Player Development Manual. U12 Boys and Girls

Transcription

1 Player Development Manual U12 Boys and Girls

2 Player Development Guideline The goal of this document is to: Establish clear and age appropriate goals and objectives so coaches, players and parents know what they are working towards Establish objectives so coaches have a common understanding of which skills players should have when they proceed to the next age group Establish age appropriate priorities and focus areas in the four elements of the game (technical, tactical, psychological, and physical) Create confident coaches that are better prepared Contents: Page: 3 U12 Player Development Overview Typical Characteristics of U12 Players 4 U12 Player Development Objectives 5 Desired Technical Outcomes 7 Tactical Development and Desired Outcomes 8 Psychological Development and Desired Outcomes 9 Physical Development and Desired Outcomes How to Coach U12 Players 11 General Coaching Guidelines Training Session Outline Breakdown 13 Sample Curriculum Week 1 Receiving and Turning 15 Sample Curriculum Week 2 Receiving under Pressure 17 Sample Curriculum Week 3 Short Passing 19 Sample Curriculum Week 4 Speed of Play 21 Sample Curriculum Week 5 Creative Passing 23 Sample Curriculum Week 6 Finishing with Efficiency 1 26 Sample Curriculum Week 7 Finishing with Efficiency 2 28 Sample Curriculum Week 8 4v4 Tournament w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 2

3 U12 Player Development Overview Many players at this age are deciding if they want to commit deeply to soccer, stay in the game with a parttime commitment or drop the sport altogether. The coach must also be sensitive to the many biological and psychological changes that are occurring for these children now and through the U-14 age group. This is a time of transition from self-centered to self-critical. Players of this age have a high arousal level in relation to the training of basic skills. The golden age of learning begins with the U-10 s and continuing with the U-12 s is the most important age for skill development. Demonstration is very important and the players learn best by doing. Continue to ingrain the principles of play. It is important to establish discipline from the beginning. Children of this age typically are beginning to develop abstract awareness, so they can understand coaches when we talk about space and runs off of the ball. However, just because they understand these basic tactical concepts does not mean we should focus on these concepts entirely. Players are still developing technically at this age, especially as they go through growth spurts and awkward phases. It is quite common to look out at a U12 field and see players that are physically the size of adults. Yet, other U12 players appear as if they could still be in the 3rd grade. As coaches, we need to be sensitive to these differences and their social implications when coaching this age group. Some players may pick up skills quickly, whereas others may struggle. However, it may be the case that this is simply the result of differences in maturation. In a year, the slower developer may surpass the player who developed earlier. For this reason we need to be patient and keep open minds about all players through these years. They are aware of their struggles more than anyone else as peer evaluation is omnipresent at these ages. When we see them struggling, it is important for us to help them and to keep the game fun. 11/2 Player Development Handbook Marlborough Youth Soccer v.1.0 Typical Characteristics of U12 Players 1. All children are maturing at different rates 2. Players are very competitive, but respond to a strong team ethos 3. Players need to warm-up and stretch - muscle pulls and other nagging injuries can be common occurrences 4. They like to solve problems they like to be empowered rather than told 5. Peer evaluation is a constant, bullying becomes more prevalent 6. Egos are sensitive 7. Improved coordination BUT Coordination may depend on whether or not they are in a growth spurt, and may change for the better or worse over the course of a season 8. Can sequence thoughts and actions to perform more complex tasks 9. Can use abstract thought to meet the demands of the game 10. Should be able to simultaneously run, strike the ball and think 11. Fertile period to learn full of eagerness 12. Important psychosocial implications for a child entering puberty 13. Popularity influences self-esteem 14. Significant physical differences exist between the genders now 15. Strength and power becoming factors in their performance Keep it fun!!! w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 3

4 U11/2 Player Development Handbook Marlborough Youth Soccer v.1.0 U12 Player Development Objectives There are four main pillars of soccer, which are evident at every level of the game technical, tactical, psychological and physical. It is important that a coach has clear goals for himself/herself and for his/her team prior to working with any age group. Technical Development These are the skills used to play the game, i.e. the fundamentals. This includes things like dribbling, passing, shooting, receiving, tackling, juggling, heading, etc. Along with making sure players have fun, skills is probably the most important area for youth players to focus on. Tactical Development Tactics for youth soccer focuses largely on decision making, i.e. how players can make the correct decision given a particular situation. We should try to understand the progression of tactics and develop the players in the proper sequence, so that players are comfortable solving easier problems (1v1, 2v1) before they move on to solve more complex ones (4v4) Psychological Development For youth soccer, this relates to whether the player is having fun playing soccer, and other aspects such as how they deal with winning and losing, their level of motivation, and how they interact with teammates, coaches and their parents. Physical Development Fitness for youth soccer players can be largely achieved by just letting them play soccer, although some of the older age groups (U14 and maybe U12) may start incorporating speed and conditioning into practice games and activities. The table below will help to identify key objectives within the four key areas of player development. The priority areas will evolve for each age group progression. The key areas of player development across the U12 age groups and levels are: U12 FOCUS AREAS: Low Medium High Very High TECHNICAL TACTICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL PHYSICAL w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 4

5 U12 Technical Desired Outcomes: Technical focus at U12 level should be a progression of those techniques learned at lower levels plus the following: Dribbling: Ability to perform five different turns at speed: inside cut, outside cut, Cruyff, sole drag back, step over turn. Ability to perform two attacking moves at speed: Matthews, scissors, double touch. Ability to perform techniques with explosive dynamic movements. Use of creativity and unpredictability when dribbling. Passing: Ability to perform the basic push pass (inside of foot) and the outside of the foot pass. Ability to loft a pass in the air. Ability to perform 2 touch passing, and be comfortable with playing 1 touch. Control: Ability to receive/control the ball with: foot (right and left), thigh, and chest Ability to receive the ball and turn it away from pressure in one step. Shooting: Should be comfortable with all technical aspects of shooting Ability to read and strike follow up shots. Ability to perform first time finishes from the ground and the air. Aim for far post and low Goalkeeping: To be technically competent with the basic shot stopping techniques Ability to distribute the ball with feet and hands. Ability to start attacks with transition. Maintain the proper positioning and angles in front of goal. Ability to stop 1 v 1 encounters. Begin to communicate with, and organize defenders Heading: Ability to head the ball appropriately; defensive and attacking headers Develop power using proper techniques. Defending: Role of 1 st defender Role of second defender Ability to perform the 'block' tackle and 'poke' tackle. Ability to communicate on defense. Understanding of Pressure / Cover / Balance defending. Attacking: Ability to attack 1v1. Understand the importance of creating space by making positive runs First time shooting and composure in front of goal Importance of moving towards ball and connecting with supporting players w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 5

6 General Areas for Technical Development at U12: Continue to focus a fair amount of practice time on dribbling At this stage, players can be taught a number of dribbling moves that are used frequently in soccer, such as step-overs, scissors, cuts, turns and so on. We should continue to encourage them to be creative in their dribbling. Ronaldinho and Mia Hamm weren t able to pull off their great moves when they were eleven years old but they might have been thinking of those moves at that age!! First Touch / Receiving: Players should be encouraged to focus on developing a soft first touch when receiving the ball. Players should be familiar with the proper technique to receive the ball on the ground with both feet. They should also be able to receive balls in the air using both feet, thighs and chest. Players should also be shown how to receive the ball away from pressure. Shielding: Players should be familiar with the proper technique to shield the ball from opponents. Shooting: Players should be familiar with proper shooting technique (using their laces) and have plenty of opportunities to practice with both feet. Volleying can be introduced to older or more experienced players. Drills where players stand in lines and wait for their turn to shoot on goal are discouraged as this is not a realistic game situation and players spend a lot of time waiting for the ball. Instead, use small side games with large goals to encourage and emphasize shooting (see sample games / activities for examples). Passing: Players should be able to pass the ball with the inside and outside of their feet. They should also be able to pass the ball accurately over 8-15 yards and learn how to chip the ball. They should also learn about the difference between passing to feet and passing to space. Juggling: Players should continue to work on their ball juggling skills using both feet, thighs, and even their head. Defending Technique: Players should be shown the proper defensive stance and how to make block tackles. Poke tackles can also be introduced at this stage. Players should also be encouraged not to rush into their tackles but to be patient and wait for the right time to win the ball. Heading: Offensive and defensive heading techniques should be introduced at this stage. Perform basic skills under increasing pressure (i.e. less time and space) At this age group, players should continue to focus on improving their basic skills / technique (i.e. dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting, etc.) by trying to execute them under increasing pressure. The coach can increase pressure by reducing the playing area (i.e. restricting space), allowing fewer touches of the ball (i.e. restricting time), etc. 11/2 Player D Players should spend equal time developing both feet this is very important!!! Marlborough Youth Soccer v.1.0 w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 6

7 U12 Tactical Development and Desired Outcomes: Tactical focus at U11/U12 level should still be at an introductory level. Problem solving and making decisions for themselves are critical tactical elements in young players. Players should know and understand the concepts of 1 v 1 attacking and defending situations. Players should familiarize themselves with 2 v 2 attacking and defending situations. Players should understand the concept of team shape, and should begin to understand their role in different systems of play. Coaches should still be stressing roles as opposed to positions. Below are some of the specific tactical skills to focus on at this age-level. Tactical Skills: Short and long wall passes (also known as give and go or 1-2) Importance of the first touch, changing angles and use of deception Immediate transition from defense to offense or vice versa Attacking Concepts (possession and support) Role of the second defender (pressure and cover) Width and depth in attack Player movement on throw-ins Different roles on the field Players should be exposed to these simple tactical scenarios and understand how to both attack and defend these game contexts. 1 v 1 (attacking and defending) 2 v 1 (attacking and defending) 2 v 2 (attacking and defending) A lot of 1 v 1 duels should be incorporated into practice sessions to allow all the players to get plenty of opportunities to learn how to dribble past an opponent and how to stop one. The basic roles of first and second attackers and defenders should be introduced through 2 v 1 and 2 v 2 games and activities. Introduce basic combination plays and attacking / defensive concepts 1/2 Player Development Handbook Marlborough Youth Soccer v.1.0 At this stage, players should learn to combine with their teammates using short ground passes and wall passes. Overlapping and takeovers can be introduced to older or more experienced players. Players should also understand how to provide proper support to teammates with the ball and the importance of maintaining possession of the ball while attacking. On the defensive side, players should be familiar with the concepts of pressure and cover. Goalkeeping - Tactical Skills: Calling for the ball when receiving with defending players Communicating with the other players on the team during the game w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 7

8 U11/2 Player Development Handbook Marlborough Youth Soccer v.1.0 U12 Psychological Development and Desired Outcomes: Psychological focus at U11/U12 level is a major priority. Fostering an environment where our players can grow in confidence, try new things and have fun whilst doing it are critical to developing well rounded players. Focus on teamwork, confidence, desire, mental skills, handling distress, how to learn from each match, fair play, parental involvement and emotional management (discipline). Keep it fun and enjoyable!!! This will help foster a desire to play (intrinsic motivation) Build confidence Encourage imagination and creativity Foster our players to be part of a team Promote independent decision making and problem solving Encourage player to learn to deal with winning / losing Increase Demands, but maintain Discipline Keep it fun!!! One of the most important aspects of psychological development for young players in the U11/12 age groups is for them to have fun. This is the age group where many players decide whether they want to continue playing soccer. For most of them, if they are not having fun, they will most likely drop the sport. As a coach, you should strive to create an environment where the players, parents and you, the coach, are all having fun. Allow the players to make mistakes and encourage them to make their own decisions: As players progress to U12, they play on larger fields and dribbling may not always be the best option. Players will need to start understanding when to dribble, when to pass and to whom, and when to shoot for goal. At this stage, they will often choose the wrong option, but as coaches and parents, we need to be patient with them and encourage them to make these decisions independently, especially during games. Aimless kicking or booting of the ball should not be encouraged. Winning and Losing: At this age, the players are aware of the score and many parents and coaches are paying more attention to the results. You will start noticing many coaches and parents yelling directions from the sidelines. We should remind ourselves and the parents of our players that improving their play and having fun are the main objectives. As far as possible, we should refrain from yelling directions to the players during games, as it will hamper their ability to make decisions independently. Reduce player dependence on adult guidance through Guided Discovery : In practice sessions, coaches should try to allow players to make mistakes and ask players how they could do things better and guide them to the correct answers, rather than telling the players what to do. This will help the players ability to solve problems and reduce their dependence on adults for guidance during games. Teambuilding: U11/12 players recognize the fact that they are part of a team and they associate themselves with their team. This is a great opportunity to continue teaching young players about the value of teamwork and what it means to be part of a team (i.e. trusting your teammates, not criticizing them, etc.). Certain fun teambuilding activities can be done during some practices, especially in the beginning of the season when players may not be familiar with each other. Establish and Maintain Discipline: At this age group it is a good idea to establish some team rules at the beginning of the season. The coach may also choose to set up consequences for not following these rules. It is a good idea to inform parents of the team rules and consequences. The coach should ensure that he or she applies these rules fairly and consistently if they are broken during the season. w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 8

9 U11/2 Player Development Handbook Marlborough Youth Soccer v.1.0 U12 Physical Development and Desired Outcomes: Physical development is not a high priority for U11/12 soccer. Encouraging all players to play and participate and give their best is really all that s required. The players should get all their fitness from practicing / playing the game. Coaches should introduce fitness with the ball as much as possible. Avoid setting up fitness sessions with no ball involvement. Just play soccer Introduce stretching (static and dynamic) in some practices Work on agility at speed (sharp turns, acceleration, deceleration, reaction speed) Proper warm-up, cool-down and stretching In terms of fitness, there is no need for players in this age group to run laps or sprints. Relay races with the ball and 1 v 1 duels are good exercises for building fitness while working on ball skills. But for the most part, just let them play soccer and soccer related games and activities during practice sessions. At this age group, proper warm-up, cool-down and stretching is important to reduce the likelihood of injuries. You should incorporate light stretching after a warm up activity to start all practice sessions and before games. A cool-down activity followed by light stretching should be at the end of each practice session and after every game. This will help develop good behaviours for the future when a more disciplined approach to warm-ups and cool downs will become more important. U12 Player Development Overview How to coach the U12 player The period this age group is entering is often referred to as the dawn of tactics. Typically players of this age begin to understand the basic tactical situations of the game and are more aware of movement off the ball and the reasons for tactical choices. Problem-solving becomes systematic and these players tend to learn quickly. Children of this age typically are beginning to develop abstract awareness, so they can understand coaches when we talk about space and runs off of the ball. However, just because they understand these basic tactical concepts does not mean we should focus on these concepts entirely. Players are still developing technically at this age, especially as they go through growth spurts and awkward phases. It is quite common to look out at a U12 field and see players that are physically the size of adults. Yet, other U12 players appear as if they could still be in the 3rd grade. These children are all growing at different rates and undergoing physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. The average age for the beginning of pubescence in girls is 10 years old with a range of 7 to 14; for boys it is age 12 with a range of 9 to 16. As coaches, we need to be sensitive to these changes and their social implications when coaching this age group. Some players may pick up skills quickly, whereas others may struggle. However, it may be the case that this is simply the result of differences in maturation. In a year, the slower developer may surpass the player who developed earlier. For this reason we need to be patient and keep open minds about all players through these years. They are aware of their struggles more than anyone else as peer evaluation is omnipresent at these ages. When we see them struggling, it is important for us to help them and to keep the game fun. w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 9

10 Continue establishing a solid base of technique. Develop individual skills under the pressure of time, space and opponent(s) and increase technical speed. While passing has become a more natural part of the game, the dribbling personality must still be encouraged to express that skill. When working with this age group, concentrate on the application of age appropriate activities, placing an emphasis on individual possession and defending. This means more work on combining players in pairs and small groups to defend and attack. The coach s responsibility remains coaching the players, not merely ball skills. The key motivator in soccer is the ball; it should be used as much as possible in training sessions. It is very important that warmup sessions are well handled because this is the time when the coach takes control and sets the tone for the training session. Get into action as soon as possible by having the team work at the outset without an involved and complicated explanation. The teaching of ball skills needs to be accomplished through gamelike activities. The repetition of technique is undertaken through fun games and activities. Continue teaching the principles of attack and defense, and provide opportunities for players to experience a variety of positions. When attacking, players should work on keeping possession of the ball but should also be taught that possession play is a means to penetrating to the opponents goal and not an end in itself. Train the players on combination plays, such as wall passes, take-overs and overlaps will aid them in keeping the ball long enough to set up a good attack. Work on improving their small group play in 2v1, 1v2 (emphasis on improvisation), 2v2, 3v1 and 3v3. The objective by the end of this age group is to play well in 5v5 situations. A continued emphasis should be placed on the roles of players when attacking and defending. Players will need to understand their particular role when attacking and when trying to regain possession of the ball. The players will need guidance in understanding these roles because of a greater number of players and the increased size of the field. The players should have a basic understanding of how to interchange roles during the flow of play. The quality of technical movement sequences depends on coordination, which is why it is critical to the execution and success of technical/tactical actions. Beware during this critical transition period of the too much too soon syndrome. Players must be exposed to playing all positions on the team through the U-14 age group. Versatility is a crucially important piece of player development. When players are pigeon holed into set positions too soon in playing soccer, the opportunity for well-rounded development is lost U12 Coach s Key qualities: Sensitive teacher, patient, facilitator, enthusiastic, imaginative, ability to demonstrate, understands technique and preferably a youthful outlook. w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 10

11 U12 General Coaching Guidelines Here are some simple steps to run a fun and successful practice for U 12 s. Please remember to always set high standards of behavior, attitude and work rate. a) PLANNING a successful practice will require good organization and time management. Always have a lesson plan with clearly defined goals of what you hope to achieve and always evaluate your sessions at the end to see what you actually accomplished. Make sure that you have sufficient equipment to carry out your session. Keep all players motivated and challenged by having sufficient progression. b) EXPLANATION have complete attention of all players. Keep explanations as brief and simple as possible and ask questions to make sure that all players understand. c) DEMONSTRATION Keep demos simple and technically correct at the beginning. Progress to game speed. Make sure that the players can visualize what they are trying to achieve by having a clear demonstration. Do not be afraid to use a player from the group in the demo. d) PRACTICE Allow players ample opportunity to practice the desired technique in game like situations. Emphasize the need to use both feet and also to perform technique at pace. e) OBSERVATION always concentrate on the main theme of your session. The coaching points should be directly related to the topic you are working on. f) CORRECT use guided questions to help players improve their technique. Be positive at all times and allow the players to figure things out for themselves. g) TEST perform the techniques at game speed against an opponent. Start slowly and progress. Training Session Breakdown Based upon a typical session of 1.5hrs in length. 1.) WARM UP / STRETCH 15 20mins A warm up should be a fun and enjoyable start to your training, which gets players in the right frame of mind, physically and mentally for the session ahead. Players should break the sweat barrier and stretch appropriately. Your training should now have a clear progression and the warm up should ideally lead into the theme for the session. Whenever possible a ball should be included 2.) SKILL BUILDING (TECHNIQUE) 15 20mins Introduce and refine the basic techniques needed to play soccer dribbling, turning, shooting, passing, control, goalkeeping, and heading. Convert these techniques into skills but gradually increasing pressure. 3.) GAME RELATED ACTIVITY 20mins This activity should reinforce the technical activity being worked on in a game related situation. This should involve performing technique under pressure situations. 4.) PLAY 25mins This should be a time when the players get to think for themselves. Please do not stop play on numerous occasions to make coaching points. Reinforce the key points of your session but look for appropriate 'coach able' moments to step in, correct and get back out again. Do not spend too much time talking during this period of the session. 5.) COOL DOWN 5min Spend 5 minutes at the end of your practice to cool down. Do some light jogging and gentle stretching to finish off your session. Use this time for a plenary reinforce the learning and development from the session and set the outline for the next match/ practice w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 11

12 U12 Sample Curriculum (8 Weeks) w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 12

13 Age Group: U12 Theme of Session: Receiving and Turning Week 1 ORGANIZATION Warm-up: Area 40 x 30 For a group of 12 players use 4-5 balls. Player with ball passes to a player without a ball. Receiving player will work on receiving the ball with different surfaces of the foot and turning quickly before passing to another player. Focus on quality of initial pass and quality of receiving touch. 15 minutes Coaching Points: Look before receiving awareness of ball, space and other players, can they use a fake turn? Sideways stance on receiving keep ball as far away from defender as possible. Quality of touch into space and eliminate defender. Body position on receiving low for balance, strength and quick acceleration away. Technical: 1 v 1 to targets. Area 10 x 20 Work with groups of 4 or 6 depending on team numbers and space available. Place two targets at the end line of the area. Designate one player in the area as an attacker and one as a defender. Target player passes into attacker who must try to successfully turn and pass ball to opposite target player. Defender scores if he can step in and win the ball and pass back to the other target player. Play first to 5 and then switch. Do not allow target attacker to release back to target initially can work on attacker using body to be strong and shielding the ball whilst looking to create space to attack. Progression: Play 1 v 1 to end zones or defined areas minutes w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 13

14 Coaching Points: Look for attackers to create 1 v 1 and then exploit by turning and driving Make sure they are looking before receiving Can they use a fake turn? Awareness of space Movement of two Game conditioned: 4 v 4. Area 30 x 20, (bigger if space will allow) Create two zones in area by making a line across the middle. A team will place two defenders and two attackers in each zone. One team is attacking one end line and the other team attacks the other end line. Teams score by successfully dribbling over the attacking end line. Players may not leave their zone initially. Progression: Remove central line and play 4v4 to lines. 20 minutes Play: 4 v 4 Set up teams in a 2-2, (with sweeper/keeper), formation and look at how two forwards receive the ball. Look to teach the forwards to look for 1v1 opportunities to turn their defender and shoot quickly. 25 minutes Cool Down: Light jog across the field with stretches and a recap on the session. 5 minutes w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 14

15 Age Group: U12 Theme of Session: Receiving under pressure shielding and turning Week 2 ORGANIZATION Warm-up: For a group of 12 players use 6 balls. Player with ball passes to a player without. Players should work on receiving and turning quickly as a refresher from last week. Introduce 3 basic turns that will be incorporated later. Coach demonstrates turn and then players can perform without any pressure: 1. Drag-back turn 2. Step over turn 3. Cruyff turn Player who passes the ball immediately becomes a defender and puts passive pressure on the ball from behind. Work on the receiving player shielding the ball for about 5 seconds and then passing off. Progression Players match up in pairs and pass and move. On coach s command the player with the ball must look to shield the ball for 30 seconds. Defender gets a point if they can win the ball and then returns it to the attacker. If defender can score 3 goals they win. Same as above except possession changes when a defender wins the ball. The player in possession after 30 seconds wins. 15 minutes Coaching Points: Body position. Sideways stance on receiving keep ball as far away from defender as possible. Get low and stay balanced. Be strong and use your arm to hold the defender away. Look to create space for the turn. Quality touch/turn into space and accelerate. Technical: Area 10 x 20 w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 15

16 Work with groups of 4 or 6, depending on team numbers and space available. Place two targets at the end line of the area. Designate one player in the area as an attacker and one as a defender. Target player passes into attacker who must try to shield ball initially from defender and then look to create space for a quick turn and penetrating pass. Begin with defender assuming a passive role again and work with attacker on different ways to create space and turn. You can have the attacker work on driving into space after a successful turn or making a quick penetrating pass to the target player. Progression Drag-back turn - Lean body to one side and then drag ball quickly back with sole of foot and turn past defender. Step-over turn step quickly over and past ball to one side to get the defender off balance and quickly turn the ball into the space created with the outside of the same foot that initially stepped over the ball. Cruyff turn lean body to one side and complete a Cruyff turn to get the ball back and into the space created by getting the defender off balance minutes Coaching Points: Check away and call for ball. Get in line with pass and be prepared to hold off defender as a target. Get low and receive ball sideways on. Keep ball as far away from defender as possible. Stay balanced and look to create space by getting defender off balance. Perform quick turn and accelerate into space. Penetrate quickly on dribble or on pass depending on coach command. Game conditioned: 4 v 4. Area 30 x 30 Place one goal in each corner of the field. Place goals so that they are diagonal in each corner and about 3 yards wide. Play 4 v 4 - players can score in any of the 4 goals. A player scores by dribbling successfully through one of the goals. Team wins by scoring 5 goals - winning team stays on. 20 minutes Play 6 v 6 Set up teams in a 3-2 formation and look at how two forwards receive the ball. Look to teach the forwards to look for 1 v 1 opportunities to turn their defender and shoot quickly. 25 minutes Cool Down: Light jog across the field with stretches and a recap on the session. 5 minutes w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 16

17 Age Group: U12 Theme of Session: Short Passing Week 3 ORGANIZATION Warm-up: Set up a circle with a 30m diameter with cones around the perimeter. Place 4-6 players in middle of circle with a ball each and the remainder around the perimeter without a ball. To begin the exercise players will perform a push pass to a free outside player and follow the pass to replace the perimeter player. The outside player will receive with a positive 1 st touch into the circle and repeat the technique to another free player and so on. 15 minutes Progression Limit the touches allowed so that the player has to play a longer push pass. Progress to the inside player using an outside of the foot pass when they pass. Progress to inside player passing with either push pass or outside pass but this time receiving the ball back from perimeter player (must communicate play back ). They will then turn and pass off to another free perimeter player with the appropriate communication ( Take ). Coaching Points: Players on perimeter to be on their toes and alert. Players on perimeter to take a positive 1 st touch into the circle. Inside players to look at accuracy and weight of pass to perimeter player. Push pass lock ankle, strike middle of ball with inside of foot, follow through and look at position of nonkicking foot.. Outside of foot pass lock ankle and hit through the middle of the ball this time with outside of foot. PLEASE ENSURE THAT PLAYERS USE BOTH FEET CONSTANTLY! Ajax Passing Triangle -Technical: Area 10 x 20 Set up 1 or 2 triangles and maximize the space that you have available. Use 6-9 players at each triangle depending on numbers. Place 2-3 players at each cone. Once this is running there is plenty of repetition so players do not get to stand around a lot even if you have to use 9. Player 1 starts with the ball and passes to player 2 and then follows his pass. Player 2 will control the ball and pass across the triangle to player 3 and then follows his pass. Player 3 times his run and calls for the pass and dribbles back to the starting cone. As soon as player 2 has released his pass the next ball is passed in from cone minutes w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 17

18 Progressions Player 1 passes to player 2 s left foot. Player 2 must control with left foot across body and pass with right foot into space in front of player 3. Player 3 accelerates into space after calling for the ball. They must be patient and get the timing of the run correct. Look at each pass being a push pass focus on weight and accuracy. This exercise requires technical precision to work and will take some time for young players to master. Pass to player 1 s right foot. Player 2 must now control with right foot and make pass with left foot. Restrict to 2 touches if applicable. Have player 2 make pass with outside of foot pass. Player 1 passes to player 2 and receives pass straight back from player 1. Player 1 then spins around cone to receive second pass from player 1. Player 1 looks to lay ball in front of player 2 s movement so that he can easily pass across to player 3. This is more complicated but achievable for this age range. Coaching Points: Player 1 must make a firm and accurate initial pass. Get players to focus on exactly where they re passing the ball to start the exercise. This is important in making the players start to think about where they are actually passing. Player 2 must initially check away from the cone to make space for themselves. They must have a quality first touch across the body, so they must get in line with the initial pass and have a soft touch in front and across body. This will help stress and work on the importance of being comfortable with both feet. Player 2 use the push pass initially into space and in front of player 3 and not directly to their feet. Player 3 will call for the ball at the right time and time their run accordingly. This will get young players to think about their movement. Accelerate with a big touch back to start point. Focus on technical precision and quality. Game Conditioned: 4 v 4 v 4 Select 3 teams of 4 or 5 and try to maximize space. Use one ball but have spare balls around perimeter. Select one team as a defending team. The other two teams will play possession soccer against the defending team. Defending team can score by successfully dribbling to any of the outside cones when they win possession. The two attacking teams play together and attempt to make a certain number of passes to score a goal (this is an arbitrary number that can be adjusted based on the level of the players). Progression Do not designate a team to be the defending team to start. When a team gives up possession they must all go down on one knee quickly and game continues. Play for 4 minutes and team that ends up as defending group at the end must do a forfeit. 20 minutes Play 4 v 4 25 minutes Cool Down: Light jog across the field with stretches and a recap on the session. 5 minutes w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 18

19 Age Group: U12 Theme of Session: Speed of Play Week 4 ORGANIZATION Warm Up - Champion Split up players into groups of 3 with one ball between 3. Players will get themselves into a triangle and will be passing and moving in this shape. All players must begin by taking 3 touches 2 touches before they pass. Focus on weight and accuracy of pass and incorporating push pass and outside of foot pass. On coach command group must make 15 passes as soon as they complete 15 they go down on one knee and shout Champion. Progressions Players must take 2 touches but must use the same foot for control and pass. Players must take 2 touches but must use alternate feet. Players must take 1 touch can increase the number of passes that they must complete to 25. Remove the number of passes rule but now introduce the rule that a player can call out a number between 1 and 3. This is communicated before they pass and the next player must take the required number of touches. 15 minutes Coaching Points: Player 1 must make a firm an accurate initial pass. Get player to focus on exactly where he is passing the ball to start the exercise. This is important in making the players start thinking about where they are passing. Player 2 must initially check away from the cone to make space for themselves. They must have a quality first touch across the body, so they must get in line with the initial pass and have a soft touch in front and across body. This will help stress and work on the importance of being comfortable with both feet. Player 2 will use the push pass initially to pass ball into space and in front of player 3 and not directly to their feet. Player 3 will call for the ball at the right time and time their run accordingly. This will get young players to think about their movement. Accelerate with a big touch back to start point. The key to this exercise is the focus on technical precision and quality. Practice Game: Speed of Play Competition Set up players in groups of 4 with one ball per group. Ideally have the 2 end players about 20 yards apart. Have two players at each end and two in the middle. Player 1 on the end makes a short pass into player 2 in the middle. Player 2 makes short pass back to player 1. Player 1 then makes a longer pass across the area to player 3 on the opposite end line. Player 3 receives and makes short pass to player 4. Player 4 makes a short pass back to player 3 who then plays a long pass back to player 1. w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 19

20 This completes the rotation and counts as 1 goal. After 5-6 goals switch the inside players with the outside players. Make it competitive by making it a race between teams but demand technical quality over speed initially to ensure that they are being technically clean. 15 minutes Progression All players must take 3 touches. All players must take 2 touches. End players must take 2 but inside players can only take 1. All players must take 1 touch this is a challenge and only the best groups will succeed Coach can also place demands on the longer pass from end player to end player introduce low driven pass if appropriate Game Condition: 5v5+2 to zones A 40 x 20 yard grid with two 3-4 yard wide end zones is organized as shown in the diagram above. A 5v5 is organized inside the grid and two floaters are positioned on the outside of the playing area. (Can also be played as 4v4+2) Both teams compete for possession of the ball. Either team can utilize the floaters on the outside of the field at any time. Floaters are limited to 2-touch. Points are scored by successfully dribbling into either end-zone. If a point is scored the same team maintains possession and immediately attacks in the opposite direction. Play is continuous for the designated period of time. 20 minutes Coaching Points: Sharp, crisp passing is essential. Movement off-the-ball must be constant. Angles and distance of support, communication. Transition from defending to attack and vice versa Progression Targets are added to each end-zone area. Points awarded for passing to a target player, receiving the return pass and then dribbling into end-zone. Target players are restricted to 1 or 2 touch (depending on ability) Target player must make a return pass to a different player. That player must then dribble successfully into the end-zone for a point to be awarded. Play 4 v 4 25 minutes Cool Down: Light jog across the field with stretches and a recap on the session. 5 minutes w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 20

21 Age Group: U12 Theme of Session: Creative passing Week 5 ORGANIZATION Warm Up 30x10 area Players work for 2 minutes and then change middle players. Player 1 passes to player 3 who then sets the ball back for player 2. Player 2 passes the ball to player 4 and the practice continues with player 4 passing back to player 2. Progression: Change the starting position of players 3 and 2 to make players use both feet. All players must take 2 touches. All players must take 1 touch. 15 minutes Coaching Points: Pace and accuracy of passing. Movement of inside players check away and body shape on receiving. Angle and distance of inside players make sure they are not flat. Quality of lay-off ball make sure that penetrating pass is as easy as possible for partner by taking weight off pass. Technical/Tactical Player 1 passes to player 3 who sets ball for player 2. Player 2 passes to player 4 as before. Player 2 then closes down player 4 and player 4 plays a give-and-go with player 3 around player 2 (who then goes and takes up player 4 s original position). Player 4 then turns and passes back to player 2 who takes a touch and passes back to player 4(who takes up player 2 s original position). Player 4 now sets to player 3 who passes to Player 1 and the wall pass exercise will continue. w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 21

22 Progression: Players can take unlimited touches. Players must take 2 touches. Attacking player can perform a 1v1 move instead of wall pass. Coaching Points: Pace of passing. Movement and angle of inside players. Quality of lay-off pass. Decision on wall pass on whether to take a touch or play first time. 20 minutes Game Conditioned: Practice Game: 4 v 4 Set up a 30x30 field with a small goal at each end. Players score by passing ball through goal with one touch. 25 minutes Progression: Players can score in either goal. Players can only score in one goal PLAY - 8 v 8 Cool Down 25 minutes 5 minutes w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 22

23 Age Group: U12 Theme of Session: Finishing with Efficiency I Week 6 ORGANIZATION Warm Up - Different strikes Split into groups of 4 with one ball per group. Have two players opposite each other approximately 8 10 yards apart and each of the pairs 3 4 yards apart use the width. Begin with one player passing across the area to the other group of two. One of the other players receives and lays off a short 2-3 yd pass at an angle to his partner who returns the pass to the original group. Alternate who receives and who passes. Refresh passing techniques from last two weeks. Incorporate dynamic stretching in their groups of 4 also. Progression All receiving players must take two touches. Passing player must take one. Pass across the area is with inside of foot. Pass across area with outside of foot. Pass across area with laces. Depending on the ability of the group coach can look to make everything one touch. 15 minutes Coaching Points All players in group to be on their toes. Communication and teamwork to work as a pair on who receives and who makes the pass. Look at movement to maximize space before the pass. Receiving player cushions ball at an angle to make the pass as easy as possible for partner. Look at weight and accuracy of pass make sure that players have caught up with ball (non-kicking foot beside ball), have eye on the ball when striking and follow through the pass. Look at locked ankle and body shape when striking also. PLEASE ENSURE THAT PLAYERS USE BOTH FEET CONSTANTLY! w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 23

24 Practice Game: Finishing in pairs Split team in two groups with each group working towards a goal. You can use Goalkeeper's at the very beginning if you wish or simply place demands on how the player scores ( use cones to mark out corners for example and goal only stands if ball hits the appropriate target). In each group split them in two. Set up 2 cones about yards away from goal depending on size of area and set one cone about 5 yards in front of these two to make a triangle. Place one group of players behind each cone at the base of the triangle. Have all the balls at one of the cones at the base of the triangle. Player 1(Red) will dribble quickly towards the cone at the point of the triangle and stop the ball dead to the side of the cone and then continue a curved run looking for rebounds. Player 2 (Yellow) will time his run off of player 1 s dribble and accelerate to strike the dead ball at the side of the cone. Player 2 is looking to hit the target. Play for 4 minutes and demand a certain number of goals. Switch balls to other cone after 4 minutes so that players get to practice with both feet. Progression: Player must finish with inside of foot. Player must finish with outside of foot. Player must finish with laces. Players score by finishing in one half of the goal (or make the target even smaller with cones. Players must finish with a rising shot ball must hit the goal in the air. 20 minutes Coaching Points: Player 1 dribbles at pace and must stop the ball dead. He then continues his run to look for rebounds. Look at curving run to keep space. Player 2 accelerates to ball and adjusts feet (shortens stride on approach) to be able to strike the ball with full power. Keep eye on ball. Lock ankle and strike through the ball. The key to this exercise is the focus on technical precision and quality. w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 24

25 Game condition: 90 second blitz Again split team in two to ensure greater repetition. Set up a 15 yard semicircle around each goal. Have 3 players enter this zone without balls. Have the rest of the players stand around the semicircle with a ball each. They will vary services into zone and 3 attackers have to finish as quickly as possible. They may not pass to each other in the zone. Keep score on how many goals they can score in 90 seconds. Player who shoots must immediately do a push up before they can shoot again. Rebounds should be encouraged. Rotate 3 attackers after 90 seconds. Progression Player may only take a maximum of 2 touches to finish. Players are limited to 1 touch finish. Have servers work on aerial distribution to work on headers and volleys. 25 minutes Coaching Points: Players must be on their toes in the zone and must be prepared to finish quickly with either foot. Look at players being able to finish low and in corners young players will be happy just to hit the ball or will look to hit it as hard as they can. Try to help them be more composed in front of goals by being mobile, creating space for the shot and selecting the appropriate surface to finish. Be ready for rebounds. PLAY - 4 v 4 Encourage players to finish quickly when the opportunity arises and follow up on rebounds. 25 minutes Cool Down 5 minutes w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 25

26 Age Group: U12 Theme of Session: Finishing with Efficiency II Week 7 ORGANIZATION Warm Up - Rectangle passing Area will be a 10x15 or 10x20 depending on space available and age group of players. Split into groups of 4 with one ball per group. Place one player at each corner of the rectangle. Players will pass the ball around the rectangle using different restrictions imposed by the coach. Players should always be on their toes and looking to perfect their technique even in the warm-up phase of the session. Incorporate dynamic stretching in their groups of 4 also. Progression Pass clockwise around the rectangle. All receiving players must take two touches. Long pass is played with inside of foot. Pass ante-clockwise. Pass across rectangle with outside of foot. Pass across area with laces. Play diagonal pass across rather than straight pass. Receiving player can take two but passer on opposite corner must pass with one touch. Move to long pass in the air if group is capable. 15 minutes Coaching Points All players in group to be on their toes. Quality of first touch into space to make the long pass easier. Keep eye on ball when striking lock ankle and work on body shape. Ask them to focus on non-kicking foot and being balanced. Look at weight and accuracy of pass ask players to look to slightly overhit their passes. This will also challenge the receiving player s first touch. PLEASE ENSURE THAT PLAYERS USE BOTH FEET CONSTANTLY! Technical/Tactical Practice game: Quick Finishes Split group into 2, 3 or 4 depending on numbers at practice and size of area available. Coach is trying to have quick repetition for this exercise so shooting groups should be no larger than 4 players and rotate Goalkeeper s through. Each group will have one goal to shoot at. Aim to keep as many balls as possible available for each group to use. Players are encouraged to shoot quickly and follow-up rebounds. Next repetition will not commence until goal is scored or ball is dead. w w w. c o a c h i n g f u n d a m e n t o o l s. c o m Page 26