How Do We Get Started With Youth Soccer?

If field space is a concern, divide the normal playing surface in half and play two small-sided games, using cones for goals or small goals.  Use yellow paint to mark off the areas.  The USYSA has written up a list of rules for small-sided soccer at every level.

Youth players under the age of 10 learn best by meeting the challenges of playing the game.  Remember, the game is the best teacher.  They need minimal instruction from their coach.  Simply allow them to play.  Thus, coaches and parents need to be observers, supervisors and cheerleaders.  The USYSA recommends that coaches should not coach or instruct players during games.  Let the players play.  Sit back and enjoy!

Juniors are between the ages of 12 and 19.  They are becoming real soccer players.  They have the necessary tools to play 11 v. 11 soccer.  They are able to think of group actions involving more than two or three players, they have an understanding of how their individual action affects the goals of the group as a whole and they have the physical abilities to make long passes, make long shots, reach the crossbar, etc.  In short, their games resemble the "real thing" and not just a "bunch of bees swarming around a jar of honey."

The same general guidelines of training can be used with this age level as with the younger age level, however, the content of the sessions can change now.  This does not mean that the coach can now afford to spend more time in lecture.  Players still come to practice to be able to play, not to listen.  The session, however, can be more tactical, involving more decision-making demands. These players can now think "How are my opponent's decisions going to affect my decisions?"

Another point to make is that it is more important to add stretching to this session.  Always begin the warm-up with motion and intersperse periods of stretching once the "blood begins to flow."  Never start stretching when cold; this does more harm than good.