Soccer Universe U11 - U12 Curriculum

Skills for Thrills

At this level, players will be educated on Stages 0, 1, and 2 aspects of the game. The role model effect is highly significant at this stage. Players often idolize successful teams and players, showing a hunger for imaginative skills and game mastery.

Training Approach

Players must be challenged in practice to create a game-related environment, improving their ability to:

  • Recognize when to accelerate or slow down

  • Decide when to pass, shoot, or take risks

  • Enhance quickness and agility in small spaces

Variety in Positioning:

  • Players must experience multiple positions to develop game awareness.

  • Focus on complete player development and fundamental principles of play.

  • Continue small-group training: 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, 3v1, 3v2, 3v3, 4v2, 4v3, 4v4.

Training Discipline:

  • High organization and discipline are crucial for maintaining training quality.

  • Players sense and exploit gaps in structure; a well-planned session prevents drop-off in effort.

  • Establish structured discipline while allowing room for creativity.

Developmental Stages to Cover

Stage 0: Comfort with Self

  • Players should develop comfort and confidence in handling the ball.

Stage 1: Technical Foundation

  • Players display proper technique for basic ball control skills.

Stage 2: Skill Training

  • Players learn two different ways to train each skill.

  • Introduction to support concepts and basic combination play (wall pass, overlap).

Stage 3: Personalization

  • Players begin tailoring their unique playing style.

Training Components

Base Stage: Mental Development

  • 0.230 Warming Up

  • 0.240 Relaxation

  • 0.250 Performing at Maximum Effort

Base Stage: Physical Development

  • 0.310 Agility: Introduce AST (Agility and Speed Training) and reaction time exercises.

  • 0.320 Balance & Coordination: Teach E.F. Training (Efficiency Focused Training).

  • 0.330 Top Speed: Improve economy of movement with FTF (Footwork & Technique Focused Training).

  • 0.340 Power & Strength: Continue AST and self-improvement exercises.

  • 0.350 Endurance: All fitness training should be ball-centric and partner-driven.

  • 0.360 Flexibility: Introduce static stretching and dynamic movement training.

Stage 1: Skill Development

Players transition from self-centered play to self-criticism, focusing on refining skills.

1.200 Total Ball Control

  • Understanding ball control as a core skill.

  • Emphasizing economy of motion and posture.

1.300 Attacking Development

  • Understanding positioning and movement.

  • Encouraging risk-taking in possession.

  • Keeping possession and attacking opponents in 1v1 situations.

1.400 Skill Acquisition

✅ Dribbling: Encourage risk-taking, focusing on control with both feet. ✅ Shielding: Learn spin turns, speed changes, and directional shifts. ✅ Receiving: Develop control on all surfaces and in motion. ✅ Passing: Master proper passing techniques with various foot surfaces. ✅ Turning: Teach effective turns and movement. ✅ Individual Defense: Learn patience, balance, and fearless defending. ✅ Striking: Develop proper shooting form and techniques for different angles. ✅ Juggling: Enhance air control and relaxed ball handling. ✅ Heading: Learn basic self-serve heading and partner drills. ✅ Shoulder Charging: Understand legal body challenges.

Stage 2: Tactical Awareness

2.100 Soccer Elements Introduction

2.200 Awareness Training

  • 2.210 Self-Awareness

  • 2.220 Measuring Growth

  • 2.230 Fundamental Positioning

  • 2.240 Soccer Demands & Tactical Intelligence

2.300 Attacking Principles

  • 2.310 Attacking Simplicity

  • 2.320 Attacking Moments

2.400 Soccer Skill Execution

2.410 Simple Scoring Techniques

  • Static ball & free-kick specialization

  • Moving ball & shooting accuracy

2.420 Simple Passing Drills

  • Teach direct, indirect, and passive attacking.

  • Focus on support play and basic combination moves.

2.430 Simple Dribbling Mechanics

  • First and second attacking dribblers.

  • 2.431 Direct Attack

  • 2.432 Indirect Attack

  • 2.433 Passive Attack

  • 2.434 Escape Dribbling

2.440 Defensive Principles

  • 2.441 Understanding Ball Movements

  • 2.442 Confrontational Skills & Tactical Pressing

Soccer Stage 3: Advanced Play Styles

  • Understanding different styles of play.

  • Adapting personal style to game situations.

Soccer Stage 4: Tactical Play

At this stage, team tactics do not take priority. Instead, emphasis is placed on:

  • Maintaining balance and playing skillful soccer.

  • Allowing players to experience multiple positions.

  • Encouraging players to focus on development rather than results.

Team Formation Guidelines

  • 8v8: 2-3-2 formation.

  • 9v9: 3-3-2 formation.

  • Players should be encouraged to enjoy the game while learning principles of play.

  • Introduce concepts like diamond formations, triangles, and support runs.

Typical Characteristics of U-11 and U-12 Players

✔ Players mature at different rates. ✔ Warm-ups and stretching are crucial to prevent injuries. ✔ They grasp abstract concepts and hypothetical scenarios. ✔ They enjoy problem-solving and peer interaction. ✔ Coordination varies based on physical growth spurts. ✔ Tactical awareness emerges but requires constant reinforcement. ✔ Overuse injuries and burnout must be monitored. ✔ Creativity and risk-taking should always be encouraged. ✔ Players should watch professional and National Team games to enhance learning.

Coaching Priorities

As a coach, focus on nurturing:

  • Intrinsic motivation (playing for enjoyment rather than external rewards).

  • Decision-making (reading the game and making quick, informed choices).

  • Creativity and imagination (allowing for personal style and flair).

  • Increased training demands (challenging but fun practices).

  • Self-ownership of development (players taking responsibility for their progress).

By maintaining an engaging, structured, and game-like training environment, we ensure players develop a lifelong passion for soccer while enhancing their skills and tactical awareness.