Technical (U8, U9, U10)
Players now need to learn basic technical skills and develop solid fundamentals. Sessions should consist of numerous dribbling and ball control activities. 1v1 dribbling is always to be encouraged. For defense, teach the block tackle and the idea of goalside defending. Teach the laws of the game and proper throw-in technique. Priorities for sessions are numerous ball touches and repetition. Sessions shall include small-sided games (3v3 and 4v4) with minimum coaching involvement. Let the game serve as the teacher. Keep the coaching as simple as possible.

Players should be able to do the following by age 10:

• control the ball with both feet
• use step over, scissors, and pull back moves with both feet
• pass accurately up to twenty yards with both feet
• block tackle
• defend goalside

Technical/Tactical (U11 and U12)
Coaches and trainers work to maintain the technical skills established by U10 but there should be a greater demand for quality results. Players now need to use technical skills under increased pressure, learn small group tactics, and gain experience with each field position. Sessions shall include small-sided games (4v4 to 6v6) with direct and minimal coaching involvement.

Players should be able to do the following by age 12:

• attack an opponent with the dribble in 1v1 situations
• recognize and use combination play opportunities for wall passes, overlaps, takeovers, and double passes
• consistently pass back to the other field players and the keeper as needed to maintain possession or relieve pressure
• accurately drive a ball in the air and on the ground using instep, inside, and outside of both feet
• understand and completely play two positions

Tactical (U13 and U14)
Coaches and trainers work to maintain established technical and tactical skills and apply these to game situations with larger numbers of players (up to 11v11). Players now need to increase speed of play and have a sense of team tactics. More functional training for positions is needed as players specialize in specific roles on the field. Sessions shall include small-sided games (4v4 to 8v8) with direct and minimal coaching involvement.

Players should be able to do the following by age 14:

• understand and competently perform their role in different systems of play (4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-5-1, etc.)