03-20-2008, 09:02 PM
After one year(one long or two short outdoor seasons, or one outdoor and one indoorseason, depending on local conditions) of formal soccer training, mostcoaches on the List think that it is realistic to expect most beginnersat age U-10 and above to be able to do the following:
- Head a fairly gentle ball (they shouldn't even think of attempting teeth-rattlers until around U13 or so).
- Be able to execute a decent chest trap (and decide whether to use the head or chest as the ball is coming in).
- Knowthe basic rules for a first defender (delay/deny), and be able tosuccessfully mark/hold an attacker of similar size/speed/skill for acount of about 7-8.
- Execute a basic standing tackle and shoulder charge.
- Beable to pass a stationary ball thru cones 1 yard apart at distances of6 yards with dominant foot. Be able to pass accurately withnon-dominant foot at the 3 yard distance.
- Be able toreceive/control with 2 touches/then push pass a moving ball thru cones1 yard apart at a distance of 4 yards (2-3 yards with non-dominant).
- Be able to execute a laces kick with some power and accuracy.
- Be able to execute a lofted kick/chip which will clear an average-sized player in their age bracket.
- Understand the basic rules on throw-ins, and be able to execute them properly.
- Be able to dribble/beat an unskilled defender by use of simple cuts and changes of pace.
- Be able to shield the ball and hold in 1v1 situation to count of 8.
- Understandbasic principles of keepaway (talking, taking the ball where thedefenders aren't, basic rules of support triangles, planning yourreception to take ball into space/away from pressure).
- Understand usual game rules (restarts, fouls, fair play, ref signals, basic offsides if applicable).
- Understand/followthe team rules (paying attention, bringing proper equipment topractice, cleanup, subbing, calling if late/missing, no hassle ofteammates, etc.).
- Be able to juggle the ball with the foot or thigh at least 5-10 times.
- Beable to pass the ball appropriately to a teammate who is 10 yards ormore away, both when teammate is stationary and when moving (i.e.,understands the concept of leading a moving player so that he does notoverrun the ball).
- Be able to receive a well-struck ball passed with the inside of both feet, and with at least the outside of the dominant foot.