentations. To see the on-demand recordings of these presentations and to learn more about NSCAA eLearning, visit www.NSCAA.com/eLearning. Five NSCAA Instructors contributed to this manual and they provide an abundance of coaching tips and their guidance to adapt the content to change the level of difficulty to more or less challenging. This is an excellent resource for an experienced and novice coach alike.
Since 1988, David has studied and worked in youth education, soccer development and coaching. A former University Professor and CEO of a Youth Sports Company, David has been fortunate to travel extensively in the USA, meeting with coaches and club officials and learning about their approach to player development and coaching. David oversees the NSCAA eLearning program and is Coordinator for NSCAA Club Standards Project. David developed the 5 Stage of Development Pathway, used as a framework for the NSCAA Player Development Curriculum model, in 2007 (an adaptation of the LTAD model from Canada). He contributes articles regularly to soccer publications, has written books focusing on player and coach development and presents at national soccer events. In a volunteer capacity David operates a youth soccer program for player's age 3 to 11 in Connecticut and Rhode Island.
