In order to make practices run smoothly and be fun, it is important for us to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional and physical developmental stage of the players you are coaching. Here are some typical characteristerics of the Under 6 player.
• Focused on themselves – reality to them is based on what they see and feel
• Unable to see the world from another’s perspective
• Everything is in the here and now
• Cooling systems are less efficient - need frequent water breaks
• Enjoy playing, not watching. Every player should have a ball in practice
• Limited attention span - keep directions concise and to the point
• Effort is performance – if they try hard, they are doing well
• Active imaginations – utilize their imaginations in activities, and they will love practice!
• Look for adult approval – be encouraging when they say “Coach, look what I can do!”
• Unable to think abstractly – spatial relationships are a mystery
• Typically have 2 speeds -- extremely fast and stopped
• Usually unaware of game scores – keep it that way
Here are 10 lesson plans designed specifically for the U6 player:
In order to make practices run smoothly and be fun, it is important to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional, and physical developmental stage of the players we are coaching. Here are some typical characteristerics of the Under 8 player:
• Enjoy playing in pairs
• Are now able to take another’s perspective.
• Still unable to think abstractly – be patient.
• Cooling system still less efficient than adults – still make sure to give frequent water breaks.
• Still prefer playing to watching – keep everyone active during practice.
• Limited attention span
• Have an understanding of time and sequence – “if I do this, then that happens”.
• Some now have a third or fourth speed in addition to stopped and as fast as possible.
• Very aware of adult reactions – be very aware of your reactions.
• Seek out adult approval and need reassurance – be supportive.
• Begin to become aware of peer perception – a social order is beginning to develop.
• Wide range of abilities between children at this age
• Beginning to develop motor memories
• Some become more competitive
• Less active imaginations than U6 players
In order to make practices run smoothly and be fun, it is important to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional, and physical developmental stage of the players we are coaching. Here are some typical characteristerics of the Under 10 player:
• Attention span lengthens and they start to show the ability to sequence thoughts and actions.
• They start to think ahead and think “If this, then that”
• More inclined towards wanting to play soccer rather than being told to play
• Demonstrate increased self-responsibility
• They start to recognize fundamental tactical concepts
• Begin to become aware of peer pressure.
• Players affiliate with their team or their coach
• There is a wide continuum of maturity evident on most teams.
• This is still a crucial age for technical skill development.
In order to make practices run smoothly and be fun, it is important for us to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional and physical developmental stage of the players we are coaching. Here are some typical characteristerics of the Under 12 player:
• All children are maturing at different rates and are sensitive to that fact.
• Need to warm-up and stretch as muscle pulls and other nagging injuries are common
• Typically understand elemental abstract concepts and hypothetical situations.
• They like to solve problems.
• Peer evaluation is a constant.
• Egos are sensitive.
• Coordination may depend on whether or not they are in a growth spurt.
• Technique still needs to be reinforced constantly.
• Playing too much can lead to overuse injuries.
• Playing too much and not feeling like they have a choice in the matter can lead to burnout and drop-out.
• This is the dawn of tactics!
• Keep asking the players to be creative and to take risks.
• Ask for feedback from them. They will tell you how things are going.
• Try to hand over leadership and ownership of the team to them. They will enjoy leading and it will add to the learning environment.