Meet the ‘Celtic Way’ of youth coaching (3 EXERCISES)

Young, dedicated and enthusiastic coaches sent from Celtic Academy conducted 3 days soccer training camp demonstrating training program from their standard curriculum to over 60 excited kids (age between 6 and 13).

They represented the ‘Celtic Way’ in coaching young soccer players. The coaching method was focused on technical development which included the famous ‘Celtic Turns’, ball mastery, receiving the ball, 1v1, passing and moving, awareness, control, finishing and small sided games. Most of all, the players had lots of fun, learned new skills and met new friends in a safe and welcoming environment created by Celtic Soccer Academy coaches.

During the 3 days camp it was pleasure to be part of one of the renowned clubs in Europe and share experience directly on the field of play. Discussing, visualizing and demonstrating among coaches is precious value that every colleague would benefit and use it in his daily coaching. Notes were taken and I will share with you three exercises used with various age groups.

Aim: Practice quality first touch to gain advantage over defender’s pressure

In area 20×20 meters in front of the goal players are positioned in groups like in diagram above. Player A has the color marker hanging from his shorts at the back. Player B starts the action with passing the ball to player A who receives the ball and tries to score at goal as quick as possible. While player B passes the ball, Player C sprints around the cone trying to reach and take the marker of his back. Players rotate positions.

Aim: Creating space to receive pass and keeping possession

Players are positioned in an area 20×10 meters like in diagram above. Player D acts as a defender. He is marking player B trying to distract him and unable him to receive the ball and pass the ball to the teammate on the opposite side.  After 2 minutes players are changing roles.

Aim: Practice dribbling and agility in 1v1 situation

Players are grouped in four corners with two teams on opposite sides. Yellow players have the ball and start at the same time. They pass the ball to the opponents on the other side of the grid and action starts having two simultaneously 1v1 situation. Players are playing only against the opponent to whom they pass the ball.  Aim is to stop the ball over the line behind opponents back. The action is played inside the square and if the ball goes out, that pair must go out of play.

What do you think about the ‘Celtic way’ exercises?