Coaching Program U13 and U14
Practice Sessions:
All fundamentals taught at these age groups should now be in small-sided games starting at 3v3 and working up to 6v6
Techniques should be practiced under pressure and at game speed.
Players discipline and attitude are important.
Players should arrive on time, they should have clean cleats and they must do their best at all times.
Encourage your players to do their homework.
Encourage your players to watch top class games on TV.
Passing:
Players need to be able to do a lofted pass with the instep of the foot and get backspin on the ball.
Players need to know how and when to disguise a pass.
The most important thing at this age group is that the players learn to keep possession and have confidence when on the ball.
Players need to learn how and when to switch play.
Players need to learn when to play long passes and when to play short passes.
Control:
Players need to be able to control a ball from a lofted pass.
Players need to be able to control a ball away from pressure.
Players need to know how to control the ball when pressured from the front or from behind.
Players need to be learning how to control a ball as a means to an end.
Dribbling:
Players should know when and where to dribble in small-sided and 11v11 games.
Encourage your attacking players to take risks in the attacking third of the field during 11v11 games.
Defending:
Players need to understand when to put pressure on the ball, the importance of patience and also knowing where to cover.
Players start to learn the importance of balance at U13.
Players will learn to defend against crosses.
Players will learn to understand the role of the sweeper in 11v11 games.
The players must now know the following fundamentals of defending and be able to execute them correctly:
· Players must get their body between the ball and the goal as soon as they loose possession.
· They must communicate as a team
· When to pressure the ball
· To be patient and delay
· Where the balancing player should be
· The closer they are to the ball the tighter they mark
· Players should understand how to get their body in position so they can see the ball and the player they are marking.
· Players should understand when and how to force play in one direction.
· Players will learn when to defend high up the field or deep.
Shooting:
Players will learn to shoot from outside the penalty area.
Players will learn to finish in tight situations in the penalty area.
Player will learn when and where to shoot.
Players will learn how to finish with volleys.
Players will learn how to finish from crosses.
Heading:
Players should be able to do attacking and defending headers.
Combination Play:
Players will learn the following combination plays.
Dribbling and the wall pass
Overlapping Runs
Crossover Plays
Attacking:
Players will learn to understand the positions of forward and midfield players and the runs that they make in 11v11 games.
Players will learn the importance of speed and movement in game situations.
Players should start to understand width, movement and improvisation in attack.
Players should have an understanding of finishing from crosses.
Flexibility:
It is important for the players to continue with stretching and cool downs.
Set Plays:
Set plays should be understood as they are important at this age group.
Corners
Free kicks
Throws
Penalties
Goal kicks
Games:
Players will continue to master their techniques and apply them in 11v11 games.
Players will identify a position that they and the coach think is best for them and the team.
Players should have an understanding of how to play one of the following systems.
4-4-2
3-5-2
Players should now know they have to have a good attitude and a good mentality in games and practices to get playing time.
At U14 players must understand that game results are now important.
