Characteristics
of U10 Players
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·
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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. ·
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. ·
Prefer identification with a team. Like
to have good uniforms, equipment, balls. ·
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Things You Can Expect:
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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: ·
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They have more leg strength which means more power. ·
Passing starts to become a real part of the game. ·
Repeating technique (kicking, receiving) is very important
but must be done in a dynamic, interactive environment (no drills, no lines). ·
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
lose, 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. |
U10 Coaching
Rationale
Some
of the players that are playing 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.
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·
Small-sided soccer is the best option for these players.
Not only will they get more touches on the ball, but also, 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 fun to
dribble and shoot. Let them. ·
Stretching is becoming more important, along with a good
warm-up. Since the game is faster, make sure that they also have good
shinguards. Safety and preventive measures take on added significance. ·
Training twice a week is plenty. Sessions need not go
longer than one hour, fifteen minutes. Players should bring their own size #4
ball to training. ·
Learning how to control it should be the main objective.
They need to touch the ball 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. 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. |