INTRODUCTION
Organization of player development by age and stage 2. BASIC STAGE – 9 TO 12 YEARS OLD
Children do not learn in the same way as adults, especially when the learning process involves both intellectual and physical activity. Age conditions the way a person perceives and interacts with the world and with others. In any learning process, age is the key component in selecting appropriate content and methodology. Soccer is no different. For this reason we must not train 6 year old players the same way as 13 years old players. Training sessions must be adapted to the age of the players. Taking into consideration the characteristics of human and player development, we have structured the curriculum into four age groups. The first two age groups are: 1. INITIAL STAGE – 5 TO 8 YEARS OLD
At this age children do not have the same capacity as adults to analyze the environment. They explore and have an egocentric conception of the world. Children are still gathering the experience necessary to interact with their surroundings and with others. Also, empathy and the capacity to consider the thoughts and feelings of others is very low. In order to help children build their own experience, many exercises will be individual (e.g. each player will have a ball). The tactical component of the game will be reduced to small-sided games with basic explanations about space distribution. Training sessions will be treated more as physical education than specifically as soccer training. U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Age Group Organization
At this stage, the structure (but not the content) of the training sessions will be similar to that of older players. The main component of the training session will be technical. It is sensible at this age to develop technique and basic tactical understanding. Children’s capacity to solve problems increases significantly. Therefore players will begin working on basic and dynamic tactical scenarios. At this stage, players are pre-pubescent and have important physical limitations in terms of strength and endurance. 3. INTERMEDIATE STAGE – 13 AND 14 YEARS OLD
Players at this age develop a good understanding of the game. However, these players are limited by their physical size and the significant changes, which arise with puberty. Safety should be the number one priority for the coach. The coach must be cautious to avoid overtraining should focus more on tactical and technical elements of the game and less on the physical aspects. Tactical training plays an important role at this age. 4. ADVANCED STAGE – 15 TO 18 YEARS OLD
Players at this age have completed most of their physical and mental development. All components of training can be combined and organized with the purpose of developing the highest potential of the player. The strength of the muscles helps to develop technique at high speed and this speed helps the player to react faster to tactical situations. This stage is crucial for combining all the components of soccer in order to increase the players’ soccer knowledge. These are some of the facts in terms of human development adapted to soccer. In this document these facts are used to develop the most appropriate training methodology for each age group.
37
PLAYER STAGES
Age groups organized by stage
PLAYER STAGES 1. INITIAL STAGE
2. BASIC STAGE
3. INTERMEDIATE STAGE
4. ADVANCED STAGE
5. SPECIFIC STAGE
U6 U7 U8 U9 U10 U11 U12 U13 U14 U15 U16 U17 U18
U19 U20
6. PERFORMANCE
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Age Group Organization
Senior
38
PRINCIPLES OF AGE APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT Training characteristics based on human development STAGES
AGE GROUPS U6
CHARACTERISTICS Very young players from 5 to 8 years of age love to play. Therefore, all practices should be based on fun games. Players must spend the maximum time possible in contact with the ball and experiment by themselves.
INITIAL
U7 For the first time the player has to build a relationship with other players. Give different responsibilities to the players in order to develop a sense of team. U8
Basic motor skills like walking, running or jumping have to be combined with ball handling and ball control.
U9
Pre-pubescent players from age 9 to 12 years have a special ability to learn. Therefore, this is the right age to work on specific soccer techniques and skills. Developing good technique is essential at this age.
U10 BASIC U11
1v1 and 2v1 attacking and defending situations are important to develop individual skills as well as the passing techniques to develop the necessary team game. Use small-sided games to develop basic attacking and defensive principles. Other important aspects of tactical training are possession, combination play, transition and finishing in the final third, as well as zonal defending. Players will rotate in two or three different positions to avoid early specialization.
U12
Speed, coordination, balance and agility are the main physical aspects to improve at this stage.
U13
At this stage, training sessions are orientated more toward tactics and the player will practice in bigger spaces. Players must practice all different types of techniques at this stage. Strength and endurance should be part of the fitness training. Coaching methods have to consider and preserve players’ health since they will be experiencing many changes due to puberty at this stage. Warm-ups and cool downs are essential as is dynamic flexibility.
INTERMEDIATE
U14
Players must develop discipline at this stage by following the instructions of the coach both during and outside training sessions.
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Age Group Organization
39
PRINCIPLES OF AGE APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT Training characteristics based on human development STAGES
AGE GROUPS U15
U16 ADVANCED U17
Tactical training and small-sided games are an essential part of the training at this stage. Attacking and defending principles must be part of all games. Important aspects of the tactical training are speed of play, quick transition, counter attacking and finishing in the final third, as well as pressing. Technique will focus on speed and accuracy. Passing and finishing are two of the main techniques emphasized at this stage. Part of the technical training will be position-specific (e.g. defender: passing, center midfield players: receiving to turn and strikers: finishing). The physical aspect of the game is key at this stage: endurance, strength and speed will be part of the weekly training routine.
U18
Players should be expected to show commitment to the team, concentration in training sessions and competitiveness during the game.
U19
All tactical aspects of the game must be covered. Strategy and set pieces are now a major part of the training sessions.
U20
The technical and physical work is based on explosive actions.
SPECIFIC
PERFORMANCE
CHARACTERISTICS
SENIOR
Training methods will be adapted to the type of players and level of competition.
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Age Group Organization
40
WORKLOAD KEY
1 2 1
3. Pressing
4. Retreat & Recovery
5. Compactness
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Age Group Organization
2
2. Zonal Defending
2
1. Defending Principles
1
3
2
3
4
1= VERY LOW
1
2
1
2
3
3
1
8. Finishing- Final Third
2
4
3
2
3
1
4
7. Playing out from the back
1
5. Switching Play
3
3
4
4
U11
1
2
4. Combination Play
2
3
3
U10
BASIC
6. Counter Attacking
1
3. Transition
U9
2
U8
2. Possession
U7 3
U6
INITIAL
1. Attacking Principles
TACTICAL
1
3
2
3
4
4
4
1
3
5
4
5
4
U12
2= LOW
2
4
3
4
5
5
5
2
3
5
5
U13
2
4
3
4
5
3
4
5
U14
INTERMEDIATE
STAGE AND AGE GROUP
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION BY AGE: TACTICAL
ATTACKING
DEFENDING
3= MID
3
5
4
5
5
4
5
U15
3
5
4
5
5
4
5
U16
4
5
5
4
4
5
5
4
5
4
4
5
U18
4= HIGH
U17
ADVANCED
5
4
3
3
4
U19
2
3
41
Senior
5= VERY HIGH
3
4
U20
SPECIFIC
1
1
WORKLOAD KEY
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Age Group Organization
12. 1v1 Defending
11. Crossing and Finishing
1
2
1
1
10. Receiving to Turn
4
1
3
3
5
9. Shielding the Ball
2
6. Ball Control
5
3
4
5
5. Shooting
2
4
2
1
4. Turning
5
3
8. 1v1 Attacking
5
3. Dribbling
3
5
U8
1
2
2. Running with the Ball
5
U7
INITIAL
7. Heading
5
U6
1. Passing and Receiving
TECHNICAL
1
2
2
2
5
1
5
5
4
4
4
5
U9
2
3
3
3
4
3
5
5
5
3
4
5
U11
1= VERY LOW
2
2
2
2
5
2
5
5
5
3
5
5
U10
BASIC
3
3
3
3
4
4
5
5
4
2
3
5
4
3
4
2
4
4
4
5
2
2
5
U13
2= LOW
U12
5
3
5
4
5
3
5
2
1
5
U14
INTERMEDIATE
STAGE AND AGE GROUP
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION BY AGE: TECHNICAL
3= MID
4
4
5
3
4
5
2
5
U15
4
4
3
3
5
2
5
U16
3
2
5
1
5
5
5
U18
4= HIGH
U17
ADVANCED
5
U19
5
42
Senior
5= VERY HIGH
5
U20
SPECIFIC
2
3
U13
2
2 3 5 5
Coordination & Balance
Agility
Basic Motor skills
Perception & Awareness
5
5
4
3
1
WORKLOAD KEY
5
5
3
3
1
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Age Group Organization
1
Flexibility & Mobility
3
5
4
4
4
2
4
1
Acyclic Speed
1
4
1
1
3
Speed Endurance
Maximal speed
2
5
2
5
5
3
2
2
5
1= VERY LOW
5
3
5
5
2
5
2
1
5
5
1
4
4
3
2
2
5
4
2= LOW
5
3
4
3
2
5
5
1
4
Acceleration
4
4
1
2
Reaction
2
3
1
1
3
Anaerobic Alactic
2
3
1
1
2
Anaerobic Lactic
Aerobic Power
2
3
1
2
U12
Aerobic Capacity
2
U11
1
1
U10
Maximal Strength
1
U9
3
U8
5
3
4
3
2
5
5
3
2
4
4
1
3
2
U14
INTERMEDIATE
Explosive Strength
U7
BASIC
1
U6
INITIAL
Strength Endurance
PHYSICAL
STAGE AND AGE GROUP
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION BY AGE: PHYSICAL
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
SPEED
3= MID
5
2
3
2
3
4
4
2
3
5
1
4
3
U15
5
1
3
3
4
1
4
3
U16
5
2
2
5
2
5
3
5
1
2
3
U18
4= HIGH
U17
ADVANCED
5
1
2
U19
5
43
Senior
5= VERY HIGH
5
U20
SPECIFIC
1 1
Cooperation
Decision/Determination
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Age Group Organization
WORKLOAD KEY
5
1= VERY LOW
5
5
3
2= LOW
5
4
3
5
3
2
Respect & Discipline
2
2
1
1
Communication
4
3
4
3
5
U13
1
4
3
2
3
4
5
U12
Self Control
3
3
2
3
4
5
U11
5
2
2
1
2
4
5
U10
1
2
1
2
4
5
U9
5
4
3
=
2
4
3
4
=
5
U14
INTERMEDIATE
Commitment
5
1
1
1
5
5
U8
BASIC
1
5
1
1
1
5
5
U7
INITIAL
Concentration
5
5
Self Confidence
Competitiveness
5
U6
Motivation
PSYCHOSOCIAL
STAGE AND AGE GROUP
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION BY AGE: PSYCHOSOCIAL
BASIC
ADVANCED
SOCIAL
3= MID
5
5
4
3
4
4
5
5
U15
5
5
4
3
4
4
=
5
U16
5
4
4
4
5
4
5
5
3
4
4
5
4
5
U18
4= HIGH
U17
ADVANCED
5
=
5
5
5
5
5
U19
5
5
44
Senior
5= VERY HIGH
5
=
=
=
=
5
U20
SPECIFIC
OBJECTIVES 12
Players per team
25’ 5’
Scrimmage Cool Down & Debrief
8. 1V1 Attacking 9. Shielding the Ball
8. Finishing in the Final Third
1. Defending Principles
12. 1V1 Defending
7. Heading
7. Playing Out From the Back
4. Retreat & Recovery
6. Ball Control
6. Counter Attacking
11. Crossing and Finishing
5. Shooting
5. Switching Play
10. Receiving to Turn
4. Turning
4. Combination Play
3. Pressing
3. Dribbling
3. Transition
2. Zonal Defending
2. Running With the Ball
2. Possession
TECHNICAL 1. Passing and Receiving
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Age Group Organization
5. Compactness
-
40’
Game time
Size of the practice Time of the practice Intensity of the practice Rules Number of players Time of contact with the ball
ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
75’
Session time
1
1
2
4
1
4
5
3
4
3
5
CONTENT
1 3 4 5 5
5. Coordination & Balance 6. Agility 7. Basic Motor Skills 8. Perception & Awareness
3 4. Flexibility & Mobility
Acyclic Speed
Speed Endurance
1
3 Maximal Speed
3 Acceleration
SCRIMMAGE 35%
INITAL STAGE
Reaction
Anaerobic Alactic
Anaerobic Lactic
Aerobic Power
Aerobic Capacity
Maximal Strength
Explosive Strength
Strength Endurance
PHYSICAL
Comments Collective games are essential for the player to start interacting with teammates. Match: We strongly recommend 7v7 games.
25’
15’
Physical Technique
15’
Warm-up
SESSION STRUCTURE
2
Sessions per week
ORGANIZATION
CURRICULUM – U8 – SEASON PLAN
1. Attacking Principles
TACTICAL
By the end of the season the player must be capable of: 1. Stopping and running with the ball at speed 2. Moving forward when attacking and retreating when defending 3. Basic quick movements with and without the ball
PSYCHOSOCIAL: Interact with teammates during the training session
PHYSICAL: Develop speed, coordination and basic motor skills with and without the ball
TECHNICAL: Individual and collective basic soccer techniques
SCRIMMAGE: Balance in relation to the ball and teammates during the game
ATTACKING
DEFENDING
STRENGTH ENDURANCE SPEED
10. Respect & Discipline
9. Communication
8. Self Control
7. Commitment
5
1
5. Competitiveness 6. Concentration
1 1
3. Cooperation 4. Decision/Determination
5
2. Self confidence
PHYSICAL 30%
5
PSYCHOSOCIAL
TECHNIQUE 35%
1. Motivation
TACTICS 0%
CONTENT DISTRIBUTION
BASIC ADVANCED SOCIAL
47
Aerobic power
Physical
Possession Playing out from the back Pressing
Tactical
Passing & receiving Shooting
Aerobic capacity
Physical
Technical
Passing & receiving, shooting
Technical
Possession
Coordination & balance
Physical
Tactical
Possession
Passing & receiving
Coordination & balance
Dribbling
2 WEEKS
Tactical
Technical
Physical
Technical
TYPE
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Planning and Training
ADVANCED U15 to U18
INTERMEDIATE U13 & U14
BASIC U9 to U12
INITIAL U6 to U8
STAGE
Glycolytic power
Shooting Ball control
Combination play
Receiving to turn, shooting
Perception & awareness
Passing & receiving
2 WEEKS
Transition & combination play
Speed & agility
Glycolytic power
Passing & receiving, dribbling and RWB
Specific speed
Receiving to turn Passing & Receiving
General strength
Anaerobic alactic
1v1 defending Turning
Speed of play & defensive principles
Transition Switching play
Speed & agility
Turning & 1v1 defending
Perception & awareness
Playing out from the back
Perception & awareness
Attacking principles Combination play Transition Transition Defending principles
Aerobic power
Shooting, running with the ball & ball control
Transition
Turning, Dribbling & 1v1 attacking
Basic motor skills
Ball control & turning
2 WEEKS
Attacking principles: 2v1, 3v1, 3v2, 4v3
Attacking principles
Speed & agility
Playing out from he back
Shooting & RWB
Generic speed & agility
Shooting & RWB
2 WEEKS
Explosive strength
Crossing & finishing Aerial control & heading
Finishing in the final third Zonal defending
General strength
Aerial control & heading
Finishing in the final third
Coordination & balance
Finishing in the final third
Ball control, turning & 1v1 defending
Speed (acceleration + acyclic) and agility.
1v1 attacking
2 WEEKS
Acyclic speed
Passing & receiving, ball control & shooting
Counter attack Retreat & recovery
Reaction & acceleration
Receiving to turn & shooting
Defending as a team – zonal defending
Reaction & acceleration
Defending principles
60
RWB, shielding the ball, shooting
Perception & Awareness + BMS
2v1 attacking
2 WEEKS
Main objectives for the 12-week program in the different stages are indicated in the sample below. The arrow indicates the main objective in that stage:
STRUCTURE OF THE TRAINING SESSION For the initial, basic, intermediate and advanced stages
Sessions for all age groups cover tactical, technical, physical and psychosocial objectives. The exception to this are the sessions for players in the initial stage, which cover only technical, physical and psychosocial objectives because of the age and developmental characteristics of this group. The session is organized into three blocks: Warm-up, main part (which includes technical, physical and tactical exercises) and scrimmage or free play. Training sessions follow the structure indicated below. However, the three parts of the session can be shorter or longer in duration and the sections within the main part can be interchanged depending on the type of exercise. Please note that any of the explanations below are recommendations and not prescriptions. INITIAL STAGE U6-U8 Sessions per week
2
Duration of the session
60 to 75 min
Players per session
12
Duration of the match
30 to 40 min
WARM-UP (10 to 15 min) Physical (15 min) TRAINING SESSION STRUCTURE
MAIN PART
Ball familiarity practices to develop basic skills Exercises oriented mainly to develop speed, agility and basic motor skills
Technical simple (10 to 15 min)
Unopposed practices based on simplicity of the movements, repetition and high-tempo
Technical complex (10 to 15 min)
Unopposed or basic opposed practices with a small tactical component based on perception and/or decision-making
SCRIMMAGE (20-25 min)
Simple small-sided games to develop the team concept
BASIC STAGE U9-U12 Sessions per week
3
Duration of the session
90 min
Players per session
14
Duration of the match
50 to 60 min
WARM-UP (10 min)
TRAINING SESSION STRUCTURE
MAIN PART
Fun & dynamic games, passing & possession practices, stretching & dynamic movement
Physical (15 min)
Exercises based on agility, speed, coordination & balance
Technical (20 min)
Unopposed practices to develop quality and opposed practices to develop competitiveness. Opposed practices are more realistic and force players to make decisions as they would in the game
Tactical (15 min)
Practice games based on basic understanding of the game (attacking principles), possession, combination play, playing out from the back & finishing
SCRIMMAGE (25 min)
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Planning and Training
Games based on position specific, quick movement of the ball and distribution of space
63
STRUCTURE OF THE TRAINING SESSION For the initial, basic, intermediate and advanced stages INTERMEDIATE STAGE U13-U14 Sessions per week
3 or 4
Duration of the session
90 min
Players per session
16
Duration of the match
70 min
WARM-UP (10 min)
TRAINING SESSION STRUCTURE
MAIN PART
Passing, possession & transition practices, stretching & dynamic movement
Technical (20 min)
Unopposed practices to develop speed of play and opposed practices to develop competitiveness. Opposed practices are more realistic and game oriented. Unopposed practices must have time restriction
Physical (15 min)
Exercises based on agility, various types of speed (reaction, acceleration & acyclic speed), aerobic capacity & explosive strength
Tactical (20 min)
Use the contrast of small spaces to develop speed of play and big spaces to develop the understanding of how to work in units
SCRIMMAGE (25 min)
Free game based on speed of play, movement off the ball & quick defensive-offensive transition
ADVANCED STAGE U15-U18 Sessions per week
4 or 5
Duration of the session
90-120 min
Players per session
18
Duration of the match
80-90 min
WARM-UP (10 min)
TRAINING SESSION STRUCTURE
MAIN PART
Passing, possession & transition practices, stretching & dynamic movement
Technical (20-25 min)
At this stage technique can be developed in small spaces through collective games & simple opposed practices
Physical (10-20 min)
Exercises based on agility, various types of speed (reaction, acceleration & acyclic speed), glycolytic power, aerobic power & explosive strength
Tactical (20-30 min)
Use the full size or specific areas of the field to develop tactical understanding of the game. Keep it realistic and related to the game.
SCRIMMAGE (25-30 min)
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Planning and Training
Free game including the concepts worked in the session
64
TITLE subtitle
Session Examples INITIAL STAGE
INITIAL STAGE TRAINING SESSION EXAMPLE Date:
Age group: U8
Duration: 75 min
Workload (1 to 5): 3
OBJECTIVES Technical
Part 1 – Shooting; Part 2 – Passing
Physical
Agility and basic motor skills
Psychosocial
Self confidence ORGANIZATION
TIME
Arrival: One ball per player. Players can dribble, shoot and keep the ball in the air.
5 min
WARM-UP: Dribbling in different spaces – Practice 4 – Dribbling Stretching: Mobility in a circle – Practice 1 – Flexibility and mobility Ball control: In the same big circle, with one ball per player and one pole in the middle. 1) Three consecutive aerial touches with left foot – three with right foot; 2) Ball in the air and control with sole of the foot; 3) Three touches forwards – three drags backwards; 4) One number per player. On coach’s command, dribble at speed around the pole.
5 min 5 min 5 min
MAIN: Physical: Agility, changing of squares – Practice 3 – Agility Technical simple 1: Agility and shooting – Practice 4 – Shooting – first individually then numbers game Technical simple 2: Passing in a square – Practice 3 – Passing and receiving Technical complex: 3v1 – Practice 10 – Passing and receiving
15 min 15 min 5 min 5 min
SCRIMMAGE: 6v6 free game Cool down: Gather the players and debrief
20 min 5 min SETUP
Half of a full size field
WORKLOAD KEY
1= VERY LOW
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Planning and Training
2= LOW
3= MID
4= HIGH
5= VERY HIGH
66
INITIAL STAGE
DRIBBLING
UNOPPOSED
Practice 4: Different size squares*
TECHNICAL
OBJECTIVE: Improve dribbling and close control in spaces of different sizes. AREAS
STRUCTURE
Technical
Dribbling
Space
40x30 yards
Tactical
Transition
Time
5 min
Physical
Perception and coordination
Age Recommended
U6+
Psychosocial
Self-confidence
Difficulty (1 to 5)
1
ORGANIZATION Players
12 players – 2 teams
Time
3 min working periods – 30s rest for explanations
Equipment
20 cones (4 colors), 4 high cones or poles, 2 sets of pinnies and 1 ball per player
Description
Dribbling in squares indicated by the coach (e.g. small red, long multicolor, small blue, outside squares). Variation 1: Assign spaces to teams Variation 2: Assign colors instead of shapes to improve perception
KEY POINTS 1. 2. 3. 4.
Perception Close control Body shape Coordination and agility
* Can be used during the warm-up
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Planning and Training
67
INITIAL STAGE
FLEXIBILITY AND MOBILITY
UNOPPOSED
Practice 1: Mobility in a circle*
PHYSICAL
PHYSICAL/PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECT: Prepare the body for high-intensity exercise. AREAS
STRUCTURE
Technical
Flexibility & mobility
Space
20x20 yards
Tactical
-
Time
5 min
Physical
-
Age Recommended
U6+
Psychosocial
-
Difficulty (1 to 5)
1
ORGANIZATION Players
8+
Equipment
1 ball per player
Description
Make a circle around the coach, leave the ball and take two steps backward. Different types of exercises for flexibility and joint mobility: ankles, knees, hips, calf, hamstrings, abductors, adductors, hip flexor, wide dorsal muscles and neck.
Justification
A variety of exercises to prepare muscles and joints for game speed and constant change of direction. Young players do not need to stretch intensively before the activity. However, it is essential for players to be familiar with these types of exercises.
WORKLOAD 1. 8 seconds per exercise and 1 or 2 repetitions * Can be used during the warm-up
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Planning and Training
68
INITIAL STAGE
AGILITY
OPPOSED
Practice 3: Reach the square*
PHYSICAL
PHYSICAL/PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECT: Improve agility and make quick and efficient decisions to avoid defenders and reach targets with and without the ball. AREAS
STRUCTURE
Physical
Agility
Space
32x20 yards
Tactical
Transition
Time
15 min
Technical
Dribbling
Age Recommended
U6+
Psychosocial
Competitiveness
Difficulty (1 to 5)
3
ORGANIZATION Players
12 players – 4 teams of 3 players
Equipment
24 cones (2 sets of colors); 9 balls
Description
On the coach’s command, every player must change to a square at the other end - first without the ball, then with the ball. The team in the middle tries to regain the ball in the process and dribble to one of the original squares. If this happens the player will be eliminated. The first team with no players in the game takes the defending position. Variation 1: No more than one player per team per square Variation 2: Three players maximum per square
WORKLOAD 1. Keep the game active and at high-intensity for 3 to 4 min periods. Rest periods for 30 seconds to 1 minute * Can be used during the warm-up
6x6 yards boxes
7 yards distance between boxes
20 yards distance between both ends
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Planning and Training
69
INITIAL STAGE
SHOOTING
UNOPPOSED
Practice 4: Middle, back and forward
TECHNICAL
OBJECTIVE: Improve reaction, speed, change of direction, acceleration and running with the ball before shoot-
ing in a competitive environment. AREAS
STRUCTURE
Technical
Shooting
Space
25x15 yards
Tactical
Finishing in the final third
Time
15 min
Physical
Speed and reaction
Age Recommended
U6+
Psychosocial
Competitiveness
Difficulty (1 to 5)
3
ORGANIZATION Players
12 players – 2 teams of 5 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper per team
Time
4 min working periods – 30s rest for explanations
Equipment
16 cones (2 sets of colors); 10 balls
Description
The coach will call a number from 1 to 5. On coach’s command, one player from each team runs to the middle square then changes direction toward the square close to goalkeeper to receive the ball. When receiving the ball, the player runs at speed toward the other goal to score. Variation 1: The player runs with the ball to the middle square, then turns to shoot on goal Variation 2: Pass the ball to the goalkeeper from the middle square before running to the second square
KEY POINTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Reaction speed Change of pace Body position to receive First touch on the ball Shooting with laces for power
1
2
3
4
5
30 yards distance between goals
20 yards distance between the 2 groups 1
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Planning and Training
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3
4
5
70
INITIAL STAGE
PASSING & RECEIVING
UNOPPOSED
Practice 3: Passing in a square
TECHNICAL
OBJECTIVE: Develop receiving and passing technique by changing the angles. AREAS
STRUCTURE
Technical
Passing and receiving
Space
6x6 yards
Tactical
Possession
Time
10 min
Physical
Perception
Age Recommended
U6+
Psychosocial
Self-confidence
Difficulty (1 to 5)
2
ORGANIZATION Players
4+
Time
2 min working periods – 30s rest for explanations
Equipment
4 cones, 1 ball
Description
One player behind each cone. The player receives the ball and passes to teammate behind the cone. Variation 1: Change direction using right or left foot Variation 2: Bigger distances between cones receiving the ball with the inside of the foot and keeping the ball in movement Variation 3: Receiving the ball with the outside of the foot and moving to the side Variation 4: Five players per group. One extra player behind the player with the ball. Player passing the ball follows his/her pass.
KEY POINTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Creating space behind the cone Control with different parts of the foot; sole of the foot, inside/outside Keeping the head up and perception of distance with the ball Angles: non-kicking foot pointing to the target Receiving with the inside of the furthest foot and passing with opposite foot
Square 6x6 yards
U.S. SOCCER CURRICULUM > Planning and Training
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INITIAL STAGE
PASSING & RECEIVING
OPPOSED
Practice 10: 3v1**
TECHNICAL
OBJECTIVE: Develop perception, support play and passing in short periods of time. AREAS
STRUCTURE
Technical
Passing and receiving
Space
6x6 yards square
Tactical
Possession
Time
12 min
Physical
Perception
Age Recommended
U7+
Psychosocial
Decision
Difficulty (1 to 5)
5
ORGANIZATION Players
4 players - 3v1
Time
4 reps, 2 min – 30s rest
Equipment
4 cones, 1 ball
Description
Keep possession of the ball away from the defender. The players keeping possession can move to support the player in possession of the ball. Develop the basic concept of triangle passing and movement to create two passing options in a game. Variation 1: Limit the number of touches to two or three Variation 2: One-touch play
KEY POINTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Receiving the ball with the inside of the foot for better control Keeping the head up - perception Quick decision-making Passing with inside of the foot Moving to free space - support
** Can be used for the technical complex part of the training session
Passing Option 1
6 yards
Passing Option 2
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