Youth Soccer Training Methods

Soccer is the world's favourite game. Most people pick up the game ever since they were young and it is during this period that our basics skills are formed.

It is important to get our basic skills and techniques right. The foundation laid in the early years will naturally allow one to progress easily when moving into a different phase. It is especially difficult for a child to adapt to a new level of playing field as he gets older. Hence the basic techniques and skills has to be taught right from day one. It is through watching and constant practice that players improve themselves. Passion for the game is important as well as it serves as an extra motivation to do well.

Steps to coaching youth players; progressive training

Step1- basic techniques (passing, heading, control, tackling, dribble)
Step2- tactical training (defensive and attacking)
Step3- positional training (formations, position play)
Step4- advance techniques (long pass, crosses, shooting, basic skill eg. cruyff turn, stepovers, side steps)
Step5- setpieces (throw in, free kick, corner kick, penalty kick)

I have been playing soccer since i was 8years old. It all started by playing with the kids from class during recess breaks. Somehow i knew had a talent in it when other kids look up to me when we have games and was always one of the first to be chosen. Subsequently, the coach from my junior school team invited me to join the team after watching me play during one of those inter-class games. Thus I always believe that the basics is very important if any kid wants to do well or even go professional in future.

Treat soccer as something fun, enjoy it, only through enjoyment can one play better. Kids play soccer because they enjoy it so don't take that away from them. Teach them proper techniques as they have fun so that they can enjoy it more later on.

cz has been involved with soccer for the past 15years. He loves playing and watching soccer. He has been playing for his school teams since junior school and is now in varsity

For more soccer training methods, please go to http://www.iloveyouthsoccer.blogspot.com