technical programs
U 5 - U 8
Introduction and Orientation:
Begin each session with a brief introduction to welcome players and parents. Emphasize the importance of fun, learning, and teamwork.
Explain the goals of the program, including skill development, sportsmanship, and enjoyment of the game.
Warm-up Activities:
Start with fun and dynamic warm-up exercises that involve basic movements like running, skipping, and jumping.
Incorporate activities that encourage players to manipulate the ball with different parts of their feet, such as toe taps, inside touches, and outside touches.
Technical Skills Development:
Focus on teaching fundamental soccer skills such as dribbling, passing, receiving, and shooting.
Break down each skill into simple, age-appropriate drills and exercises.
Use fun props like cones, hoops, and small goals to keep the activities engaging and challenging.
Rotate through different stations to practice various skills, allowing players to experience different aspects of the game.
Small-Sided Games:
Organize small-sided games (3v3 or 4v4) to provide ample opportunities for players to apply their newly learned skills in a game-like setting.
Modify the rules and field size as needed to ensure the games are appropriate for the age and skill level of the players.
Encourage creativity, teamwork, and good sportsmanship during the games.
Physical Development:
Incorporate activities that promote agility, balance, coordination, and speed.
Include activities that develop core strength and overall athleticism, such as jumping exercises, agility ladder drills, and bodyweight exercises.
Understanding the Game:
Introduce basic concepts of soccer such as positions, roles of players, and rules of the game in a simplified manner.
Use visual aids, demonstrations, and interactive discussions to help players understand key concepts.
Cool-down and Reflection:
End each session with a cool-down period involving gentle stretching exercises to prevent injuries and promote flexibility.
Take a few minutes to reflect on the session with the players, highlighting their achievements and areas for improvement.
Parent Involvement:
Encourage parents to support their child's participation by attending practices and games, volunteering as coaches or assistants, and providing positive reinforcement.
Provide resources and guidance for parents on how to support their child's development and enjoyment of the game outside of organized sessions.
Safety and Fun:
Prioritize the safety and well-being of the players by ensuring a safe playing environment and enforcing basic rules for behavior.
Keep the atmosphere positive, inclusive, and supportive, emphasizing fun and enjoyment above winning or competition.
U 9 - U12
Technical training for children aged U9-U12 should build upon the foundational skills learned in grassroots programs while introducing more advanced techniques and tactical understanding.
Dynamic Warm-up:
Begin each session with a dynamic warm-up to prepare the players physically and mentally for the training ahead.
Include exercises that focus on agility, coordination, balance, and mobility, such as high knees, side shuffles, dynamic stretching, and ladder drills.
Technical Skill Development:
Focus on advancing fundamental soccer skills with more complex drills and exercises.
Dribbling: Progress to more challenging dribbling exercises that incorporate changes of direction, feints, and shielding techniques.
Passing and Receiving: Introduce advanced passing and receiving techniques such as driven passes, first-time passes, and receiving under pressure.
Shooting: Teach proper shooting technique including placement, power, and accuracy. Incorporate shooting drills with varying levels of difficulty and introduce different types of finishes (e.g., volleys, half-volleys).
Ball Control: Continue to emphasize ball control with both feet, introducing exercises that challenge players to control the ball in tight spaces and under pressure.
Tactical Understanding:
Introduce basic tactical concepts such as positioning, movement off the ball, and support play.
Teach players how to recognize and exploit space on the field, both in attack and defense.
Use small-sided games and positional exercises to reinforce tactical principles and decision-making in game-like situations.
Small-Sided Games:
Incorporate small-sided games (1v1, 2v2, 4v4, 5v5) to encourage plenty of touches on the ball, quick decision-making, and teamwork.
Modify the rules and field dimensions to emphasize specific technical or tactical objectives.
Encourage players to experiment with new skills and tactics in a supportive and competitive environment.
Physical Conditioning:
Continue to develop players' physical attributes with exercises that improve speed, agility, strength, and endurance.
Include exercises that mimic the demands of soccer, such as interval running, agility drills with the ball, and small-sided games with high intensity.
Game Understanding:
Analyze game footage or live matches to help players understand different game situations and strategies.
Provide opportunities for players to discuss and analyze their own performances, identifying areas for improvement and setting personal goals.
Cool-down and Reflection:
End each session with a cool-down period involving static stretching and relaxation exercises to aid recovery and reduce the risk of injury.
Take time for players to reflect on the session, discussing what they learned and how they can apply it in future games and practices.
Progression and Adaptation:
Continuously challenge players by progressively increasing the difficulty of drills and exercises as they improve.
Provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback to encourage players and reinforce good habits.
Encourage a growth mindset, emphasizing the importance of effort, perseverance, and learning from mistakes.
U13 - U17
Technical training for players aged U13-U17 should focus on refining fundamental skills, introducing advanced techniques, and developing tactical understanding.
Warm-up:
Begin each session with a dynamic warm-up routine including jogging, dynamic stretches, agility drills, and ball mastery exercises.
Emphasize the importance of preparing the body for physical exertion and focusing the mind for training.
Dribbling: Emphasis is placed on developing close ball control, dribbling with both feet,
changes of direction, and dribbling under pressure. Players learn to manipulate the ball effectively while maintaining awareness of their surroundings.
Passing and Receiving: Players are taught the basics of passing and receiving techniques, including instep passing, inside-of-the-foot passing, and receiving with different parts of the body (feet, thighs, chest). Passing accuracy, weight of the pass, and first touch are key areas of focus.
Shooting: Shooting drills focus on developing proper shooting technique, including striking the ball with the instep, inside of the foot, and laces. Players learn to generate power and accuracy in their shots while also practicing different types of finishes (e.g., volleys, half-volleys, headers).
Ball Control: Various ball control exercises help players improve their first touch, trapping the ball, and bringing it under control quickly. Players learn to control the ball in different situations and angles, preparing them for game scenarios.
2. 1v1 Skills:
Individual skills such as feints, step-overs, body fakes, and changes of pace are introduced to help players beat defenders in one-on-one situations. Players develop confidence and creativity in taking on opponents.
3. Small-Sided Games 2v2, 3v3, 4v4 games:
the emphasis is on maximizing player involvement, encouraging creativity, and providing ample opportunities for skill development within a small-sided, manageable environment. These games encourage maximum involvement, touches on the ball, and decision-making opportunities for each player.
4. Tactical Understanding:
Introduce basic tactical concepts such as formations, principles of play, and team shape.
Teach players how to recognize and exploit space, maintain possession, and transition between attack and defense.
Use game-related drills and tactical exercises to reinforce these concepts and encourage players to think critically about their decisions on the field.
5. Understanding Space:
Players are taught how to create and exploit space on the field, both individually and as a team. This includes concepts such as movement off the ball, creating passing lanes, and positional awareness.
6. Defensive Skills:
Basic defensive principles such as jockeying, tackling, and marking are introduced. Players learn how to apply pressure on the ball carrier, position themselves defensively, and work as a unit to regain possession.
7. Goalkeeper Training (optional):
If goalkeepers are included in the program, specialized training is provided to develop their handling, shot-stopping, positioning, distribution, and communication skills.
8. Fun and Engagement:
The program is designed to be enjoyable and engaging for young players, incorporating activities, drills, and games that promote a love for the sport and keep players motivated to learn and improve.
9. Progression and Individual Development:
The program should be structured to allow for individual progression, with players challenged at their own skill levels. Coaches provide feedback and guidance tailored to each player.
10. Player Autonomy and Responsibility:
Encourage players to take ownership of their development by setting personal goals, seeking feedback, and actively participating in training sessions.
Teach players the importance of accountability, discipline, and commitment to their team and individual growth.