US Youth Soccer Coaching Education Department. 2009. - 76 p.In this manual the coach will find the basics of all ball skills. From this core set of techniques the growing player will be able to add on many variations and subtleties to the techniques. This is most likely applies to players fifteen years of age and older as they fully mature athletically and come to understand how to use a variety of skills in varying game situations. Do not let the developing player’s game become obsessed with frills or skills that, while useful, are used rarely. Be competent in the basic orthodox techniques first. But once that standard has been reached then embroider the player’s skills with the less orthodox techniques as they are serious, positive skills which will help the team and not just please spectators.
During the first fourteen years of a young player’s career, the coaching emphasis must be on technique. The actual execution of a movement is always in the realm of technique. The challenge of when and why to use a movement is one of tactics. In this manual, the focus is the how to; that is on technique. Technique is the body’s mechanical execution to affect the ball; for example receiving,
catching, shooting, dribbling, deflecting, etc. It is one of the four components of the game and leads to ball skill.
Skill is being able to execute a technique under the pressure of opponents in tight space and most likely on the move. Without ball skill a player cannot execute tactics.
Players gain more trust and respect for a coach who can help them improve their technique. The result is confident use of new skills in matches. Motivated players spend time working on their skills. Players will appreciate the importance and thrill of learning new techniques and refining existing ones if the coach creates the proper training environment. Then the players begin to equate fun with improvement.
Novice coaches often find themselves in a Catch 22 at training sessions. They can influence young players by helping them develop techniques, but some coaches don’t know enough about the techniques they are teaching to offer relevant advice.
