Coaches Corner
Age Appropriate Coaching” for Youth Coaches
by Shane Jeanfreau
Learning and playing experiences appropriate to the age and ability of players is critical to retaining youth players in soccer. As coaches, we must understand the characteristics of the kids we are coaching, as this will influence how and what we do in our training sessions. We must understand how kids are “wired”.
Coaches of younger soccer players, those under 9 years of age, must allow children to learn the game at their own pace, minimize or eliminate stress from the adult pressure to compete and /or win, and use training activities that are realistic and challenging but not beyond where they are developmentally. Prior to 9 years of age, children have limited coordination. They tend to be egocentric such as seeing the world only from their own perspective (results in “my ball” phenomenon). Concepts of space and time are just
beginning to develop.
They may verbalize “team” but do not really understand group play. They don’t focus on winning or losing unless these ideas are stressed by adults. Successful coaches of younger children concentrate on activities built around touching the ball as often as possible using all parts of the body. Training sessions where the players are allowed to play and experiment by problem solving and figuring things out for themselves such as activities of inclusion not exclusion. Basic techniques development is the main objective of each training session. Emphasis on positional and team play should be eliminated until children are equipped to deal with these concepts.
In players 9-12 years of age, the ability and desire to learn is optimal. More advanced skill training is possible in this age group. Coordination is much improved. This age group begins to move from self-centered play to an understanding of cooperation of team play. They grasp basic principles of play. Teaching soccer tactics becomes possible particularly in small group activities.
Competitive play becomes enjoyable for youth soccer players at adolescence, from 13-19 years of age. Technical and tactical abilities mature. Players can understand the principles of play. The concept of “team”, positional roles, and shared responsibility for outcome are understood. Appreciation and understanding of concepts like sportsmanship become important. Youth soccer players have the physical, mental, emotional, technical, and tactical tools necessary to succeed on the field. In other words, this age group can deal with the adult game.
When youth soccer coaching efforts are focused on age-appropriate activities, an environment is created helping youth soccer players to learn and to enjoy playing the game. The gifts of skills, enjoyment, and love for soccer will have been given to the next generation of players. As youth soccer coaches we will have done our job and done it well!
As you approach your spring soccer season try to create a learning and fun environment that is age appropriate and child-centered not coach driven.
Wishing you all the best in your coaching!
