Beep test/shuttle run

[ylorcs]

Hi,
Except for the warm up and warm down periods, the whole of your training session should be done with a ball, preferably with each child having a ball. If you must play a match keep it to 3 aside, so that the children get as many touches of the ball as possible during your session. Bleep testing 7 and 8 year olds I'm afraid should never be on the agenda. We need to make football fun for children at this age. Having a ball at their feet, receiving praise and encouragement, what could be more fun than that for a child....and for you as the coach as you seeing progress being made.
S

[sw1169]

Football should be fun. At this age it should be something they enjoy doing. In training sessions and matches they should have as many touches of the ball as possible concentrating mainly on the basic techniques.
I've been running a mini-soccer team now for three years and I can honestly say we've never come accross or been beaten by a team that were 'fitter'.
If you introduce this style of training you're in danger of making football not fun anymore for the kids and the end result will be they'll go somwhere that is fun.

[mcolwell1959]

It sounds as if someone needs to get a grip and get some footballs and teach these children the basic skills and get them to play. I would not tackle fitness until aged twelve and deal with any lazy players with a word in their ear.

[dcf]

what should be an acceptable level for a girls team to reach on a bleep test? We have players of different shapes and sizes but for example, the Northern Ireland Ladies International team must reach level 14 to be in the squad.

[jack edgar]

I agree with all comments suggesting you concentrate on developing skills.
In my experience the bleep test should be used for senior players mainly as an indicator of fitness levels of players particularly coming back from injury.