Sideline Playbook
Coach's Field Guide
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The Sideline Playbook

A club-wide coaching curriculum — methodology, formations, and ready-to-run session plans from U4 to U19+, built for volunteer coaches who need something they can actually use on the field.

By Ari Levit · Coacharilevit@gmail.com

By Ari Levit · Coacharilevit@gmail.com
The Foundation

Coaching Methodology

You don't need to be a soccer expert. Your job is to create a safe, active, positive environment where players get lots of touches, make decisions, and enjoy playing.

Every session plan uses proven activities adapted for Randolph Rec — each one explains what to set up, how to play, what to watch for, and how to adjust it on the fly.

Start with the plan. Observe your group. Adjust as needed.

Randolph Rec Program Overview

Match the curriculum tabs to the league you're coaching this season.

Micro 1

Grade
Kindergarten
Age
U6
Game Format
4v4
Session Length
60 minutes
Schedule
Saturday only

Micro 2

Grade
1st grade
Age
U8
Game Format
7v7
Session Length
60 minutes
Schedule
1 weekday practice + Saturday

C League

Grade
2nd–3rd grade
Age
U10
Game Format
7v7
Session Length
90 minutes
Schedule
2 weekday practices + Saturday game

B League

Grade
4th–5th grade
Age
U12
Game Format
9v9
Session Length
90 minutes
Schedule
2 weekday practices + Saturday game

A League

Grade
6th–8th grade
Age
U14
Game Format
11v11
Session Length
90 minutes
Schedule
2 weekday practices + Saturday game

No Laps, No Lines, No Lectures

No Laps

Fitness comes from playing. Use dribbling games, tag games, and small-sided activities to keep players moving.

No Lines

A player waiting in line isn't learning. Use small groups and multiple balls so everyone stays involved.

No Lectures

Kids have about 30 seconds of attention. Tell them the move, the boundaries, and how to score — then start playing.

Play first. Observe. Ask a question. Make one adjustment. Play again.

How to Run an Activity

Run each step in order.

  1. 1

    Purpose

    What are the players learning?

  2. 2

    Setup

    Space, equipment, teams, starting positions.

  3. 3

    How to Play

    How it starts, scores, and restarts.

  4. 4

    Coaching Points

    Pick one or two ideas to emphasize.

  5. 5

    Easier Option

    More space, time, or support.

  6. 6

    Harder Option

    Add pressure, opposition, or a scoring challenge.

Give players the teams, boundaries, and scoring — start within 30 seconds. Coach the details once play begins.

The Coach's Job

You do not need to have every answer. Your job is to:

  • Keep players safe
  • Keep players active
  • Give them a ball
  • Create a clear game
  • Encourage good decisions
  • Adjust the challenge
  • Ask useful questions
  • Make soccer enjoyable

Formation Options for Coaches

Formations are starting points, not rules. Pick a shape that helps your current team understand spacing, support, width, and defending — and let players experience different parts of the game rather than locking them into one position.

4v4 Options

1-2-1 Diamond

width, depth, passing angles

2-2 Box

simple, balanced

7v7 Options

2-3-1

balanced, easy width

3-2-1

defensive support, build from the back

2-1-2-1

two diamonds, passing angles

9v9 Options

3-2-3

width in attack, cover behind

2-3-2-1

central connections, triangles

3-3-2

clear defensive, midfield, attacking groups

11v11 Options

4-3-3

width, midfield connections, press from front

4-2-3-1

defensive protection, link to forward

4-4-2

simple, familiar, partnerships

The shape matters less than the players in it. Encourage spreading out, supporting the ball, protecting the middle, and communicating.

The Four Moments of the Game

Attacking

We Have the Ball

Can we keep it, move forward, create a chance?

Negative Transition

We Lost the Ball

Can we react, protect the goal, or win it back?

Defending

They Have the Ball

Can we pressure, help each other, protect space?

Positive Transition

We Won the Ball

Can we attack before they recover?

Not every session needs all four — but over a season, players should feel the game shift between them.

Our Principles of Play

When We Have the Ball

Go Forward

Can we dribble, pass, or shoot toward goal?

Penetration
Spread Out

Create width and depth.

Dispersal
Support the Ball

Give the player with the ball a passing option.

Support
Move After Passing

Find a new space and help again.

Movement
Be Creative

Try a move, disguise a pass, or solve the problem in a different way.

Creativity

When They Have the Ball

Pressure

The closest player slows down or stops the ball.

Pressure
Cover

A teammate supports the player applying pressure.

Cover
Protect the Middle

Make the direct route to goal difficult.

Compactness
Stay Connected

Defend as a group rather than as separate players.

Balance
Make Play Predictable

Guide the opponent away from dangerous areas.

Predictability

Helping Players Make Decisions

1

Look

Where are the ball, teammates, opponents, goals, and open spaces?

2

Think

What options are available?

3

Choose

Should I dribble, pass, shoot, support, pressure, or recover?

4

Act

Perform the chosen action.

5

Learn

Did it work? What could I try next time?

Questions to Ask

  • What do you see?
  • Where is the open space?
  • How can you help the player with the ball?
  • What could you try next time?
  • What changed when we lost the ball?

Adjusting the Challenge

Make It Easier

  • Increase the space
  • Add an attacker
  • Make the goal larger
  • Reduce the number of restrictions
  • Give players more time

Make It Harder

  • Reduce the space
  • Add a defender
  • Make the target smaller
  • Add a scoring challenge
  • Increase the speed of restarts

Scoring Examples

  • Two points for scoring after a pass
  • Two points for using a wide area
  • One bonus point for winning the ball back quickly
  • A goal counts after every player enters the attacking half

Use as few restrictions as possible. A rule should create a useful decision, not remove the need to think.

Coaching Styles

Direct Instruction

(safety/demos)

Question and Answer

Guided Discovery

Problem Solving

Trial and Error

A good coach moves between these. You don't need to control every decision.

Coaching the Person

Soccer is a chance to teach more than soccer. Notice character as often as you notice skill — when a player helps a teammate, handles a mistake well, or keeps trying.

  • Confidence
  • Effort
  • Patience
  • Positivity
  • Humility
  • Communication
  • Resilience
  • Appreciation
  • Teamwork
  • Respect
  • Encouragement
  • Passion

Final Reminder

A session doesn't need to look perfect. If players were active, touched the ball, made decisions, and want to play again — it worked.