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SCOR RECREATION PLUS PROGRAM
GRADES 2 - 4 |
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Q&A
When will players learn to pass and shoot? It all depends on individual's athleticism and the amount of time spend on the ball. I highly recommend that players of all ages participate in the SCOR '6 Step' Shooting program and learn to analyze their shots and/or passes. When are players expected to use their weak foot? I wouldn't put any pressure on players until their dominant foot has shown improvement. When will players learn goal-kicks, corner-kicks, kick-offs? One can learn these moments during games and practices. When will players learn and use head-balls? Not until U12. |
It is difficult to formulate a step-by-step approach to learning how to play soccer, because the learning process depends largely on practice. Soccer is best learned by playing, and the time children spend playing the game is important for their soccer development. Lack of time is probably enemy number one as far as learning to play soccer is concerned. Our Grades 2 - 4 groups provide most of our U9-U11 Travel players. Preparing them with a solid foundation in a fun and competitive training environment is crucial. We must have an environment that appropriately encourages self-empowerment and frees young players to be creative and take initiative on the field. Putting children into straitjackets of positional play too early only destroys their instincts to be involved in the game. Putting too many players on the field at an early age, forces coaches to impose positions and roles (e.g. “you defend and you attack”). As they mature and are capable of keeping track of more things that are occurring on the field, we can increase the number of players that compete against each other. No matter what age they are, our players will be in an environment that (1) is free flowing, (2) is coach-guided, not coach-directed, and (3) requires every player to participate in defending and attacking, regardless of their position. Requirements that every practice session must have: 1. Objectives are to score goals, build up and defend. 2. Activities with many repetitions. Good preparation and adequate equipment is a priority. 3. Age and skill appropriate activities is a must to guarantee success. 4. Qualified coaches that influence players through instruction, demonstration, intervention and interaction. Remember to keep activities “age appropriate” by changing size of play area, number of players, number of touches, etc. Activity must be challenging and you must see success. |