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It is vital that you have a clear idea of what you want your players to
learn before you step on to the training field. If you don't, you will
waste valuable training time, bore your players as you struggle to make
the transition from one unrelated activity to the next and, just as
importantly, you simply won't enjoy your 'career' as a soccer coach.
You should also have an idea of where you want your team to be in terms of
soccer skills at the end of the season.
Before you can prepare for a training session or set out the framework for
your season, you have to know what children should be able to do at
different ages. If you don't, you may set unrealistic goals for your
players. This results in frustration for you ("why don't they get it?!!")
and for your players ("what is he talking about?!").
The articles below and on
this page are a guide
to what you can help your players achieve at different ages.
U10 soccer coaching objectives (9 Year Olds)
Tell me and I will forget
Show me and I will remember
Involve me and I will understand
1. Further development of U-8 and U-9 objectives
2. Cooperative attacking - all players involved but with an awareness of
cover (by the goalkeeper and at least one covering field player). Develop
an understanding of the roles that players have in supporting the attack:
player with ball, players providing immediate support of ball and other
players who create length and unbalance the defense. All this needs to be
shown in an environment with greater numbers of teammates and opponents on
a larger playing field.
3. Cooperative defending-all players participating, even the most advanced
players getting "goal side" of opposing players. Continue to develop show
the principles of defense so all players gain the understanding of all the
roles when defending. The role of the players that delay and put pressure
on the ball; the players that provide support (cover) and the players that
provide balance (width).
4. Triangles and diamonds are still the dominating team shapes but more
complex because of the larger team numbers.
5. Continued development of the basic skills: passing, dribbling,
shooting, ball control, and goalkeeping. The introduction of light
heading.
6. Developing an understanding of team shape when attacking, and balance
when defending.
Summary
• Continued emphasis on the concept of triangular supporting play
• Continued emphasis on combining with teammates (third man running)
• Cooperative attacking (all players)
• Cooperative defending (all players)
• Continued development of the basic skills
Overriding Consideration
Encourage all players to provide good support whether attacking or
defending. The game is for all players - everyone should be encouraged to
participate, particularly the “non-assertive” player(s). Always encourage
in practices & games the use of skill, creativity & decision-making. You
can now introduce concepts of “team play”, youngsters are now more
receptive to playing a “passing game”, but do not fill their heads about
tactics & formations. KEEP IT SIMPLE! Also never stifle the creative,
gifted dribbler. This is the time for players of all abilities to
experiment & learn from trial and error. Encourage talking in practices &
on the field, let them know this is their game and that they own it. Teach
players to use “soccer terms” such as “man on” etc. If you believe that
the difference between kicking and passing is thinking, and the difference
between drills and activities is thinking, then you should understand the
premise that “Soccer Is A Player’s Game” and your sessions should give
players as many opportunities to both play, think & communicate as
possible!
Remember the 3 evils: Lines, Laps & Lectures!
U-11 soccer coaching objectives (10 Year Olds)
1. Preparation for moving into 11-a-side play
2. Developing a basic understanding of the concept and rule of off-side or
modified offside.
3. Continued concentration at this age on the more important developments
of:
The Triangle in team play
The Diamond in team play
"Third Man running"
Appreciation of the team principles of play and their roles when the
team is attacking or defending
High concentration on basic skills in cooperative play, i.e.,
passing, control, shooting and introduction to heading; goalkeeper
techniques and role
4. Continued development of the techniques (basic skills) with limited
pressure but in a challenging environment
5. Continued emphasis on the principles of play; and the roles of players
when attacking and defending introduced at U-10. Players will need to
understand their particular role on the team in supporting the attack and
regaining possession of the ball when defending. The players will need
guidance in the performance of these roles due to the greater number of
players on the field and the increased size of the field. The players
should have a basic
understanding of how to interchange roles during the course of play.
Summary
• Readying players for 11 v 11
• Basic understanding of the offside rule and for tactical play
• Triangles, diamonds plus further development of basic skills
Overriding Consideration
Avoid over-coaching at this transitional time as players get ready to move
into 11-a-side.
U-12 soccer coaching objectives (11 Year Olds)
1. Introduction to 11-a-side play.
2. Reinforce basic understanding rule of off-side.
3. Continued concentration at this age on the more important developments
at this age of:
o Application of age-appropriate activities
o Emphasis on individual possession
o Emphasis on individual defending
o introduction of basic combination play (Wall pass and takeovers)
o High concentration on basic skills in cooperative play, i.e.,
passing, control, shooting and heading
o Individuals start to emerge and will begin to focus on role of
goalkeeper (Develop foundation of basis techniques.)
4. Continued development of the techniques (basic skills) with greater
pressure in a challenging, motivating environment and involve transition.
5. Continued emphasis on the principles of play; and the roles of players
when attacking and defending introduced at U-10 and U-11. Players will
need to understand their particular role on the team in supporting the
attack and regaining possession of the ball when defending. The players
will need guidance in the performance of these roles due to the greater
number of players on the field and the increased size of the field. The
players should have a basic understanding of how to interchange roles
during the course of play.
Summary
• Introduction to 11 v 11
• Stress importance of individual possession and de- fending
• Further development of basic skills
Overriding Considerations
Implementation of developmentally appropriate activities. Stress the need
for development of the individual player versus the success of the team.
Avoid overloading this age player with too many tournaments. |
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