Youth football players are typically less self-centred and more able to decipher information that is relevant to them and act upon it. Therefore, your football coaching can become more specific and progressive as these young players start to understand the concepts of time space, width and depth.
Youth football players are also more able to justify their actions – for example, the football coach might ask why did you shoot then?, and the youth football player could give a reasoned explanation as opposed to a more typical dunno you would get from a younger player. Use the ability of the player to be constructive in their replies to help them reach and consider other options and learn from mistakes.
Player characteristics can include:
Learning – encourage players to analyse and solve problems by reviewing their own performances during the football drills and welcoming questions, answers and comments. By now, the players should have good knowledge of football techniques and be able to constructively contribute to the football training session. Continue to provide your expertise and knowledge but also allow an element of letting the game become the teacher.
Technical – As player reach the age of 11 upwards, they progress to 11-a-side football on which some will thrive in this new football formation whilst others may find it difficult to adapt. As a youth football coach you should be aware of this and encourage players to work more as a team rather than individuals. The content of your football training drills should reflect this and focus on realistic game situations. Youth football players should be aware of the roles and responsibilities of all playing positions on the pitch, especially their own.
Social Youth football players (U11, U12, U13, U14) who are good at sport tend to be more socially accepted by their peers, no more so than in football and football training drills. Players who are good at football training will find themselves developing a greater social circle of friends as well as getting noticed by the coach! Football players for under 11, under 12, under 13 and under 14 football teams can be shaped by peer pressure and role models off the pitch so use this to your full advantage. Make them believe they will be the next Rooney or Gerrard! Install values and beliefs in to your youth football team and always encourage sportsmanship and fair play.
Physical development – as players start to mature physically, your football training sessions should start to take on a different emphasis by encouraging players to compete to win.
If you run a grassroots football team and need further advice, tips and inspiration for football training drills, then there is a website for you. www.canyouplayfootball.com has over 140 football training drills categorised in to different topics (such as defending drills, shooting drills, goalkeeping drills etc) and listed by age group. They also has a football team organiser that helps managers manage their football team off the pitch. For more information, visit www.canyouplayfootball.com.