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 (whats 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