U9/U10 (Basic Stage)

Soccer for this age is a fun activity for the kids that encourages a lot of games to goals and encourages experimentation with the ball.  The ratio of balls to players should be small enough that all your players are involved all the time.  The focus is on developing a relationship with the ball in a joyful environment.  There should be no standing still during training or keeping score.

Games:

8 v 8 w/ GK
Substitution: free
GK Status: Players rotate as a goalkeeper in game.  All players should experience playing all the different spots on the field during the season.
Ball Size: 4

GENERAL THOUGHTS

At this age, there are some children that are becoming more physically mature.  Among your group, there are now some bigger and faster players whose eye-hand and eye-foot coordination is a little ahead of the majority of your players.  Some of your players may also demonstrate a greater capacity to stay focused for longer periods of time.  However, explanations must still be brief, concise, and purposeful.  Care should be taken with players, regardless of athletic ability, to address ball skill, especially in tight spaces.  The faster, stronger players should not be encouraged to use their athleticism to solve all their problems.  Building comfort with the ball at ages nine and ten will provide them with a variety of crucial tools they will need as they get older, and the level of ball skill and athleticism rises. 

A DISCUSSION ON WINNING AND LOSING

For the first time, we are playing teams and players from other clubs who may not have the same development philosophy as us.  It is highly encouraged to emphasize a skillful approach, even though this may result in conceding goals or losing games in the short term. 

Competition is a central element in a player’s development.  At the youth level, a competitive environment should not be a result-oriented environment.  THE DIFFERENCES MUST BE CLEAR.  The result is just one indicator of performance at this age, and it is not the most important one.

Matches are important as a means to player development (enjoyment, ball skill, insight, and fitness), not as the aim.  Focus on the process and performance rather than the outcome, but be prepared for the possibility that your team may lose some games in the short term with this approach.  Keep in mind that it is actually easier to win games at this age group with teams that are “organized” but lack skill.  Placing the more physically mature players down the middle of the field and just asking players to “kick it down the middle” or only allowing players to specialize at one position may led to more victories… however, it does not effectively teach the players the game and prepare them to continue on in the sport.

GOALS FOR PRACTICE, GAMES AND SEASON

Building the player’s skill base continues to be the most important goal of the season.  At this age, this can be done through the introduction of a few more players in the games the coach sets up.  Keep in mind that even the more competent players will not be working effectively as a group once the numbers get beyond 5 v 5.  In the smaller numbers, emphasis must still be on creating 1 v 1 or 2 v 1 duals on the field.

PRACTICE

Keep the sessions simple and player centered.  Give the players simple problem solving opportunities and plenty of opportunities to score goals.  It is important to be positive and to continue to create repeated opportunities for the players to express themselves through their ability with the ball, regardless of the outcome of their effort.

DURATION, RATIO OF BALL: CHILD

Practices should consist of no more than 60 minutes of structured, adult-directed soccer with an additional 30 minutes allotted for free play / self expression and self-improvement. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WHAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING DURING PRACTICE

As much as possible let players experience soccer through 3 v 3 to 5 v 5 games that last for no more than 10 or 15 minutes.  The small numbers allow the players to gain critical practice at 1 v 1 and 2 v 1 situations, while still allowing for the fun and feel of a soccer game. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WHAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING IN MATCHES

Remember, these are young children who have several more years to go before they will have all the tools needed to attempt soccer in the adult form.  The best path to truly preparing them for the adult game is not have them practice at playing the adult game; rather it is by giving them repeated opportunities to experience soccer in a more manageable form for their age. 

SUBSTITUTION PATTERNS

Players should be given the opportunity to play soccer for extended, uninterrupted periods of time.  This allows them to get a better feel for the flow of a soccer game.  At a minimum, players at this age should be playing 50% of every game. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF INFORMATION THAT IS COMMUNICATED TO THE PLAYERS BY THE COACH

The coach should make comments that help players stay involved without giving them all the answers: “join the game,” “find the ball,” “go get the ball,” “don’t hide,” etc.  The coach for this age group does not focus on positions, yet encourages everyone to take part in attacking and defending.  Try to manage the amount of information or feedback your players are receiving immediately after practices or matches.

BEST QUALITIES OF A COACH FOR THIS AGE

Energetic and enthusiastic.  Plays while facilitating practice.  Stimulates ideas.  Still fun oriented to make them fall in love with the game.