Introduction and Phase I of Player Development (U-12)

The curriculum for developing player skills must be appropriate for each age level

The articles in the Phases of Player Development series are from a report by the staff of the U.S. Women's National Team.

The success of the U.S. Women’s National Team program is largely dependent on the quality of the programs that feed into it. True player development occurs when each player’s daily training and playing environment is of the highest quality. If this environment is consistent, with a clear vision of what lies ahead for each player, development is then maximized.

Toward that end, the National Team staff has put together a list of curriculum guidelines for the U-12 through U-19 age groups at the club, state and regional team levels. The purpose is to:

·  Educate coaches as to the standard of play and expectations for each age.

·  Provide coaches with a framework with which to organize curriculum decisions.

·  Provide for consistency, with guidance through all levels of play.

·  Improve “vertical integration” for player development.

·  Improve the quality of play on a national basis.

It is important to note that each player and each team is different. The following document thus serves as a guideline or standard by which players and coaches can plan development. Individual and team needs can therefore be identified and addressed. Individual strengths can be stabilized while deficiencies can be improved. Of course, an accurate assessment of each player’s and team’s needs are essential.

It is imperative that each coach take the time to observe and study the level for which the team is preparing to compete. For example, each club coach should be attuned to the state level, state coaches should make an effort to observe the regional team play. Regional coaches should be familiar with the age-group specific national team level, and every coach should spend time studying the full National Team. In this way, a more accurate assessment of player expectations is possible. The ultimate goal of each coach should be to prepare the players to compete at the next level. This document can help coaches towards their goals of developing more sophisticated players and teams.

FOUNDATION PHASE: THE ROMANCE (U-12)
Development of individual skills — individual and small group tactics:
The effect of the role model is very important at this stage of development. Hero worship, identification with successful teams and players and a hunger for imaginative skills typify the mentality of this age. This is a time of transition from self-centered to self-critical. Players of this age have a high arousal level in relation to the training of basic skills. This is the “golden age of learning” and the most important age for skill development. Demonstration is very important and the players learn best “by doing.” This is also an important time to introduce and teach the basic principles of play. It is important to establish discipline from the beginning.

Coach must be: A sensitive teacher, enthusiastic, possess soccer awareness, ability to demonstrate or utilize someone who can paint a good picture (older player, assistant coach), knowledge of the key factors of basic skills, give encouragement.

Technique: It is important to establish a good strong solid base. The coach must develop individual skills under the pressure of time, space and an opponent and increase technical speed:

• Dribbling: Encourage risk taking. Teach moves to beat an opponent and to keep possession.
• Shielding: Spin turns, change of speed, change of direction.
• Receiving: Ground and air balls — all surfaces from a partner and on the move.
• Shooting: Proper striking technique, partner serve from all angles, turns, cut backs, volleys.
• Passing: Emphasize the proper technique by using the laces; inside and outside of the foot and short and long crossing.
• Heading: Start with self serve, then add a partner to serve. Teach jumping to head, turning the ball and partner juggling.
• Tackling: Teach the proper technique with emphasis on balance and having no fear.

Tactics: The dawn of tactical awareness

• Individual: Start with 1 v. 1 situations in attack and defense. Play 1 v. 1 frequently.
• Small Group: Continue with 2 v. 1, 2 v. 2, 3 v. 1, 3 v. 2, 3 v. 3, 4 v. 2, 4 v. 3, 4 v. 4.
• Positions: Players must play a variety of positions. They must develop an awareness of the game. Emphasize the complete player and the basic principles of play
• Attacking: Encourage keeping possession and risk taking. Have players take opponents on 1 v. 1 in proper areas of the field. Teach the concept of support, basic combination play (wall pass, takeover). Promote attacking soccer.
• Defending: Emphasize the proper pressure both in front and behind. Teach the concepts of channeling the player, immediate chase, cover and marking.
• Team: Team tactics do not take priority at this age. Focus is placed on maintaining balance and playing skillful soccer. Players play a variety of positions and emphasis is placed on player development instead of getting results as a team.
• System: Put players out on the field for the love of the game, without spending much time coaching a system. Focus on teaching principles of play as opposed to systems. If playing 8 v. 8, then play a 2-3-2. If playing 9 v. 9, play a 3-3-2. Most importantly, players should enjoy the great game.

Note: a great deal of coaching/teaching within 4 v. 4 games

Physical: All fitness work should be done with the ball, with partners, and using fun and engaging activities. Physical activities should include the following components:

• Flexibility
• Agility with and without the ball
• Speed
• Strength
• Endurance
• Balance

Psychological:

• Keep it fun and enjoyable to foster a desire to play (intrinsic motivation)
• Encourage decision-making
• Imagination/creativity
• Increase demands in training
• Emphasize discipline
• Encourage players/teams to watch professional and National Team games on television

The Game:

·  8 v. 8 or 9 v. 9 (includes keepers)