SMALL-SIDED GAMES
- Small-sided games: 1v1 to 11v11 (include unbalanced games)
- Continue to encourage players to play in different positions
- Decision-making in game scenarios
environment
Positive learning environment
Help your players thrive by using an effective coaching approach, designing age-appropriate activities, and building a strong team culture
ENVIRONMENT
Age Group Coaching Guides
Each coaching guide builds on the content of the previous age-group. Coaches should use a blend of activities and behaviors that meet the needs of the individuals in their group.
U15-U16: WHAT TO COACH
BALL
- Individual skills linked to playing position
- Quick combination play in tight areas
- Finding and using space
- No more than 30 mins heading practice per week / no more than 15-20 headers per player per week
BODY
- Help players develop their aerobic ability
- Educate players on injury prevention methods
- Goalkeeper specific physical training
TACTICS
- Learn how to play 11v11 using a game model
- Introduce systems of play in attack and defense
- Help players learn their role in attack, defense, and transition
- Interchange of positions
U15-U16: HOW TO COACH
VALUES & BELIEFS
- Encourage player ownership and independence
- Allow players freedom to make more decisions
- Recognize individuals develop at different rates
COMMUNICATION
- Encourage players to communicate and solve problems
- Use key words to help players focus and refocus
COACHING APPROACH
- Focus on individual development in a team setting
- Involve players in planning for training and games
INDIVIDUAL FOCUS
- Find different ways to include all players in each activity
- Support both early and late developers
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Click each resource to download a PDF overview
ENVIRONMENT
designing age-appropriate activities
Use six areas to design age-appropriate practices for your players
ENVIRONMENT
goalkeeping topics for ages and stages
Guidance on goalkeeping topics to coach at different stages of development U5-U17+
ENVIRONMENT
u5 coaching guide
What to coach and how to coach the U5 age group
Environment
u6 coaching guide
What to coach and how to coach the U6 age group
ENVIRONMENT
u7-8 coaching guide
What to coach and how to coach the U7-U8 age group
ENVIRONMENT
u9-U10 coaching guide
What to coach and how to coach the U9-U10 age group
ENVIRONMENT
u11-U12 coaching guide
What to coach and how to coach the U11-U12 age group
ENVIRONMENT
u13-U14 coaching guide
What to coach and how to coach the U13-U14 age group
ENVIRONMENT
u15-U16 coaching guide
What to coach and how to coach the U15-U16 age group
ENVIRONMENT
u17+ coaching guide
What to coach and how to coach the U17+ age group