New Jersey Youth Soccer

The Draw
by Rick Meana - Director of Coaching

In simple terms, the kick-off or the start of play in soccer begins when one player kicks the ball forward, which is stationary at the mid line and in the middle of the field; into the opponent’s half. That player may not play the ball again until it has been played by a teammate. Once the ball is played forward, the ball can be played by the opponent. This situation is repeated after every goal by the team that was scored upon.

The start of play is actually a free uncontested pass, since the opponent is relegated to being several yards away from the ball. It should be the intent of the player on the ball, to pass it to one of his teammates, for the purpose of keeping possession of the ball to be able to score. This is different from the "kick-off" in football, in which one team gives up possession of the ball by kicking it to the opponent to start play. (It is important to note that the laws have been changed to allow a goal to be scored directly from a "kick-off.")

Children from the ages of U6 to U8 only know to "play at soccer," that is kick the ball and run after it, without any intent or purpose relating to the game. As a matter of fact, the concepts of start of play, direction, out of bounds, and spacing are not understood at this level. Attempts at explaining the kick-off to these youngsters have led to coaches resorting to placing their players like chess pieces around the ball, and instructing them to pass to a teammate. Coaches who do this are not considering the maturity levels of players, and are "solving the problem" for the players. This has a detrimental effect on the development of players, since the game requires that players learn to solve the problem on their own.

The ball, which is usually kicked in the direction of the opponent rarely finds "the coaches intended target," namely a teammate. And, players of this age will naturally kick the ball in any direction and all players will run after it, resulting in a bunching effect – we need to be patient with this.

A solution that can be easily implemented by coaches, leads to a better understanding of this concept, is fun for players, and has implications for the game, is the use of the "Draw" for starting play and restarting after a goal has been scored. The procedure can easily be taught in a practice session, and can lead into a fun game of shielding.

One player from each team begins by facing each other with the ball between at a distance approximately one step away. Both players stand so that the midline is also between them.

On the signal to "draw" by either coach or by the players themselves, they try to be first to pull the ball back with their foot – if possible the sole. The players can be rotated each time play needs to be restarted, so that all players get a turn.

The implications for the game are many:

1. Technically, we are developing quick foot movements and shielding movements, getting body in between ball and opponent – leading to 1 v 1 attacking skills and defending skills, and;

2. Physically, we are encouraging the improvement of reaction time, and speed to initiate movement. Players are in a ready state position, with arms out, legs spread, and flexed, and balancing the body, and;

3. Tactically, we are encouraging the development of anticipation, making a decision to move, and building a foundation for the development of 1 v 1 skills that will have intent and purpose, and;

4. Best of all for this age group it is a fun challenge. If used in practice it provides a positive interaction of playing with a partner. Listening skills can also be developed and additional fun had by calling out words like "dragon" or "droopy" to see if players react to these as opposed to what they need to react to which is "draw."

Variations: Coach calls "draw," and allows the player who gained possession to shield the ball for 3 seconds from a "passive" opponent – switch.

As players develop, the coach can place a set of cones which are 2 yards apart, and players are instructed to dribble through the cones (gate/goal) once they gain possession – now players have an objective and purpose to gaining possession of the ball!

Try it…