FOOTBALL Special Olympics Coaching Quick Start Guide
ching Quick Start GuideTBALLSeptember 20
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideTable of ContentsOfficial EventsPage 3The PitchPage 3Essential Components of Planning a Football Training SessionPage 5Sample Practice Plan FormPage 7Sample Training PlanPage 8Sample Fitness ProgramPage 9Training Principles SummaryPage 10Principles of Strength Training and Conditioning At-A-GlancePage 11Sample Circuit Training RoutinesPage 12Tips for Conducting Safe Training SessionsPage 13Selecting Team MembersPage 13Special Olympics Football Skills Assessment CardPage 14Football AttirePage 16NutritionPage 18Football Rules, Protocol and Etiquette Page 19Special Olympics Unified Sports RulesPage 22Protest ProceduresPage 22Football GlossaryPage 23Appendix AStretchesPage 25Appendix BSkill Development Tips2Page 36Football Quick Start Guide- September 2004
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideOfficial Events1.2.3.4.5.6.7.Eleven-a-side team competition according to FIFA rulesFive-a-side team (outdoor)Futsal competition according to FIFA rulesSeven-a-side team (outdoor)Unified Sports 11-a-side team competitionUnified Sports 5-a-side team competitionUnified Sports 7-a-side team competitionThe following events provide meaningful competition for athletes with lower ability levels.1.Individual skills competition (ISC)The PitchThe layout of a field is shown on page 4. The dimensions can be varied, depending on the number of players and theirability levels. Coaches need to spend adequate time at each practice identifying the boundaries and markings of thefield, particularly with beginner players.Goal BoxGoalkeeper must place the ball within this box for a goal kick (11-a-side only).Penalty AreaOnly the goalkeeper is allowed to use his/her hands within this box. Any major foul inside this area results in a one-onone penalty kick taken from the penalty spot. When a penalty is in progress, all other players must stand outside thepenalty area, including the penalty arc.Center CircleA kickoff is taken from the center of this circle. All defenders must stand beyond the circle.Halfway LineBoth teams must be behind their side of this on a kickoff.SidelineThe ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed this line and the referee has stopped play.Corner-Kick ArcThe ball must be placed within this arc for a corner kick.Football Quick Start Guide- September 20043
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideThe Pitch5-a-side Key Pitch DimensionsMinimum Field Size40 meters by 30 meters (44 yards by 33 yards)Maximum Field Size50 meters by 35 meters (55 yards by 38 yards)Penalty Area7 meters deep by 12 meters wide (8 yards by 13 yards)Penalty Spot6.4 meters (7 yards) from the goal lineGoal Size1.8 meters high by 3.7 meters wide (6 feet by 12 feet)7-a-side Key Pitch DimensionsMinimum Field Size50 meters by 35 meters (55 yards by 38 yards)Maximum Field Size70 meters by 50 meters (77 yards by 55 yards)Penalty Area7 meters deep by 12 meters wide (8 yards by 13 yards)Penalty Spot6.4 meters (7 yards) from the goal lineGoal Size1.8 meters high by 3.7 meters wide (6 feet by 12 feet)11-a-side Key Pitch Dimensions4Minimum Field Size91.4 meters by 50.3 meters (100 yards by 55 yards)Maximum Field Size109.7 meters by 68.6 meters (120 yards by 75 yards)Penalty Area16.5 meters deep by 40.2 meters wide (18 yards by 44 yards)Penalty Spot11 meters (12 yards) from the goal lineGoal Size2.4 meters high by 7.3 meters wide (8 feet by 24 feet.)Football Quick Start Guide- September 2004
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideEssential Components of Planning a Football Training SessionSpecial Olympics athletes respond well to a simple, well-structured training routine with which they can becomefamiliar. An organized plan, prepared before you get to the field, will help establish such a routine and help make bestuse of your limited time. A recommended training plan is outlined below.Warming Up/ StretchingEvery 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 RoutineEasy Aerobic RunFlexibility StretchesTriceps StretchSide StretchGroin StretchSupine Hamstring StretchHamstring StretchSeated Saddle StretchHurdler s Stretch/ReverseQuad StretchAbdominal StretchToe PointersMobility StretchesForward-&-Back Leg SwingsSide SwingsLungesRhythm DrillsEasy SkippingHigh KneesHigh SkippingJogging Butt KicksSkipping KicksFootball Quick Start Guide- September 20045
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideSkills InstructionQuickly 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 ExperienceUse 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-DownSlow run/walk/stretch.As the players cool down, comment on the session and the next game.Finish with a team cheer.Sample Cool-Down RoutineActivityPurposeTime (minimum)Slow aerobic runLowers body temperatureGradually reduces heart rate5 minutesLight stretchingRemoves waste from muscles5 minutesSee Appendix A for various training exercises and stretches6Football Quick Start Guide- September 2004
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideSample Practice Plan FormDate:Location:Time:Goals:Warm-Up - Make the body ready for practice.LeaderActivityEquipmentTeam Talk - Let the athletes know your expectations for practice.Goals for TodayPrevious SkillLessonNew Skill LessonSkill Development - Games and exercises to reinforce learning. Make it fun.LeaderActivityEquipmentBreak - Supply water and take the skill into the scrimmage.Reinforce Skillfrom Today:Scrimmage - Emphasize last week s skill and new skill.Previous SkillNew SkillTeam Talk - Emphasize new skill and techniques from scrimmage.ScrimmageLesson 1ScrimmageLesson 2Review LastWeek s SkillReviewHomeworkDeveloped by The Coaching Corner TM - www.thecoachingcorner.comFootball Quick Start Guide- September 20047
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideSample Training PlanPreseasonWeek #1WorkoutsWarm-upSkill AssessmentFitnessControl-ReceivingWeek #2WorkoutsWarm-upFitnessDribblingRules ReviewCompetition Season8Week #3WorkoutsWarm-upReview Control and DribblingPassingRules/RestartsWeek #4WorkoutsWarm-upReview PassingShootingTeam Play/PositionsWeek #5WorkoutsWarm-upTeam Play/StrategyPassingReview ShootingTournament TalkWeek #6WorkoutsWarm-upTeam Play/WingsReview PassingGoalkeepingTournament Skill AssessmentWeek #7WorkoutsWarm-upReview Team PlayDefending/TacklingTeam Play/DefendingTournament EtiquetteWeek #8WorkoutsWarm-upHeadingShootingTournament PreparationFootball Quick Start Guide- September 2004
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideSample Fitness ProgramFocus on overall general fitness for Special Olympics athletes. The program below has three major components: warmup, exercises and cool-down. The number of repetitions (reps) and sets will determine the goal of your program: muscleendurance or muscle strength. Review the following muscle specific strength exercises and plyometric drills to developyour own fitness program.ActivityDuration/ Sets & RepsWarm-UpEasy aerobic walk/jog/run3-5 minutesStretching15-20 minutesUpper Body3-5 exercisesLow Back-Glutesof eachLower Bodymuscle groupExercisesAgility & ConditioningAcceleration Strides3 x 30metersLeg Swings (F/S)1 x 10 each legCalf Raises1 x 10 each legArms & ShouldersPush-ups: Wide5 repsTriceps Dip5 repsPush-ups: Regular5 repsBack & AbdomenSit-Ups: Side Lifts10 repsLeg Raises10 repsTrunk Twists10 repsFoot & LegsLunges Walking3 x 30metersSquats10 repsKangaroo Hops2x5Cool-DownEasy aerobic walk/jog/run3-5 minutesLight Stretching10-15 minutesFootball Quick Start Guide- September 20049
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideT raining Principles SummaryLaw of OverloadBody adapts to training loads explains how training worksAdequate training loads improve overall fitness and increase performanceFactors impacting training load: frequency, duration and intensityLaw of ReversibilityTraining loads that increase progressively create higher fitness levelsNo increase in fitness will occur if loading is too far apart or stays the sameOver-training or incomplete adaptation occurs when training loads are too great or too closeLaw of SpecificitySpecific training load produces specific response and adaptationsGeneral training prepares athletes for specific trainingGreater the volume of general training, greater the capacity for specific trainingPrinciple of IndividualismAthletes bring their unique talent, capabilities and capacities to trainingHeredity determines many physiological factors that impact trainingChronological, biological and training ages must be considered when designing a training andcompetition planPrinciple of VarietyTraining is a long-term process, and loading and recovery can become boringMake it fun for the athleteBe creativePrinciple of Active InvolvementAthlete has to want to actively and willingly participate in his/her training programAthlete has to be committedAll aspects of an athlete s life contributes to his/her athletic success10Football Quick Start Guide- September 2004
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuidePrinciples of Strength Training and ConditioningA t -A -GlanceStrength and conditioning training is designed to assist athletes in their overall development. There are two types ofstrength training programs: general and specific. The exercises used in each program reflect the athlete s need forstrength development. A general strength and conditioning training program gives athletes extra strength in theparticular muscles that are needed to perform well in their sport-specific events. In addition, strength and conditioningtraining can help to prevent injury to athletes by building healthier, flexible and stronger muscles and bones.FlexibilityStretch slowly and with controlDo not bounce or feel painBreathe slowly and rhythmically; do not hold your breathEasy stretch: slight tension to no tension hold for 5-12 secondsDevelopmental stretch: stretch further feeling slight tension again hold for 15-30 secondsMuscle BalanceTrain both the front and the back muscles when strength trainingExample: if training the biceps, also train the tricepsImportant in preventing injurySelection of ExercisesEmphasize total body conditionOrder of ExercisesVery important in getting the most out of each exerciseExercises and lifts that work many muscle groups and require more mental concentration perform earlyin the workoutExercises and lifts that work small muscle groups and require little concentration perform last in theworkoutFrequency of TrainingAlways include one day of rest between strength training workoutsNumber of SetsOne set of each exercise is recommended during the first and second week of training. Increase thenumber of sets as your training program progresses.Rest between SetsDepends upon the desired results of the workoutMuscular endurance: short rest period full recovery not requiredStrength and power: longer rest period full recovery requiredActive RestAn active period, recreational level, after the completion of a season of sportMay or may not include strength trainingGives athletes a break and their bodies time to regenerate and restFootball Quick Start Guide- September 200411
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideSample Circuit Training RoutinesWhen prescribing exercises you need to focus on the exercises that will help the specific needs of your athlete in aparticular position. The table below is a basic guideline to help get you started. These exercises can be incorporated intoa training circuit to provide a variety of exercises for all your athletes that will be fun to do. Change the exercises alittle, if you notice that an athlete has mastered the exercise and is getting bored.ExampleAll athletesAgility & ConditioningAbdominal & BackForwards, Midfielders(power-oriented athletes)can benefit fromAgility & sual Reaction DrillsUsing conditioning circuits takes the pressure off athletes by focusing on the time at each station, not the number ofrepetitions. The goal is to get the athletes to do as many reps as they can, as correctly as they can, in the specified time.ExerciseDurationPush-ups30 secondsCrunches30 secondsLeg raises1 minuteLunges30 secondsTriceps dip30 secondsRunning1 ½ minutesGeneral Conditioning CircuitSampleNumber of circuits:Time at each station:Recovery between exercises:Recovery between circuits:121-530 seconds to1½ minutes15-45 seconds2-5 minutesFootball Quick Start Guide- September 2004
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideTips for Conducting Safe Training SessionsThough the risks can be few, coaches have a responsibility to ensure that athletes know, understand and appreciate therisks of football. The safety and well-being of athletes are the coaches primary concerns. Football is not a dangeroussport, but accidents do occur when coaches forget to take safety precautions. It is the head coach s responsibility tominimize the occurrence of injuries by providing safe 17.18.19.20.Establish clear rules for behavior at your first practice and enforce them.Keep your hands to yourself.Listen to the coach.When you hear the whistle, Stop, look and listen.Ask the coach before you leave the field of play.When the weather is poor, have a plan to immediately remove athletes from inclement weather.Make sure athletes bring water to every practice, especially in hotter climates.Check your first-aid kit; restock supplies as necessary.Train all athletes and coaches on emergency procedures.Choose a safe field area. Do not practice in areas with rocks or holes that could cause injury. Simply tellingplayers to avoid obstacles is not enough.Walk the field and boundaries and remove unsafe objects. Be particularly vigilant when you are playing incluttered indoor gyms. Remove anything that a player might run in to.Check the balls for loose panels that could cause eye injury.Check the goals for poorly secured posts and cross-bars. Instruct players never to swing on goals. Pay particularattention to portable goals that could tip over in a high wind or if players swing on the cross-bar. Make surethese goals are securely staked into the ground.Review your first-aid and emergency procedures. Have someone who is trained in first aid andcardiopulmonary resuscitation on or very near to the field during practice and games.Establish clear rules for behavior at your first practice.Warm up and stretch properly at the beginning of each practice to prevent muscle injuries.Train to improve the general fitness level of your players. Physically fit players are less likely to get injured.Make your practices active.Make sure that players are physically matched in games where players go against each other, head-to-head,(e.g., one-on-one drills).Require all your players to wear shin pads at practices and games. The use of athletic cups and fitted mouthguards is recommended, particularly for players with slower reactions.Do not put a player with a very slow reaction time in the goalkeeper s position. Make sure that a goalkeeper isable to understand how to play the position safely.Selecting Team MembersThe key to successful development of a traditional Special Olympics or Unified Sports team is the proper selection ofteam members. We have provided some primary considerations below.Ability GroupingUnified Sports football teams work best when all team members have similar sports skills. Partners with abilities thatare far superior to other teammates will either control competition or accommodate others by not competing to theirpotential. In both situations, the goals of interaction and teamwork are diminished and a true competitive experience isnot achieved.Age GroupingAll team members should be closely matched in age.Within 3-5 years of age for athletes 21 years of age and under.Within 10-15 years for athletes 22 years of age and over.For example, in football, an 8-year-old should not be competing against or with a 30-year-old athlete.Football Quick Start Guide- September 200413
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideSpecial Olympics Football Skills Assessment CardAthlete s NameDateCoach s NameDateInstructions1.2.3.4.5.Use tool at the beginning of the training/competition season to establish a basis of the athlete s starting skilllevel.Have the athlete perform the skill several times.If the athlete performs the skill correctly three out of five times, check the box next to the skill to indicate thatthe skill has been accomplished.Program assessment sessions into your football program.Athletes may accomplish skills in any order. Athletes have accomplished this list when all possible items havebeen achieved.Control-ReceivingControls ball using inside of footControls ball using chestControls ball using thighCushions ball with chest or thighDistributes body weight, so that they are able to move backward, forward or sidewaysJudges ball flight speed appropriatelyChooses the right technique and body surface to control ballDribblingDribbles forward, using the top of footUses inside of foot to quickly change directionUses outside of foot to shield ball from opponentsUses sole of foot to change ball directionDribbles up field with ball while walkingDribbles up field with ball while runningPassingSquares up ball, player and target in a straight lineMakes eye contact with intended receiverFollows through in direction of intended receiver kicking footPlaces kicking foot flat against back of ballContacts ball with the toes pulled up, foot parallel to ground and ankle locked14Football Quick Start Guide- September 2004
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideShootingApproaches ball from sidePlaces non-kicking foot by side of ballControls ball before shootingTacklingLeans upper body into front-block tackleMaintains good balance with outstretched leg in side-block tackleTracks and closes down on opponents dribbling the ballKnows when to use appropriate tackle techniqueMoves quickly to close distance to opponent with ballFocuses attention on ball, not opponent s bodyHeadingAttempts to head the ballLooks at ball as it comes toward the headRocks onto back foot before ball arrivesAttacks through ball for powerDirects ball in correct, general directionDirects ball with accuracyHeads ball while standingHeads ball while jumpingGoalkeepingMaintains concentration when ball is away from the goalGets behind the line of the ballScoops up low balls with legs straight and togetherGoes down on one knee and scoops up low ballsSecures high ball with both hands working together as one unitDives on side of bodyDistributes the ball, using appropriate techniqueFootball Quick Start Guide- September 200415
Special Olympics FootballCoaches Quick Start GuideFootball AttirePlayers must wear appropriate football attire to train and compete successfully. Inappropriate uniforms and equipmentcan impact a player s ability to play the game and, in some cases, may be a safety hazard. Teams dressed in goodlooking and properly-fitted uniforms are more likely to be motivated to train and play as a team.Appropriate football attire is required for all competitors. As coach, discuss the types of sport clothes that areacceptable and not acceptable for training and competition. Discuss the im
Special Olympics Football Coaches Quick Start Guide Football Quick Start Guide- September 2004 9 up, exercises and cool Sample Fitness Program Focus on overall general fitness for Special Olympics athletes. The program below has three major components: warm--down.
I am physically able to take part in Special Olympics activities. 2. Likeness Release. I give permission to Special Olympics to use my photo, video, name, voice, and words to promote Special Olympics and raise funds for Special Olympics. For this form, "Special Olympics" means all Special Olympics organizations. 3. Risk of Concussion and .
Coaching Special Olympics Athletes prepares Special Olympics coaches to use their sport-specific knowledge in coaching athletes with intellectual disabilities. This course meets the Special Olympics standards and competencies for coach certification. For veteran Special Olympics coache
and knowledge of Special Olympics; teaching and coaching the Special Olympics athlete; general and Special Olympics sport rules and coaching pedagogy; and personal character. It is understood that Programs are granted the necessary latitude to verify the achi
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Special Olympics Football Coaching Guide Created: February 2004 Teaching Football Skills Warming Up 5 Stretching Stretching is one of the most critical parts of the warm-up and an athlete’s performance. A more flexible muscle is a stronger and healthier muscle. A stronger and healthier muscle responds better to exercise and activities and helps
Special Olympics Volleyball Coaching Guide-August 2008 5 Special Olympics Volleyball Coaching Guide Teaching Volleyball Skills Event Specific Drills Drills are activities designed to teach sport skills. Progressions of learning start at a low ability level, advance to File Size: 1MB
The American Revolution had both long-term origins and short-term causes. In this section, we will look broadly at some of the long-term political, intellectual, cultural, and economic developments in the eigh-teenth century that set the context for the crisis of the 1760s and 1770s. Between the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the middle of the eigh- teenth century, Britain had largely failed .
