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National B License

national b license

grassroots pathway

National "B" License

DESCRIPTION

The National "B" License Course is designed to introduce concepts that are targeting toward coaching players age 16 to college level. The National "B" License focuses on recognizing the principles of the game and its technical applications in 11v11 game situations. Candidates will learn to teach and implement these principles through functional training sessions leading up to the 11v11 game. The course will help candidates get a better understanding of the responsibilities of coaching at advanced levels and will prepare those coaches who wish to pursue the National "A" License. 

Key Elements of the National "B" License course:

  • Help coaches to observe and identify tactical and technical breakdowns in game situations.
  • Learn to develop and implement appropriate training sessions to meet the demands of the game.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have held the National "C" License for a minimum of 12 months. 

Click here for information on FLPP applications.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Pre-Course:

  • The National "B" License course is a nine-day program and the physical and mental demands of the course are great. Candidates are encouraged to participate in the sessions in order to maximize learning. Therefore, attention should be given by each candidate to arrive at the course in good physical condition.
  • Pre-course reading material is expected to be completed prior to arrival to the course. U.S. Soccer's Best Practices for Coaching in the United States manual is available online and candidates should become comfortable with the information.

During the Course:

  • The National "B" License course consists of approximately 20 classroom hours and 48 field sessions hours.
  • Classroom sessions involve active candidate participation and use game and training video as a learning tool.
  • Assist candidates in how to observe and scout a game with the purpose of analyzing the opponent, as well as analyzing one's own team.
  • Assist candidates in how to work with individuals / small groups and be able to put all components together in a game situation.
  • U.S. National Instructional Staff conduct realistic training sessions throughout the course using methodology recognized and used by U.S. Soccer.
  • Candidates are given opportunities to run two practice coaching sessions and provided feedback from U.S. National Instructional Staff.
  • Candidates will learn how to properly step in at the right time to make coaching points during training sessions and in 11v11 game situations.
  • Candidates are responsible for reading the FIFA Laws of the Game Booklet and completing the corresponding written examination.
  • Candidates will be given two oral exam questions, one on Tactics and one on Methodology. A passing grade in both questions must be received in order to pass the course.

Post-Course:

  • Candidates are encouraged to be an ambassador for the game, to treat the game, and those involved with the game with respect and dignity.

Recommendations Prior to Attending:

  • Candidate has experience coaching players age 16 to college level.
  • Review National "C" License course materials.
  • Know the principles of defense and attack and have a good understanding of their application in the context of the game.

COURSE CURRICULUM

The curriculum for the National "B" License course is based upon modern methods of coaching soccer. The curriculum is divided into Theory and Practical areas of coaching. 

Theory

  • Analyzing the Opponent
  • Methods of Coaching
  • Game Analysis and Model Training Session Review
  • Tactics
  • Psychology
  • Goalkeeping the Modern Game

Practical

  • Finishing
  • Goalkeeping
  • Changing Point of Attack
  • Playing out of the Back
  • Training the Playmaker
  • Middle 1/3 to Attacking 1/3
  • Playing in the Attacking 1/3
  • Zonal Defending in the Back
  • Midfield Defending
  • 11v11
  • Fitness
  • Observation Topics
  • Game for Analysis
  • Model Training Session
  • Attacking from the Flank

ASSESSMENT

Candidates undergo a challenging series of written, oral and practical examinations on a variety of subjects in the National "B" License course.

  • Field Examination 
  • Psychology/Team Management Examination 
  • Anatomy & Physiology Examination 
  • Oral Examination 
  • FIFA Laws of the Game Examination

Candidates are not graded upon playing ability, but are required to fully participate. 

If an applicant misses any of the course sessions, they must return to a future school to participate in that session/lecture, even if the candidate has passed all of the testing areas. License will be withheld until this requirement is fulfilled.

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