At this age, players are challenged through a variety of 1v1 games to goal. Creativity with the ball is encouraged so that we can develop better attacking players who are free to play and display their abilities. These are the crucial years of technical development.
 

• The idea here is to provide a fun, yet challenging atmosphere where players develop these techniques under pressure. They also need to be fun and exciting so they want to come back as soon as possible!

• A variety of 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 games should be included as progression phases in the training session.

• The coach should focus on one topic per session with players and not try to combine sessions.

• Repetition is vital for these players and the more touches on the ball they have in training the better. Training should be game related and not just exercises.

• Engage them in sessions where they are passing, moving, shooting, defending, while still enjoying the game.

• Select and stick to one topic per week.

• Passing techniques should be worked on 2-3 weeks; Shooting and finishing techniques should be worked on 1-2 weeks through each season; Dribbling should be taught the other 6-7 weeks.

• No lines, no laps, no lectures! Don’t speak for longer than 60-90 seconds, and keep from using the “freeze” method unless it is an absolute must.

• COACH the SKILLS and TACTICS during the game. Do NOT be a cheerleader.

Points of Emphasis

Technique: Important to establish a good strong solid base. Develop individual skills under the pressure of time, space, and an opponent. Increase technical speed.

• Juggling: Alternating feet without a bounce. First 5 minutes of each training session.

• Dribbling: Encourage risk taking!!!

o Moves to beat an opponent;

o Keeping possession, shielding, spin turns;

o Change of speed, change of direction.

• Receiving:

o Toe Up, Heel Down

o Plant foot facing where the ball is coming from, along with your shoulders and hips.

o Keep the ball in front of you while receiving it.

o Ground and introduction of air balls. All surfaces, from a partner, on the move.

• Passing:

o Toe Up, Heel Down

o Plant foot point at your target along with your shoulders and hips facing your target.

o Passing using laces, inside, outside - Short and long.

• Shooting/Finishing:

o Ankle Locked

o Toes curled inside boot/shoe

o Using entire body to strike through the ball

o Striking with the laces

o Land on shooting foot.

• Tackling: Proper technique.

o Stepping into the ball

o Using entire body, not just a leg, to make a tackle.

Tactics: Basic principles of play. Play a variety of positions to develop awareness and to create a complete player. Promote attacking soccer - play 4-1-1 with the outside backs pushing forward to join in the attack.

• Attacking: Keep possession - Support, and look for combination play. Encourage risk taking - Take players on 1v1 in proper areas of the field.

• Defending: The 1st defender (the “Pressure” defender) is a must at this time, working on pressure, delay, then tackle.

• Tactics/positioning should be introduced and each player should have a basic understanding of each position in the 4-1-1.