Croatia Juniors Youth Development Curriculum
Index
I. Mission Statement
II. Terminology
III. Priorities by Age Group
A. Philosophy
B. Emphasis
C. Systems of Play
D. Annual Training Plan
E. Curriculum
F. Sample Exercises
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Mission Statement
Croatia Juniors Youth Development system was created to become Northeast Ohio’s premier youth development program. We strive to assemble the finest USSF licensed coaching staff and to be committed to our players long term development through continuing education. We commit to establishing an outstanding learning environment for young people, on and off of the field. We pledge to run Croatia Juniors Development system with a sense of community, and a commitment to give back to the game and assist it’s growth at all levels in our organization
Attacking
3-Man Combo Play Runs In box
Terminology
Dribbling
Balance
Angles of Support Crossing Runs Channel
Bending Runs Shielding Closing Space
Blind Runs Show to the Ball Compactness
Chipping Spacing Contain
General
Acceleration
Thirds of the Field
Cool Down
Near/Far Post
Flexibility
Combination Play Speed Dribbling Cover Focus
Counter Attacking Support Delay
Creativity Takeover Deny Step In Front
Crosses Take Players on Depth on Defense
Depth of Support
Take your space Getting Behind the Ball
Double Pass Target Player Goal-Side
First Touch Volleys half and full Low-High Pressure
Flicks Wall Pass Marking
Flighted Ball Width / Depth in Attack Pressure
Give and Go Lay it off Recover
Inside of foot
Recovery Runs
Instep Slide Tackle
Instep Drive Squeezing Space
Functional Training
Juggling
Numbers Up / Down
Offside
Penetration
Restrictions
Set Pieces
Skill
Style of Play
System of Play
Tactics
Team Shape
Mobility Stance Technique
One Touch
Steeping Up
Outside of foot Team Shape
Overlap
Penetration
Playing with Speed
Possession
Tracking Players
Transition
Warm-Up
Work Rate
U-8-U-10 Philosophy
The focus at these critical ages is to enhance and encourage individual skill and cognitive development while establishing a passion for the game. Players should be focused on spending as much time as possible on the ball to establish high comfort level / building muscle memory at the expense of results. Team shape on both sides of the ball can now be introduced as well as certain requirements with our system of play. Learning proper technique now will build the foundation players will need to effectively execute high level tactical play in the future.
U8-U10 Emphasis
Establishing proper technique on the ball (dribbling, turns, moves, passing, and receiving) through repetition and progression in an enjoyable setting is critical . Fun, free flowing small sided games small sided situations (1v1) to 4v4 with plenty of time and space – to learn skills, combinations, and awareness of teammates and opponents – is also a priority. The learning environment should include technical, tactical, and cognitive elements.
U8-U10 Systems of Play
Note: While the focus for small side games is on individual technique and comfort on the ball, there is a need to implement a system and keep the players organized. Recognizing positions and understanding transition are ideas that should be introduced. The recommended systems of play for 6v6 are as follows:
2-2-1 Most simple and widely used
2-3 Lends to more creativity
2-1-2 Allows more flexibility with player selection
1-3-1 Requires a higher comprehension of transition
Ball Skills
U8-U-9 Curriculum Technical
Dribbling
Foundation Concept
Toe Taps
Side to Side- Sole of the Foot
Change Direction
Change of Pace
Forward/Back with Sole and Instep Taking Players on
V with sole and inside / outside
V behind the standing leg
Scissors and Step Over
Inside Out (Matthews)
Outside push out, sole pull back
Ball Striking
Shielding
Technique
One touch Using same foot
One touch with fake shot
One touch with body lunge
Inside/Outside with same
Inside Foot foot (with & without hop)
Introduce instep
Receiving
On the Ground
Inside
On the Bounce
Roll Over
360 with one foot on ball
Turning
Sole of foot step past
Sole of foot pull back
Outside Step over spin out
Run through the Ball
Outside of foot
Sole Inside foot
Juggling
Instep
Thigh
Head
Two steps past and spin
Attacking
Taking players on 1v1
Movement as a group
Intro to passing
Defending
Tackling
Pressure the ball
Do not dive in
Getting behind the ball
Goal side
Ball side
Movement as a group
Physical
Coordination
Agility
Balance
Technical focus in warm up
Psychological
Have Fun
No pressure to win
Being part of a team
Sportsmanship
Ball Skills
U10 Curriculum Technical
Dribbling
Lift forward and cap Concept
Lift diagonal with explosion Change Direction
Flick from Behind standing leg
Change of Pace
Forward/Back with Sole and Instep Taking Players on
Heal and Toes
Shielding
V behind the standing leg Technique
Scissors and Step Over
Roll it stop it
Inside Out (Matthews) Maradona
Outside push out, sole pull back
Ronaldinho
Ball Striking Stop and Go with one foot
Instep Stop and Go alternating feet
Flighted Balls Roll Over
Receiving
360 with one foot on ball
Receiving to Space Turning
Inside of foot across body
Inside of the foot same side
Outside of the foot
Off the bounce
Click Click Technique
Sole of foot step past
Sole of foot pull back
Step over spin out
Cruyff
Outside of foot
Sole Inside foot
Juggling
Instep
Thigh
Head
While Moving
Heading
Intro to correct technique
Attacking
Taking players on 1v1, intro 2v1
Movement as a group, give-go
Combining / Creative Dribbling
Defending
Tackling / Stance and Position
Pressure the ball
Do not dive in
Getting behind the ball
Goal side
Ball side
Movement as a group
Physical
Coordination
Agility
Balance
Technical focus in warm up
Psychological
Have Fun
No pressure to win
Being Part of a team
Sportsmanship
U8-U10 Annual Training Plan
Macro Cycle
Preparation Phase: August 1st-Aigust 21st ( 3 weeks)
Competitive Phase: August 21st – November 2nd ( 10 weeks )
Transition Phase: November 3rd-March 1st ( 16 weeks )
Preparation Phase II: March 1st- March 27th ( 4 weeks )
Competition Phase II: March 28th – June 4th ( 9 weeks )
Meso Cycle
Day 1
Training
Day 2 Rest
Day 3 Training
Day 4 Rest
Day 5 Small Sided Fun Day
Day 6 Match or Friendly
Day 7 Rest
Micro Cycle
Weekly focus of technical/tactical themed sessions ( Training Blocks)
Passing – short passing and ball striking
Receiving / Control- ground control, aerial control, shielding the ball
Turning- turning with defender behind, turning to play forward
Finishing – Close range, from distance, crossing
Defending- 1v1, 2v1, 2v2
General Concepts
Training priorities should be 90% following the Meso/Micro cycles and 10% reactionary to competition Training should reflect 90% attacking principles and 10% defending principles in a weekly training environment.
U11-U12 Philosophy
As our players go from 6 to 9 aside, they are asked to process the game with more players on the field and begin to discover solutions to the problems they will encounter. Solutions should be based on reading the game, creativity, comfort on the ball, and playing out of danger using their technical skills. Players should continue to explore multiple positions on the field and gain an appreciation and understanding for each role. Creative solutions to the challenges that the game presents will breed confidence and ultimately lead to more enjoyment for players.
U11-U-12 Emphasis
The emphasis of 9v9 soccer is still on the individual player development while the concept of keeping all players on the field involved and connected is vital. Small sided 4v4 to 6v6 exercises, along with numbers up /down scenarios , are now introduced with an increased awareness of the concepts of transition. All players should recognize both opportunities to attack (develop and identify goal scorers) and the responsibility of everyone to defend. Roles and responsibilities become more established for positional play with our club system. The concept of zonal defending should be introduced. Passing patterns and shadow play is highly recommended to provide visual idea of what team shape looks like.
U11-U12 Systems of Play
Note: While the focus remains on individual technique and comfort on the ball, positional awareness and team shape should now be emphasized. The recommended systems of play are as follows
3- 4-1 Most common system and easiest to implement.
3-3-2 Simple system that allows more players to get involved in the attack and leads to more creativity
2- 4-2 Most difficult system of implement as players must be able to read the game very well for this system to work
Ball Skills
Lift forward and cap
Lift diagonal with explosion
U11 Curriculum Technical
Dribbling
All surfaces of the foot
Change Direction
Flick from Behind standing leg Change of Pace
Forward/Back with Sole and Instep Taking Players on
Heal and Toes Shielding
V behind the standing leg Technique
Scissors and Step Over Roll it stop it
Inside Out (Matthews) Maradona
Outside push out, sole pull back Ronaldinho
Ball Striking Stop and Go with one foot
Inside of foot/ intro outside of foot / accuracy Stop and Go alternating feet
Flighted Balls with distance / bending balls Roll Over
Receiving 360 with one foot on ball
Receiving to Space /through the legs Turning
Inside of foot across body
Inside of the foot same side
Outside of the foot /top of the foot
Off the bounce / out of the air
Click Click Technique
Sole of foot step past
Sole of foot pull back
Step over spin out
Cruyff
Outside of foot
Sole Inside foot
Juggling
All body parts
On the Move
Instep waist high contact
Hopping on standing leg
Heading
Reinforce technique
Introduce heading with direction
Attacking
Reinforces 1v1, intro 2v2
Intro to possession in small groups
Combining w/ teammates movement as group
Defending
Stance and Position
Approach speed and angle pressure the ball
Do not dive in
Getting behind the ball
Goal side
Ball side
Defending as group/ intro to 1st / 2nd defender
Physical
Coordination
Agility
Balance
Technical focus in warm up
Psychological
Have Fun
“I” vs “Team Conecpt
Being Part of a team
Sportsmanship
Ball Skills
Lift forward and cap
Lift diagonal with explosion
Flick from Behind standing leg
Forward/Back with Sole and Instep
Heal and Toes
V behind the standing leg
Scissors and Step Over
Inside Out (Matthews)
Outside push out, sole pull back
Ball Striking
U12 Curriculum Technical
Dribbling
All surfaces of the foot
Change Direction
Change of Pace
Taking Players on
Shielding
Technique
Roll it stop it
Maradona
Ronaldinho
Stop and Go with one foot
Inside of foot/ intro outside of foot / accuracy Stop and Go alternating feet
Flighted Balls with distance / bending balls
Passing over distance / chipping
Weight of Pass
Lofted Ball
Toe Poke
Inside outside of the foot flick
Receiving
Receiving to Space /through the legs
Inside of foot across body
Inside of the foot same side
Outside of the foot /top of the foot
Off the bounce / out of the air
Click Click Technique
Sole
Juggling
All body parts / top of the toe alternating feet
On the Move
Instep waist high contact / one foot
Hopping on standing leg
Heading
Reinforce technique
Introduce heading with direction
Jumping off one foot
Jumping off two feet
Turning
Sole of Foot
Spin away
Outside of foot
Inside of the foot
Attacking
Numbers up 5v4 / Introduce complex shape
Possession in small groups 5v5
Combining w/ teammates movement as group
Defending
Stance and Position
Approach speed and angle pressure the ball
Do not dive in
Getting behind the ball
Goal side / ball side
Intro 3rd defender/ zonal vs. man marking
Defending as group/ intro to 1st / 2nd defender
Physical
Coordination
Agility
Balance
Speed and strength training
Psychological
Have Fun
“I vs. “Team concept
Being part of a team
Sportsmanship
Introduce accountability
U11-U12 Annual Training Plan
Macro Cycle
Preparation Phase: August 1st-Aigust 21st ( 3 weeks)
Competitive Phase: August 21st – November 2nd ( 10 weeks )
Transition Phase: November 3rd-March 1st ( 16 weeks )
Preparation Phase II: March 1st- March 27th ( 4 weeks )
Competition Phase II: March 28th – June 4th ( 9 weeks )
Meso Cycle
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Training
Rest
Training
Day 4 Rest
Day 5 Small Sided Fun Day
Day 6
Match or Friendly
Day 7 Rest
Micro Cycle
Weekly focus of technical/tactical themed sessions ( Training Blocks)
Playing out of the back /forward in possession ( progressive possession )
Playing through the midfield third while maintaining possession of the ball
Playing into the attacking third , creative play, and risk taking in and around the pk area
Transitioning / counter attacking
Transition / Defending
Principles of Defense , pressure on the ball, second defender, communication, tracking, marking
General Concepts
Training priorities should be 90% following the Meso/Micro cycles and 10% reactionary to competition
Training should reflect 90% attacking principles and 10% defending principles in a weekly training environment.
U13-U14 Philosophy
As teams progress to 11v11, principles of the game take on more importance. Many of the early themes remain in place on the technical / tactical side as players as asked to digest more ideas and responsibilities while reading the game effectively. Effective decision making begins to take on a great importance. By concentrating on smaller numbers to highlight tactics ( 2v1 2v2 3v2 ), the progression will culminate in an understanding of all 11 positions, their roles with a game, and how they impact team results. Throughout the year players should be exposed to different roles and responsibilities with the clubs system of play in training environments.
U13-U14 Emphasis
An increased level of technical sophistication while beginning to the challenge the players on smaller group tactics will be the priority as this level. The competitive spirit and overall competitiveness needs to be enhanced and stressed. Small group tactics need to have relevance to 9v9 or 11v11. The physical components of a players development should be further emphasized in fitness training and or speed and agility training.
U13-U14 Systems of Play
Note: While the focus remains on individual technique and comfort on the ball, this will be the first level of 11v11, therefore players should have an understanding of all the field positions and the roles they play. The recommended systems of play for 11v11 are as follows
4- 4-2
Most common system and easiest to implement. Roles are easily defined and recognizable
4-3-3
Frequently used, gives defensive security while allowing attacking freedom and creativity
4-2-3-1
Extra midfielder with defensive support to allow for creative and dynamic flank play. Extra midfielder helps cover group at this age when players are not physically capable of doing so.
U13 Curriculum Technical
Ball Skills
Lift forward and cap
Lift diagonal with explosion
Flick from Behind standing leg
Forward/Back with Sole and Instep
Heal and Toes
V behind the standing leg
Scissors and Step Over
Inside Out (Matthews)
Outside push out, sole pull back
Ball Striking
Inside of foot/ intro outside of foot / accuracy
Flighted Balls with distance / bending balls
Passing over distance / chipping
Weight of Pass
Lofted Ball
Toe Poke
Inside outside of the foot flick
Receiving
Receiving to Space /through the legs
Inside of foot across body
Inside of the foot same side
Outside of the foot /top of the foot
Off the bounce / out of the air
Click Click Technique
Sole Juggling
All body parts / top of the toe alternating feet
On the Move
Instep waist high contact / one foot
Hopping on standing leg
Heading
Reinforce technique
Introduce heading with direction
Heading to score /heading to clear
Dribbling
All surfaces of the foot
Change Direction / Game like exercises
Change of Pace
Taking Players on
Shielding
Technique
Roll it stop it
Maradona
Ronaldinho
Stop and Go with one foot
Stop and Go alternating feet
Turning
Sole of Foot
Spin away
Outside of foot
Inside of the foot
Attacking
2v1 situations/overlaps/depth/width/support
Mobility /combinations/improvisation/shape
Combining w/ teammates/ 8vs.7/ transition
Defending
Stance and Position
Approach speed and angle pressure the ball
Do not dive in
Getting behind the ball/pressing
Goal side / ball side
3rd defender role/ zonal vs. man marking
Defending as group/ transition/ winning the ball
Physical
Coordination
Agility
Balance
Base fitness through play /pre and post stretching
Psychological
Have Fun
“I vs. “Team concept
Being part of a team
Sportsmanship
Introduce accountability
Ball Skills
Lift forward and cap
Lift diagonal with explosion
Flick from Behind standing leg
Forward/Back with Sole and Instep
Heal and Toes
V behind the standing leg
Scissors and Step Over
U14 Curriculum Technical
Dribbling
All surfaces of the foot
Change Direction / Game like exercises
Change of Pace
Taking Players on /solidify 3-4 go to moves
Creative dribbling
Holding people off on the dribble
Roll it stop it
Inside Out (Matthews) Maradona
Outside push out, sole pull back
Ball Striking Passing
Inside of foot/ intro outside of foot / accuracy
Flighted Balls with distance / bending balls
Passing over distance / chipping
Weight of Pass
Lofted Ball
Ronaldinho
Stop and Go with one foot
Stop and Go alternating feet
Turning
Sole of Foot
Spin away
Outside of foot
Toe Poke Inside of the foot
Inside outside of the foot flick
Receiving
Receiving away from pressure
Inside of foot across body
Inside of the foot same side
Outside of the foot /top of the foot
Off the bounce / out of the air
Click Click Technique/ laying balls off
First touch with purpose /body shape and awareness
Juggling
All body parts / top of the toe alternating feet
On the Move
Instep waist high contact / one foot
Hopping on standing leg
Heading
Reinforce technique
Introduce heading with direction / to a teammate
Heading to score /heading to clear
Attacking
Possession /overlaps/depth/width/support
3rd runner /speed of play /improvisation/shape
Runs in box /runs off the ball/ combinations
Defending
Stance and Position / taking away channels
Approach speed and angle pressure the ball
Pressure cover balance delay reduce space
Getting behind the ball/pressing
Winning then ball / defending set pieces
3rd defender role/ zonal vs. man marking
Defending as group/ transition/ channeling
Physical
Coordination
Agility work with ladders / resistance training
Balance / light weight training
Base fitness through play /pre and post stretching
Psychological
Have Fun
“I vs. “Team concept
Being part of a team
Sportsmanship
Introduce accountability
Winning results
Developing competitive mindset
Handling winning and losing
Individual performance evaluation by player
U13-14 Annual Training Plan
Macro Cycle
Preparation Phase: August 1st-Aigust 21st ( 3 weeks)
Competitive Phase: August 21st – November 2nd ( 10 weeks )
Transition Phase: November 3rd-March 1st ( 16 weeks )
Preparation Phase II: March 1st- March 27th ( 4 weeks )
Competition Phase II: March 28th – June 4th ( 9 weeks )
Meso Cycle
Day 1
Training
Day 2 Rest
Day 3
Training
Day 4 Rest
Day 5 Small Sided Fun Day
Day 6 Match or Friendly
Day 7 Rest
Micro Cycle
Weekly focus of technical/tactical themed sessions ( Training Blocks)
Playing out of the back /forward in possession ( progressive possession )
Playing through the midfield third while maintaining possession of the ball
Playing into the attacking third , creative play, and risk taking in and around the pk area
Transitioning / counter attacking
Transition / Defending
Principles of Defense , pressure on the ball, second defender, communication, tracking, marking
General Concepts
Training priorities should be 75% following the Meso/Micro cycles and 25% reactionary to competition
Training should reflect 75% attacking principles and 25% defending principles in a weekly training environment.
Training Drills / Library
Examples need to be provided for newer staff members.
