'USSF' & 'NSCAA' Certified Soccer Coach - Kamel Ayari
Mission:
To provide a fun, developmentally appropriate and player-centered environment where individual player improvement takes precedent over competition.
Structure and Overview:
The structure of the program is designed with the aim of teaching the fundamental technical skills and the "love of the game" that is required to succeed at the older age groups. In keeping with guidelines from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), the program will provide an environment where the kids are given top quality technical instruction in formats that allow for rapid improvement with an emphasis on personal growth.
The development of youth soccer players is a very challenging task to me as coach. What exactly is player development? The concept of player development is essential to the long term growth and improvement of the player. Player development demands that "the player is central" to all decisions made regarding training and competition. The coach who believes in player development will ensure that the following objectives are met:
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1 Games & activities are used that players want to participate in because they are enjoyable
2 Every player has a ball for training
3 Games & activities are designed to maximize the number of touches on the ball by each player
4 Training sessions are designed to improve player's technical abilities and their tactical application
5 Educate players to develop an appreciation for the game, teammates, opponents, referees and coaches.
6 Learning what it takes to succeed |
When dealing with youth soccer players, it is important to remember that there are major differences between players of different ages. That said, my training sessions are constructed according to each youth's age to ensure that these players are developing correctly.
Players Ages 3 - 5
Players in this age group have some significant physical and emotional traits.
1 They have minimal fine motor skills
2 They have very little accuracy
3 Their coordination is still developing
4 They have minimal attention span
5 They are playing for fun and enjoyment
6 They do not understand team play |
The training sessions are constructed to encourage this age group's participation in soccer activities, which teach discipline, concentration, listening skills, following of direction & motor skills development. Sessions for this age group are filled with fun soccer and fitness games. The key factor for me for this age group is to keep players' attention by changing drills every 5 minutes or so.
Basic Skills for Players Ages 6 - 8
The skills that can be expected of this age group are:
1 Simple Passing
2 Simple Trapping
3 Simple Heading
4 Dribbling
5 Shooting |
The sessions for this age group are constructed of fun games, fitness with and without the ball
Advanced Skills for Players Ages 6 - 8
Technique sessions:
1 Heavy Juggling with the Ball
2 Basics of Running with the Ball and without the Ball
3 Passing
4 Dribbling
5 Shooting |
For example dribbling must start with no pressure in the beginning, slight pressure in the middle and full pressure in the end - from the back and front.
At this age I encourage that small sided games of 3v3 or 4v4 are used as much as possible. It is important that players of similar ability are grouped together so that players at a very early stage of learning with lesser skills are not alienated and discouraged to play. When playing small sided games 3v3 the shape of triangle is used for attacking. When playing small sided games 4v4 the shape of diamond is used for attacking.
Players Ages 9 - 12
This age group sees some growth in the physical traits of players and also in players' awareness.
1 They have improved fine motor skills
2 They have better accuracy
3 Their coordination is still developing
4 They have increased attention span, but it does not extend to lengthy instructions
5 They are still playing for fun and enjoyment
6 They are beginning to understand team play |
The paramount importance of developing youth soccer players at this age group is the continuing development of basic skills with the added pathway to more advanced skills, a greater focus upon understanding the mechanics of the game of football and the persistence of fostering of a genuine pleasure of the game with the added component of the competitive edge.
Advanced Skills for Players Ages 9-12
Technique Sessions:
1 Dribbling
2 Passing
3 Receiving & Turning
4 Finishing
5 Heading & Crossing
6 Goal keeping
7 Fitness with & without the ball |
At this age I encourage that small sided games of 3v3 or 4v4 are used as much as possible. It is important to play games of 7v7 or 8v8 as players have developed more team awareness, and are wanting to play more realistic games like their heroes!
Small sided games accentuate these areas of player development:
1 Skill development - number of touches on the ball increased
2 Tactical development - decision making is expanded
3 Fun & enjoyment - amount of goal scoring chances increased.
4 Game understanding - positional play is greatly expanded
5 Intuitive development - transitional play is increased and becomes automatic |
