Youth coach is the teacher of the game – U12 fundamentals [EXERCISE]

The foundation for success of a soccer player is produced when the players are young. It is formed by the help of quality coaching at a young age. At the older age, the game is the most important, so the training is more tactical than technical; that is why the focus to individual player development is very important before the age of 12. Dedicated and modern coaches are concerned to follow a guideline which provides age appropriate principles of development.

COACH IS THE TEACHER OF THE GAME

Skill development for players at a young ages is best achieved through the combination of quality instruction and demonstration by qualified and experienced coaches and game related challenging environment. Coach is also a teacher of the game and all it’s aspects. He has the power to earn players trust by being:

• positive,
• honest,
• fair,
• helpful,
• knowledgeable,
• enthusiastic,
• willing to learn,
• motivated.

All those abilities players should to see in their coach, especially at a young age when they are discovering beauty of the sport and team effort.

There are so many side effects that are interfering during young players development and with a coach who is ready to deal with it all, having his main objective only for his player to be better tomorrow then yesterday, will see his hard work valuable. When teaching a sport such as soccer, coach must remember that it is just a game and you want your players to have fun. Communicating in a positive way that shows you have the best interest in the players’ wellbeing. Encouraging players to always build their skills, have challenging activities and play to the best of their ability.

BRIEF INSTRUCTIONS

Coach must create soccer related activities easy for understanding and learning. Instructions are brief, so the player stays focused and active. The session plans have to be designed proper for the particular age. Players should be confident in main soccer skills such as:

• ball control,
• dribbling,
• turning,
• creating space,
• passing,
• understanding the principles of attacking, and
• defending.

ALL COMPONENTS COMBINED IN ONE TRAINING SESSION

Training session bellow combines all components said, prepared in progressive training method, building up challenge level from easy without the opponent, to more difficult creating 1v1 and 2v1 situation, including transition in both ways. One exercise layout is kept with minimal change throughout progression to give coach easy to prepare and run the session.

INSTRUCTIONS

Players are positioned in two groups next to the goalpost. Two players are placed 20 meters away in front the groups. Action starts with first player from one group player A passes the ball to player B who is making the movement towards the ball. Player B plays back pass and turn to make run around the cone to receive lay off pass and take a shot at goal. Player A takes the place of player B and players from other group start new action. Players also change groups on the sides of the goalpost after every action finishes.

COACHING POINTS

Players must create movements towards the ball to receive the pass, simulating creating space and moving away from his opponent. After playing back pass player should make quick turn, running away from his opponent to receive new pass from his teammate, always facing the game and not turning his back towards the play.

INSTRUCTIONS

In first progression, player A after passing the ball becomes defender, protecting his goal from player B scoring. If player A wins the ball he must score between two poles on the opposite side. Action is finished when one of the players score or ball goes out of play. Instead of poles another goal with goalkeeper can be used if available.

COACHING POINTS

Players should take advantage of their quality first touch control to beat defender. Have skill in mind you are going to use before reaching opponent closely. When player is defending press attacker closely, not rushing to miss tackle. When gain possession of the ball react quickly to use surprise factor.

INSTRUCTIONS

At the time when player A starts with the pass to player B, player C starts his run around the opposite cone to support player B creating 2v1 situation. If player A wins the ball he must score between poles on the opposite side.

COACHING POINTS

Attacking players should time and synchronize their action. Using one two pass, feinting the defender or overlap run to advance to the goal. Take chance when in position to shoot at goal. When in defending, position yourself to protect the pass between attackers and at the same time reducing space between player you are pressing to make a tackle.

Building confidence is the key point with those ages. They must know that they cannot fail; they can only improve themselves with hard work and many repetitions. They must be allowed to be creative and to discover; the coach will correct and direct them to possible solutions. With peaceful mind and challenged only with the skill, player will progress further and faster.