Stage 4 - U14

Technical Guidelines:

• Passes - on the ground and in the air - are accurate over 20 to 30 yards, delivered with the correct weight and to the proper side of the receiver.

• Some "position specific" or functional technical training.

• Heading with a jump: accurate headers at the goal, effective defensive heading.

• Volleys and half volleys, shooting from crosses.

• Lots of shooting under pressure: always hitting the frame of the goal with hard shots, aggressive attitude about trying to hit the sides of the net.

• Fluid turns under pressure.

• Slide tackles.

• Beginning to swerve the ball.

• Receiving air balls as well as ground balls effectively.

Tactical Guidelines:

• Developing good verbal and non-verbal communication.

• Making good choices about when to pass, dribble, or shoot.

• Looking for the third attacker when in possession of the ball; solid grasp of playing in triangles.

• Exposure to various systems: 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 3-4-3, etc.

• Ways to create space for a teammate.

• Understanding offside.

• Appreciating variables: weather, size and condition of the field, etc.

• Awareness of the situation during a game: ahead, behind, tied, time left.

• Asking for the ball from the ball possessor at the right moment.

• Roles of the players on the field in the three "blocks": forwards, midfielders, and backs.

• Some "position specific" or functional tactical training.

• Takeovers and blind side runs (to go with wall passes and overlaps): ways for two attackers to outplay one defender.

• Secure tactical sense about shooting: generally to the far post as opposed to the near post, low rather than high, etc.

• A really aggressive, dynamic attitude about shooting.

• Using deception: looking one way, passing another, for example.

• Understanding defenders' priorities: intercept the ball, tackle at the moment your opponent receives the ball, etc.

• Defenders understanding how to "shepherd" attackers, how to push them wide.

• Roles of the first and second attackers and defenders in 2 v 2 situations: ideas for combination play, pressing, cover.

• Understanding defensive pressure, cover, and balance.

• Always thinking ahead!

Fitness Guidelines:

• Nothing without the ball.

• No strength or endurance work for its own sake.

The Practice Environment:

• A learning environment.

• Vigorous, pressured activities and intense, competitive games are the core of practice.

• Tactical problems to solve at every practice.

• Lots of 2 v 1 and 2 v 2 duels.

• 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 games at every practice.

• Practicing situations and restarts: corners, free kicks, penalty kicks, throw-ins.

• Lots of refined, incisive technical and tactical advice and suggestions from the coach.

• # 5 ball, regular goals.

• The week's practice is 90 to 120 minutes long.

Games:

• Beginning to specialize by position.

• Equal playing time.

• Stress on fair play, following the spirit of the game.

• Understanding the importance of good pre-game warm-up and post-game warmdown.

• Ability to adjust during game.