Stage Two - U10
For Stage Two, the primary emphasis, as always, is on fun and dynamic movement. This is the time when technical development - mastery of the ball and the acquisition of skill - is vital. Repetition of soccer movements, small sided games, trial and error, and a patient, coherent introduction of basic tactical ideas should form the basis of practices.
Refining skills, absorbing soccers truths and solving soccers innumerable little problems are most important now. Still, at this stage, we should not be concerned with strength training and isolated fitness work, nor with elaborate tactical planning.
During games, coaches are now on the sideline. Coaches should let the players play the game and avoid overwhelming them with information during the game
Nine and Ten Year-Olds
Technical Guidelines:
Turning with the ball through 180 degrees, continued, with soles of feet, insides, and outsides now, More speed, bend your knees more, get your head up, dont get the ball stuck under you!
Practice changes of speed and direction with the ball. Guiding the ball at a 45 degree angle off a straight line: the technical rudiments of beating an opponent with a dribble.
Perhaps some Coerver training: dribbling and feinting moves, and these moves practiced under pressure.
Stronger and more accurate instep kicks over 15 to 20 yards.
The essentials of heading are introduced, but very little time spent on heading.
Continuing to master receiving ground balls with the insides and outsides of the feet. With an accurate first touch getting into a running stride to dribble, or setting up a pass or a shot. Should be comfortable with the insides and outsides of both feet.
Driving or cruising with the ball: running fast with the ball, generally in straight lines.
Shielding the ball effectively, sideways on to the defender.
Continuing to coordinate the nervous system and the muscles.
Shooting accurately keeping the ball in the frame of the goal with the insides of the feet and the insteps.
Front block tackle.
Tactical Guidelines:
Positioning goal side of attackers when you lose the ball: cutting off the path to the goal. Marking opponents tightly.
Elemental idea of support: helping the player with the ball. Form a pair with the player on the ball; other players should stay away and make the field big.
Dont wait for the ball go to it!
Playing away from pressure when you receive a ball and move it at a new angle.
Getting free of markers: checking off and creating space for yourself. Make an area of green grass around you!
Wall pass, the give-and-go, the 1 2. Beginning to build up options for the two attackers in a two versus one situation.
Lots of 1 v 1 confrontations to perfect timing in attack and defense. Continued emphasis on the three main moments of soccer.
Building up an assertive attitude about shooting.
Recognizing when youre under pressure and when youre not under pressure when you receive a pass.
Beginning to establish a vocabulary of communication.
Players should be looking up and around and away from the ball, on both attack and defense. No ball watching.
Fitness Guidelines:
Nothing without the ball.
No strength or endurance training.
The Practice Environment:
Practice is a combination of play time and a learning environment.
Some pressured play in confined spaces.
No specializing by positions.
#4 ball, small goals.
The weeks practice is 60 to 90 minutes long.
Games:
Equal playing time.
6v6
Friendship tournaments; not more than three halves for any player in a weekend.
Players play all the positions.
No stress at all on winning and losing. Total focus is on enjoyment and the future; virtually no mention of results.