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U11 to Colts
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U11s to U17s (Colts)

Many countries have different junior programmes set up within these age groups
but this what we call the development age groups.
Many players will be lost to the game depending what coaches were like in previous years.
A lot of players will take up different sports from 13 years and older so it is important that in the
lower part of these age groups soccer must be still kept fun and exciting.

Coaches will require all the information possible to provide the best coaching that the players can receive.
This is where the” Share the Knowledge Project” comes in and the Member Lounge will
become an exciting place to get all the information required.

As with previous age groups coaches have to prepare a training session in advance.
Look at the teams weaknesses and strengths and use drills to suit those areas.

In Australia the under 11 teams are now fully competitive and travel between clubs and compete
for points that will get them into the finals at the end of the season.

Coaches are advised to use the assistance of either an assistant coach or manager in coaching these age groups.
Many parents will put their hands up for these positions and you never know,
a new coach could be developed for the future of the game from here.

Break the team into sections :
Defence – Goal Keeper
Midfielders – Strikers

This will be of great benefit to coaches as some drills cover skills that players don’t use
during games like goal kicking for defensive players and goal keepers.

Coaches are advised to draw up drills for both areas and use the assist coaches or managers to take either section.
At the end of the season both squads can come together in a game format ( Defence Vs Midfielders )

I could mention in this section the need for team bonding which can be used during rainy days
or nights and held in the dressing rooms.
Over the years I have discussed Plays and even how players should act when visiting another club.

Our Member Lounge will provide all the paper work required for the season
as well as over 40+ drills in clip art form that can be downloaded as well as a forum
so coaches can chat to other coaches regarding problems or just brag how well your team is going.

In the free drill section, on the opening page is a good drill for this age group
but it is important that all drills used flow smoothly within the time span given to train a
team or time will be wasted.

As a professional soccer coach I place players in positions that suit their abilities
and they remain there unless we play against a weaker team when positions can be changed,
but only if the players wishes it to happen.
Like a defensive player who would like to try striking or a forward position.

Here are some unusual things I’ve tried over the years:

1) Get the goal keeper to do the penalty shots in front of goals (Keeper against Keeper )

2) Run the defensive line-up in a banana shape instead of a flat 4.

3) Get the keeper to run with the ball from a goal kick out. (That works well !!)

4) Bring the keeper down in the 18 yard box during corners.

5) Give all plays a name ie COBRA (get the team to think of names for plays)

6) Teach the players about sportsmanship (Picking up a player who has gone down)

7) Always get my team to run on last. Make the other team wait.

8) Always do pre game warm ups in front of parents (Players behave more)

9) Pre kickoff, form a huddle and the Captain of the team boosts the team up.

10) Make the Captain of the team more responsible for the teams performance.