Recommended U-10 Coaching Objectives

Developed by Dave Schumacher, WSYSA Coaching Director

When coaching players 9, 10, and 11 years of age, your main role as a coach expands from one of facilitating to teacher of technique.  Playing at this age is still very important; however, your emphasis should shift to skill development. Players at this age start to move from the How (technique) to "when", "where", and "with whom", and "against whom" (skill). Your practices should still focus on small sided games so players have the opportunity to recognize the pictures presented by the game.

The optimal teaching system approved by WSYSA recommends that players of 9 years of age play 6 v 6. I suggest you devote the end of each practice to playing 4 v 4 and 5 v 5. You may continue to play games involving smaller numbers 2 v 2, 3 v 1, and 4 v 2, leading up to your final activity. It's still important to lay this foundation and exposure to the game prior to adding more players to the field.

Objectives

• Further Development of U-7, U-8 and U-9 Objectives
• Cooperative attacking - all players involved but with an awareness of cover (by the goalkeeper and a least one covering field player). Develop an understanding of the roles that players have in supporting the attack: player with ball, players providing immediate support of ball and other players who create length and unbalance the defense. All this needs to be shown in a environment with greater numbers of teammates and opponents on a larger playing field.
• Cooperative defending-all players participating, even the most advanced players getting "goal side" of opposing players. Continue to develop the principles of defense so all players gain the understanding of all the roles when defending. The role of the players that delay and put pressure on the ball; the players that provide support (cover) and the players that provide balance (width).
• Triangles and diamonds are still the dominating team shapes but more complex because of the larger team numbers.
• Continue development of the basic skills-passing, dribbling, shooting, ball control, and goalkeeping. The introduction of light heading.
• Developing an understanding of team shape when attacking, and balance when defending.

Summary

• Continued emphasis on the concept of triangular supporting play
• Continued emphasis on combining with teammates (3rd man running)
• Cooperative attacking (all players)
• Cooperative defending (all players)
• Continued development of the basic skills

Overriding Consideration - Encourage all players to provide good support whether attacking or defending.