Age: Males 9 to 12/Females 8 to 11 years

The main objective of this phase is to learn the specific football skills in conjunction with FUNdamental skills from a range of other sports. These skills form the cornerstone of all player development. An emphasis on technical development should be a key part of this phase, with the 7 v 7 game being introduced, progressing to 9 v 9.

The Learning to Train Phase - Technical

• Fundamental skills progressively refined, combined and elaborated upon to more sport specific skills.
• Willingness and knowledge of how to practice skills
• Football specific skills; dribbling, shooting, passing, controlling
• Combination of skills in game related activities

The Learning to Train Phase - Tactical

• Play modified and small-sided games
• Implement key game principles
• Play small sided games: 9v9, 7v7, 5v5, 3v5 etc (spatial awareness: pass and move)
• Implement defence and attack principles in SSG
• Introduction to positional awareness in a variety of positions
• Perform basic set pieces e.g. foul throw, free kicks
• Know rules in relation to free kicks and offside

The Learning to Train Phase - Physical

• Continue to develop ABCs
• Continue to develop speed, power and endurance through fun games
• Medicine ball, Swiss ball and own-body exercises for strength as well as hopping-bounding exercises
• Basic flexibility exercises
• Warm-up and stretching
• Basic body awareness - Stage 2
• Shoulder, elbow, core, spine and ankle stability

The Learning to Train Phase - Mental

• Introduction to mental preparation
• Understanding of the role of practice
• Perseverance
• Confidence
• Concentration
• Achieve success and receive positive reinforcement
• Goal setting (short term)

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