THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT

As coaches of these younger players there are things that we know that we can expect during training and games. If we know what to expect, we will be more effective in dealing with the hundreds of situations that come up. This will help us relax, and, in turn, allow us to enjoy the unpredictable nature of working with these children even more. Here are some of the things that we can expect.

*Most players cry immediately when something is hurt. Some cry even when something is not hurt.
No matter how loud we shout, or how much we "practice" it, they can not or will not pass the ball.
* Somebody will come off the field in need of a toilet. Somebody will stay on the field in need of a toilet.
* The only player to hold a position is the goalkeeper (if you play with one). Don't even consider teaching positional play.
* Twenty seconds after the start of a game, every player will be within 5 yards of the ball.
* Several players will slap at the ball with their hands, or pick it up. Several parents will yell at them not to do that.
* A model rocket that is launched from a nearby field will get 99% of the player's attention. By all means, stop whatever you are doing and go watch for a couple of minutes!
* During a season, you will end up tying at least 40 - 50 shoelaces.
* They will do something that is absolutely hysterical. Make sure that you laugh.

CHARACTERISTICS OF U-6 PLAYERS

* Short attention span.
* Can attend to only one problem at a time.
* May understand simple rules that are explained briefly and demonstrated.
* May or may not understand or remember: what lines mean on the field; what team they are on; what goal they are going for. We need to be patient and laugh with them as they get 'lost' on the field.
* Easily bruised psychologically. Shout praise often. Give "hints", don't criticize.
* Need generous praise and to play without pressure. No extrinsic rewards (trophies, medals, etc.) should be given for winning.
* Prefer "parallel play" (Will play on a team, but will not really engage with their teammates. Thus, a 3 against 3 game is, in reality, a 1 against 5 game because they all want the ball at the same time.
* Very individually oriented (me, mine, my).
* Constantly in motion, run, with no sense of pace. They will chase something until they drop. They are easily fatigued but recover rapidly.
* Development for boys and girls are quite similar.
* Physical coordination limited. Eye - hand and eye - foot coordination
is not developed. Need to explore qualities of a rolling ball.
* Love to run, jump, roll, hop, etc.
* Prefer large, soft balls.
* Catching or throwing skills not developed.
* Can balance on their "good" foot.

COACHING RATIONAL

It is important to understand at the outset that players coming to any sport prior to the age of 6 years old, in general, do not do so by their own choice. As a result, their coaches need to give them something about which to get excited. Further, at this age, learning to play soccer is secondary to most other things in their lives.

With the above assumptions, lets look at some things that we can do to energize the U~ players, and, hopefully, get them to the point where they will enthusiastically initiate the sign up for next year!

* Each session should be geared around touching the ball as many times as possible. Involve the ball in as many activities as possible. Basic movements such as running, skipping, hopping, etc. need to be emphasized. If these can be done while kicking, catching, rolling, or dribbling a ball... all the better!
* Training should not last for more than one hour. This is primarily due to physical fatigue and attention span considerations. Train once or twice a week. Any more than this may lead to their and your burnout.
* Have as many different kinds of activities ready as you can get into one hour. Emphasis needs to be placed on what is FUN!.
* Every player should bring his or her own size #3 or #4 ball.
* Remember, although they may have very similar in birth dates, their physical and I or mental maturity my vary as much as 36 months. Activities need to accommodate these individual differences whenever possible.
* Team play and passing is an alien concept to these players. They know that if they pass the ball, they may never get it back. In fact, they often will steal it from their own teammates. Do not get uptight if they do not pass, let them dribble to their heart's content.
* Plan for at least 4, 90 second drink breaks, especially in warmer weather. Their "cooling system" is not as efficient as in older players.

INVOLVING THE PARENTS

It is imperative that coaches get the parents involved. Not only are they are a major resource for your team, but the U-6 player still views their parents as the most significant people in their lives. A pre-season meeting should be held with the parents so that objectives and team policies can be addressed. Some topics that you may want to address at this meeting are:

* A means of contacting everyone without one person doing all of the calling. (Phone chains.)
* Choosing a team administrator - someone to handle all of the details.
* Complete all paperwork required by your league or club.
* Discuss the laws of the game.
* Carpool needs.
* Training and game schedules. How you feel about starting and ending on time, what your attendance expectations are, what you think is a good excuse to miss training.
* What each player should bring to training: inflated ball, filled water bottle, soccer attire, shin guards (Cleats are not mandatory.)
* Most importantly, your philosophy about coaching U~ players. Let them know that everyone plays; that the game does not look like the older player's games; that you are there to ensure that their player is safe and has a good time, as well as learn about soccer.
* What your expectations for them is during game time. How do you want them to cheer? Do they know that they should not coach from the sidelines?
*Above all, try to enjoy yourself. If you do they probably will too.

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Profile of U-8 Soccer Players

THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT

6, 7, and 8 year old players are a bit more compliant than their U-6 counterparts. They will be able to follow 2 or 3 step instructions and are starting to have a good understanding about what it means to play a "game" -They are also starting to cooperate more with their teammates. In fact, they now will recognize that they even have teammates by the fact that they occasionally, and I mean occasionally, will pass the ball to a teammate, on purpose. Often, they will repeat the phrase "I can't do that'.", but, will quickly run to you to show you that they can, even when they only think that they can. Some other things that you can expect to happen during a season with this age group are:

* There will be at least 200-300 falls during the season, but, now they will usually pick themselves back up.
* The puddle in front of the goal is still too tempting to resist.
* Keep a spare pump in your bag as the players usually do not realize that their ball is flat until they try to kick it, or the coach tells them that it is flat.
* Some of the girls are a lot tougher than the boys.
* They will still want to wear a pinnie, even when the color is identical to their shirt.
* It will be impossible to remember who is who's' best friend as you try to make up teams.
* School conflicts will come up... please, let them go (they must face their teachers five days a week).
* They will wear their uniform to bed.

CHARACTERISTICS OF U-8 PLAYERS

* Attention span is a bit longer than U-6 players but still not at a "competitive" stage
* Inclined towards small group activities.
* Always in motion: scratching; blinking; jerking; rocking....
* Easily bruised psychologically. They will remember negative comments for a long time. Shout praise. Give "hints".
* They want everybody to like them.
* Developing physical confidence. (Most are able to ride a two-wheeler.)
* Starting to imitate older players or sports heroes. Want the same "gear" as them.
* Lack sense of pace. They go flat out until they drop.
* Skeletal system growing rapidly. Often results in apparent lack of coordination.
* Cardiovascular and temperature regulation system is not developed. Their heart rate peaks quickly and they overheat quickly. Make sure that they get adequate water breaks.
* Limited understanding with personal evaluation. "If they try hard, they performed well" regardless of the actual performance. Thus, they need to be encouraged constantly, and asked "Now, can you do this?"
* Better at recognizing when the ball is out of play, and remembering what goal they are going for... but, in the heat of battle, they will sometimes still forget. They still find it difficult to really be aware of more than one thing at a time.

COACHING RATIONAL

Some of the players that are playing as a 7 year old have had two years of soccer experience and thus have already touched the ball a few thousand times in their lives. This, however, does not mean that these players are ready for the mental demands of tactical team soccer. True, they do have some idea of the game, but the emphasis still needs to be placed on the individual's ability to control the ball with his/her body. They are still there to have fun, and because some of the players may be brand new to the sport, it is imperative that activities are geared towards individual success and participation. Following are some more items that a coach of U-8 players should consider.

* Small sided soccer is the best option for these players. Not only will they get more touches on the ball, but, it is an easier game to understand.
* Because of rapid growth spurts during this age, players will go through times when they seem to have lost control of their body. What they could easily do 2 weeks ago now seems unattainable. Be patient.
* Passing is not an important part of their game, no matter how much anybody yells at them to do otherwise, it is much more firm to dribble and shoot. Let them.
* Training once or twice a week is plenty, and should not last longer than one hour and fifteen minutes.
* Each player should bring their own size #4 ball to training. Learning how to control it should be the main objective. They need to touch it as many times as possible during fun activities that will engage them.
* Challenge them to get better by practicing on their own. There is no rule which states that they can't learn by themselves, no matter how important we think we are.
* Incidental things are important. They are forming the habits that will impact their future participation. Ask them to take care of their equipment (water bottle included), cooperate, listen, behave, and try hard. Realize, however, that they often forget and will need to be reminded often.
* Ask them to work with others to solve a particular challenge. Start them with just one partner and work from there.

INVOLVING THE PARENT'S

It is imperative that coaches get the parents involved. Not only are they are a major resource for your team, but the U-8 player still views their parents as the most significant people in their lives. A pre-season meeting should be held with the parents so that objectives and team policies can be addressed. Some topics that you may want to address at this meeting are:

* A means of contacting everyone without one person doing all of the calling. (Phone chains.)
* Choosing a team administrator-someone to handle all of the details.
* Complete all paperwork required by your league or club.
* Discuss the laws of the game.
* Carpool needs.
* Training and game schedules. How you feel about starting and ending on time, what your attendance expectations are, what you think is a good excuse to miss training.
* What each player should bring to training: inflated ball, filled water bottle, soccer attire, shin guards (Cleats are not mandatory.)
* Most importantly, your philosophy about coaching U-8 players. Let them know that everyone plays; that the game does not look like the older player's games; that you are there to ensure that their player is safe and has a good time, as well as learn about soccer.
* What your expectations for them is during game time. How do you want them to cheer? Do they know that they should not coach from the sidelines?
* Above all, try to enjoy yourself If you do they probably will too.

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Profile of U-10 Soccer Players

THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT

Some coaches say that the 9 and 10 year-old players are beginning to "turn the corner" and starting to look like real soccer players. However, games are still frantically paced and unpredictable for the most part. These players are starting to find out how much fun it is to play the game skillfully, but they will still stop and laugh if the referee gets hit in the backside with the ball during a game. Some other things that we can expect when working with this aged player are:

* They start to understand off sides, but still forget themselves when the goal is in front of them.
* They will really beat up on each other during practice... especially boy's teams.
* During a game, the parents will scream out "HAND BALL" or "COME ON REF, CALL IT BOTH WAYS" at least fifteen times.
* They might cry after the game if they loose, but will forget it if you ask them if you want to go out for burgers and fries.
* You might actually catch them practicing on their own without you telling them to do so.
* Their parents are telling them to do one thing during the game, you are telling them another thing, but what they end up doing might be what their friend is telling them to do.
* You will see a pass that is deliberate. You might even see a "back pass".
* You will see your first $100 pair of cleats during practice. They will call the other team bad names... really bad names.

CHARACTERISTICS OF U-10 PLAYERS:

* Gross and small motor skills becoming more refined and reliable. Boys and girls begin to develop separately.
* Ability to stay on task is lengthened. They have the ability to sequence thought and actions.
* Greater diversity in playing ability and physical maturity.
* Skills are emerging. Becoming more predictable and recognizable.
* Some children begin moving from concrete thinking to abstract thinking.
* Able to pace themselves, to plan ahead.
* Increased self-responsibility. They remember to bring their own equipment.
* Starting to recognize basic tactical concepts, but not exactly sure why certain decisions are better.
* Repetition of technique is very important, but it must be dynamic, not static.
* Continued positive reinforcement needed.
* Explanations must be brief, concise, and mention "why".
* Becoming more "serious". Openly, intensively competitive, without intention of fouling.
* Still mostly intrinsically motivated. Peer pressure starting to be a factor.
* Adult outside of the family may take on added significance.
* Prefer identification with a team. Like to have good uniforms, equipment, balls.
* More inclined towards wanting to play instead of being told to play.
* Will initiate play more.

COACHING RATIONAL

Some of the players that are playing as U-10's are seasoned veterans of the youth soccer scene. Some of them may have already been involved in traveling to play in tournaments. As a result, some of them might be very nervous about the whole process. It is our job to keep things in perspective for these young, developing players. True, some of them are becoming quite skillful and are seeing how fun it is to play the game when they can really control the ball. However, many of them are still learning the ropes. Even the more experienced players need to have the game be fun!!!

Emphasis is still placed on having players learn how to control the ball with his/her body, but now, they need to find themselves in more game-like situations. Training is more dynamic and starting to have players make simple, basic decisions such as "Which way is there more space?" or "Who should I pass to?".

Following are some more items that a coach of U-10 players should consider:

* Use small sided games as the main teaching vehicle. Not only will they get more touches on the ball, but the full 11-a-side game is still too complicated for them to understand.
* How we group players during training takes on even added significance because of the wide margins of ability levels. We need to mix players up often.
* Stretching is becoming more important, along with a good warm-up. Since the game is faster, make sure that they also have good shin guards. Safety and preventive measures take on added significance.
* Training twice a week is plenty. Sessions need not go longer than one hour, fifteen minutes.
* They should all come with their own size #4 ball. In fact, they still need to be encouraged to play with it by themselves.
* Put them into competitive environments as much as possible. This will not only keep them focused, but, it will allow the game itself to teach them. It also will keep things fun for them, and allow you to deal with issues such as 'winning' and 'loosing' which is now a very big concern for them.
* Now it is possible to teach them positional play with the expectation that they will get it some of the time. However, it is absolutely necessary that you do not allow players to specialize in any one position. They need to learn basic principles of the game, first. Having them play all of the positions is best for their individual development. Remember, our first responsibility is to develop players and let them have fun.
* Whenever possible, allow them to solve their own puzzles. Don't immediately give them solutions on how they can play better.

INVOLVING THE PARENTS

It is imperative that coaches get the parents involved. Not only are they are a major resource for your team, but the U-1O player still views their parents as the most significant people in their lives. A pre-season meeting should be held with the parents so that objectives and team policies can be addressed. Some topics that you may want to address at this meeting are:

* A means of contacting everyone without one person doing all of the calling. (Phone chains)
* Choosing a team administrator, someone to handle all of the details.
* Complete all paperwork required by your league or club.
* Discuss the laws of the game.
* Carpool needs.
* Training and game schedules. How you feel about starting and ending on time, what your attendance expectations are, what you think is a good excuse to miss training.
* What each player should bring to training: inflated ball, filled water bottle, soccer attire, shin guards cleats or sneakers.
* Most importantly, your philosophy about coaching U-10 players. Let them know that everyone plays; that the game does not look like the older player's games; that you are there to ensure that their player is safe and has a good time, as well as learn about soccer.
* What your expectations for them is during game time. How do you want them to cheer? Do they know that they should not coach from the sidelines?
* Above all, try to enjoy yourself. If you do they probably will too.

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Profile of U-12 Soccer Players

THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT

Some coaches say that the 10 and 12 year-old players have "turned the corner" and are looking like real soccer players. However, games are still frantically paced and a bit unpredictable for the most part. These players know how much fun it is to play the game skillfully. As a result, we begin to see some the players drop out who recognize the importance of skill and become discouraged with their lack of it. Some other things that we can expect when working with this aged player are:

* They will yell at their teammates when they make a mistake.
* They will openly question the referee's decisions.
* Players will encourage each other.
* They will pass the ball even when they know that they will not get it back.
* Team cooperation is emerging. They will run to a spot, away from the play, even when they know that they might not get the ball.
* They will point out inconsistencies between what you say and what you do. They are "moral watchdogs".
* The difference in skill levels between the players is very pronounced.
* Some players might be as big as you are, some might be half your size.
* Not only will some of the players come to training with expensive cleats, but some will also come with matching uniforms, sweat-suits, and bag.
* Parents, during games, can be brutal. Some will yell at the referee at almost every call.
* They will get together with their friends and be able to set up and play their own game.

CHARACTERISTICS OF U-12 PLAYERS:

* They begin to develop the abilities to sustain complex, coordinated skill sequences.
* Some of the players have reached puberty. Girls, in general, arrive earlier than boys.
* Most players are able to think abstractly and are thus able to understand some team concepts that are foundational to the game.
* They are beginning to be able to address hypothetical situations, and to solve problems systematically.
* They are spending more time with friends and less time with their parents. They are susceptible to conformity to peer pressure.
* They are developing a conscience, morality and scale of values.
* Players tend to be highly self-critical. Instruction needs to be enabling. Show them what can be done instead of telling them what not to do.
* Although they are more serious with their play, they are still mainly involved because it is fun.
* They are openly competitive. A few may foul on purpose.
* They are looking towards their role models and heroes in order to know how to act.
* They have a more complex and developed sense of humor.

COACHING RATIONAL

Coaching at this age level is a challenge because many of the players view themselves as real soccer players. Others are at the point where it is not as much fun as it used to be because they feel that their lack of skill development does not enable them to have an impact on the game. They see their skillful friends able to do magical things with the ball and since they can not do this themselves, they start to drop out. Our challenge then, if the players are willing, is to keep all of the players engaged, involved, and make them feel important. (as though they are improving.) Skills still need to be the primary focus of training and players need to be put into environments where they are under pressure so that they learn how to use their skills in a variety of contexts. Here are a few other considerations as we think about working with this aged youngster:

* Our goal is to develop players in a fun, engaging environment. Winning has its place but must be balanced with the other goals of teaching them to play properly. Some decisions will need to be made that might not necessarily lead to wins (ie: having players play different positions, or asking players to try to play the ball "out of the back".)
* Smaller, skilled players can not be ignored. Although it may be tempting to "win" by playing only the bigger players in key positions, the smaller, skilled players must be put into areas of responsibility.
* Small sided games are still the preferred method of teaching the game. This makes learning fun and more efficient.
* Flexibility training is essential. Have them stretch after they have broken a sweat, and, perhaps most importantly, at the end of the workout at a "warm-down".
* Overuse injuries, burnout and high attrition rates are associated with programs that do not emphasize skill development and learning enjoyment.
* Playing 11-a-side games is now appropriate.
* Single sexed teams are appropriate.
* Train for one and one-half hours, two to three times a week. Training pace needs to replicate the demands of the game itself
* They are ready to have a preferred position, but, it is essential for their development for them to occasionally play Out of their preferred spot, in training, as well as during games.
* Training is now best if it focuses on one, perhaps two topics a session. Activities should be geared to progressing from fundamental activities that have little or no pressure from an opponent to activities that are game like in their intensity and pressure.

INVOLVING THE PARENTS

It is imperative that coaches get the parents involved. Not only are they are a major resource for your team, but the U-12 player still relies on their parents for support and encouragement. A pre-season meeting should be held with the parents so that objectives and team policies can be addressed. Some topics that you may want to address at this meeting are:

* A means of contacting everyone without one person doing all of the calling. (Phone Chains)
* Choosing a team administrator, someone to handle all of the details.
* Complete all paperwork required by your league or club. Discuss the laws of the game.
* Carpool needs.
* Training and game schedules. How you feel about starting and ending on time, what your attendance expectations are, what you think is a good excuse to miss training.
* What each player should bring to training: inflated ball, filled water bottle, soccer attire, shin guards cleats or sneakers.
* Most importantly, your philosophy about coaching U-12 players. Let them know that everyone plays; that the game does not look like the older player's games; that you are there to ensure that their player is safe and has a good time, as well as learn about soccer.
* What your expectations for them is during game time. How do you want them to cheer? Do they know that they should not coach from the sidelines?
* Above all, try to enjoy yourself. If you do, they probably will too.

Back to the top of Profiles of Various Age Groups.