SYA ACADEMIES
BASIC GROUP
CURRICULUM U12 Objectives
Scrimmage: Improve possession and transition and collective
defending
Tactical; develop attacking and defensive principles and
combination play.
Technical Focus on quality of passing and receiving technique
as well as ball control in game situations.
Physical ; Compete to increase speed, agility, coordination and
balance in competitive games.
Psychosocial; Develop collective self-confidence.
By the end of the season the player must be capable of:
1. Application of technique at speed in game situations
2 Application of attacking and defending principles in games.
3 Agility, coordination and speed movements in simple
practices.
Coaches Mission U12
A Seasonal plan is provided by US Soccer. As the coach, it is important you study
the U12 season plan. Under Content, it gives the priority of training for this age
group. Your priority, is to identify content with a 5 and 4 Value and ensure that
throughout the season, these subjects will be your teaching and practice priority.
Evaluations
Your mission is to provide soccer training and development. You are required to
keep a simple written weekly update on each player’s progress and development
Each training and match day event shall be pre-planned. A simple outline plan
shall be written prior to the session or game.
Sya/2 Curriculum U12 Basic Level Academies
The Player U12
At this age, there are some children that are becoming more physically mature.
Girls and Boy’s groups are formed separately. Both genders play well, physically
and intellectually. Whether a player enters puberty early or late has important
psychosocial implications. Within your group, there will be some bigger and faster
players whose eye hand and eye foot coordination is a little advanced of some of
your players. Some of your players may also demonstrate a greater capacity to
stay focused for longer periods of time. Player’s will start to express their opinion
and there opinion should be nurtured within practices.
At U 12, match day games will be 9 v 9 . In the second- season of the year,
(Spring) players should be introduced to 11 v 11 in preparation for their U 13
season.
Child Development.
It is essential, that soccer coaches understand and remember that children develop
at different speeds. Cognitive, psychomotor and psychosocial are the three main
development areas. It is not unusual, for one player to be one year ahead, and for
another, to be one year behind. We as coaches, must be continually aware, that
each player is different and at different stages in their development.
Psychomotor U12 Physical, as individuals they start to demonstrate stronger
motor skills. Begin to develop abilities to sustain complex coordinated skill
sequences. Increase, in the amount of exercise and the intensity, does not
necessarily increase aerobic fitness levels in children. Strength building activities
require overloading the muscles to a greater extent, than endurance activities.
Flexibility training is key to the prevention of injuries.
Overuse injuries, burnout, and high attrition rates are associated with highintensity children’s programs at 12 years of age, that fail to stress skill
development and learning with enjoyment.
SYA /3 Curriculum u12 Basic Level Academies
Child Development Cont;
Cognitive . Formal operational stage ,of cognitive development. The players start
to think in abstract terms and can start to address hypothetical situations. Lengthen
attention span ability and to sequence thought and actions. Intrinsically, they are
becoming motivated to play and demonstrate increased responsibility. Changes in
thought- process is the result of increased awareness and perception.
A systematic approach to problem solving appears at this stage: The game of
soccer must present the ability to think creatively and solve problems while
moving
Psychosocial At 12 years of age they are starting to learn appropriate sex role.
Start to spend more time with friends and less time with parents. Their popularity
influences their self - esteem. Players are becoming more serious about their play
and becoming team and group orientated. Coaches should be aware, that the social
development of a boy and girl is very different and coaches should ensure they
organize the team program to recognize these social differences.
SYA/4 Curriculum U12
Academies
Training methodology
We must organize our training to meet the needs of each player. In order to
conduct an educationally sound training session you must understand and apply
Dr. Mosstons slanty-line concepts, in your training and match play, when possible.
Winning and Losing
Competition, is a central element in a player’s development. At the BASIC
LEVEL however, a competitive environment should not be a result-orientated
environment. The differences must be clear. A competitive environment at the
BASIC LEVEL encourages decisions from the player and coach alike that focus on
performance rather than on outcome. (favoring ball skill and inventiveness, as the
means to find success within the rules and spirit of the game) The results of a game
are just one indicator, of performance and at the BASIC LEVEL, not the most
important one.
Competition among players, playing games, will always exist, whether adults are
present or not. Making soccer “enjoyable and fun” at the younger ages, does not
mean that the competition is removed. Competition, correctly applied, can be
positive and healthy.
Scoring goals and winning the game are fundamental components of soccer. Allow
players to enjoy this aspect, without making it the focus. Set up other skilled
based objectives as the focal point. At the same time, recognize that children will
find competition in anything you set up.
SYA/5 Curriculum U12 Academies
Coaching Philosophy U12
You have been selected and appointed by SYA to this very important phase of
player development. The technical fundamentals have been introduced and taught
at U9,U10,U11. It is, essential that continued reinforcement and refining of
technical performance is ongoing at U 12 and is consistent with the SYA
philosophy and methodology. To ensure continuity, the technique teaching
methodology, is included in this curriculum. The emphasis will be technique skill
application within games situations,
It is required that the training and match day activities are conducted with a fun,
enjoyable, child friendly environment. The players are not adults and training
should be focused and designed for children. Organizing training sessions and
creating enjoyment and achievement, will lead players to self-confidence and selfmotivation. Playing in 6 v 6 7 v 7 8 v 8 and 9 v 9 will assist players to get many
contacts with the ball and involvement in the game. Speed of play will have a high
priority.
It will take self- discipline by you the coach, to focus on the process and
performance rather than the out-come, but be prepared for the possibility that your
team may lose some games, in particularly when attempting to learn and focus on
new elements of the game. You may find that players are required to be moved
into different groups to meet ‘their development needs’ Always keep in mind, the
‘player’, who is looking to you , for an opportunity to perform. In BASIC LEVEL,
the emphasis and manner of the coach ,will often determine if the competitive
environment ,is healthy or not. It is actually, easier to win games at this age group
with teams that are ‘organized’ but lack skill. Placing physically strong players in
the middle and kicking long balls down the middle to get a result. This does not
effectively teach the players the game and prepare them to continue on in the sport.
‘To achieve the best, they can be.
SYA/6 CURRICULUM U12 BASIC LEVEL ACADEMIES
The Warm Up
The warm up is an essential part of a player’s physiological and psychological
preparation for the game. With young players, we know that they enjoy movement
and activity. We do not want to see player’s standing in lines waiting for their
turn, for them it is boring. Maximum activity, keeps players involved and more
importantly making decisions and happy.
Have sufficient balls to keep sessions flowing
Have cones, discs available to mark out training areas.
Have training bibs to clearly mark players.
Growth Note: At U12, the warm up becomes very important. Player’s muscle, is
developing and growth is occurring in the joints. At times, players may seem uncoordinated. This- is a normal growth process. Often referred to as, a Growth
Spurt. Ensure additional stretching, agility and flexibility training and an
understanding of when a player is experiencing a growth a spurt. The growth spurt,
can last from 1 – 2 months or longer. The warm up, should include activities to
prepare a player for the harder activity to follow.
Be Game related (tactically)
Include agility stretching and flexibility
Work on techniques
Mental preparation and application..
Examples
. The warm up is the ideal opportunity for a coach to have fun and at the same time
teach and incorporate technique practice, ball control, passing, tackling, shooting,
Include Technical. Heading. Passing- movement 10-20 yards.
Insert Agility stretching exercises, include the neck and ankles
Groups of 6 players 4 v 2 Combination play, one and two touch passing
emphasising speed of play and movement
Two small goals 4 v 4 + 1 Shooting. Coach inserts the balls etc.
Include Goalkeeper Warm Up Practices.
SYA/ 7 Curriculum U12 Academies
Curriculum OBJECTIVES & CONTENT
These topics will be the primary teaching subjects in the Fall & Spring Season
U12 TECHNICAL BASIC LEVEL DEVELOPMENT
It is essential as the coach U 12 that you have a ‘technical eye’ to ensure the
technical fundamentals are being constantly reviewed, for technical accuracy.
Size 5 Ball. Correctly inflated. One- Ball per player.
Teach and reinforce the correct fundamental techniques of all technical
elements.
Kicking - Passing
How to approach the ball
Position of the “Plant Foot and Knee
Principle of a Good Pass -ACCURACY
Kicking -Inside of the Foot- Shorter distances
Kicking -In-Step - Used for longer passing distances and Volleying
Kicking -Out-Side of Foot
Kicking – Use of Heel
Kicking – Bending Balls- In-swinger
Game Related
Stride Pattern /Balance
Receiving the ball – Body shape
Receiving Ground Balls. Positioning of the foot to cushion and re-direct
Vision
Passing Inside and Outside of Foot. 5 – 10- 15 yards
Passing with Movement- Dynamic - Limited Space –Support-play
Passing Instep 20 – 40 yards.
SYA / 8 CURRICULUM U12 BASIC LEVEL THE ACADEMIES
Running with the Ball
Running: Make running interesting and varied. Check players running style and
teach good running techniques. Sending - players on ‘laps’ is not creative running.
Stride- Pattern. Requires constant adjustment as players bodies go thru the
growth in their legs.
Each player has a different leg length. Players required to be taught a
shorter, quicker step, nearer to the ball. A longer stride in open space.
Body Balance :
Balance, is essential for a player to be able to change direction quickly with
the ball, and to maintain good body -control . Balance, is essential, when
making contact with the ball when passing, controlling the ball and shooting.
To achieve balance, the “Plant Foot” must be correctly positioned level with
the ball on every occasion, in relation to the position of the ball..
Match Related Running /Dribbling Practice
Running, moving the ball with the In-side and outside of the feet, in a
restricted area.
Dribbling /Running and changing direction and turning with ball, using
different parts of the feet. Developing an awareness of when and where to
run
Change of Pace. (Speed of Movement) When running with the ball, change
direction increase or decrease speed of movement.
Speed is essential in soccer, It is not easy to teach speed, because the
structure and twitch of a player’s muscle fiber, has a significant bearing as to
a player being fast or not . However, teaching good running technique can be
helpful and by providing sprinting exercises and activities at practice.
Turning With Ball. To be un-predictable and to confuse opponents
changing direction and turning with ball is an essential skill. Turns must be
made at speed. When turning at speed, it often creates a space for the player
to attack with speed or make a pass or shot on goal.
SYA / 9 Curriculum u12 Basic Level The Academies
Ball Control
Receiving the ball has been discussed, however Ball Control requires players to
control the ball on the ground and in the air. When playing in the game, receiving
and ball control is vital, to ensure the player maintains control of the ball.
There are fundamental ‘good habits’ that a player requires to develop, to assist
them to perform consistently at a high standard in the game. With Ball control it is;
Get your body behind the line or flight of the ball
Select which part of the body is going to be used to control the ball
Present the controlling surface of the body to the ball
Relax the controlling surface
Direct the ball to a direction for the next movement of play, away from an
opponent
In age of 12, emphasis shall be on controlling ground and air balls and
developing a perfect ‘first touch’ on the ball and ensuring the placement is
always the correct distance and shielded away from an opponent.
Shielding. Teach the techniques of shielding and reinforce the techniques.
Juggling the Ball
Noticeably, all high performance players are usually very comfortable with the
ball. Through practice, they are able to get the ball to ‘obey them’ The player
develops the coordination, decision making and self- confidence in keeping the
ball in their control in the air, using different parts of the body. This is juggling the
ball. The USA player, need to improve significantly, in becoming comfortable
with the ball
As the coach, you can set up a juggling exercise by demonstration, but frequently
encouragement is needed from the coach to get players to practice. Incentives may
be required, but getting a player to practice juggling and running keeping close
control, each day, is essential to developing a feeling and touch for the ball.
Players should be encouraged to do juggling exercise as part of the team WARM
UP.
SYA/ 10 Curriculum U12 Basic Level The Academies
Ball Control /2 Cont.:
Surface Body Parts to Control the Ball
Feet. The ball can be controlled by using the inside and outside edges of the
foot by forming a wedge. In addition, the top and bottom of the cleat can be
used to act as a cushion or a wedge.
The positioning of the plant foot is essential to be balanced as contact
with the ball is made to receive and control the ball.
Thigh At times air balls or ground ball may bounce and the use of the thigh
can be used as a cushion.
At U12 Chest control with a hand thrown service may be taught .
Shielding The Ball.
Emphasis, must be placed on player’s, to control the ball away from an opponent
and to protect it with their body. This occurs at the ‘first touch’ of the ball.
In addition, player’s must be instructed, to control the ball away from opponents
into the spaces that will provide opportunity for themselves , to pass, shooting or
an area to take the ball.
Shielding the ball is a technique that will be taught and introduced at U 11. It
requires reinforcement at U 12 to develop how to protect the ball from a defender .
In ( 1 v 1 situation) forwards with their back to goal need to learn to protect the
ball and achieve a turn or organize a ‘take-over’ situation.(Combination Play)
When shielding the player protecting the ball shall stand sideways.
Open the legs 2 ft and slightly crouch. (Keeping the ball at the foot, farthest
away from the opponent.
The ball shall be moved sideways by the foot, being protected by the plant
foot
It will take practice to become comfortable with the stance, resisting the
opponent and moving the ball.
SYA /11 Curriculum U 12 BASIC LEVEL
Academies
Shooting
Shooting is a kicking skill, with the emphasis to score goals.
In the curriculum, Passing, the techniques of kicking the ball is described.
The Instep Kick,
Is the primary method of kicking, to produce power, and accuracy with the
ball. The instep kick, is very important as it is used for kicking longer distances
when passing, cross-field passing or for shooting to score goals.
Technical. Teaching a young player the correct techniques ( As described in
kicking techniques) is essential. If a player is not taught correctly to kick the ball,
at a young age, poor techniques develop, and become very difficult to correct or
change as the player gets older.
In-Step Kick ‘Key Coaching Points’
Getting the correct contact on the ball is reliant on a good approach to the ball and
getting The plant foot in the correct position. At this age concentrate on getting
a good contact on the ball. Kicking straight thru the ball for power and
accuracy.
Use of the Whole Leg. Teach Players to use the whole leg when kicking.
Kicking with the toe straight down, requires the player to generate speed from the
knee, which is acceptable from 10 -15 yards. For power and distance the player
shall use the whole leg and generate power from the hip and upper leg. Both legs
should be bent when kicking a ball.
The follow thru is important. Shorten the follow thru to keep the ball down for
power and accuracy.. Lengthen the follow thru for longer distances.
At U12 encourage players to shoot with both feet.
At U12 if a player can strike a ball accurately with power introduce the methods of
bending balls when ‘kicked’
SYA / 12 Curriculum U 12 Basic Level Academies
Shooting Practices cont:
When possible, shooting practice should be included into training activities.
There is a variety of shooting games that can be organized but attempt to keep
shooting activities realistic to the game.. At U12 a player should be able to perform
the majority of shooting situations. At U 12 Volleying the ball, is an essential skill
both in attack and defense. Teaching volleying in the attack to score goals, this
should be reinforced in practice and the game .
The use of goals, is important, to create a realistic shooting environment.
The Importance of 1 v 1 Attack.
1 v 1 in Attack is given a very high priority at this U12 age. A player
needs to develop the self- confidence to possess the technical ability , to run
at opponents with the ball. At the same time, learn to create space, unbalance
the opponent and disguise their intention to successfully get pass the
opponent with the ball. The use of change of pace and direction, is often
helpful. Introducing a player to where on the soccer field and when on the
soccer field 1 v 1 attack is used will assist the player to recognize for
themselves, where the space is available or how to create space for
themselves.
Demonstration and simple explanations of when, where and why, on the
soccer field ,will assist young players to develop their perception and
awareness in soccer to attempt to succeed 1 v 1 in a game situation.
2 v 2 Is important ,as the player develops the decision making process, of
whether to perform alone, or when and how to use a team-mate.
Match Play. Small sided games 1 v 1 2 v 2 3 v 3 4 v 4 are recommended. As the
confidence and understanding of technical and tactical 1 v 1 develops. 2 v 2, 3 v 3
challenges are introduced.
SYA / 13 Curriculum U12 Basic Level Academies
Heading the Ball
Fundamental heading of the soccer ball was taught at U10 and U 11. Players at
U12 are still children and heading must be taught with safety of not hurting these
young players.
Demonstrate the part of the forehead used to head the ball
Demonstrate the position of the feet
Demonstrate the action of the body, to generate power to head the ball.
Introduce a Throw service, from the hands to serve the ball accurately
Check each player’s technique. If correct progress to;
A player, running towards a goal, to receive a hand thrown service to
head the ball into the goal.
Teach heading for goal and re-direction of the ball
A Player defending Teach player defensive heading techniques.
Teach the tactical application of defensive heading.
Players shall be instructed, Very high balls in the air must bounce before
being headed. Hard shots straight at the head should be avoided.
Use throw head catch games to help players get heading practice.
SYA / 14
Curriculum U12 Basic Level Academies
Tackling AND DEFENDING PRINCIPLES
The US Soccer Curriculum At U 12 the curriculum requires more attention to The
Defensive Principles. Tackling, to win the ball is a low- priority, however, a player
should be introduced to the fundamental techniques of tackling to win the ball and
reinforced . Trying to win the ball, can be dangerous and cause injury both to a
defender and attacker if not done correctly, within the rules of the game.
1 v 1 Defending.
Principle Delay
The defending player shall be taught when and how to approach the
player with the ball.
The player should be taught how to turn their body and move the feet
to take up a defensive stance.
The player should be instructed to ‘stay on their feet’ and not to slide
tackle.
Front Block Tackle.
At U12 the front block tackle is the only tackle to be taught
Teach approach to the ball. Position of plant foot in relation to the
ball. Bend the knees, to lower the body.
Teach the player to lock the ankle and knee.
The tackling action and position of the foot is the same as the ‘Inside of
the foot Pass’.
Note: Players should never tackle kicking thru with the laces.
Players are not permitted to tackle from behind.
Players are not permitted to ‘jump at’ an opponent to tackle.
Players must be taught when, why to tackle.
SYA / 15 Curriculum U 12 Basic Level Academies
1 v 1 Defending
At younger ages the emphasis is placed on creativity and therefore attacking is
given a higher priority than defending.. At U 12 for players to develop their
creativity and technical skills they require opponents to create the match related
situation. Therefore, at U 12 defending is starting to be given some consideration.
It is important not to confuse a player. If teaching attack ,only focus on attack. If
teaching defense, only focus on defense.
Principles Delay, Control and Restraint.
Teach the player When and Where to tackle to win the ball.
Principle Balance Teach 3 v 3 Defending- Role of defensive support play .
At U 12 1 v 1 2 v 2 and 3 v 3 Defending should be taught
The role of the First defender Delay
The Role of the second defender Cover
The Role of the third defender Balance
Defensive Marking. A player U 12 can be introduced to marking an opponent but
at this young age a zonal system is primarily used.
Transition
When the defenders successfully win the ball they must be taught how to transition
from defense into the attack.. In addition, how to maintain possession and play
from the defensive zone forward, into the attack.
SYA / 16 Curriculum U12 Basic Level Academies
Goalkeeping
The US Soccer development charts prioritize the technical, tactical, physical and
psychosocial priorities at U12 Goalkeeping is not included. In these younger age
groups the emphasis is on technical and physical development. Young children
will often volunteer to be a goalkeeper, but as they get older change their minds.
It is therefore essential that foot – skills and field play is provided to all players and
the role of goalkeeper is shared amongst the team.
Goalkeeper Safety
It is required, that a person being required to play goalkeeper is provided with
some fundamental goalkeeper training. Some goalkeeper training can be provided
in your team practice. Ensure the organizational set up is designed not to be
dangerous to the goalkeeper. i.e. A Shooting - practice too close to the goal.
Send your Assistant Coach to goalkeeper training, to ensure all goalkeepers receive
fundamental goalkeeper training prior to being put into the goal.
At U12 players are being made aware of some of the defending principles.
Goalkeepers are required to talk and communicate with their team mates and often
will remind players to mark an opponent at corner or free kicks. In- addition,
provide instruction to setting up a defensive wall.
The goalkeeper should be taught their role, in setting up a defensive wall and
getting their team mates to mark an opponent or how they operate in a zonal
defense.