Coaching Resources

Podcasts:

Cutting Edge Coaching

The way of Champions Pod

Youth Soccer Coaching Player Development Pod

Project Footballer Pod

The Gold Dust Pod

Coachcast pod

The High Performance Pod

The Learning Leaders show with Ryan Hawk

The Player Development Project

Training Ground Guru 

The Coaching Manual

Training Specific 

United Soccer Coaches

US Soccer Learning Center

U6 Hotshots Curriculum and age group specifics

U5: DISCOVERY PHASE I: MOVEMENT EXPLORATION AND BALL DISCOVERY

• Players discover (explore/experiment) fundamental movement skills (ME AND MY MOVEMENT SKILLS)
• Players discover (explore/experiment) how to manipulate a ball with both hands and feet (ME AND MY BALL)
• Players are introduced to parallel and associative play (ME AND MY FRIENDS)

U6: DISCOVERY PHASE II: DRIBBLING AND SHOOTING

• Players develop fundamental movement skills (ME AND MY MOVEMENT SKILLS)
• Players develop eye-hand and eye-foot coordination (ME AND MY BALL)
• Players are introduced to fundamental soccer skills with the ball (ME AND MY BALL)
• Players are introduced to cooperative play without structured team play (ME AND MY TEAMMATE)

U8 Curriculum & Sessions and age group specifics

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PHASES OF DEVELOPMENT: FOUNDATION

U7-U8: FOUNDATION PHASE I: SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT PASSING AND SHOOTING

• Players develop scanning skills (ME AND MY SCANNING SKILLS)
• Players develop fundamental movement skills (ME AND MY MOVEMENT SKILLS)
• Players develop fundamental soccer skills with and without the ball (ME AND THE BALL)
• Players are introduced to cooperative, low structured team play (ME AND MY TEAMMATES)

Learning Environment and Coaching Strategies
Creating an effective learning environment is crucial for player development. ​

• Focus on fun and spontaneous play to encourage skill development. ​
• Use age-appropriate activities that promote movement and ball skills. ​
• Coaches should be enthusiastic, patient, and provide positive feedback.
• Encourage creativity and decision-making in players during practice. ​

U10 Curriculum & Sessions and age group specifics

To access all Coaching Resources from our old website page: please click HERE

U9-U10: FOUNDATION PHASE II: SCANNING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND FINISHING

• Players develop scanning skills (ME AND MY SCANNING SKILLS)
• Players develop fundamental movement skills (ME AND MY MOVEMENT SKILLS)
• Players continue to develop fundamental soccer skills with and without the ball with pressure (ME AND THE BALL)
• Players develop cooperative play, low structured team play based on a style of play (ME AND MY TEAMMATES)

Goals for Foundation Phase I

The focus is on developing fundamental skills in movement and soccer while fostering teamwork and self-esteem. ​

• Players develop scanning skills, fundamental movement skills, and soccer skills with and without the ball. ​
• Introduce cooperative, low-structured team play. ​
• Emphasize respect for game rules and fair play. ​
• Activities are centered around deliberate play and spontaneous experiences.
• Utilize small-sided games to challenge players and promote skill development. ​

Learning Environment Objectives

The learning environment aims to enhance physical and cognitive skills while promoting teamwork and self-reflection. ​

• Develop individual coordinated movements and reaction speed. ​
• Foster spatial awareness and teamwork through reduced coordinated movements. ​
• Encourage players to reflect on their performance to build self-esteem.
• Introduce team tactical principles and the ability to win the ball back.

Coaching Strategies for Young Players

Coaching should be enthusiastic and supportive, focusing on individual challenges and fostering a positive environment. ​

• Be adaptable and flexible in coaching methods.
• Use short instructions and language appropriate for children.
• Provide positive feedback and specific praise to build confidence.
• Encourage creativity and decision-making while allowing for mistakes.
• Maintain a focus on fun and enjoyment in the game. ​

U12-U15 Curriculum & Sessions and age group specifics

Coaching Strategies for Young Players

Coaching should be enthusiastic and supportive, focusing on individual challenges and fostering a positive environment. ​

• Be adaptable and flexible in coaching methods.
• Use short instructions and language appropriate for children.
• Provide positive feedback and specific praise to build confidence.
• Encourage creativity and decision-making while allowing for mistakes.
• Maintain a focus on fun and enjoyment in the game. ​

Social and Emotional Development in Children

Children’s social interactions and emotional awareness evolve significantly during middle childhood.

• Increased self-awareness and sensitivity to peer opinions. ​
• Begin to understand the impact of their actions on others. ​
• Develop a sense of fairness and justice, often taking it personally when things seem unfair.
• Experience fluctuating emotions and may struggle with self-regulation.

Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood

Cognitive abilities expand, allowing children to think logically and understand complex concepts.

• Begin to categorize knowledge and understand cause and effect. ​
• Can connect present experiences to past and future events. ​
• Develop the ability to focus for longer periods and engage in problem-solving. ​
• Language skills become more complex, allowing for better expression of thoughts and feelings. ​

Physical Development in Middle Childhood

Children experience steady physical growth and improved motor skills during this stage. ​

• Average growth rate of 5 cm (2 inches) per year. ​
• Continued development of fine and gross motor skills. ​
• Increased ability to optimize movement and coordination. ​
• Enhanced sensory response and endurance development.

U11-U12: FOUNDATION PHASE III: SCANNING & POSITIONING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, SHORT COMBINATION PLAY AND FINISHING

• Players develop scanning skills (ME AND MY SCANNING SKILLS)
• Players develop fundamental movement skills (ME AND MY MOVEMENT SKILLS)
• Players continue to develop fundamental soccer skills with and without the ball under a moderate level of pressure (ME AND THE BALL)
• Players develop cooperative play, moderate structured team play based on a style of play (ME AND MY TEAMMATES)

U13-U14: PROGRESSION PHASE I: SCANNING & POSITIONING, RECEIVING, DRIBBLING, QUICK COMBINATION PLAY AND FINISHING

• Players develop scanning skills (ME AND MY SCANNING SKILLS)
• Players develop fundamental movement skills (ME AND MY MOVEMENT SKILLS)
• Players continue to develop fundamental soccer skills with and without the ball under a high level of pressure (ME AND THE BALL)
• Players develop high structured team play based on a style of play (ME AND MY TEAMMATES)

Know who is in front of you! A holistic approach to coaching

Individual Differences in Development

Each child’s development is unique and influenced by various factors. ​

• Biological factors include gender and genetics.
• Psychological factors encompass stress levels and motivation.
• Cultural, educational, and social factors also play a significant role.

Player-Centered Approach to Coaching
A player-centered approach is essential for effective soccer coaching.

• Coaches should adjust learning environments and processes to meet players’ needs. ​
• Understanding players’ social, emotional, and cognitive characteristics is vital. ​
• Coaches must strive to know who the players are and what they require. ​

Developmental Stages and Characteristics
The framework outlines specific characteristics for each age group in soccer.

• U5: Self-centered, developing friendships, short attention span. ​
• U6: Less egocentric, beginning to share, increased emotional control.
• U7: More independent, developing loyalty to groups, fragile self-esteem.
• U8: Social world expands, increased self-awareness, beginning to understand fairness.
• U9: Stronger desire to belong, developing identity, sensitive to peer opinions. ​
• U10: Assertiveness grows, emotional maturity begins, peer influence increases.
• U11: Transitioning social environments, developing individual relationships.
• U12: Navigating complex social settings, emotional stability improves.
• U13: Identity formation, peer group dependency, conflict with authority.
• U14: Stronger self-assertion, emotional control improves, romantic interests emerge.
• U15: Navigating independence, emotional maturity develops, peer pressure awareness.
• U16: Complex social navigation, emotional intelligence improves, planning skills develop.
• U17: Increased independence, identity exploration, risk-taking behaviors.
• U18: Emerging adulthood, complex decision-making, self-reflection increases. ​