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Training Format

Typical U-6 Training Session

  • 45 minutes or less.
  • Every player should have a ball.
  • Warm-up, including movement, use of ball, fun games and challenges (15 min)
  • Soccer Activities, individual and partner activities, game like situations (15 min)
  • Free Play, finish with a 3v3 game with two goals, no goalkeepers (15 min)

The end of each training session should be devoted to playing 3v3 practice games. Fun games involving 1v1, 2v1, 1v2 and 2v2 can lead into the final activity of 3v3. Coaches can use this time to teach the rules of the game, discuss spacing, and game situations.

Coaches, use a games approach to learning. Make sure each player has a ball as the increased number of touches on the ball will more quickly develop players. Have a selection of game-like activities planned, avoid being drill oriented and focus on fun.

 

Typical U-8 Training Session

  • 1 hour or less.
  • Warm-up, each player with a ball, dynamic stretching, skill activities (15 min)
  • Soccer Activities, individual body awareness, individual and partner activities. Add more maze-type games. Introduce target games with a variety of player combinations: 1v1, 2v1, 1v2 and 2v2. (20-25 min)
  • Free Play, small-sided game of 4v4, two goals and no goalkeepers. (20 min)

The end of each training session should be devoted to playing 4v4 practice games. Fun games involving 1v1, 2v1, 1v2, 2v2, 1v3, 2v3 and 3v3 can lead into the final activity of 4v4. Coaches can use this time to teach the rules of the game, discuss spacing, and game situations.

 

Typical U-10 Training Session

  • 1 hour and 15 minutes or less.
  • Warm-up, partner and small group activities, dynamic stretching. (15 min)
  • Soccer Activities, individual and partner activities, introduce small group activities (4 to 6 players). Add more directional games. Play to targets and/or zones. (20-25 min)
  • Free Play, small-sided game of 6v6, two goals with goalkeepers. (20-25 min)
  • Cool Down (5-10 min)

The end of each training session should be devoted to playing 4v4, 5v5 and 6v6 practice games. Fun games involving smaller numbers can be played, especially 1v1, 2v1 and 3v2 or 5v3 leading up to a final training activity.

 

Typical U-12 Training Session

  • 1 hour and 30 minutes or less.
  • Warm-up, small group activities, dynamic stretching, include ball as often as possible. (15 min)
  • Soccer Activities, introduce large group/team activities (6 to 8 players). Continue with directional games. Play to targets and/or zones. (30 min)
  • Free Play, small-sided game of 8v8, two goals with goalkeepers. (25-35 min)
  • Cool down activity, including static stretching (5-10 min)

*adapted from the US Youth Soccer Coaching Manual