This was the curriculum Claudio Reyna and U.S. Soccer released a couple weeks back focusing on youth development starting at 5 y/o. I just did the highlights for style of play the USSF wants to promote. It's a small step that will always be hard to fully implement with all the different international coaching influences in this country, but at least there's something to go off of now. Reyna had a great quote at the conference this was released: "As a coach I would be embarrassed to list state and regional cups on my resume as a proof of ability" The curriculum contained 4 specific sections: Part 1 - Style and Principles of Play Part 2 - Concepts and Coaching Guidelines Part 3 - Age Group Organization Part 4 - Planning and Training This link has PDF's to each section: http://www.ussoccer.com/Coaches/Coaching-Education/Coaching-Home.aspx Offensive style All teams will be encouraged to display an offensive style of play based on keeping possession and quick movement of the ball. Quick transitions and finishing Speed of play, avoiding over-dribbling, looking for an organized and quick movement of the ball and finishing will be encouraged in all age groups. Position specific A team must be organized defensively, keeping their specific positions in the formation. However, players will look for spaces and movements to support forward when attacking by moving away from their original positions 4-3-3 formation Teams will use the 4-3-3 formation, either in its 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-2-3 variations. Teams in the advanced stage (U15 onwards) can also use a 4-4-2 formation with a diamond in the middle. This system (4-4-2 diamond) provides more space in the wide areas of the field for the outside backs to move forward and join the attack. Back 4 All formations used by the teams in 11-a-side games must keep a back 4 line. The back 4 provides consistency in defense and allows space for the outside backs to move forward when attacking. 9v9 Teams playing 9v9 soccer are strongly encouraged to use the 3-2-3 formation. This formation helps players express the principles of play specified in this document. This system allows for better adaptation to a 4-3-3 formation as the players progress to 11v11. Passing & receiving: Passing the ball on the ground with pace from different distances and receiving the ball while keeping it moving will be encouraged in all age groups. Shooting Players must develop the ability to shoot from different distances. All players will be encouraged to shoot from any distance during the game. Ball control and turning Players will be encouraged to keep close control of the ball and use different turning techniques to move away from the defender Playing out from the back All teams must feel comfortable playing the ball from the back through the midfield and from there to the final quarter of the field. Possession & transition All teams must try to keep possession of the ball playing a one-two touch game. Players will be encouraged to support and move, thus creating passing options. Once the possession game is consolidated the team must learn how to transfer the ball in the most efficient way from one area of the field to another. Offense-defense quick transition & vice versa When possession is lost, players must react quickly and apply pressure to regain the ball. Once possession is regained, players will be positioned immediately to counter-attack. Principles of Play COACHES 1. Possession games are means to improve both the technique and tactical understanding of the players. 2. Opposition will be encouraged to increase the competitiveness of the players. 3. High-intensity games based on speed and agility. Short but intense working-periods. PLAYERS 1. 1, 2 or 3 touch maximum: Minimizing the number of touches improves the speed of play. 2. Keep the game simple: Do not force situations, over-dribble or be careless with the ball. 3. Keep the ball on the ground: A ball on the ground is easier to control and can be moved more efficiently by the team. 4. Accuracy and quality of the pass: Passing must be firm and accurate, with the proper weight. 5. First touch: Make a clean, controlled first touch without stopping the ball. Take the touch away from pressure and into free space. 6. Perception and awareness: All players with or without the ball should constantly scan the field. 7. 1v1 situations: Encourage determination to regain control of the ball in defense and keep it simple in attack by taking a touch to the side, at speed, to beat the defender. 8. Individual transition: Players must react quickly when possession change from offense to defense and vice-versa. 9. Shooting: Always keep an eye on the goal. All players are encouraged to shoot. 10. Take risks: Soccer is an error prone sport and mistakes are part of the game and learning process. Players are encouraged to take risks in training session
Yep, I look back at my club days and just at the fact we used a sweeper. Then had the "stopper" in front of the sweeper and then two box-to-box CM's. When us that would go and also play h.s. together, our h.s. coach implemented a flat four with a diamond midfield. Took awhile to get used to after years of the other formations, but much more fun and attacking to play in, and eventually we started playing it our final year of club ball. The other thing is to encourage creativity. "Play simple" or "Keep it simple" is something I heard far too often in my youth days.
thats difficult imo, to not say keep it simple. you should keep it simple and quick up until perhaps the last third of the pitch, where you need to be able to create space by beating your man or trying a more difficult pass. too many times kids will just drible in the middle of the field trying to beat multiple defenders instead of hitting the open man out wide or switching the field.
Yeah there's the Xavi/Zidane like keep it simple, but then create as you get into the final 1/3, something that was discouraged in my days. Sure you want to get a shot, but turnovers in the final 1/3 aren't the end of the world. But this is definitely changing Joe Gyau dribble Depending on the angle, I'd say within 30 yards or so.