Organization

1. Organization • Have all the necessary equipment needed • Set up practice area ahead of time • Have a ball for every player • Have a definite practice plan • Get volunteer helpers • Reduce the player – coach ratio • Avoid the whole group thing • Work in small groups where everyone is busy

2. Less talk, more activity • Kids will remember: what they hear ..….. the least (20%) what they see & hear …. more (50%) what they do …… the most (90%) Spend as little time as possible telling them Spend more time showing them Spend the most time letting them do it

3. 4 Elements of a Practice Game • A recognizable objective – aim, purpose • The rules of the game • The equipment needed to be able to play the game (ball, goals, markers, vests) • A play-oriented approach ……… …….. small – sided games

4. Perfect Practice Makes Perfect • Habits can be good or bad • If not corrected, bad habits will linger • You can get good at being bad • Create an environment where good habits are encouraged • Proper demonstration of technique • Repetitions of doing it the right way • Correct mistakes as they occur • See it – do it right -- repeat it – over and over

5. Chaos • Soccer is a chaotic, dynamic and fluid game. Situations and decisions change in a second. • At any moment opponents can ruin plan A and teammates may ruin plan B. This leaves the player with trying to invent plan C in a rapidly changing situation. • Composure and self-confidence are two important qualities for bring order out of chaos

6. Bringing Order to Chaos • Being able to recognize constantly recurring situations is an important prerequisite for taking the correct action and applying the required technical skill. • The good player seems to exert less effort, • plays with a sense of style and grace • is more comfortable • To control the game you have to control the ball. • To control the ball …………… you have to control your mind and body

7. Age Divisions of Youth Soccer • Youth soccer players are divided into 6 different age groups • Each age group has its own significant characteristics • Age groups: 6 to 8 -- 8 to 10 10 to 12 -- 12 to 14 14 to 16 -- 16 to 18

8. Stages of Development 6 to 8 years old: Discovery • Easily distracted, short concentration span • They all want the ball – 3 v 3 becomes 1 v 5 • Limited to kicking ball forward, dribbling and shooting at goal • Every player needs constant ball contact • Create fun games with the ball for them • Must introduce the game of soccer to them • Size 3 ball and 4 v 4 in a modified area

9. Stages of Development -- 2 8 to 10 years old: Development • More small-group oriented • Longer attention span • Ideal age to development fundamental soccer skills. They learn by imitation • More awareness, purpose & aggressive • Can combine with 1 or 2 other players • Can handle light soccer pressure

10. Stages of Development -- 3 10 to 12 years old: Creativity • Control own movements and consciously work to improve their game • Continue with skill development • Add insight into the mix • Small-sided games for problem-solving • Motivation to learn and achieve is higher • Size 4 ball and up to 7 a side games

11. Stages of Development -- 4 12 to 14 years old: Discipline • Growth spurts for some, but not for all • Awkward stage, coordination is a problem • More assertive, with their own opinions • Talent gap noticeable • Team concepts (attack, defend, transition) • Curious to know why (what’s the purpose) • Size 4 or 5 ball with 8 or 11 a side

12. Stages of Development -- 5 14 to 16 years old: Competitive • Winning becomes more important than ever • Capable of playing very competitive soccer • Playing pressure increases dramatically • Play the game with more insight and intensity • Tactics and team play become main themes • Positional play becomes more important • Some players struggle to keep up