Elite Soccer Academy

The motivation to learn basic skills is very high at this age level. Children gradually begin to change from being self-centered to being self-critical and develop need for group and/or team games. The game itself should be central to all skills training. Small-sided games continue to be method of choice for this age group. This is appropriate time to introduce some of the basic PRINCIPLES of play which are shown in bold below:

 

 

Penetration                                                     Recovery (Immediate Chase)

Mobility                                                                 Cover

Width                                                                    Balance

Depth (Length)                                                   Compactness

Improvisation (deception, creativity)          Counter Attack

 

 

The role of the coach in the U10 age group is to be patient and motivating teacher. At this level, in addition to understanding technique, coaches should be providing environments conducive to problem solving (decision-making) by the players utilizing guided discovery methods.

Recommended License: The U10/U12 State Youth Module is required. The National Youth License is recommended.

 

                Running with the Ball: At speed; Under Pressure

                Passing: With outside of the foot; Heading

                Instep Drive: Shooting; Crossing

                Receiving Ground Balls with Inside and Outside of the Foot:
                Away from the pressure; Past opponent

                Receiving Air Balls: With the Instep (cushion) and sole; inside 
                and outside of the foot (wedge)

                Throw-In: Short and long distances

                Moves in Dribbling: Rolls; scissors-push; double scissors; 
                step over chop

                 Introduce Heading: Juggling (alone and in small groups); feet 
                 in contact with the ground; introduction to jumping

                Tackling: Balance foot and contact foot (block tackle)

 

Ready Stance for Goalkeepers: Foot positioning; body posture

“W” Grip: Positioning of thumbs; fingers spread

How to Hold a Ball After a Save: Ball to chest; forearm protection

Catching Shots at the Keeper: Body alignment path of the ball

Punting: Distance and accuracy

Throwing: Bowling; over-arm

Roles of 1^st attacker and defender

                  Roles of 2^nd attackers and defenders

2 v 1 attacking (simple combination) Men-to-man defending

                     Throw-ins to teammate’s feet
                Introduction to the tactics of set plays/restarts (goal kicks,
                      corner kicks, other free kicks)
                Introduction to setting up walls

 

 

 

Endurance; Range of motion-flexibility; Proper warm-up is now mandatory;

Introduce cool-down

 

Working in groups of 3-6

Staying focused for one entire half

Sensitivity; learning how to win, lose or draw gracefully

Sportsmanship

How to handle parental involvement

Communication; emotional management

 

The training session should involve fun and imaginative game like activities, as well as technical and tactical activities

Coaching technical skills is very important at this age as well as light tactical concepts

The training session has a technical and/or tactical theme (topic).For example: dribbling technique, or passing and receiving, or combination play

Small-sided directional games such as 3 v 3, 4 v 3, 4 v 4, 5 v 4 and 5 v 5 should be included as well. More detailed explanation regarding shape and positions.

Training should always conclude with a 6 v 6 game with goalkeepers is possible (5 field players and 1 goalkeeper on each team)

The duration of the training session should be 75-90 minutes

Game duration: two half’s of 25 minutes

Playing numbers: 6 v 6 (with goalkeepers)

Possible Formations: 1-2-3; 1-3-2