Coaching Program U15 and U16
Practices:
All players should now be able to perform all the basic fundamental skills.
At these age groups most sessions will be done in 6v6, 7v7 or 8v8 small-sided games.
The coach will identify what their team needs to work on from observations during the weekend games.
All players will participate in the practice session which can be done in one half of the field.
Players should now be on time for practice, have clean cleats and have good self discipline.
Individual attitudes to practice and games are important at these age groups.
Passing:
Players should be able to keep possession in tight areas.
Players should be able to play from the back.
Players should be able to switch play.
Players need to know when to play long and when to play short.
Players will learn what penetration passing is in 11v11 games.
Control:
Players need to be able to control a ball on the ground or from the air under pressure in game situations.
Players need to know the importance of ball control as a means to passing, dribbling or shooting in game situations.
Dribbling:
Players need to be able to dribble in the attacking third of the field at speed/pace.
Players should know when and where to dribble.
Players should understand what penetration by dribbling is in 11v11 games.
Defending:
Players should understand balance in game situations.
Players need to practice defending as a team in 6v6 or 8v8 small-sided games.
Players need to know how to defend from the front
Players will learn to understand the sweeper system and a flat back four.
Players should understand the fundamentals of defense
· Communication
· Pressure
· Patience
· Cover
· Balance
Shooting:
Player should be able to finish in and around the penalty area when closely marked.
Players should be able to finish from crosses.
Players should be able to finish from a volley.
Players should be able to shoot from outside the penalty area
Players need to know when and where to shoot in 6v6 and 8v8 situations.
Heading:
Players should be able to execute attacking and defending headers in game situations.
Combination Play:
Players should have a full understanding of all forms of combination play in small-sided and 11v11 games.
Attacking:
Players should have a full understanding of their role in 11v11 games.
Forwards and midfield players must understand when and where to make their runs in games.
Players should understand the fundamentals of attack
· Width,
· Movement,
· Penetration by dribbling and passing,
· Mobility
· Improvisation
· Depth
Set Plays:
Set plays are important at this age group and players should have a full understanding of the following:
Free kicks
Corners
Throws
Penalty kicks.
Goal kicks
Kick off Routine
Games:
At these age groups all the players should have a full understanding of the game and have the ability to perform under pressure and at game speed.
Players should be introduced to the following system of play:
4-3-3
Players must have a position identified.
Players must be practicing and playing to earn playing time.
Player must also be aware that results at this age are important.
