Soccer Universe U11 - U12 Curriculum
Skills for Thrills
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
Base Stage: 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.
Soccer 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.
Soccer 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 3: Advanced Play Styles
- Understanding different styles of play.
- Adapting personal style to game situations.
Soccer 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.