Actividades De Soccer

INTRODUCTION

The Under-12 player, though still in need of technical training and playing experience, can be exposed to tactics. The U-12 coach should be careful not to go overboard with tactical training. A coach cannot invade the cranial recesses of U-12s and pour in reams of tactical information. Before describing beneficial activities for the emerging player, a discussion of tactics is in order.

What are tactics? Tactics are decisions made by players. This point warrants repetition. Tactics are decisions made by players. Soccer is as much a mental as a physical exercise. Tactics are the thinking part of the game.

Take for instance a grid situation of 4 v 2. Obviously all the players should be thinking, but the conceptual approach of each group must be different. The group of four players should think and play quickly while the group of two must attempt to slow the pace of the game.

Of course, breakdowns in concentration will occur during these sessions. This is to be expected. A coach must recognize whether the breakdown stemmed from a technical error or a bad tactical decision.

This book presents 20 training sessions for U-12 players in which technical training with tactical implications is emphasized. A U-12 coach must create an environment in which players can play and think. Be especially careful not to give all the answers during training sessions. Although players may take a longer time to find solutions to various tactical situations, lessons learned independently are far more effective. A coach benefits his team more by raising good questions and not providing all the answers.

Each of the following sessions includes stretching because of its fundamental relationship to physical performance on the field. The stretching is dynamic, which means players move while extending various parts of their bodies to a comfortable limit and hold the position. The players should hold the position for about 15 to 20 seconds, then shake out loosely and repeat the same stretch. Players should move about before stretching in order to stimulate their blood flow. Remember, the older the player and the colder the weather, the more stretching should be done. Regardless of age or weather, a 6-year-old in Florida should stretch in July for no other reason than that it’s a good athletic habit.

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