(Youth1) - When designing an appropriate exercise and speed regimen for youth soccer players we must first examine our goal. What exactly are we trying to do with our athlete(s)? It’s also important for the young athlete to have a set of objectives as a means of measuring increased performance. The basic paradigm for designing and implementing drills is based on three main criteria: demands of the sport, the demands of the position, and the qualities of the individual athlete (Vern Gambetta). It would also be of great importance to understand that age truly is a factor especially when we discuss coordination and body awareness. Understand that in order to get better at anything your athletes must perform that action.  Long story short if you want your athletes to get better at kicking a soccer ball and learning the dynamics of soccer- go kick a soccer ball and play the game.

When examining the demands for the sport it is easy to see what is referred to as "lightning quickness" and power.  It is also easy to see that there are often sudden stops and sudden accelerations- this is where our injuries are going to occur.  With this being said, drills that emphasize quick turning, angled breaks, and what is considered zigzag movements are most likely going to increase your athletes’ performance.  A key note with female soccer athletes is that there recently, have been a large number of knee injuries.  Use caution when it comes to perform most drills and preach the importance of keeping your legs underneath you and using your arm swing to keep your balance and power accounted for without over stretching or forcing contraction of muscles in unfamiliar positions.  Always perform a dynamic warm up (active warm up) before stretching (Jay Hoffman).

Position Demand

Forward- acceleration ability, explosiveness, and skill
Midfield- skill, high level of specific fitness, and agility
Defender- explosiveness, agility, and power
Goalkeeper- reaction speed, agility, and explosive power.(Vern Gambetta)

Qualities of the Individual Athlete

Every athlete is different; different heights, weights, speed, and where they are in their individual development.  It is extremely important to understand these differences between athletes and not to "force" drills and movements on young athletes.  When it comes to figuring out how to arrange your time, there are several factors a coach or trainer must look at.  Topics such as work capacity, strength and power, speed, coordination and skill, flexibility, and body composition.  These factors must be examined closely to decide where your players will play and what type of development is needed.

At a young age focus on fundamentals such as dribbling, the ability to kick without looking down at the ball, and teaching the athlete where he or she is on the field.  As your athletes become better at these exercises suggest an increase in conditioning practices.  Let’s remember that most sprints or accelerations take place over a 15m distance for around 25 seconds.

Some recommended drills for youth soccer

1. Carolina Shuffle
2. Keep away
3. Triangle speed drills
4. Skator jumps
5. Backward to Forward Transition
6. Zig Zag Bounding
( Peter Twist)

By Jeff Popadines

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