Red Shirt Rookies

Special Olympics Colorado Red Shirt Rookies

What is Red Shirt Rookies? Red Shirt Rookies is an extension of Project UNIFY, a program run by Special Olympics Colorado, pioneering Unified Sports into elementary schools. It is a before/after school program focused on teaching sports specific skills to the athletes and partners involved. The program strives to break down barriers between kids with and without intellectual disabilities at an early age through playing games and learning skills together. This structured program is run by Special Olympics Colorado trained volunteers within the school staff. Special Olympics will provide all t-shirts and equipment needed for this program. Why Should Your School Add Red Shirt Rookies? Throughout the course of the year, athletes and partners involved will gain skills both inside and outside of athletics. On the field or on the court, youth will get to learn how to play certain sports and further develop their personal skills. The sports Red Shirt Rookies offers are flag football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and soccer in the spring. Trained volunteers/school staff will be leading the program to teach the young athletes sport specific skills while having fun and ensuring safety. More importantly, athletes and partners involved in the program will make friends with other students in their school. The friendships made through the program will help build a more Unified community within your school. The Red Shirt Rookies participants will develop habits to be more active and live healthier lives. When is Red Shirt Rookies? Trained school staff will be on site to run practices once a week for forty five minutes. Each sport has a five week season with a total of 15 sessions throughout the year. -Flag Football (September-October) -Basketball (January-March) -Soccer (April-May) Schools should commit to offering all three sports during the school year. Who can participate? The Red Shirt Rookies Program is open to all students in grades K- 5th with and without intellectual disabilities who would like to actively participate further in team sports. All athletes participating in the Red Shirt Rookies Program will need to have a Special Olympics Colorado Participation form on file in order to participate. What is the goal of Red Shirt Rookies? The goal of Red Shirt Rookies is to introduce youth to Unified Sports at a young age and providing year round sports competition opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities. The overall goal of the program is to have our Rookies transition in to Competitive Special Olympics Unified Sports at the middle and high school level. Clear and Defined Characteristics of Project UNIFY®:

1. School-Community Collaborations, R-word/Rallies 2. Inclusive Programming/Unified Sports Options 3. Youth Leadership

Questions? Please contact Allo Perry @ Special Olympics Colorado ap@specialolympicsco.org 720.359.3106

       

Red Shirt Rookies

Important Things to Note

Terminology: Athlete- A student with an intellectual disability Partner- A student without an intellectual disability Unified- When athletes and partners are playing together The R-word is the word 'retard(ed)'. The R-word hurts because it is exclusive. It's offensive. It's derogatory. Please do not use the R-Word at any Special Olympics Colorado event, or EVER! Field: The field and gym will be reserved by Special Olympics Colorado. If anyone tells you to get off the field please show them the field contract which can be found in your RSR Binder. Please always plan on practicing outside on the field unless inclement weather ensues should you move the session indoors to the gym. If you need to move indoors to the gym please be sure to check with the office secretary before bringing all students indoors. Identification: Please always try to remember to wear your Special Olympics Colorado Volunteer T-Shirt. You will also always need to have a Photo ID with you. You will not be able to enter the school without proper identification. A student ID/Drivers license will suffice. Paperwork: If a student/parent insists their child has been registered please double check the RSR Sign Up Sheet as well as the paperwork (RSR Registration Form and/or Medical). If there is nothing on file the student is not permitted to participate until paperwork has been submitted. New Interested Students: It will inevitably happen that students within the school will come up to you asking if they can join and they can play. Unfortunately they will not be able to join in. They will need to wait until next season. Timing: All volunteers/school staff should plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the session of Red Shirt Rookies. For Flag Football, volunteers should report directly to the outside grass field and wait for Rookies to walk to the site. During this 15 minutes volunteers can collaborate on the plan for the days session, set up cones, lay out pennies and write nametags. For basketball, volunteers can report directly to the gym, you will need to buzz in, sign in and show your ID. For soccer, volunteers can report directly to the outside grass field. Student Pickup: If a student cannot find their parent after Red Shirt Rookies is over all volunteers will have access to the RSR Registration List which will have a parents phone number listed. Please make sure all Rookies leave with someone they know will be picking them up. Pictures: The Special Olympics Colorado Application (medical form) & RSR Registration form with the Liability Release clears us for allowing partners and athletes to be photographed. If an athlete/partner cannot be photographed (due to legal reasons or other reasons) they should designate that on their paperwork and it will be noted accordingly. Wear a watch: 45 minutes goes quickly so please be sure to start and end each session promptly. This will also help you space out drills/games/activities throughout the session.  

       

Red Shirt Rookies

            WHAT? The Red Shirt Rookies Program is a before/after school sport specific skills program

funded by Special Olympics Colorado and supported by Cherry Creek School District/Denver Public Schools/Douglas County Schools/Littleton Public Schools. The students will practice sports skills taught by Special Olympic Colorado volunteers. They will have fun playing games against other students within their school. Special Olympics will provide all uniforms and equipment needed for this program.

WHO? The Red Shirt Rookies Program is open to those students in grades K- 5th with and

without intellectual disabilities who would like to actively participate further in team sports! All students participating in the Red Shirt Rookies Program will need to have a Special Olympics Colorado Participation form on file in order to participate.

NEEDS? The Red Shirt Rookies Program is in school staff to serve as coaches, helpers, and

mentors within the program. Special Olympics Colorado will provide training to all school staff to serve as volunteers. For more information contact Allo Perry at ap@specialolympicsco.org .

WHEN? Red Shirt Rookies Flag Football- Fall (September-October) Red Shirt Rookies Basketball- Winter (January-March) Red Shirt Rookies Soccer- Spring (April-May) (Exact Dates TBD by School Staff) WHERE? Peakview Elementary School (CCSD) Pine Ridge Elementary School (CCSD) Ponderosa Elementary School (CCSD) Cole Elementary School (DPS) High Plains Elementary School (CCSD) Mountain View Elementary School (DCSD) Summit Elementary School (CCSD) Fairview Elementary School (DPS) Creekside Elementary School (CCSD) Runyon Elementary School (LPS) QUESTIONS? Please contact Allo Perry @ Special Olympics Colorado ap@specialolympicsco.org 720.359.3106 *Space is limited to the first 40 students to sign up. *Parents are responsible for their child’s transportation to and from the Red Shirt Rookies site. *If inclement weather occurs, Red Shirt Rookies will be moved inside to the gym temporarily.

Special Olympics Colorado Red Shirt Rookies Program Flyer

       

Red Shirt Rookies

 

*This form needs to be completed by ALL students. Students with Special Needs will ALSO need to fill out the Application for Participation.

About the Student (Your Child): Has your child been identified as having Special Needs: (Please Circle) Yes No *If your child has Special Needs you will also need to complete the Application for Participation Form. Once completed, this form is valid for three years Athlete’s Name ____________________________________________________________________________ (Last/Family) (First/Given)

Address:_______________________________________________ City:____________________________

State/Province:___________________ Postal Code/Zip Code_____________ Gender: rMale rFemale Birth Date: Month_________ Day_________ Year_________ Ethnicity: (Please Circle) White/Caucasian Black Hispanic Native American/Indian Other

Parent or Guardian Name: __________________________________________________________________ (Last/Family) (First/Given) Phone: ______________________________ *Email : _________________________________________ What is your relationship to the participant you are registering? (Please Circle One) Parent/Guardian Sibling Alternate Family Member/Other:

School Information: Please Circle Child Grade Level: K-1 2-3 4-5 Name of School Your Child Attends:

Red Shirt Rookies Program Registration Form

Special Olympics Colorado 384 Inverness Parkway, Suite 100

Englewood, CO 80112  

       

Red Shirt Rookies

Special Olympics Colorado Unified Sports® Partner Release and Waiver of Liability

In consideration of participating as a Special Olympics Unified Sports® partner, I represent that I understand the nature of the event and that I (and/or my minor child) am (are/is) qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in Unified Sports® events. I fully understand the event involves risks of serious bodily injury that may be caused by my own actions or inactions, by the actions of others participating in the event, or by conditions in which the event takes place. I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and/or damages I (and/or my minor child) may incur as a result of my (and or my minor child’s) participation. I acknowledge that if at any time I (we) feel that the event conditions are unsafe; I (and/or my minor child) will discontinue participation immediately.

If during my participation in Special Olympics activities I should need emergency medical treatment and I (and/or my minor child) am (are/is) not able to give my consent for or make my own arrangements for that treatment because of my injuries, I authorize Special Olympics to take whatever measures are necessary to protect my health and well-being, including, if necessary, hospitalization.

I (and/or my minor child) release, indemnify, covenant not to sue, and hold harmless Special Olympics Colorado, its administrators, directors, agents, officers, volunteers, employees, and other Unified Sports® participants and sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, any owners and lessors of premises on which the activity takes place from all liability, any losses, claims (other than that of the medical accident benefit), demands, costs, or damages that I (and/or my minor child) may incur as a result of participation in Unified Sports® events and further agree that if, despite this ‘Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement, I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the Releases, I will indemnify, save and hold harmless each of the Releases from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage or cost which may incur as a result of such claim.

I have read this ‘Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement’ and fully understand it.

_______________________________________________________ _______________________

Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian of Unified Sports® Partner Date

 

 

 

 

 

       

Red Shirt Rookies

Red Shirt Rookies Weekly Program: Flag Football Week 1: -Check-in and Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the field -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Teach the Rules of Special Olympics Colorado Unified Flag Football

• Positions & Roles o Offense o Quarterback – throw the ball to the receiver without getting downed o Wide Receiver – try to get open for quarterback to throw it to you, run towards the end

zone after catching the football o Running Back – take the handoff and run towards the end zone without getting flag

pulled o Offensive line – move your feet (not hands) to protect your teammates from getting

downed by other team o Center- snaps the ball to quarterback, then blocks (shields) for quarterback o Defense o Cornerback – cover wide receiver to try to not let him get the ball o Defensive line – try to down the quarterback before he throws the ball o Linebacker – either rush the quarterback or cover a receiver depending on how many

receivers the offense lines up. • Objective of offense – score touchdown without flag being pulled. • Scoring

o Touchdown = 6 points o Extra Point = 1 point from 5 yard line, 2 points from 10 yard line

• Objective of defense – stop them from moving forward by pulling their flag off o If quarterback is downed (flag pulled) in the end zone, a Safety = 2 points for the

defense • General Rules

o Can only run the ball off a direct handoff (quarterback can’t run, no laterals) o All passes must be forward o No fumbles – A fumble results in a dead ball o Can only rush the quarterback if you are 5 yards behind the ball when it is snapped o 4 downs to get a first down (10 yards progress), if not completed the ball is turned over

to the other team’s offense • Penalties

o No Holding o No Illegal Contact (hitting, tackling, pushing, fighting, etc.) o No Offsides (starting the play on the other teams side of the ball) o No Flag Guarding (stiff arm, holding onto flags, etc.)

-Partner/Shuttle Pass – break up into partners or shuttles, stand ten yards from each other and pass the ball back and forth; can be run in shuttles if there are a limited number of balls. -Stay in partners and work on offensive /defensive line – Have athletes get with their partner and get to an open area. Have partners decide one offensive line and one defensive. Place the ball five feet behind the offensive lineman and have the defensive lineman try to get it while the offensive lineman tries to keep him from getting to it. Alternate positions each repetition. -Flag pulling – stay in partners and have one partner work on grabbing and pulling the others flags while they walk to avoid, and then switch. -Cool Down -Circle Stretch -Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, and bring in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student

       

Red Shirt Rookies

-Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT At home activity: Practice throwing the ball and hitting a target, or playing catch with a friend or parent

Week 2: -Check-in and Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the field -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Run and Catch – have athletes run 10 yards then turn and catch a throw from a volunteer -Sharks and Minnows (sharks without flag, minnows with flags). The minnows need to cross the pond, which is the playing area without getting their flag pulled, simultaneously the shark should try to pull off the minnows flags. If the minnow’s flag gets pulled off, they become a shark. -Skills taught- protecting your own flag against defenders -Snaps – Get athletes into partners with a ball. Designate a center and quarterback. Have center snap the ball to the quarterback – through the legs, hold ball there, don’t throw it! – switch positions -Cool Down -Circle Stretch -Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, and bring in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT

At home activity: Play catch with friend or parent, work on running a route then catching the ball

Week 3:

-Check-in and Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the field -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Route Run and Catch – have athletes run a 10 yards then cross and catch throw from volunteer, run 10 yards forward after catching the ball -Skills taught- catching while on the move -Partner Passing – get athletes into groups of threes, and have them practice throwing and catching the ball -Snap and hand off – Keep the athletes in groups of three, designate one center, one quarterback, and one running back. Have center snap ball to quarterback who then hands it off to running back. Alternate positions -Relay Race – get athletes into lines, have volunteers in the middle of a field, athletes need to run down and back, if there flag gets pulled off they have to stop, put it on, and then keep running. -Cool Down -Circle Stretch -Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, and bring in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT

At home activity: Practice snapping and receiving snaps with a friend or parent.

Week 4: -Check-in and Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the field -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer

       

Red Shirt Rookies

- Route Run and Catch – have a line of quarterbacks and a line of receivers, have receivers run 10 yards then catch a pass from the quarterback - Offensive line shuffle – One volunteer leads the group and the students scatter across the field and shuffle with the volunteer. Backwards, Forwards, Side to Side. -Skills taught- keeping your feet moving in the correct body positioning -Scrimmage (5v5) numbers will fluctuate depending on the number of athletes and volunteers- designate positions and then play. Referee closely and stop game at times to offer insight. -Cool Down -Circle Stretch -Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, and bring in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT

At home activity: Practice keeping a friend or parent from getting the ball behind you by moving your feet.

Week 5: -Check-in and Distribute Name Tags & RSR T-Shirts -Warm up Lap around the field -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Scrimmage (5v5) numbers will fluctuate depending on the number of athletes and volunteers- designate positions and then play. Switch positions throughout. Referee closely and stop game at times. Each volunteer should take a team of 5 or more and help them set up and play -Skills taught- familiarity in a game like scenario -Have each team work on at least one set play that they learn how to execute. -Alternate teams to have Rookies play other groups of 5 -Cool Down -Circle Stretch -Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for winter basketball, and bring in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Group Picture -Collect all equipment

At home activity: KEEP PRACTICING THROWING, CATCHING, AND RUNNING WITH THE FOOTBALL!

       

Red Shirt Rookies

Red Shirt Rookies Weekly Program: Basketball Week 1: -Check In & Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the court -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Teach the rules of Special Olympics Colorado Unified Basketball

• Outline the positions and what they do o Guard – typically smaller people, bring the ball up the court, good dribblers and passers o Forwards – typically taller people, play closer to the basket, good passers and shooters

• 5v5 • The objective is to score baskets through dribbling, passing and shooting • Objective is to have more points than the other team • Play defense to prevent the other team from scoring, but no fouling! (explain fouling is making

contact with the offensive player ) • Can only move the ball by dribbling or passing– no walking with the ball • Show how to dribble and pass

Basic Basketball Skills Drills -Dribbling- Right Hand, Left Hand, Alternating Hands (in lines, down and back across gym, then next in line goes) Drill: Ten-meter Dribble

1. Purpose: to measure an athlete’s speed and skill in dribbling a basketball. 2. Equipment: Three basketballs, four cones, floor tape (if available), measuring tape and a stopwatch. 3. Description: The athlete begins from behind the start line and between the cones. The athlete starts dribbling and moving when the official signals. The athlete dribbles the ball with one hand for the entire 10 meters

A wheelchair athlete must alternate, taking two pushes followed by two dribbles for legal dribbling. -The athlete must cross the finish line between the cones and must pick up the basketball to stop the dribble. -If an athlete loses control of the ball, the clock continues to run. The athlete can recover the ball. However, if the ball goes outside the 1.5 meter lane, the athlete can either pick up the nearest back-up basketball or recover the errant ball to continue the event. 4. Scoring

The athlete will be timed from the signal “Go” to when he/she crosses the finish line between the cones and picks up the basketball to stop the dribble. A one-second penalty will be added every time the athlete illegally dribbles (e.g., two-hand dribbles, carries the ball, etc.). The athlete will receive two trials.

       

Red Shirt Rookies

-Cool Down -Circle Stretch -Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, and bring in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT At home activity: Dribble basketball with right hand, left hand, and alternating hands

Week 2: -Check In & Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the court -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Dribbling- down and back across the gym in lines (right hand, left hand, alternating) -Defense (defensive slide down and back across the court – right foot leading, left foot leading) -Partner Passing –(Pass Types- Bounce Pass , Chest Pass, Overhead, One-arm)

-Divide Athletes into teams of two- keeping athletes of similar skill together -One athletes has a ball and is positioned a set distance from a partner -First athlete chest passes the ball to partner -Second athletes steps up to catch the pass and immediately passes it back to the partner -This repeats as long as the athletes can keep the passes going while alternating pass types

Drill: Target Pass

1. Purpose: to measure an athlete’s skill in passing a basketball. 2. Equipment: Two basketballs, flat wall, floor tape (if available), and measuring tape. 3. Description: A 1 meter square is marked on a wall using chalk or tape. The bottom line of the square shall be 1 meter from the floor. A 3 meter square will be marked on the floor 7 feet from the wall. The athlete must stand within the square. The athlete is given five passes. 4. Scoring The athlete receives three points for hitting the wall inside the square. The athlete receives two points for hitting the lines of the square. The athlete receives one point for hitting the wall but not in or on any part of the square. The athlete receives one point for catching the ball in the air or after one or more bounces while standing in the box. The athlete receives zero points if the ball bounces before hitting the wall. The athlete’s score will be the sum of the points from all five passes. -Shooting – break up into small groups depending on number of students, volunteers, and baskets -Practice shooting from different points close to the basket

       

Red Shirt Rookies

-Cool down -Circle Stretch -Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, and bring in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT

At home activity: practice defensive slides along a flat ground (alternating which foot leads)

Week 3: -Check In & Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the court -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Sharks and Minnows Game- Sharks without a ball, Minnows with a ball. As the minnows try to cross to the other side of the court, the sharks try to take the ball from the minnows and minnows try to get to the other side of the court without losing their ball -Relay Race- Split student in to two groups and have them stand very close to each other in a line. Use one ball for each “line” of students; have the students pass the ball over and under, alternating between passing the ball between their legs and over their head. The first “line” of students to get the ball to the end of the line wins. -Shooting Drill: Spot Shot

1. Purpose: to measure an athlete’s skill in shooting a basketball. 2. Equipment: Two basketballs, floor tape (if available), basketball hoop. 3. Description: Six spots are marked on the floor. Start each measurement from a spot on the floor under the front of the rim. The spots are marked as follows: #1 & #2 =1.5 meter to the left and right plus 1 meter out. #3 & #4 =1.5 meter to the left and right plus 1.5 meter out. #5 & #6 = 1.5 meter to the left and right plus 2 meters out.

The athlete attempts two field goals from each of six spots. The attempts are taken at spots #2, #4 and #6, and then at spots #1, #3 and #5.

4. Scoring For every field goal made at spots #1 and #2, two points are awarded. For every field goal made at spots # 3 and #4, three points are awarded. For every field goal made at spots # 5 and #6, four points are awarded.

For any field goal attempt that does not pass through the basket but does hit either the backboard and/or the ring, one point is awarded.

The athlete’s score will be the sum of the points from all 12 shots. -Cool Down -Circle Stretch

       

Red Shirt Rookies

-Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, and bring in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT At home activity: Practice passing bounce passes and chest passes with a friend of parent.

Week 4: -Check In & Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the court -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Defensive Shuffle- One volunteer leads the group and the students scatter across the court and shuffle with the volunteer. Backwards, Forwards, Side to Side. -Assume proper body stance, legs bent, head and hands up and weight on balls of feet -Maintain proper body position while moving sideways, forward and backward -Maintain proper body position while moving in relation to the ball -See the ball, Head and Hands Up, Slide -Passing (bounce, then chest) with a partner -Dribble Tag- While dribbling the basketball, and without double-dribbling or traveling, players must tag other players. Once other players have been “tagged”, they are out of the game. All players can have a basketball in this game or just the players who are “it.” Play this game within a specified area (half-court for example) and the winning player is the last one remaining. -Layups in a line, both sides of the court -Scrimmage 5v5- split up in to multiple teams on an as needed basis. Ensure at least one volunteer is assigned to each team. -Cool Down -Circle Stretch -Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, bring students in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT At home activity: if access to a basket, practice shooting from in close and steadily move farther out. If no access to a basket, practice throwing the ball upwards towards a target on a wall.

Week 5: -Check In & Distribute Name Tags & Red Shirt Rookies Basketball T-Shirts -Warm up Lap around the court -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer - Athletes dribble around volunteer one at a time and shoot a layup - Scrimmage 5v5- split up in to multiple teams on as as needed basis. Ensure at least one volunteer is assigned to each team. -Cool Down -Circle Stretch -Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for Spring Soccer, -Please have a volunteer take a group picture with RSR Basketball Shirts & bring students in for one last Red Shirt Rookies Cheer as a group -Collect All Equipment -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT At home activity: KEEP PRACTICING!

       

Red Shirt Rookies

Red Shirt Rookies Weekly Program: Soccer

Week 1: -Check-in and Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the field -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Dribbling- Practice dribbling with just your right foot, then dribbling with just your left foot, then dribbling alternating feet. -Set up cones- have the Rookies dribble in a zigzag around the cones with the ball. Spread these cones far enough apart that they will be able go around each cone.

-Relays have two lines stand across from each other, there only needs to be one ball for both of the lines. The first Rookie in line dribbles the ball to the first Rookie in line across from them. They go back and forth until everyone has dribbled across the field. Set up two of these relays, and you can make a competition out of it (who can complete their relay first).

Dribbling Drill Suggestion: -Equipment- Soccer balls, tape or chalk, four large cones to mark the finish zone

-Description: The player dribbles from the starting line to the finish zone, staying inside the marked lane. The finish zone should be marked off with cones. After the Rookie finishes and stops the ball in the finish zone it is now the next players turn. -Passing- Teach the rookies the proper way to pass a soccer ball (not with your toe, use inside of foot). Have them pair up with a partner and do partner passing. They can do short distance passing and then spread the two lines apart and have them practice longer passes. -Have them try to get a certain number of passes in a row -Cool Down, Circle Stretch, Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, bring in the group for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT At Home Activity: Practice dribbling by making small, controlled touches on the ball. Week 2: -Check-in and Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the field -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Partner Passing

       

Red Shirt Rookies

-Passing & Shooting- Students will start in a line at the top about 30 yards from the goal. Rookies should dribble the ball, pass it to a volunteer and then should keep running and the volunteer should pass the ball back to the Rookie who will then shoot on goal. Students should get back in line once they have shot. Repeat. Shooting Drill Suggestion: -Equipment – Soccer balls, cones, goal with net.

-Description: Athlete begins at the start line and walks or runs forward to shoot the ball into the goal from a distance of about six meters. Athlete is only allowed to kick the ball once. The athlete returns to the line. The volunteer places the next ball to be shot. Athlete repeats being given a total of five shots. When the player kicks the last ball, the clock is stopped. -Sharks and Minnows (sharks without the ball, minnows with the ball). The minnows need to cross the pond, which is the playing area while dribbling the ball, simultaneously the shark should try to kick the minnows ball away. If the minnow’s ball gets kicked away, they become a shark.

-Skills taught: Dribbling the soccer ball, shielding it and moving it in different directions away from defenders

-Cool Down, Circle Stretch, Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, bring in the group for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT At Home Activity: Practice passing with a friend or sibling. Week 3: -Check-in and Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the field -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer Shooting Drill Suggestion:

       

Red Shirt Rookies

-Description: Use the penalty area and full-size goal with nets, on a regulation field. Four to eight balls at the top of the penalty arc. (If balls are in short supply, the test can be run with four to five balls with a good retrieval and return system). -Player starts at the penalty spot, runs to the first ball, dribbles into the penalty area and shoots. Attempting to shoot the ball in the air into the goal. Players can shoot from whatever distance they choose once they are inside the penalty area. -As soon as the player has shot, he/she returns and repeats with another ball. -Steal the Bacon (Split the students in half. Have them line up by height, on either side of the center of the field. Give them each their own number. Doing this with both groups of students and having the smallest students be the same number and the biggest students be the same number. This is will be easy and should coordinate somewhat with their skill level. -Skills taught- 1v1, being aware of opposing players, shooting on the run -Red Light, Green Light- with a soccer ball. When it is green Rookies must try to dribble the ball and keep it close to their feet. When a volunteer yells red light, Rookies must try to stop the ball by stepping on top of it. Repeat. -Skills taught- Change of Speed and Dribbling in Control -Cool Down, Circle Stretch, Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, bring in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT At Home Activity: Practice shooting; either against a wall or into a goal. Week 4: -Check-in and Distribute Name Tags -Warm up Lap around the field -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Freeze Tag- Set up an inbounds area and give each player a ball except for one. The player without the ball is 'it" and tries to freeze you by touching (not kicking it away) your ball. When this happens the player is frozen and must lift the ball above their head and spread their legs wide to create a "goal." The player can be 'un-frozen' when another player kicks the ball through the frozen players legs. Play until all players are frozen or the player that is it is exhausted.

-Skills taught- keeping your ball away from your defender and how to take advantage of your defenders decision

-Full Field (width-wise) Scrimmage (5v5) two or three games based on numbers; split up teams based on skill level and/or age -Cool Down, Circle Stretch, Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for next week, bring in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT At Home Activity: Practice keeping possession of the ball while a friend tries to steal the ball from you.

       

Red Shirt Rookies

Week 5: -Check-in and Distribute Name Tags and T-Shirts -Warm up Lap around the field -Group Stretch- led by a volunteer -Full Field (width-wise) Scrimmage (5v5) two or three games at a time based on numbers; split up teams based on skill level and/or age -Skills taught- familiarity of the game of soccer while learning positions and the rules -Cool Down, Circle Stretch, Ask rookies what they learned in the session today, Get them excited for Flag Football next fall, bring in for a Red Shirt Rookies Cheer led by a student -Group Picture- please ensure someone takes a group photo of all the Red Shirt Rookies in their t-shirts. -Make sure all RSR either head inside to class or leave with a PARENT At Home Activity: Practice making small touches on the ball and keeping the ball close while dribbling.