Practice Sessions

Rec Coaches Training
Coaching Director, Dan Kapsalis is available for any questions or suggested fun practice activities, games and training tips. This is a great opportunity to learn from the experts how to run practices and games.

5U/6U Rec Training Plans

In order to make practices run smoothly and be fun, it is important for us to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional and physical developmental stage of the players we are coaching. Here are some typical characteristics of the Under 6 player.

Focused on themselves – reality to them is based on what they see and feel
Unable to see the world from another’s perspective
Everything is in the here and now
Cooling systems are less efficient - need frequent water breaks
Enjoy playing, not watching. Every player should have a ball in practice
Limited attention span - keep directions concise and to the point
Effort is performance – if they try hard, they are doing well
Active imaginations – utilize their imagination in activities, and they will love practice!
Look for adult approval – be encouraging when they say “Coach, look what I can do!”
Unable to think abstractly – spatial relationships are a mystery
Typically have 2 speeds -- extremely fast and stopped
Usually unaware of game scores – keep it that way

"QUICK KICKS" Video Sessions:

Principles of 6u's

Training Plans:

7U/8U Rec Training Plans

In order to make practices run smoothly and be fun, it is important to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional, and physical developmental stage of the players we are coaching. Here are some typical characteristics of the Under 8 player:

Enjoy playing in pairs
Are now able to take another’s perspective.
Still unable to think abstractly – be patient.
Cooling system still less efficient than adults – still make sure to give frequent water breaks.
Still prefer playing to watching – keep everyone active during practice.
Limited attention span
Have an understanding of time and sequence – “if I do this, then that happens”.
Some now have a third or fourth speed in addition to stopped and as fast as possible.
Very aware of adult reactions – be very aware of your reactions.
Seek out adult approval and need reassurance – be supportive.
Begin to become aware of peer perception – a social order is beginning to develop.
Wide range of abilities between children at this age
Beginning to develop motor memories
Some become more competitive
Less active imaginations than U6 players

"QUICK KICKS" Video Sessions:

VIDEO PRACTICE SESSIONS (Week 1)
VIDEO PRACTICE SESSIONS (Week 2)
VIDEO PRACTICE SESSIONS (Week 3)
VIDEO PRACTICE SESSIONS (Week 4)
VIDEO PRACTICE SESSIONS (Week 5)
VIDEO PRACTICE SESSIONS (Week 6)
VIDEO PRACTICE SESSIONS (Week 7)

Principles of 8U's

Training Plans:

10U/12U Rec Training Plans

In order to make practices run smoothly and be fun, it is important to have a basic understanding of the intellectual, emotional, and physical developmental stage of the players we are coaching. Here are some typical characteristics of the Under 10 player:

Attention span lengthens and they start to show the ability to sequence thoughts and actions.
Players start to think ahead and think “If this, then that”
Players are more inclined towards wanting to play soccer rather than being told to play
Demonstrate increased self-responsibility
Players start to recognize fundamental tactical concepts
Begin to become aware of peer pressure.
Players affiliate with their team or their coach
There is a wide continuum of maturity evident on most teams.
U10 is still a crucial age for technical skill development.