U11/U12 (Intermediate Stage)

THIS IS STILL AN AGE WHERE BALL SKILL AND SOCCER INSTINCTS MUST BE ENCOURAGED ABOVE THE RESULTS.

Physically, 11 and 12 year olds’ bodies are beginning to change.  Often, this results in awkward growth spurts.  Players that, in the past, showed precise control over their bodies and the ball will sometimes now temporarily lose this coordination.  As their bodies grow, they will also need more rest.  Generally at this age, there is more enthusiasm and ability to focus their energy toward both individual and team challenges.  Coaches can use this enthusiasm and focus to their advantage by giving the players specific problems to solve within the games they play.

Games:

11 v. 11
Substitution: Free
GK Status: GK share time in order of priority
Ball Size: 4

GENERAL THOUGHTS

GOALS FOR PRACTICE, GAMES AND SEASON

Practices should consist of up to 75 minutes of structured, adult-guided soccer with an additional 15 to 30 minutes allotted for free play / self expression and self-improvement. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WHAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING DURING PRACTICE

The themes addressed in practice should be developed and expanded on from those that they dealt with at the U10 level.  Each practice should address individual ball skill (~30 minutes) as well as individual and small group decisions, in the attack and when defending.  As they mature and are capable of keeping track of more things that are occurring on the field, we can increase the number of players that compete against each other. 

The most dramatic change from U10 to this age group is the players increased ability to stay focused and to begin taking responsibility for their decisions on the field.  At the same time, these are still 10, 11, and 12 year olds.  These are not adults.  Continue to encourage risk taking and experimenting with the ball, but begin to get them thinking about themes such as working together with his or her teammates to solve problems.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WHAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING IN MATCHES

The game continues to be about individual ball control.  At the same time, players should begin thinking of their decisions and movement as being related to their teammates and opponents.

Matches are a forum for players to test their ball skills and game awareness and should be considered an additional means of development, rather than the objective.  Results play a role in development as it gives the players a competitive focus in the match. 

Coaches are encouraged to promote soccer that is free flowing, is coach-guided but not coach-directed, and demands that all players on the field, regardless of their specified position, participate in defending and attacking.

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

The coach of 11 and 12 year olds is responsible for encouraging and directing the enthusiasm of these ages towards attacking, technical, and thoughtful soccer.  All players should be encouraged to see their own role in the attack and the defense.  Encourage each player based on his or her abilities, while at the same time, encourage all your players to work toward seeing 1 v 1, as both attacker and defender, as an advantage. 

BEST QUALITIES OF A COACH FOR THISE AGE PLAYER:

Sensitive teacher, enthusiastic, possess soccer awareness, ability to demonstrate or utilize someone whom can paint a good picture (older player, assistant coach).  Possess knowledge of the key factors of basic skills.  Give encouragement.  Have an appreciation for the relationship or connection between individual skill and small group insight, and the players’ eventual success at the older ages.