At this level, players are fascinated with the soccer ball – making ball handling and scoring good areas of training to keep the fun and focus high. Allowing the players to express their creativity on the field by forming small groups will cultivate passion for the game at this age. This is the stage where passing to teammates should be actively encouraged, though dribbling will still be the center of attention. Understanding and awareness of the rules and concepts of the game will be increased at this stage allowing players to withstand more responsibility and keeping score. No structured teams should be formed, but 4v4 with no goalkeeper is an excellent transition into the game of soccer. Goalkeeping can be handled by making the rule that the player closest to the goal can use his or her hands. Games including every player should replace any league competition for these age groups. Games promoting adequate ball contact at practice should coincide with small-sided play regularly. Winning should not be considered the main goal of our program at the earlier age levels. Instead, this is the time for individual players to grow and develop their skills. Saline FC believes focusing on winning at this age ultimately cheats players in their long term development. Maintaining focus on the individual will yield technically advanced players primed for tactical training.

Players at this level are highly enthusiastic about the basic skills of soccer. This is the beginning of the child’s transformation from self-centered to self-evaluative. This is when team games can be implemented. Games used for training should incorporate fundamental skills. Small-sided play provides an appropriate amount of pressure for players at this stage of development while growing their tactical responsiveness. Small sided games should include no more than six players a side to supply a healthy balance between technical and tactical. One crucial component to coach is allowing players to creatively solve tactical and technical problems. Players at this level will rapidly expand their support for teammates and vision on the field; they will naturally begin to delegate different speeds of play and transition the ball across all parts of the pitch. Goalkeepers can be incorporated at this age but should be rotated often. Winning should not be considered the main goal of our program at the earlier age levels. Instead, this is the time for individual players to grow and develop their skills. Saline FC believes focusing on winning at this age ultimately cheats players in their long term development. Maintaining focus on the individual will yield technically advanced players primed for tactical training.

Players at this age level are in their prime learning stage. They have a strong desire to improve, accomplish and be acknowledged as a valuable soccer player. As a coach, it is important to demonstrate drills and moves at this level so players can visualize and emulate. Sessions should include game-like activities complete with pressure. Maintaining technical repetition is still important at this age, but basic concepts of play can also make an appearance at this age. Small-sided training can advance to 8v8, 9v9 and ultimately 11v11. Possession throughout the center of the field will increase as players at this level expand their understanding of roles and positions. Defending and combination play using two or three players can also be introduced at this stage. Decision-making abilities will grow both individually and as a group allowing for more control of the speed of play and increased movement off the ball. Adding these elements will increase players’ critical problem-solving capabilities. Fitness-based activities can also be incorporated at this level.