U11 Program

Learning to Train

As adults, we need remember that kids play for fun. When it stops being fun, they hide away and development becomes stagnant. Players go through stages of development. Small-sided games (SSG’s) that scale down the adult game to an appropriate size will maximize touches for the individual player and keep the game exciting. Imposing full field games on youth players too early will frustrate and hinder their development. At MMU, we know the stages and recognize where our players are on the continuum.

Development Focus
  • 1) Technical - 45% – Challenge the players to maneuver the ball individually, focus should be on ball mastery skills as well as passing and receiving. Allow the kids as much time with their individual ball
  • 2) Social - 20% – Make it fun, enjoyable and continue to develop love for soccer
  • 3) Tactical - 15% – Requirement. Enforce position specific training and formations/ways to play is needed
  • 4) Physical - 10% - Keep the players moving, active and engaged as much as possible
  • 5) Psychological - 10% – A requirement – continue to challenge players to think/mentally engage with soccer related concepts
The Dawn of Team Tactics (The Player, the ball, and the team)

As players improve their technique and passing range, their tactical vision expands accordingly. Players should be able to successfully pass the ball 10-30 yards consistently. Players are beginning to chip the ball and can lift and cross the ball over short distances. They are still unable to handle the passing and crossing demands of the 11-a-side game and are still struggling to deal with the bounce, speed and height of trajectory of long passes. Teams are not yet able to keep possession for long periods. The ball changes possession often and goes out-of-bounds frequently.