SMALL-SIDED GAMES
- Small-sided games: 1v1 to 11v11 (include unbalanced games)
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.
U17+: WHAT TO COACH
BALL
- Game-based scenarios with small groups of players
- Individual skills linked to a playing position
- Individual skills linked to strengths / areas for improvement
- No more than 30 mins. heading practice per week / no more than 15-20 headers per player per week
BODY
- Help players understand their own body and how to look after it
- Healthy lifestyle education
TACTICS
- Develop understanding of 11v11 game using a game model
- Help players develop tactical awareness
- Prepare players to deliver a game strategy
U17+: HOW TO COACH
VALUES & BELIEFS
- Help players lead their own development
- Help develop emotional awareness
- Prevent fall-outs between teammates
COMMUNICATION
- Engage in conversations about tactics
- Help players reflect on the game and their role
COACHING APPROACH
- Use a variety of practice types including individual positional training and game-based scenarios
- Help players to develop a winning mindset and learn how to win
INDIVIDUAL FOCUS
- Support players to specialize in one or two positions
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