Soccer Training for Kids

Soccer is hugely popular at the youth level in the United States. The world's most popular sport can be a great introduction to physical activity for kids whether as tool for motor skill development, source of fun or as a trailhead to professional, competitive soccer. For those interested in soccer training for kids, having a basic understanding of the many areas that affect the process of training children is invaluable.

  1. Types of Youth Soccer

    • Youth soccer can be divided into two basic categories. The first and most common route for young players is the local recreation league. AYSO, the American Youth Soccer Organization, is an example. Games usually take place during the spring or fall with one game played each week, usually on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Some measure of playing time is guaranteed.

      The other group is club soccer, often referred to as a traveling team or select soccer. Teams in these leagues are formed via tryout and games are played all year. Players can be cut, playing time is not guaranteed and staff is usually paid. The focus here is largely on winning.

    Philosophy

    • Up until recently, a great emphasis has been placed on grooming the elite player at the youth level. The best players are separated from the rest and form the majority of select team squads. This small percentage of players later makes up the bulk of competitive soccer at more developed stages. This is starting to change. In 2010, Claudia Reyna, former U.S. Men's National Team member and FIFA World Cup veteran, was elected by the U.S. Soccer Federation as youth technical director with a goal of restructuring the way the game is taught. A grassroots approach starting with 6-year-olds, Reyna's focus will be on greater youth technical development for both select and recreational leagues through an emphasis on improved training for coaches. By increasing the overall base of talent nationwide, the USSF hopes to plant the seeds that will later grow into a pool of U.S. players able to compete with the world's best.

    Matches

    • Youth soccer games do not use a regulation size field or the standard 11 players per side for a match. Up until the age of 10, most youth games consist of small-sided matches. This means smaller fields and fewer players. With players who are under 6 years, small-sided games mean matches with only three players per team. This ensures that every player on the field will be able to touch the ball multiple times during a game and prevents the swarm of players that surround the ball during youth team games with 11 players per side. With fewer players on the team, coaches will also find it easier to teach some of the game's rudimentary concepts such as defensive and offensive positioning and support.

    Practice

    • Practice should as much as possible involve all players at all times. Anything that entails the majority of the team sitting and watching only encourages boredom. Boredom means likely frustration for coaches as they try in vain to recapture their player's attention. Start by giving every child a ball, especially with the youngest players. Choose drills that allow every player, or most players, to work at the same time. Forget about winning initially and instead focus on technique---how to properly trap, pass with the instep, dribble off the laces and shoot on goal. Understanding the rules of the game should also play a role. Additionally, as much as possible, organize practices so players are always using the ball, even in purely fitness-related drills.

    Fun

    • Creating an atmosphere that is both educational yet enjoyable for the young player is critical. A common mistake at the youth level is to train players as if they are preparing for their Manchester United debut. Young players need to have a genuine love for the game before more demanding training begins. In other words, by keeping practices fun, a coach can instill a love for the game, thus ensuring further interest in the sport.