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Describing the Player
Anyone involved in coaching youth sports must understand the fact that all children grow at varying degrees with regard to the development of their minds and bodies. Though we have a tendency to lump children together in our educational and sport activities, we must understand that the best way to characterize them is by their individual differences. Children come to us at a chronological age of five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven or twelve, which shows that they are similar in chronological age only. At the ages of five through twelve, children are either filling or lengthening their bodies, and no group of them does either at an exact time. Further, the physical aspect is but one part of the differential in their growth since, as their bodies are growing and changing, so too are their thinking and psyche. We must be very aware and sensitive to their maturity and mental development. Through our understanding of this development, we can better set our level of communication. Some five year olds come with a very serious outlook on matters... while others are so frivolous, that from moment to moment, the passing of an airplane or a butterfly will completely capture their attention. That is not to say we stand around and wait for them to grow; it is to say that is the nature of the player with whom we are dealing. Since we are discussing a team sport, the social development of these young people is also a consideration. Factors like family grouping and/or placement within the family, coupled with the varied experiences they have had, are influences on their social growth. So the make-up of this person coming to us to become a soccer player is multiple and diverse. The intent of the previous discussion is to assist you in your observations and analysis of your players. Further, using the above as a frame of reference, you may feel more confident in training sessions with your players. Characteristics of U-6 Children Let’s now turn our attention to some more specific notions of the characteristics of this young person known as the “developmental player”. Short attention span Most are individually oriented (me, my, mine) Constantly in motion Psychologically easily bruised Little or no concern for team activities Physical and psychological development of boys and girls quite similar Eye hand and/or eye foot coordination most primitive Love to run and jump Prefer large soft balls and Nerf balls Catching skills not developed Can balance on good foot NO SENSE OF PACE (GO FLAT OUT) This refers to their racing around in games until complete exhaustion sets in, at which point they stop, breathe, then restart at a torrid pace again. Characteristics of U-8 Children Attention span beyond U-6 but still not extended Inclined more toward group activities Still in motion Still very sensitive. (Dislikes personal criticism in front of peers) Beginning to develop physical coordination (Most can ride two wheeler at this point) Still into running, jumping, climbing and rolling. More into the real game through imitation of big guys. (Sports heroes becoming important) STILL LACK SENSE OF PACE. (GO FLAT OUT) Soccer is a sport that aids in psychomotor development of boys and girls. Characteristics of U-10 Children Boys and girls begin to develop separately. Greater diversity in playing ability and physical maturity, physically mature individuals demonstrate stronger motor skills. More prone than adults to heat injury. Lengthened attention span, ability to sequence thought and actions. Pace factor becoming developed (starting to think ahead). Starting to recognize fundamental tactical concepts, such as changing direction of ball, but not always sure why. Repetitive technique very important, but it must be dynamic not static. Continued positive reinforcement needed. Explanations must still be brief, concise and indicate purpose. Peer pressure starting to be a factor. Adult/s outside of the family may take on added significance. Characteristics of U-12 Children The average age for the beginning of pubescence in girls is 10 years with a range of 7-14, for boys is age 12 with a range of 9-16. Flexibility training is a key to prevention of injury. Overuse injuries, burnout and high attrition rates associated with high-intensity children's programs that fail to stress development and learning enjoyment. Begin to develop abilities to sustain complex coordinated skill sequences. Begins to think in abstract terms and can address hypothetical situations. A systematic approach to problem solving appears at this stage, the game of soccer must present the ability to think creatively and solve problems while moving. Beginning to spend more time with friends and less with parents. Whether a child enters puberty early or late has important psychological implications. Children are susceptible to conform to peer pressure. Developing a conscience, morality and a scale of values.
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