As we move up the age ladder from the U8 level to the U10 level there are many differences we must attend to in order to provide an optimal experience for young players of this age. However, there are also many similarities. Just as in parenting, it is important to be consistent in coaching and we must make sure that we follow a progressive trend of development for young players. To this end, we need to continue to focus on technique during our practices, as we did at the younger ages.

Creating environments in which players get maximum repetitions of technical skills is key. Players at this age should still work on ball mastery and demonstrate growing familiarity and comfort with a ball at their feet.

Typical Characteristics of U10 Players

• attention span lengthens from U8---they start to show the ability to sequence thought and actions
  
  
• they start to think ahead and think “If this, then that”
  
  
• they are more inclined towards wanting to play soccer rather than being told to play
  
  
• demonstrate increased self-responsibility – bringing a ball, water and all gear should now be their complete responsibility
  
  
• they start to recognize fundamental tactical concepts (in ones and twos- as in 2v1)
  
  
• children at this age begin to become aware of peer pressure
  
  
• players greatly affiliate with their team or their coach—“I play for the Tigers” or “I play for coach Amy’s team”
  
  
• players at this age are extremely rule bound—remember each rule you create is the equivalent of a bar in the prison in which you would like to live (see “Modified or quasi games)
  
  
• there is a wide continuum of maturity evident on most teams
  this is still a crucial age for Technical skill development…….
  

Age Group Skill Priorities U-10
Continue with dribbling foci from U8
Passing with inside and outside of both feet. (Intro to 2-3touch scrimmages).
Shooting with both feet---using laces
Receiving the ball with all parts of body.
Heading (intro only)

Tactical Priorities U-10
Basic Attacking Ideas: (attacking space/taking risks/give-go)
Basic Defending Ideas(footwork-tackling)
Comprehend 1 vs. 1 concepts
Comprehend 2 vs. 1 concepts
Introduction to 2 vs. 2 concepts
Comprehend roles of 1st and 2nd defenders
Comprehend roles of 1st and 2nd attackers

Conditioning
introduce balance-agility-coordination training