|
|
Key Objectives for the U14+ NYSA Program
For most U14+ players:
- Players should be sharing the ball
- Focus on advanced skill
- Focus on intermediate tactics
- Individual, pairs and group activities up to 6-8 players
For most U14+ players:
- Are playing on a much bigger field
- Have a positional understanding, my start to prefer certain positions
- Still struggle with offside rule
- Will physically be challenged by the larger field, sub accordingly
- 1. All athletes are maturing at different rates
- 2. Players need to warm-up and stretch , cooldown
- 3. Players will understand hypothetical situations
- 4. They can solve problems
- 5. Peer evaluation is a constant, social status is important
- 6. Egos are sensitive, adjust to individuals
- 7. Coordination may depend on growth spurts
- 8. Technique still needs to be reinforced
- 9. Playing too much can lead to injuries
- 10. Keep asking the players to be creative and to take risks, make their own decisions
Player Development Skills:
Goalkeeping - Technical Skills:
COACHING TIPS FOR U14+:
Keep it fun!!! An important aspects of development for young players in the U14+ age groups is for them to have fun. For most of them, if they are not having fun, they will most likely drop the sport. As a coach, you should strive to create an environment where the players, parents and you, are all having fun. Allow players to make mistakes and encourage them to make their own decisions. As players progress to to the higher levels, they play on larger fields and tactics need to be taught to move the ball quicker under pressure at all times. Players will need to understanding when to dribble, when to pass, and when to shoot. They often choose the wrong option, but as coaches and parents, we need to be patient with them and encourage them to make these decisions independently, especially during games.
Aimless kicking or “booting” of the ball should not be encouraged, get possession, move the ball quickly
The players are certainly aware of the score and many parents and coaches are paying more attention to the results. You will start noticing many coaches and parents yelling directions from the sidelines. We should remind ourselves and the parents of our players that improving their play is the main objective. We should refrain from yelling directions to the players during games, as it will hinder their ability to make decisions independently as they progress.
Reduce player dependence on adult guidance through “Guided Discovery”
In practice sessions, coaches should try to allow players to make mistakes and ask players how they could do things better and guide them to the correct answers vs telling the players what to do. This will help the players’ ability to solve problems and reduce their dependence on adults for guidance during games.
Teambuilding
U14+ players will tend to have a strong commitment to their team. This is a good opportunity to continue teaching young players about the value of teamwork and what it means to be part of a team (i.e. trusting your teammates, not criticizing them, etc.). Certain fun teambuilding activities can be done during some practices, especially in the beginning of the season when players may not be familiar with each other.
Discipline
Establish and maintain discipline for the team. It is a good idea to establish team rules at the beginning of the season. The coach should also set up penalties for not following these rules. It is a good idea to inform parents of the team rules and penalties in welcome email. Players tend to be self-critical and rebellious at times. The coach should ensure that he or she applies these rules fairly and consistently if they are broken during the season. Encourage players to work out on their own and focus on key improvement area's.
- Dribble with all sides of both feet (inside, outside, sole, laces)
- Dribble out of trouble · Dribble past someone · Changes of direction and turns
- Speed dribbling in traffic
- Soft first touch-first touch away from pressure
- Receiving the ball with all parts of the body
- Shielding – develop proper technique to shield the balls from opponents
- Shooting with both feet (with inside of foot and laces) -Shooting for power and accuracy
- Passing with inside and outside of both feet - Passing to feet and passing to space
- Ability to chip the ball
- Accurately execute long passes
- Different throw-in techniques
- Proper defending technique
- Proper heading technique
Goalkeeping - Technical Skills:
- Proper positioning
- Body position around the goal
- Ball distribution (throwing, rolling, punting)
- Basic diving from the ready position
- Collecting balls from the attacking player’s feet
- Calling for the ball when receiving with defending players
- Communicating with the other players on the team during the game
COACHING TIPS FOR U14+:
Keep it fun!!! An important aspects of development for young players in the U14+ age groups is for them to have fun. For most of them, if they are not having fun, they will most likely drop the sport. As a coach, you should strive to create an environment where the players, parents and you, are all having fun. Allow players to make mistakes and encourage them to make their own decisions. As players progress to to the higher levels, they play on larger fields and tactics need to be taught to move the ball quicker under pressure at all times. Players will need to understanding when to dribble, when to pass, and when to shoot. They often choose the wrong option, but as coaches and parents, we need to be patient with them and encourage them to make these decisions independently, especially during games.
Aimless kicking or “booting” of the ball should not be encouraged, get possession, move the ball quickly
The players are certainly aware of the score and many parents and coaches are paying more attention to the results. You will start noticing many coaches and parents yelling directions from the sidelines. We should remind ourselves and the parents of our players that improving their play is the main objective. We should refrain from yelling directions to the players during games, as it will hinder their ability to make decisions independently as they progress.
Reduce player dependence on adult guidance through “Guided Discovery”
In practice sessions, coaches should try to allow players to make mistakes and ask players how they could do things better and guide them to the correct answers vs telling the players what to do. This will help the players’ ability to solve problems and reduce their dependence on adults for guidance during games.
Teambuilding
U14+ players will tend to have a strong commitment to their team. This is a good opportunity to continue teaching young players about the value of teamwork and what it means to be part of a team (i.e. trusting your teammates, not criticizing them, etc.). Certain fun teambuilding activities can be done during some practices, especially in the beginning of the season when players may not be familiar with each other.
Discipline
Establish and maintain discipline for the team. It is a good idea to establish team rules at the beginning of the season. The coach should also set up penalties for not following these rules. It is a good idea to inform parents of the team rules and penalties in welcome email. Players tend to be self-critical and rebellious at times. The coach should ensure that he or she applies these rules fairly and consistently if they are broken during the season. Encourage players to work out on their own and focus on key improvement area's.
Click below for MAYS U14 Grassroots practice training :
What are the coaches looking for during the season?
