·
They begin to develop the abilities to sustain complex,
coordinated skill sequences. ·
Increased ability to acquire and apply knowledge. ·
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. ·
Overuse injuries, burnout and high attrition rate
associated with high-intensity children’s programs. ·
The game of soccer must present the ability to think
creatively and solve problems while moving |
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. This is a critical age for drop out. Players
decided their own participation not solely the will of the parents. Overuse
injuries and burnout are associated with high-intensity programs that fail to
stress skill development and learning enjoyment. The coach not teaching or not
making practices fun turn kids away from the game. Players can start to benefit
from limited strength building activities. They also begin to develop abilities
to sustain complex coordinated skill sequences. Players will question
everything, and will begin to think in hypothetical situations. Practices
should focus on problem solving while moving, while playing the game of soccer
(or derivations of the game). Players decide which direction to go, whether to
pass or dribble, whom to pass to, and so on. Peer pressure is significant. Team
building becomes a very important consideration for the coach.
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. |
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.
·
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. |