Time To Deliver

In context of Soccer practice games, you should see that by the time players turn 11, they should be made to play in a larger field? You would probably call me mad, but understand that the demands of soccer are changing. This is how it should be. The sports ground should have a length of about 100 yards and width of about 60 yards. The goal post should also be about 8 feet high and 24 feet wide. Every single rule of the soccer game otherwise applies at this level.

A third dimension created by way of three more players, a defender, midfielder, and a forward requires you to make alterations in the roles of players. It implies bringing the newly added players into set plays, an extended role of the goalkeeper, and a series of system plays.

Soccer exercises should emphasize on the technical skills more in relation to developing individual skills. These consist of heading skills, individual movements of players, and long passing skills. Now that the players are tall and strong, they’ll be able to make long passes that were earlier not possible.

Lots of variety gets added to the player’s attack because of this special ability. So you should make it a point that your players are encouraged to make long passes along with retaining the ball with them. Following are some of the benefits it presents.

1. The ability of the players to make longer passes also allows them to quickly change fields. 2. Long passes also enable them to cross the ball from the wing positions, thus making the cross a much more dodgy tool.

Another skill that deserves more attention at this level in soccer practice games is heading. Players of this age group have generally conquered most of their fear related to the skill of heading. You must make them realize that if they head the ball well, they will be able to retain the ball for longer durations and hence have more opportunities to score.

The scope of individual movements for creating spaces with the ball must be elaborate at this level. During the soccer drills, players should keep on exploring creative ways to change speed, direction, and level with the ball, along with developing their own tactics.

With the players maturing to this level, they develop the tendency to practice offensive tactics and use them as and when required. It is an exact role reversal when they are elected as defensive players.

But the players should not forget that at this level, they must perform both the roles with equal ease. By notifying them as defenders or offenders, you are simply ironing out things for the field.

So, now that you are aware of these tips, inspire your players to play these soccer practice games in practice sessions. These will make them skilled so as to handle any team at any point of time. To know more about youth soccer, be a part of our youth soccer coaching community that has a lot of articles, newsletters, videos, and other resources on youth soccer.

Andre Botelho is the author of “The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide” and he’s a recognized expert in the subject of youth soccer coaching. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make coaching sessions fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: Soccer Training Tips.