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Coaches Corner
Youth Soccer Curriculum
Below is a synopsis of our curriculum specific to each age group and the components (technique, psychology, fitness, tactics) of coaching soccer…our coaching staff will follow these guidelines in developing your child as a player in addition to complimenting your child’s development as a well-rounded individual.
Every aspect of play coached at one age must be reinforced at the next age. Aspects taught at U6 must be taught again at U8, U10, and U12 and so on. What was learned at a previous age group or groups must be refined at the next age group.
Please note that the priority of the four components of soccer changes according to the age group being coached.
U-8
Technique: ball lifting and juggling; block tackle; receiving ground balls with the inside and sole of the foot; shoot with inside of the foot; toe pass and shot; introduce the push pass and throw-in
Psychology: working in pairs; sportsmanship; parental involvement; “how to play”; emotional management
Fitness: agility; eye/foot and eye/hand coordination; introduce the idea of cool-down; movement education
Tactics: being exposed to all positions; 1 v 1 attack; introduce the names of positions
Best Qualities of a Coach for this Age Player: This coach must clearly understand the capabilities and limitations of this age and appreciate the power of learning by watching. He or she must have the ability to demonstrate or to use older players to demonstrate.
Number of matches per calendar year - 20 matches: No organized matches where the score is recorded.
Breaks from Mandatory/Organized Soccer: Children at this age should not be participating in a mandatory soccer program and should be free to participate at their own pace. There should not be a penalty or consequence for missing practice and no discussion about “commitment.” An effort should be made to include any child that wishes to play soccer. It is healthy and appropriate to group players according to ability level, but movement between groups should be open and fluid in order to reflect changes in ability and individual development from year to year or every six months.
U-10
Technique: running with the ball; passing; instep drive; receiving ground balls with the instep and outside of foot; receiving bouncing balls with the instep (cushion) and sole- inside-outside of foot (wedge); throw-in; fakes in dribbling; introduce heading and crossing. For goalkeepers ready stance; how to hold a ball after a save; W grip; catching shots at the keeper; punting and introduction to goal kicks and throwing
Psychology: working in-groups of 3, 4 or 5; stay focused for one entire half; sensitivity; how to win or lose gracefully; sportsmanship; parental involvement; “how to play”; communication; emotional management
Fitness: endurance; range of motion-flexibility; proper warm-up and cool-down are mandatory now
Tactics: 1 v 1 defending; roles of 1st attacker and defender; 2 v 1 attacking; man-to-man defense; introduction to set plays
Best Qualities of a Coach for this Age Player: Energetic. Plays while facilitating practice. Stimulates ideas.
Number of Matches Per Calendar Year - 20 Matches: It is recommended that players play up to 20 matches per calendar year for their clubs. There should be a ratio of 2 or 3 practices per one match. Players should be given two days rest per week. In league play, there should be no more than the equivalent of 1 game per weekend. There should be no standings or post season playoffs and a limited number of small-sided round robins. Tournament play should not be encouraged.
Breaks from Mandatory/Organized Soccer: At these ages, it is recommended that parents discourage their children from specializing in or playing only soccer and encourage participation in a number of different sports and activities.
U-12
Technique: feints with the ball; receiving ground, bouncing and air balls with the heel, shins, thigh, abdomen, chest and head; heading to score goals and for clearances-standing and jumping; chipping to score; outside of foot pass; bending shots; crossing to near post and penalty spot space; heel pass; kicking and receiving with inside of the instep; introduce half volley and volley shooting; introduce slide tackle. For goalkeepers footwork; bowling; low dives and forward diving; angle play; near post play; saving penalty kicks; introduce parrying and boxing
Psychology: teamwork; confidence; desire; mental rehearsal; intrinsic motivation; handling distress; how to learn from each match; sportsmanship; parental involvement; emotional management
Fitness: speed; strength; aerobic exercise
Tactics: 2 v 1 defending; 2 v 2 attacking and defending; roles of 2nd attacker and defender; combination passing; verbal and visual communication for all positions; commanding the goalmouth for the goalkeeper; half-time analysis; corner kick plays-defending and attacking; kick-off play; wall pass; beginning to identify potential roles for players-goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and/or forward; introduce the principles of defense
Best Qualities of a Coach for this Age Player: Sensitive teacher, enthusiastic, possess soccer awareness, ability to demonstrate or utilize someone whom can paint a good picture (older player, assistant coach). Possess knowledge of the key factors of basic skills. Give encouragement. Have an appreciation for the relationship or connection between individual skill and small group insight, and the players’ eventual success at the older ages and the larger game model of 11 v 11.
Number of Matches per Calendar Year - 30: It is recommended that players play up to 30 matches per calendar year for their clubs. There should be a ratio of 2 or 3 practices per one match and players should be given two days rest per week.
Breaks from Mandatory/Organized Soccer: Players should be given time off from organized soccer each year.
Additional Youth Soccer Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to improve development of players in the organized player base in the United States, concentrating on creating more organized, age-appropriate training sessions, developing coaching practices and creating an environment that is fun for the players.