SOCCER KIDS - Training Programme

STEP ONE (Age 4 - 5) - CLASS "A" EXERCISES
There is very little or no developed eye-foot coordination, and therefore, concentration should be directed solely towards "balance and basic striking technique".

A1 Technique: Learn to strike the ball with the laces - and not the toe method
A2 Balance/Control: Running and turning with the ball in and out of cones (both feet)
A3 Balance/Judgement: Running and stopping the ball
A4 Balance/Technique: Learning to strike the ball with both feet
A5 Fitness/Agility: Exercises which incorporate running, jumping, and turning
A6 Basic Team Skills: Sufficient to play a small sided game with continuous help

Note: Children of this age have a very low attention span, and as such, "injecting enthusiasm" is the most important key factor - ahead of any skill development plans. A difficult group to coach and an area where enthusiastic parents make better trainers than professional coaches.

Ratio: Free Match Play 80% - Individual Skill Exercises 20% - Team Skills 0%

STEP TWO (Age 6) - CLASS "B" EXERCISES
In most cases, there is still no developed eye-foot coordination, but still progress to;

B - Gradual enhancement of all Class A Exercises (above).

For example, in the case of balance and control, by positioning the cones closer together you increase the difficulty level; and introducing team races injects the "importance of working as a team", both of which, improves concentration levels.

Note: It is at this stage that you will visibly notice the "early developers" - their natural ability stands out and they demonstrate advanced coordination skills for their age. To prevent the intimidation of others within the group and avoid the "domination syndrome", these players should move up to an older age group.

Ratio: Free Match Play 70% - Individual Skill Exercises 20% - Team Skills 10%

STEP THREE (Age 7) - CLASS "C" EXERCISES
Players now start to develop eye-foot coordination and can therefore move into the first stages of a full training programme.

C1 Eye-Foot Coordination: Ball juggling and aerial control (chest, thigh, foot)
C2 Balance/Technique: Dedicated work on the weak foot
C3 Balance/Control: Running and turning (at speed) with the ball in enclosed areas
- shorter gap between cones, etc
C4 Individual Skills: Passing, shooting, etc
C5 Team Skills: Fully understand the basic team concept and individual roles within defence
and attack. All players must swap roles on a regular basis - each takes a turn in goal, as a striker, and as a defender

Note: Because most children develop full coordination skills around the age of 7, their development rate enhances dramatically - hence the sudden interest from professional club academies. This stage is generally known as the "Golden Stage".

Ratio: Free Match Play 60% - Individual Skill Exercises 20% - Team Skills 20% + Emphasis on self-practice at home

STEP FOUR (Age 8 & 9) - CLASS "D" EXERCISES

Coaches should now be in a position to identify the "strengths and weaknesses" of each individual player (all kids develop at different rates) and "adjust training according to individual needs".

D - Further development of Class C exercises based on "individual needs"

Note: Some players can become extremely competitive at this age, so it is important that coaches curb (and control) this over-enthusiasm and aggressive play. Self-discipline is the key to future success.

Ratio: Free Match Play 60% - Individual Skill Exercises 20% - Team Skills 20% + Emphasis on self-practice at home

STEP FIVE (Age 10 - 12) - CLASS "E" EXERCISES

All players should now be demonstrating their levels of natural ability and development potential