FUNdamental SOCCER ideas for players while watching the UEFA Euro and Copa America games. Coaches and parents are encouraged to assign these activities. They’re a FUNtastic way for players to learn and improve by watching the best in the world.
Materials needed:
- A marker pen
- Sheets of paper. (Drawing a soccer field on the sheets is helpful for recording observations and tracking the player’s performance throughout the game.
Assignment: Observe:
- A Particular Player
- One Team’s Back Players
- One Team’s Midfield Players
- One Team’s Forward Players
Charting Passing Results:
- Plus (+) mark for every pass when possession is kept.
- Minus (-) mark for every pass when possession is lost.
- Plus (+) for successful one-touch passes.
- Minus (-) for unsuccessful one-touch passes.
- Plus (+2) for successful control & second-touch passes.
- Minus (-2) for unsuccessful control & second-touch passes.
- Plus (+3) for successful three or more touch passes.
- Minus (-3) for unsuccessful three or more touch passes.
Charting Types of Passes:
- (F+) for successful (Forward Pass)
- (F-) for unsuccessful (Forward Pass)
- (S+) for successful (Square Pass)
- (S-) for unsuccessful (Square Pass)
- (B+) for successful (Back Pass)
- (B-) for unsuccessful (Back Pass)
- (L+) for successful (Long Pass)
- (L-) for unsuccessful (Long Pass)
- (Sh+) for successful (Short Pass)
- (Sh-) for unsuccessful (Short Pass)
Once you have completed your observations, total the numbers and prepare for a discussion. Consider the difference between the player positions and types. Are there any patterns you and your players can identify?
- Did Forwards, Midfielders, Backs play more riskily? Or faster?
- What were the passing stats for the goal scorers?
- What were the passing stats for those providing assists?
- Use common sense and creativity to come up with additional questions!
Assignment: Observe the Goalkeepers
Instructions:
(B+) for successful (Bowling Release)
- (B-) for unsuccessful (Bowling Release)
(T+) for successful (Throwing Release)
- (T-) for every unsuccessful (Throwing Release)
(F+) for successful (Foot Release) Volley, Punt, or Goal-kick.
- (F-) for unsuccessful (Foot) Volley, Punt, or Goal-kick.
Total the Numbers and Have a Discussion.
MORE OPTIONS:
Chart Throw-ins: Direction Thrown and Results (+ or -)
Place Marks from where Shots on Goal are Taken and Results (+ or -)
MAKE THIS A FAMILY AFFAIR 🙂
Get the Parents involved during the ‘Assignment Results Discussions.’
These activities not only make watching soccer an enjoyable experience but also provide an opportunity for players to learn from their heroes. Professional soccer games are filled with countless teachable moments, and engaging players in recording and discussing data from these moments can enhance their focus and promote mutual learning. Encourage players to bring their recorded data into practice sessions for further discussion, enabling them to delve deeper into these moments and learn from one another. Additionally, feel free to introduce other tasks for players to observe and record while watching games, expanding their perspectives and enriching their learning experience.
BE CREATIVE WHEN COMING UP WITH AND GIVING ASSIGNMENTS!
