Discover coaching goals for different age groups
Coaching goals for the U-8 year old player
- Have the player exude joy and happiness when playing the game
- Have the player gravitate toward the ball and wish to chase it about
- Have the player use both feet when dribbling with the ball
- Have the player begin to show some proficiency in dribbling
- Have the player begin to show some proficiency in passing
Coaching goals for the U-10 player
- Have the player exhibit some proficiency in dribbling the ball out of trouble
- Have the player protect the ball when in possession
- Have the player pass with a proficient level of accuracy
- Have the player receive the ball with a soft first touch
- Have the player show some proficiency receiving the ball with all body parts
- Have the player understand the concept of shape and in particular the diamond shape.
- Have the player begin to show an understanding of the various “thirds” of the field (defensive, mid, and attacking)
- Have the player begin to show some proficiency with basic attacking
- Have the player begin to show some proficiency with basic defending
- Have the player begin to show the ability to “problem solve” on the field
Coaching goals for the U-12 player
- Have the player fully understand spatial relationship, space, and shape
- Have the player show a sound ability to “problem solve” on the field
- Have the player begin to show effective communication skills while playing the game
- Have the player show a competitive sense
- Have the player show sound proficiency in all technical areas: Passing, Receiving, Shooting, Crossing / Chipping, Trapping, Dribbling
- Have the player show some proficiency in playing one and two touch soccer
- Have the player have a particular skill that separates him / her from the others i.e. a goal scorer, creative midfielder, goalkeeper, or strong crosser from the outside.
- Have the player move in support of the ball. Does the player “check” to the ball
- Have the player understand the concept of first, second, and third attacker
- Have the player understand the concept of first defender, support, and balance
- Have the player understand the aspects of “shape”
Coaching goals for the U-14 player
- Have the player exhibit respect and commitment to his / her team and coach
- Have the player execute all technical aspects of the game with speed
- Have the player execute all technical aspects of the game under pressure
- Have the player have a sound knowledge of their function on the team
- Have the player have a sound understanding of the 3-4-3 developmental system of play
- Have the player exhibit sound movement in maintaining both offensive and defensive shape