AGE GROUP PRIORITIES

AGE GROUP
U9-U10

The U9 age group is the first year of competitive soccer within Delaware FC Hockessin. Therefore each training session will focus on building a strong individual foundation of skill by developing good training habits and working on the technical aspects of the game in 7 v 7 format.

Time Commitment:

Fall and Spring - Teams will train two times per week with a professional Delaware FC trainer. Additionally in the Fall and Spring there will be 6-8 Friday "free play" sessions, per season. The team will have local game play and 2-5 local Tournaments

Winter - Winter training and futsal is an optional program. Futsal is a great way to develop ball control and for players to get a lot of touches on the ball. It will start in December and run through February. The time commitment for training is 2 hr – 3 hrs per week. They will train 1-2 times a week and play in three futsal tournaments.

Cost for winter includes: Gym rental fee, futsal tournaments, staff payment, admin fees, etc.

High Priorities:
 Make every player technically confident on the ball with both feet
 Develop good training habits
 Make training fun and competitive
 Dribbling to develop the function of moves

Low Priority:
 Finishing
 Receiving balls out of the air

Player Expectations:
 Players confident enough to take risks with the ball in training and game situations
 25 juggles in one minute

AGE GROUP
U11

The U11 age group continues the training priorities created in the U10 age group. However, the main focus of this age group is the 1v1 dual between players. High pressure will be introduced earlier in the sessions. Players will participate in an 9 v 9 format.

High Priorities:
 Advanced Dribbling to beat the defender
 Passing/receiving - 1st touch
 Finishing

Low Priority
 Recieving balls out of the air
 Combination play (2v1; 2v2)
 Communication

Player Expectations:
 Passing/receiving for distance
 Striking the ball with both feet
 50 juggles in one minute

AGE GROUP
U12

The U12 age group is an overlap of the U11 age group and every session will encompass the continued development of individual skill on the ball. However, the main focus is the introduction of play within small groups. Playing format is 9 v 9.

High Priorities:
 Passing/receiving and striking the ball (for distance, crossing; flighted balls)
 Combination play (2v1, 2v2, 3v2, 3v3) when to pass vs when to dribble
 Small Group Defending - Lose it get it back; everyone attacks everyone defends
 Communication

Low Priority:
 Possession with a purpose
 Penetration and shape
 Making the field bigger with longer passes and movement of the ball

Player Expectations:
 Hit and receive a driven ball
 75 juggles in one minute

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AGE GROUP
U13

At the U13 Age Group there is still an emphasis on small group play. However, it begins a simple introduction to larger group play. The playing format is 11v11 at this age group.

High Priorities:
 Possession with a purpose (as a means to an end).
 Penetration Play
 Attacking Shape
 Advanced combination play (short-short-long, up-back-thru, 3rd man runs).
 Defending Shape

Low Priority:
 Changing the Point of Attack
 Attacking Rhythm of Play
 Speed of Play

AGE GROUP
U14+

At the U14 Age Group, the focus is now squarely upon large group play and finding success within the full game (11v11). While individual player development is still important, the roles within the team and overall team development has now come to the forefront.

High Priorities:
 Rhythm of Play
 Speed of Play
 Large Group Defensive Tactics (high pressure, low pressure, pressing)
 Advanced combination play

Low Priority:
 Zonal Defending
 Playing in Thirds of the Field