Introduction

When coaching any age group you must have regular well planned training sessions which follow a consistent philosophy that focuses on develops players opposed to focusing on team play.

In this booklet Challenger has worked to provide a series of positive steps in being a coach as well as how to structure a session and example practices.

Documented in this player development booklet we will cover the following areas:

• 8 WEEKS OF TRAINING SESSION
• COACHING CODE OF CONDUCT
• STRUCTURE OF A SESSION
• PRACTICE SESSIONS
• CONCLUSION

But just to let you know this is not only Challengers view on developing players it is shared by some of the top coaches from the UK.

Our aim is to develop the players technical at this young age so that when the move on to the next level they have no basic weaknesses”

Alan Boyd - Glasgow Rangers Football Club Youth Team Coach

"I feel at this age the key aspect to develop is technical ability”

Warwick Rimmer – Tranmere Football Club Head of Youth Development

During these young years we learn to do so much (reading, writing) and we also develop our own personal quirks, skills and mannerisms. We more often than not carry these through to our teens and even later life.

This is why the development of the player’s technique is the key aspect which we must strive to improve and develop.

With this it is crucial that when designing your coaching sessions they are set out to help familiarise the player with the ball and the basic skills of the game.

For each person to learn a skill and have it as an automatic response they must repeat the skill 5 thousand times!!!"

Greg Patterson – SFA Youth Development Officer

Along with games on a Saturday each practice should include a small sided game for each of the players so they have the chance to play and experience the game.

These games should be in the small sided format with no more than 4 players per team. If 2 fields are needed ask another parent to supervise 1 of the games. The benefits of a small sided game can be easily seen:

Skill Development

• More touches on the ball allows for a greater chance to develop skills.

More Activity

• The ball is played more which lead to greater involvement

All Involved

• Nobody can improve from the sideline. So let them play

Less Categorization of players

• Young players are learning about the game. Allow them to play freely

Less Tactical Regimentation

• Small sided games are simple. Rules are kept to a minimum

Success

• Success at this age should be determined by the fun each player has

Interest

• Many children can lose interest &concentration if they don’t get to touch the ball

Decision Making

• Because of the reduced numbers and pitch size, decision making for the children is easier.

Easy to Organize

• Any area can be quickly adapted to accommodate a number of players and games

Developing Awareness

• Small sided games help children to develop a better awareness of the full game at their own pace