Detailed Learning Outcomes
At the end of the year....
Within this age group it is important to consider developmental characteristics of players of this age. Most players will demonstrate a more keen competitiveness, this should be mirrored by the challenges set forth by the coach in each practice. They will also begin to co-operate within small groups more readily which will allow the component of passing for a purpose to be grasped much more easily.
DRIBBLING
ALL players will be able to dribble the ball in multiple directions in order to shield the ball from a live defender.
MOST players will be able to perform 2 of the 3 moves covered at this age group (Cut, Dummy and Scissors moves) on a regular basis within a pressurized situation
SOME players will be able to perform the 3 moves in order to beat a live defender in the correct game situation
Attacking Principle – Penetration to create Width
It is important at this stage in development that players are looking to drive forwards at all opportunities, in addition some will recognize that it might be more beneficial to dribble in multiple directions in order to open space for other players to play (link to the Attacking principle of Width – also covered at this age)
TURNING
ALL players will be able to perform the Drag Back, Cruyff, and Step over turns off both feet with passive pressure. Players will also have the knowledge of when to dribble to beat a player vs when to turn and shield or pass
MOST players will be able to perform Drag Back, Cruyff, and Step over turns off both feet under live game real pressure.
SOME players will be able to perform all turns and moves covered under match pressure at the appropriate time.
Attacking Principle – Penetration to create Width
It is important at this stage in development that players are looking to drive forwards at all opportunities, in addition some will recognize that it might be more beneficial to turn in multiple directions (90 degrees) in order to open space for other players to play (link to the Attacking principle of Width – also covered at this age)
PASSING
ALL players will be able to pass the ball accurately over a short distance to a moving target whilst in motion themselves
MOST players will be able to make decisions as to which direction their first touch should take them in order to set up the most penetrating play.
SOME players will be able to make decisions as to which direction their first touch should take them in order to set up the most penetrating play. They will be able to execute this under match conditions
Attacking Principle – Depth
At this age group players should be actively encouraged to use the concept of positive and negative support (support in front of and behind the ball). Specifically players should be comfortable in passing the ball backwards in order to open up greater penetrating lanes. This concept will also support 2nd defender principles which are covered at the U12 level.
SHOOTING
ALL players will be able to strike the ball accurately over a short distance whilst moving, using one or both feet, whilst under pressure from a live defender. Players will have a knowledge of the 4 A’s of shooting (Accuracy, Awareness, Attitude and Aggression)
MOST players will be able to shoot with accuracy from a variety of angles when approaching the goal whilst under pressure from a live defender
SOME players will be able to recognize when shooting opportunities arise they will attempt a shot each time displaying a positive attitude to the technique.
Attacking Principle – Penetration
During this stage of player development we are concentrating solely on the players ability to be Accurate and to develop a good Attitude to shooting, much time should be spent on the technical development in a fun learning environment, where exercises are changed frequently in order to keep interest levels high.
CONTROL
ALL players will be able to perform wedge control using multiple surfaces of the foot whilst under game real pressure from a defender, with the ball served from a variety of heights/angles
MOST players will be able to perform cushion control using multiple surfaces of the body (foot, thigh, and chest) within a playable distance, without pressure, when served from in front.
SOME players will be able to perform cushion control using multiple surfaces of the body (foot, thigh, and chest) within a playable distance, whilst under game pressure, when served from a variety of heights/angles.
Attacking Principle – Penetration
Within the topic of control it is important at this age that players overcome their fear of the ball in flight, and that they are confident to use parts of the body to slow down the pace of the ball.
ATTACKING PLAY
Over the course of the season;
ALL players will have a working understanding of the basic combination plays (wall pass, take over, and overlapping runs) and can perform them in a non-pressurized environment.
MOST players will have a working understanding of the basic combination plays and will be able to perform them under self imposed pressurized situations (under timed situations, passive defenders, within a given space)
SOME players will be able to select the best option from the combinations covered in order to advance the ball beyond defenders in a game situation, with live defenders.
Attacking Principle – Penetration, Width, Depth, and Mobility
This topic naturally lends itself to all of the Principles. The topic itself should guide how the principles are illustrated,
