WSYSA U-12 Coaching Objectives

Developed by Dave Schumacher, WSYSA Coaching Director

• Reinforce basic understanding of offside rule
• Continued concentration at this age on the more important developments at this age of:
• Application of age appropriate activities
• Emphasis on individual possession
• Emphasis on individual defending
• Introduction of basic combination play (wall pass and take overs)
• High concentration on basic skills in cooperative play, ie passing, control, shooting, and heading
• Individual start to emerge and will begin to focus on role of goalkeeper (develop foundation of basic techniques)
• Continued development of the techniques (basic skills) with limited pressure but in a challenging, motivating environment and involve transition.
• Continued emphasis on the principles of play, and the roles of the players when attacking and defending introduced at U-10 and U-11. Players need to understand their particular role on the team in supporting the attack and regaining possession of the ball when defending. The players will need guidance in the performance of these roles due to the greater number of players on the field and the increased size of the field. The players should have a basic understanding of how to interchange roles during the course of play.

Summary

• Stress importance of individual possession and defending
• Further development of basic skills

Overriding Consideration - Implementation of developmentally appropriate activities. Stress the need for development of the individual player versus the success of the team. Avoid overloading this age player with too many tournaments.