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U6 Development of Individual Skills
COACH: Must be enthusiastic. Must be able to give encouragement. Must be
understanding and fair. Must be able to give equal playing time and
rotate positions. Cannot be concerned with wins and losses. Must secure
safe environment. Should play with players.
TECHNIQUE: Every player should have a ball. No elimination games. Establish
fundamental motor skills like running, jumping and rolling. Focus
heavily on kicking the ball, stopping the ball, dribbling the ball and
stealing the ball. No heading what-so-ever. Encourage individual
success.
TACTICS: No tactics taught. The player only understands themselves and the ball
and cannot think in an abstract or tactical manner. Get players to move
in the correct direction to score or defend. In the game, everybody
moves up and down the field as a unit. Do not leave defenders standing
at the top of the penalty box.
PHYSICAL: Poor eye, hand and eye, and foot coordination at this age. Balance is
increasing. Must be given frequent but short rest periods. They will give
the activity 100% effort until fatigued. Not much physical difference
between boys and girls. Do not have players run laps.
MENTAL: Poor judgment in regards to safety. The focus is on themselves as an
individual. Must be fun. Need positive reinforcement and praise. Prone
to exaggerate. Need plenty of room to move.
U8 Individual Skill Development
COACH: Passionate about children. Enhancement of U6 soccer knowledge.
Know basic rules of corner kick, goal kick, indirect kick, kick-off, drop
ball and minor fouls. Encourage sportsmanship. Should play with
players. Coach must be enthusiastic and sensitive. Wins and losses do
not matter. Nurturing manner.
TECHNIQUE: Enhancement of dribbling skills using all foot surfaces. How to receive
and control the ball. Starting to learn how to pass. Don’t encourage
players to just kick the ball down field. Start to encourage controlling it
and trying to keep possession. Learn to shoot. Every player must have
their own ball. 75% of practice should be on technique. Left and right
foot with every activity. All activities are to be done with a ball.
TACTICS: Players begin to understand themselves and a friend. Rotate players in
different positions. Width and spreading out on the field. Move up and
down the field as a unit. Penetrate defenses with quick passes.
Understand restarts. Still heavy emphasis on individual technique rather
than group tactics. Lots of 1v1. 2v1 and 2v2 towards goal. Plenty of
repetitions.
PHYSICAL: Improved eye, hand and eye, and foot coordination is improving but not
completely mature. Can be self centered. Skeletal system is growing.
Need full rest periods and plenty of water. No separate running should
be done. All activities with a ball.
MENTAL: Need constant reinforcement. Focus is on them and their friend. They
are beginning to develop time and space relationships. Easily bruised
ego. Make it fun. They have a great need for approval and have a fear of
failure.
U10 Development of Skill and Small Group
Tactics
COACH: Coach must be enthusiastic and passionate. Must have the ability to
demonstrate. Must be keen and sensitive as well as enjoy children. The
coach must seek soccer education. Must respect the game and all who
are involved with it. Focus on development rather than the result. Know
more soccer rules.
TECHNIQUE: Continued development on individual technique. Ball juggling. All
players must have a ball. Control and receiving as well as passing skills
should be heavily emphasized. Continued work on shooting. Activities
must include lots of repetitions. Teach Goalkeeping skills. 75% of
practice should be on technique. Encourage mastery of the ball. Left and
right foot with everything.
TACTICS: Build on small group activities like 2v1, 2v2, 2v3, 3v3-both offensively
and defensively. Teach some positional responsibilities but don’t spend
a lot of time on it. Continue to rotate players in positions. Learn depth
and cover as well as width. Teach throw-ins. Encourage flair and risk
taking.
PHYSICAL: Introduce stretching and cool downs. They need full rest periods and
plenty of water breaks. Players are becoming stronger and faster. Prone
to over heating and heat related injury. Players gaining better control
over their bodies.
MENTAL: Recognizes basic concepts of time and space but not always certain
why. Their focus is on “me” and the “team.” Still in need of positive
reinforcement. Want to belong to a group. Enjoy friends. Adults outside
of the family are accepted. They will blame others. They are more
sensitive and serious about playing. Feelings get hurt easily.
U12 Development of Individual Skills and Individual
and Group Tactics
Hero worship, identification with high level players and teams and a hunger and passion for
imaginative skills are important at this age. Demonstration is very important and players learn
best by doing. It is very important to establish discipline and instill an attitude necessary to
compete and succeed.
COACH: Must be enthusiastic; Possess soccer awareness; A sensitive teacher; Ability to
demonstrate; Knowledge of the key factors of basic skills; Give
encouragement; Seek soccer education.
TECHNIQUE: Important to establish a good strong base. Increase technical speed. Develop
under pressure of time, space and opponent. The technical training must far
outweigh anything else in this age group.
1st Touch All surfaces and on the move.
Passing All surfaces and on the move. Proper timing, weight, accuracy and disguise.
Dribbling Encourage risk taking. They must be allowed to run at players and take them
on. We want players who can make things happen.
Shooting Proper striking technique-service from all angles, 1st touch, preparation to strike
and attitude to score
TACTICS: Play a variety of positions. Promote attacking soccer
Individual 1V1
Attacking Take players on. Encourage the creative risk taker. Shielding.
Defending Proper pressure (in front and from behind), How to jockey and how and when
to tackle.
Small group 2V1, 2V2, 3V1, 3V2, 3V3
Attacking Keep possession, support, combination plays
Defending Pressure/cover; marking
Play a lot of small-sided games and coach within the games. Join in
PHYSICAL: Flexibility-stress this aspect because it cuts down on injuries and increases
range of motion.
Speed, Strength, Agility
MENTAL: Must be kept fun
Encourage decision-making
Imagination/Creativity/Risk Taking
Discipline/Boots polished/On Time/Set Standards
Encourage them to watch high-level games
U12 Goalkeeper
TECHNIQUE: Set position
General handling / Basic shot stopping / Catching
Ground balls
Bouncing balls
Mid-range balls
Head Height balls
Dealing with Crossed balls
Flighted
Driven
Distribution
Throws
Roll
Sling
All kicks
Goal kicks
Volleys
Balls played to feet
TACTICS: Basic communication
1v1 Principals
1v1 with the defense
Beginnings of support for defense
PHYSICAL: Goalkeeping specific stretching and flexibility
Beginning stages of foot work skills
Increase speed in short distances (18 yards)
MENTAL: Have fun
Encourage effort/determination
Drill home basics for muscle memory
Watch older goalkeepers in games
U14 Individual Skills and Small Group Tactics
Adult standards and formal rules become the focal point. The demands of skill training
as well as training loads should increase thus provoking improvement in mental
toughness, concentration and diligence.
Coach: Strong personality; Soccer knowledge; Enthusiastic; Demonstrate
TECHNIQUE: Build on the base. Development of individual skill under pressure
Dribbling Encourage players to take players on 1v1; Moves; Shielding and Spin turns.
Receiving Quality 1st touch. Still highly emphasized. Take balls out of air/turning; all
surfaces.
Passing Short, long, bent, crosses, driven, chipped; all surfaces and on the move.
Shooting On the run; on the turn; from all angles; Volleys; 1/2 volleys
Heading To goal; To pass; To clear
Tackling Proper technique and timing; Slide
TACTICS: Increase tactical speed (decision making)
Individual 1V1
Attacking Encourage the creative risk taker; take players on in proper areas of the field
Defending Proper pressure (in front and behind); Channel player; immediate chase
Small Group 2V1, 2V2, 3V2, 3V3, 4V2, 4V3, 4V4
Attacking Keep possession; Support; Combination Play; Width, Depth, Penetration;
Crossing with proper runs; Simple set plays
Defending Pressure-Cover-Balance, Compactness, Delay, Tracking back; Simple set plays
Play a lot of small-sided games and coach within the games. Join in
PHYSICAL: Flexibility, Agility
Speed
Strength
Endurance
MENTAL: The game must remain fun
Imagination/Creativity/Risk Taking
Increase Demands
Establish Training Targets
Maintain Discipline
Encourage them to watch high-level games.
U14 Goalkeeper
TECHNIQUE: Set position
General handling / Basic shot stopping / Catching
All heights
Diving
Collapse
Step and save
Power step and save
Reaction save
Recovery save
Crosses – catching & punching
Chipped serve
Flighted serve
Driven serve
unopposed and opposed.
Distribution
Throws
Roll
Side arm
Overarm
All kicks
Goal kicks
Volleys & ½ Volleys
Dealing with the back pass unopposed & opposed –
– control and increase range with both feet.
TACTICS: Communication (for each 1/3)
1v1 Principals
1v1 with the defense
Distance / Angles / Availability to support the defense
PHYSICAL: Warm ups and cool downs
Plyometric exercises
Goalkeeping specific stretching, flexibility and mobility exercises
Footwork all directions/planting of feet for change of lateral direction
Speed – 18 yards max distance (penalty box)
Check height/weight and vertical jump 4 times per year
MENTAL: Match and training preparation
Growth and development – diet and nutrition – lifestyle
Dealing with positive & negative assessments (praise and criticism)
Dealing with selection and tryouts with positive & negative results.
Soccer terminology
U16 Development of Skill and Group Tactics
This is a critical time in a player’s development. Many stop playing due to other interests, lack
of success, shortage of playing opportunities, poor coaching or other interests. Players tend to
be mentally tougher and more self confident but with a need for attention, security and further
nurturing. There is a need for team spirit, leadership and discipline within the team.
COACH: Charismatic; Experienced; Knowledgeable; Articulate; Disciplinarian;
Managerial Know How; Thoughtful Communicator
TECHNIQUE: Skills should be mastered leading to artistry. Technique should be
trained on the move, done at speed and all with opposition. Strike balls cleanly
and maturely over distance with accuracy and pace and all under pressure.
TACTICS: Increase Tactical Speed (decision making)
Group 3V3, 4V4, 5V5, 7V7
Attacking Keep Possession but with a Purpose-e.g. Direction
Combination Play and 3rd Man Runs
Penetration
Mobility/Creativity
Crossing with Pressure and Proper Runs into the Box
Set Plays
Defending Pressure-Cover-Balance
Compactness
Delay
Tracking Back
Communication (how, efficient)
Hunting the Ball and Winning Back Possession
Set Plays
PHYSICAL: Flexibility-Before and After Training/Games
Agility-With and Without the Ball
Speed Work
Endurance-Aerobic and Anaerobic
Strength-Upper and Lower Body
Nutrition-Proper Diet-Pre-Game, Post-Game, Tournaments, etc…
Prevention and Care of Injuries
MENTAL: Increased Concentration, Goalsetting, and Relaxation Techniques
Leadership/Player Responsibilities
Discipline
Respect for the Game/Opponent, Watch High Level Matches
U16 Goalkeeper
TECHNIQUE: Footwork / Set position / General handling techniques
Shot stopping / catch or deflect / recovery saves
All Dives
Collapse / Step and save / Power step and save
Narrowing the angle
Crosses
Served from all areas/angles unopposed & opposed
Distribution –
Throws
Improved range / power / variation - all techniques
Kicks
Goal kicks / Volleys / ½ Volleys
Dealing with the back pass under pressure –control
& first touch with both feet, variation of
pass.
TACTICS: Support - Angles / Distance
Communication – working with the defensive unit - recognizing
pressure on and of the ball
Presence
Making adjustments to stay in line with the ball (footwork)
Organization in defending set plays - free kicks and corner kicks
PHYSICAL: Warm-ups and Cool-downs
Stretching, flexibility, mobility and strengthening exercises
Plyometric exercises
Recovery exercises
Agility exercises – low intensity / low repetitions
Weight training – low weights/high reps
Footwork all directions (all goalkeeping movements)
Speed – 20-yards maximum
Check height/weight and vertical leap 4 times per year
Check body fat
MENTAL: Training and match preparation
Lifestyles/discipline
Living away from home
Dealing with competition
Physical confrontations
Dealing with pressure – internal/external
Dealing with both success and failure
U19 Developmental of Positional and Team Play
Fulfillment of a player’s potential depends on his or her own efforts, the support of his/her
teammates and the unselfish guidance of his or her coach. He/she must be exposed to a playing
and training environment, which extends his/her mental, physical and technical capabilities to
the limit. He/she must have a sound understanding of the game’s principles and concepts.
Players should show emotional stability when confronted with pressure situations. Demanding
and Challenging training sessions and matches are a must!!!
COACH: Charismatic; Well Informed; Up to Date; Experienced; Articulate;
Disciplinarian-No Doubts about who is in Charge; Managerial Know How
TECHNIQUE: Mastered Skill Leading to Artistry. All at Speed under Match Conditions.
Individual Skill Covered during warm-up
TACTICS: Increase Tactical Speed (Decision making).
Increase Pressure and Competition
Team/Functional- Understanding the Three Lines in the Team and their Collective
Responsibilities
Attacking Possession with a Purpose
Combination Play with Tactical Implications
Penetration with Variety, Creativity and Disguise
Counter Attack
Wide/Flank Play
Target Play and Creating Chances
Crossing under Pressure with Proper runs into the Box
Set Plays
Defending Zonal marking & Man marking with Sweeper Behind
Pressing as a Unit in Different 1/3’s
Set Plays
PHYSICAL: Flexibility Work Before and After Practices and Games
Agility-With and Without the Ball
Speed
Endurance-Aerobic and Anaerobic
Strength-Upper and Lower Body
Nutrition-Proper Diet-Pre-Game, Post-Game. Tournaments, etc…
Care and Prevention of Injuries
Care of their Own Bodies. e.g. toenails, shower, sleep, footwear
MENTAL: Increased Concentration
Leadership/Increased Player Responsibilities
Discipline
Respect for the Game/Opponents
Self-Confidence/Self Motivation-GoalSetting
Mental Imagery
Fighting Spirit-Will to Win
Encourage to Watch High Level Soccer
U19 Goalkeeper
TECHNICAL: Footwork/set position/general handling
All Dives
Collapse save / Step and save / Power step and save
Narrowing the angle
Shot stopping / catch or deflect / recovery saves
Advanced reaction saves
Crosses
Unopposed & Opposed
Working with the defensive unit
Distribution
Throws – all techniques
Kicks – all techniques
TACTICS: Distance of support / Playing off your line
Recognizing pressure on and off the ball.
Decision-making - last line of defense & first line of attack
Presence.
Organization of the defensive unit for transition
Organization on set plays – corners and free kicks
PHYSICAL: Warm up/cool down
Goalkeeping specific stretching, flexibility and mobility
Footwork exercises
Recovery exercises
Agility exercises
Plyometric exercise
Weight training – low weights high reps
Speed 20 yards maximum
Check height, weight – weekly
Body fat and vertical leap – check monthly
MENTAL: Application / Attitude
Following a coach’s game plan
Composure / Temperament / Dealing with the pressure
Concentration
Confidence
Consistency
Courage
Criticism – internal / external
Desire / Determination/ Winning mentality
Personal goal setting — imagery |
