U-10 | The Learning to Train Stage
The Start of Us
In this stage, children gradually begin to change from being self-centered to self-critical and develop the need for group games. This is a flux phase in a youngster’s soccer career. The motivation to learn basic skills is very high at this age. The game itself should be central to all technical training. 11v11 is too sophisticated and complicated for young players. Small-sided games, which provide the right amount of pressure for the child’s level of development, are more appropriate.
General Characteristics of the U-10 Age Group
Lengthened attention span - they are still in motion, but not as busy, only holding still long enough for a short explanation
More inclined toward wanting to play rather than being told to play
Psychologically becoming slightly more firm and confident
Some are becoming serious about their play
Team oriented – prefer team type balls and equipment. Enjoy the uniforms and team associati
Components of the Game for the U-10 Age Group*
Technique: Experiment with the qualities of a bouncing ball and running with the ball, passing with the inside and outside of the foot (emphasis on quality push pass), instep drive, receiving ground balls with the instep and outside of foot (body behind the ball), receiving bouncing balls with the instep (cushion) and the sole, inside and outside of foot (wedge), fakes28 in dribbling and turning with the ball. Introduce heading and crossing. Practice throw-ins. For goalkeepers: ready stance, getting the feet set, how to hold a ball after a save, diamond grip, catching shots at the keeper, punting, recovery from down to the ground and up to set position and footwork exercises. Also introduce goal kicks and throwing.
Psychology: Keep soccer enjoyable to foster a desire to play using self-motivation. Working in groups of three, four or five, stay focused for one entire half. There is an increase in responsibility, sensitivity, awareness of how to win or lose gracefully, fair play, parental involvement, how to play, communication and emotional management.
Fitness: Factors are endurance, range of motion flexibility, rhythm exercises and running mechanics. Any fitness activities must be done with the ball. Introduce body resistance exercises and the idea of cool down. Tactics: 1v1 defending, roles of 1st attacker and defender, 2v1 attacking, what it means to get goal-side, small group shape in pairs and threes (emphasize support on both attack and defense), playing on and around the ball as a group with purpose, playing a variety of positions to develop the complete player, introduce the principles of attack and set plays.
*Please note that the components of the game are in a priority order for this age group.
These players will demonstrate increased self-responsibility, so they should be given, to a reasonable extent, partial responsibility for their preparation at training sessions and matches. They are very capable of assuming this responsibility when adults step aside and let it happen. Now they can initiate play on their own, which leads to learning through self-discovery and self-expression. They do enjoy and benefit from competition, so all training activities should have objectives and/or a method of scoring. They will intentionally play in groups, although individualism is still the core of their game. Use cooperative games and activities in training sessions to further instill a team mentality.
Typical U-10 Training Session
Should not exceed one hour and 15 minutes.
Free play or a warm-up (ball juggling), partner and small group activities, dynamic stretching. -approximately 15 minutes-
Introduce small group activities (four to six players).
Add more directional games. Play to targets and/or zones. -approximately 25 minutes-
Conclude with a Small-Sided Game, 6v6, with goalkeepers. -approximately 25 minutes-
Finish with cool down activities. -approximately 10 minutes
Coach’s qualities: Sensitive teacher, patient, facilitator, enthusiastic, imaginative, ability to demonstrate, understands technique and preferably a youthful outlook.
The game: Regardless of the level of competition, these players should always play at least 50 percent of the match; they won’t grow as players sitting on the bench. Through the course of the season expose the players to each position on the team during match play. Versatility is highly prized at the upper levels of the game.
Once the match begins, the coach should sit down and watch, and let the players do most of the talking during the match. The coach should speak up to praise them for doing something well and for trying what they have been taught in training sessions.
It is natural for children this young to be inconsistent in their match performance. For that matter, so are adult professional players. The difference between a professional soccer team and a U-10 team is simply that the pros make fewer mistakes, but they do make mistakes. Don’t fret about inconsistent play with this age group. It’s normal for a team to have highs and lows in match performance.
US Youth Soccer Player Development Revised 8/24/17