SHELTON YOUTH SOCCER
U11 AND U12
COACH BOOKLETT
© SYSO DIRECTOR OF COACHING BRENDON WILLEY
SYSO Curriculum at a glance
A single YES Curriculum can not address the long term development needs of a modern soccer player, so we
have adopted a dual approach that can be applied to the individual player, the unit on a field and the entire
team.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MODEL & PYRAMID
SYSO Long Term Player Development (LTPD) Model
15+years
15+yrs
Training to Win
winning mindset
NUTURE TALENT
13-14 yrs
13-14 yrs
Training to Compete
Increase ratio of tec/tac development
TALENT
IDENTIFICATION
9-12rs
9-12yrs
Training to Train
Everything is done in small numbers
8-10yrs
8-10yrs
Learning to Train
Ensure all players can dribble & pass
6-7 yrs
GRASSROOTS
DEVELOPMENT
Teaching Objectives
THINK LESS/
IMAGINE MORE
Training Unit
The Advanced Player
Experience
Ages 11 to 18+yrs
The Competitive Player
Experience
Ages 9 to 16 yrs
5-7 yrs
FUNdamentals
3-5 yrs
3-4 yrs
The biggest obstacle of a young player
is knowing their own body. Objective is
for players to become familiar using
body to ball harmony.
Boys
Participation
Girls
Participation
SYSO Pyramid of Player
Development
PR
E
MI
TRAVEL
Learning Objectives
TRAIN LIKE A PRO TO
PLAY LIKE A PRO
Emerging Talent Unit
ELITE PERFORMANCE
CENTRE (EPC)
Ages 12 to 18+yrs
REGIONAL TALENT
SCHOOL (RTS)
Ages 8 to 14yrs
RECREATIONAL
The Recreational Player
Experience
Ages 3 to 8yrs
CLUB TALENT
SCHOOL (CTS)
Ages 7 to 12yrs
TEACHING & LEARNING METHODOLOGIES
THINK LESS/IMAGINE MORE
TEACHING METHODOLOGIES
Recreation & travel U8 - u11 Training Unit
TRAIN LIKE A PRO TO PLAY LIKE A PRO
TEACHING METHODOLOGIES
U12-u18 Travel/Premier
Emerging Talent Unit
What are the session components/teaching
methodologies? (45mins, 90mins & 180mins)
What are the session components/teaching methodologies? (60mins, 90mins &
120mins)
Recreation Player Experience (TRAINING PROGRAM)
1) Warm-up Activators
2) Introductory Skill building & Technique
3) Progression-Conditioned Games
4) Small Sided Games
5) Warm-down
1) ACTIVATION
The learning outcomes of the activation is to:
1.1) Pulse Raise: Physiological Preparation.
1.2) Dynamic Stretch: Increase range of motion.
1.3) Introduce Soccer Specific Movements.
TRAVEL Player Experience (TRAINING PROGRAM)
1) Warm-up(Aerobic-Mobility-Skill Specific
2) Individual Player Technical Development
3) Function-Phase of Play-Condition Games
4) Small Sided Games to Full Sided Game
5) Warm-down (Mobility-Aerobic)
2) PRIMARY PHASE
The learning outcomes for the primary phase are build upon a C.H.A.O.S THEORY:
2.1) CONTROL: Everything we do develops 1st touch to dribble, pass or shoot -1st Phase
Footie.
2.2) HIGH TEMPO: Players operate within a deep practice one or outside their own
comfort zone.
2.3) ATTITUDE: Comes from within, players need to have internal ignition or desire to
succeed.
2.4) OVERTRAINING:Finding a perfect balance between frequency of practice & repition
of skill.
2.5) SKILL SPECIFIC: Breaking down the tactical component of the session into a number
of key technical elements.
3) MAIN OR TACTICAL PHASE
The learning outcomes for the main phase are build upon three core tactics:
3.1) DRIBBLING: Speed dribbling & moves to beat an opponent.
3.2) PASSING: Passing technique & movement and to support players on the ball.
3.3) SHOOTING: Finishing & Confidence.
4) SMALL SIDED GAMES & MATCH SCENARIOS
The learning outcome for the SSG phase includes:
4.1) High intensity.
4.2) Collective attacking.
4.3) Collective defending.
All SSG are 4v4 and include game scenarios.
5) DE-ACTIVATION
The learning outcomes of the de-activation are:
5.1) Pulse Reducer: Physiological Preparation.
5.2) Static Stretch: Increase range of movement.
TRAIN LIKE A PRO TO PLAY LIKE A PRO Emerging Talent Program
What are our topics of learning?
RECREATIONAL
1) ACTIVATION
Activation (5 mins):
-Pulse Raiser.
-Dynamic Stretch.
-Soccer Specific Movement.
2) PRIMARY PHASE
The Primary Phase (15mins) combines Ball Mastery with the
development of 1v1’s. The practial application of the primary
phase is to teach players to use the 3 surfaces of the foot:
-Inside, Outside & Laces.
TRAVEL
1) ACTIVATION
Activiation (10 Mins):
-Pulse Raiser.
-Dynamic Stretch.
-Soccer Specific Movement.
2) PRIMARY PHASE
The Primary Phase (20mins) combines SAQ and Ball Mastery with
the development of 1 v 1’s. The practial application of the primary
phase is to teach players to use the 5 surfaces of the foot:
-Inside, Outside, Laces, Sole & Toe.
PREMIER/REGIONAL
1) ACTIVATION
Activation (15 mins):
-Pulse Raiser.
-Dynamic Stretch.
-Soccer Specific Movement.
2) PRIMARY PHASE
The Primary Phase (25mins) combines SAQ and Ball Mastery with
the development of 1 v 1’s. The practial application of the primary
phase is to teach players to use the 7 surfaces of the foot:
-Inside, Outside, Laces, Sole, Toe, Heel & Instep.
ASK WHY DO YOU USE A MOVE?
The fours signature moves are the Single Scissors, the Double
Scissors, the Step-Over and the Cryuff Turn to beat an opponent.
IDENTIFY WHERE DO YOU USE A MOVE?
The fours signature moves are the Elastico; Del Piero; Leonardo &
Zidane techniques to beat an opponent.
3) MAIN OR TACTICAL PHASE
The Main Phase (20mins) is the main component and includes:
-Dribbling (Speed Dribbling & Beat an Opponent).
-Passing & Control (Sending & Receiving).
-Shooting (Technique and Confidence).
3) MAIN OR TACTICAL PHASE
The Main/Tactical Phase (30mins) is the main component and
includes:
-Dribbling (Speed Dribbling & Beat an Opponent).
-Passing & Control (Sending & Receiving).
-Shooting (Pure Shooting & Attitude).
-Defending (Individual & Collective).
-Attacking (Individual & Combinations).
4) SMALL SIDED GAMES & MATCH SCENARIOS
The SSG (15 mins) includes:
-Collective attacking.
-Collective defending.
4) SMALL SIDED GAMES & MATCH SCENARIOS
The SSG (20 mins) is scenario based & includes:
-Each goal cancels out the previous goal (PASS).
-2-1 up defending a lead in last 5 minutes (DEF).
-3-1 down on 85 minutes (ATT).
-1-1 90th minute - must score to win game (ATT).
5) DE-ACTIVATION
Deactiviation (5 Mins):
-Pulse Reducer.
-Static Stretch.
5) DE-ACTIVATION
Deactiviation (10 Mins):
-Pulse Reducer.
-Static Stretch.
RECOGNISE WHEN TO USE A MOVE?
The fours signature moves are the Elastico; Del Piero; Leonardo &
Zidane techniques to beat an opponent and combine to dribble, pass
or shoot.
3) MAIN OR TACTICAL PHASE
TheMain/ Tactical Phase (40mins) is the main component and
includes:
-Dribbling (Speed Dribbling & Beat an Opponent).
-Passing & Control (Sending & Receiving).
-Shooting (Pure Shooting & Attitude).
-Defending (Individual & Collective).
-Attacking (Individual & Combinations).
-Transition (From ATT to DEF to ATT & Counter).
4) SMALL SIDED GAMES & MATCH SCENARIOS
The SSG (25 mins) is scenario based & includes:
-Each goal cancels out the previous goal (PASS).
-Retaining possession when 3-1 up (PASS).
-3v4 Defending when outnumbered (DEF).
-2-1 up defending a lead in last 5 minutes (DEF).
-1-1 90th minute - must score to win game (ATT).
-3-1 down on 85 minutes (ATT).
-Scoring from a counter ATT or breakaway (ATT).
-Free play.
5) DE-ACTIVATION
Deactivation (15 mins):
-Pulse Reducer.
-Static Stretch.
Travel practice times and locations
NIKE 5-6.30PM
NIKE 6.30-8:00PM
Monday
U9 BOYS
Tuesday
U12 BOYS PREMIER
Wednesday
U9 GIRLS
Thursday
U11 GIRLS
U10 GIRLS
U10 BOYS
U11 BOYS B
U9 BOYS
U14 GIRLS TRAVEL
U11 BOYS B
U12 GIRLS PREMIER
Monday
U9 GIRLS
Tuesday
U12 GIRLS PREMIER
Wednesday
U10 BOYS
Thursday
U12 BOYS PREMIER
U13 BOYS TRAVEL
U14 GIRLS
U13 GIRLS TRAVEL
U11 GIRLS
U10 GIRLS
U13 BOYS
U11 BOYS
U13 GIRLS
Friday
Friday
ATTENDENCE RECORD, this will be a tool to justify playing time and to assist in the tryout
process.
DATE
PLAYER NAME
PLAYER ASSESMENT
SYSO Team pre game Warm-up
As players are arriving please use step 1
Step 1-Aerobic activity: Perform a five minute, low-level aerobic, such as jogging, or technical work with the ball
Perform step 2 25 minutes before games starts
Step 2 - Dynamic Flexibility: These exercises incorporate active movements to stretch the hips and pelvic region targeting hamstrings, hip flexors, gluteus and
groin, which are important injury prevention in soccer. Do the following movements five times for each side or position:
! Hip Circles: Hands on hips, thrust pelvic out and rotate in a large circle (hula hoop style)
! Trunk Twist: With stationary pelvis, rotate at the trunk looking over the shoulder in the direction you are stretching.
! Alternate Toe Touches: With legs wide apart, alternate touching hand to the outside of the opposite little toe.
! Knee to Chest: Standing pulls one knee to chest and hold for a three count. Reverse position.
! Heel to rear: Pull heel to rear and hold for a three count.
! Cradle Walk: Externally rotate leg, pulling the leg up at the ankle. Release and repeat taking a step.
! Lateral Lunge with Twist: Step laterally and lower the body to form a 90-degree bend in the knee. Rotate the torso to the extended leg side. Trail leg is
straight stretching the groin area.
! Forward Leg Swings
! Lateral Leg Swings
! Hand Walks: Starting in a push up position, walk feet up to hands, then walk hands out to a push up position and repeat keep back flat.
Perform step 3 20 minutes before game starts all together in two equal lines
Step 3 - Movement Preparation: Exercises that imitate specific activities performed over a 20-yard distance
! Jog Forward
! Back Pedals
! Skip Forward/Backwards
! Jog forward and circle arms forward
! Jog forward and circle arms backwards
! Lateral shuffles, arms side-to-side crossing over body
! Karaoke: standard X-Over’s
! Power skips
! Scissors kicks
! Forward shuffle: Open hips, lift leg high externally, rotate hips stepping to 45-degrees. Recover and repeat with opposite leg. Perform with skipping motion
! Hip Crossover: Swing leg high upwards and inwards, rotating on forward leg and pivoting on planted leg, ending up facing the opposite direction. Repeat with
opposite leg
! Back Drop Ground Touches: Shuffle backwards 45-degrees touching the ground. Recover and repeat opposite side
! Defensive back shuffles
! Wheat Pickers
! Heels to rear
! High knees
! Line steppers
Perform Step 4 15 minutes before kick off
Keep away (split the team into two groups use the whole half of the field and stay out of the 18 yard box)
Assistant coach or substitutes to warm keeper up
Goalkeeper warm up

Ten volleys into hands

Goalkeeper rolls ball and I hit it back to their hands (10 each)

Goalkeeper shuffles from post to post; when they reach the post serve ball to their hands (6 each)

Balls served into air (from coaches hand) simulating cross ball. (3 to the right, three to the left)

Balls served on ground, goalkeeper must dive. (4 to the left, 4 to the right)

Shots from the 18-yard box. Coach or subs back-up alternate shooting from different angles, forcing the goalkeeper to use footwork
across goal before saving the shot. (6 to 10 from each side)

Cross balls from each side. (10 from each side)

Back to shots from the 18-yard line, now shots are an attempt to score, forcing the goalkeeper to make more difficult saves.

Goalkeeper works on half volleys and punts.
Player:
TEAM :
Technical Ability
Ball Control
Passing
Dribbling
Heading
Finishing
Tactical Awareness
In Attack
In Defense
Physical Aspects
Endurance
Speed
Agility
Strength
Personality traits
Drive
Aggressiveness
Determination
Responsibility
Leadership
Self-Confidence
Mental Toughness
Coachability
5 VERY G
4 GOOD
3 AVERAGE
2 NEEDS
WORk
1 POOR
U11 & U12 Travel COACHING METHODOLIEGIES
Skills
• Dribble with all sides of both feet
• Dribble out of trouble
• Dribble past someone
. Quick changes of direction and turns
• Speed dribbling in traffic
Soft first touch
• Receiving the ball with all parts of the Body
First touch away from pressure
• Shielding
Shooting with both feet (with inside of Foot and laces)
• Power / accuracy in shooting
• Introduce proper volleying technique
• Passing with inside and outside of both feet
• Passing to feet and passing to space
• Introduce chipping the ball
• Introduce long passes (using laces)
• Juggling
• Throw-ins
• Proper defending technique
• Block tackles
• Introduce poke tackles
• Heading (attacking and defensive)
• Specific goalkeeping technique
Continue to focus a fair amount of practice time on dribbling
At this stage, players can be taught a number of dribbling moves that are used frequently in soccer, such as step-overs, scissors, cuts, turns and so
on. We should continue to encourage them to be creative in their dribbling. Ronaldinho and Mia Hamm weren’t able to pull off their great moves
when they were twelve years old – but they might have been thinking of those moves at that age!!
Incorporate other basic skills into practice sessions
• First Touch / Receiving: Players should be encouraged to focus on developing a soft first touch when receiving the ball. Players should be
familiar with the proper technique to receive the ball on the ground with both feet. They should also be able to receive balls in the air using both
feet, thighs and chest. Players should also be shown how to receive the ball away from pressure.
• Shielding: Players should be familiar with the proper technique to shield the ball from opponents.
• Shooting: Players should be familiar with proper shooting technique (using their laces) and have plenty of opportunities to practice with both
feet. Volleying can be introduced to older or more
Experienced players. Drills where players stand in lines and wait for their turn to shoot on goal are discouraged as this is not a realistic game
situation and players spend a lot of time waiting for the ball. Instead, use small side games with large goals to encourage and emphasize shooting.
• Passing: Players should be able to pass the ball with the inside and outside of their feet. They should also be able to pass the ball accurately over
8-15 yards and learn how to chip the ball. They should also learn about the difference between passing to feet and passing to space.
• Juggling: Players should continue to work on their ball juggling skills using both feet, thighs, and even their head.
• Defending Technique: Players should be shown the proper defensive stance and how to make block tackles. Poke tackles can also be introduced
at this stage. Players should also be encouraged not to rush into their tackles but to be patient and wait for the right time to win the ball.
• Heading: Offensive and defensive heading techniques should be introduced at this stage.
• Goalkeeping: Goalkeeping technique should continue to be taught at this age group.
Make sure the players spend equal time practicing with both feet – this is very important!!!
Perform basic skills under increasing pressure (i.e. less time and space)
At this age group, players should continue to focus on improving their basic skills / technique (i.e. dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting, etc.) by
trying to execute them under increasing pressure. The coach can increase pressure by reducing the playing area (i.e. restricting space), allowing
fewer touches of the ball (i.e. restricting time), etc.
Tactics
• 1 v 1 (attacking and defending)
• 2 v 1 (attacking and defending)
• 2 v 2 (attacking and defending)
• Combination plays (short passes and wall passes)
• Introduce basic attacking concepts (possession and support)
• Introduce basic defending concepts (pressure and cover)
A lot of 1 v 1 duels should be incorporated into practice sessions to allow all the players to get plenty of opportunities to learn how to dribble past
an opponent and how to stop one.The basic roles of first and second attackers and defenders should be introduced through 2 v 1 and 2 v 2 games
and activities.
Introduce basic combination plays and attacking / defensive concepts
At this stage, players should learn to combine with their teammates using short ground passes and wall passes. Overlapping and takeovers can be
introduced to older or more experienced players. Players should also understand how to provide proper support to teammates with the ball and the
importance of maintaining possession of the ball while attacking. On the defensive side, players should be familiar with the concepts of pressure
and cover.
Psychological Development
• Keep it fun and enjoyable!!! This will help foster a desire to play
• Need approval from adults
• Need positive coaching
• Build confidence
• Encourage imagination and creativity
• Being part of a team
• Independent decision making
• Problem solving
• Learn to deal with winning / losing
• Encourage players to watch games on TV
• Increase demands
• Maintain discipline
Keep it fun!!!
One of the most important aspects of psychological development for young players in the U11/U12 age group is for them to have fun. This is the
age group where many players decide whether they want to continue playing soccer. For most of them, if they are not having fun, they will most
likely drop the sport. As a coach, you should strive to create an environment where the players, parents and you, the coach, are all having fun.
Allow the players to make mistakes and encourage them to make their own decisions
As players progress to U12, they play on larger fields and dribbling may not always be the best option. Players will need to start understanding
when to dribble, when to pass and to whom, and when to shoot For goal. At this stage, they will often choose the wrong option, but as coaches and
parents, we need to be Patient with them and encourage them to make these decisions independently, especially during games.
Aimless kicking or “booting” of the ball should not be encouraged. At this age, the players are aware of the score and many parents and coaches
are paying more attention to the results. You will notice many coaches and parents yelling directions from the sidelines. We should
remind ourselves and the parents of our players that that improving their play and having fun are the main objectives. As far as possible, we should
refrain from yelling directions to the players during games, as it will hamper their ability to make decisions independently.
Reduce player dependence on adult guidance through “Guided Discovery”
In practice sessions, coaches should try to allow players to make mistakes and ask players how they could
Do things better and guide them to the correct answers, rather than telling the players what to do. This
Will help the players’ ability to solve problems and reduce their dependence on adults for guidance during
Games.
Teambuilding
U11/U12 players recognize the fact that they are part of a team and they associate themselves with their team.
This is a great opportunity to continue teaching young players about the value of teamwork and what it means to be part of a team (i.e. trusting
your teammates, not criticizing them, etc.). Certain fun team building activities can be done during some practices, especially in the beginning of
the season when players may not be familiar with each other.
Establish and maintain discipline
At this age group it is a good idea to establish some team rules at the beginning of the season. The coach Should also set up penalties for not
following these rules. It is a good idea to inform parents of the team rules and penalties. The coach should ensure that he or she applies these rules
fairly and consistently if they are broken during the season.
Fitness
• Just play soccer
• Proper warm-up, cool-down and stretching
In terms of fitness, there is no need for players in this age group to run laps or sprints. Relay races with the ball and 1 v 1 duels are good exercises
for building fitness while working on ball skills. But for the most part, just let them play soccer and soccer related games and activities during
practice sessions. At this age group, proper warm-up, cool-down and stretching is important to reduce the likelihood of injuries. You should
incorporate light stretching after a warm up activity to start all practice sessions and before games. A cool-down activity followed by light
stretching should be at the end of each practice session and after every game.