Why U10 Players Play Soccer

Most under 10's that play soccer have been playing in an organized group for a few years now and will start to play more often by themselves to develop their skills. A U10 child will now start to understand that when they can improve their skills they will have more "FUN" in the game.

So now what...
The game is definately starting to change for both the player and the coach and although the players are starting to take the game a little more serious, they are still children and will forget the basics more often then you think. As a coach YOU must remember that although these U10 players are becoming more skillful, they are STILL children.

Your job as the Coach is:
TO CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL ENHANCE PLAYER ENTHUSIASM, DEVELOPMENT AND FUN !!!

Although a player can now understand when taught by the coach that passing to a team mate can actually help them in the game. They do not always remember that when they have the ball. A player knows that off-sides are now part of the game, but do not always understand what an offside trap is. Let's be truthful... A lot of coaches are still having problems understanding the off-side rule and how to play an off-side trap, so how can we expect a U10 player to fully understand. To use a common phrase "Let's not put the cart before the horse". We'll talk more about offsides later.

So How Does a Coach Teach a U10 Player?

The first rule doesn't change. As a Coach the first thing you need to understand is that the player's on your team are usually between the ages of 8 and 10 years old. The Skills of the U10 player are improving yes; but again, please remember you can not teach them everything about soccer and every possible move within soccer during one practice session (or even one season).  Encourage every player to play their best and challenge each one at their own level, and pace. Not all players are the same.

The best way to coach a U10 team is to create a practice that incorporates a lot of FUN activities/games. If you do this your players will learn without even realizing it and your job as a coach will become much easier.

The basic principles to remember when coaching U10's are:

• Keep all players moving; create games of Inclusion not Exclusion
• Get them working together in pairs
• Challenge your players without getting to complex
• Create a positive learning environment
  • Quick SIMPLE explanations of activities
  • Demonstrate or have a player demonstrate
  • Encourage players to demonstrate to one another
  • Give positive correction and feedback
  • Encourage everyone to do their best
• US Youth Soccer say's it best...
  • The Game is the Best Teacher

Check with your Director of Coaches and/or your State Association for information on Youth Module Clinic's for coaching U10's that they may be running in your area.

Until then you are free to view our activities for U10's which you can incorporate into your practice sessions.

A Typical Practice Session

A U10 Practice Session should only be held once a week and it should be no longer then 60 - 75 minutes. At the U10 level you should still incorporate some individual activities, however; you should now be focusing a little more on team play

1. Start with some warm up activities which should incorporate movement (Dynamic Stretching), with and without the ball (approx. 2 - 4 minutes)
2. Plan for some SIMPLE, but FUN games for team activities with and without the ball (approx. 5 - 8 minutes)
3. Make games more challenging but not to complex (approx 6 - 10 minutes)
   • NOTE: Remember not to make things to complicated.....they are more skilled then U8's but they are still ONLY U10 players
4. Progress to 2 v 2, 3 v 3, etc, working together (approx 10 - 12 minutes)
5. Play 6 v 6 soccer as you would play in a game on game day (approx. 20 minutes)
6. Cool down with Dynamic Stretching (approx. 2 - 6 minutes)

• A Ball
• Shin Guards
• Water or Juice (NOT carbonated water, juice or soda)
• Cleats or Sneakers
• Appropriate Soccer Gear (not jeans or shorts with pockets)

What Every Coach Should Bring to Practice

Players and parents will occasionally forget to bring what is required for practice and/or games, so it is always a good idea to bring the following:

• Extra Balls
• Ball Pump
• Bibs/Pennies
• Additional Water or Juice
  
  • Don't forget to bring paper cups too, and please remember to pick up your trash
• Disc's or Cones
  
  • Its always a good idea to have more then one color for visual effects
• First Aid Kit
  • Ice bags, bandages, gauze pads, non-latex gloves, zip-lock bag (to dispose of any used items - please dispose of correctly)
  • PLEASE REMEMBER:
    
    • YOU are a COACH... NOT a Doctor