To be able to coach correctly and to enable the players to have fun and enjoy themselves, it is important that we understand the different characteristics of players in relation to their age. We can then ensure that the training is structured to reflect these characteristics. Players aged between 11 - 14 will continue to develop physically, tactically and psychologically. This phase will see a lot more cooperation between team-mates as opposed to the very individualized game played at the younger ages. They will also have a greater grasp and understanding of tactics, formations and positions. Most will now have their own position on the pitch and begin to understand their own role within that position as well as how to work with team mates as units - defensive, midfield and attack.

Characteristics

• Physically maturing, with quite distinct physical changes. Be sensitive to the problems associated with puberty
• Will have the ability to solve problems more by themselves. Begin to use the guide and discovery method of coaching Read more
• Greater peer pressure. Be aware that other peer influences might have an impact on their attitude
• Are developing the ability to identify other players and individuals strengths and weaknesses. This can have both a positive and negative impact
• More competitive. Will thrive on competitive challenges.

Approach to the game

• Greater co-operation within the team structure
• Very competitive. Greater desire to win, both individually and as a team. They enjoy a challenge
• They have a greater ability to assess themselves and others
• Better communication skills

Rules

• They will have a greater understanding of the purpose of rules, including foul and unsportsmanlike play

Possessing the ball

• Greater spatial awareness - can think and see one or two passes ahead
• Begin to realise that the best passing option can be sideways and backwards as well as forward
• Begin to play with their head up
• Begin to understand the concept of creating space, both for themselves and others

Defending

• Greater defensive responsibility
• Understand the technique and importance of recovering goal-side of the ball
• Read the game
• Better communication skills
• Players understand patience, delay in defending and adopting a defensive body shape
• Can work in units of twos, threes and fours and understand different defensive roles - marking and covering, balance and pivoting as a unit

Techniques

• Players have better movement and prepare their bodies to receive the ball wherever it comes from
• Dribbling and running with the ball: Players begin to develop different dribbling skills and techniques'.
• Much better at dribbling and running with their head up to assess other options
• Players have a wider range of passing skills and techniques and will start to use their "wrong" foot more often.

Coaching players of this age

Provide drills and games that involve a greater shape in terms of width and depth, as players of this age have a better spatial awareness. Encourage players to provide movement to find space for themselves and team mates. Think of games and drills that make them think about what they have to do after they have received the ball i.e one step ahead. Develop defending drills that get them to work not just individually, but also in two, three and fours. Encourage greater communication. Ask more questions of the players, they now have a bank of technical knowledge and experience to draw upon. Use lots of small sided games, 5 v 5 and 6 v 6

Some soccer drill activities for players aged 11 - 14

• Control and lay off through targets
• Pressurised dribbling and defending
• 3 v 1 break out
• Game to develop turning to shoot
• Trampoline finishing game 3 v 3
• Mini soccer - bounce off forward game