The training objectives are very similar to the U9-U10. In this age group players are to “master the ball meaning basic technical topics should be mastered. All sessions should be “ball-centric” and include a technical topic that moves through the phases of training. Pressure on the player, should be increased as players advance through the stages of being comfortable on the ball. Players should have one or two years with a professional coach which should increase the technical ability of the player. The goal is to develop a high-level of individual ability (technical) as basis for a broad range of group (small) and team-tactical elements (large). SASA encourages creativity on the ball, as well as, age-specific player centered training where players are allowed to make mistakes in order to learn from them. The three phases of the game should be covered in all training topics listed below they are: in possession of the ball (attacking) without possession (defending) and transition (attacking to defending or defending to attacking). Sessions should include an element of competition and conducted at match pace (in all phases if possible; but definitely in Phase 4) off the ball movement, combination play, playing out from the back and possession should pillars at this age.

 

Shooting/striking the ball, finishing, crossing and finishing, passing (all sides of the foot), driven balls and longer passing, texture (bending) passing outside and inside of the foot dribbling (close), running with the ball (speed dribble), control (receiving low, high balls) turning and faints/moves, shielding the ball, heading,

1 v 1, 2 v 1, 3 v 1, 4 v 1, 2 v 2, (+1)3 v 3, (+ 1) 4 v 4, 5 v 5, 6 v 6***Max even numbers is 6 v 6 (these topics are crucial building blocks to the game, do not move on until mastered)

4 v 2, 5 v 2, 6 v 4, 8/9 v 4/5 (neutral player can be used as well)

Keep away/possession games with no direction as well as directional

“Piggy in the middle” (5 v 2 and games with mismatched numbers)

Combination play/movement off the ball (should be introduced in 2 v 1 and receive emphasis/repetition in all phases of training)

Review the Basic idea of the game “scoring and preventing goals conceded”

Introduce players roles (attacking, defending and in transition) for weekend match-play

Pressure and cover and Zonal Defending

Building form the back

Children have a unique ability to learn new information, a willingness to learn, improved concentration, focused interest, self belief and confidence, balanced physical appearance, greater coordination, more competitive

The improved developmental characteristics allow the ability of the player to learn more specific elements of the game of soccer. Players should continue to work on various interesting circuit training scenarios that hit areas of speed and agility with and without ball.