HOWARD FIRE FC 10U CURRICULUM

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE 10U AGE GROUP
As we move up the age ladder from the U8 level to the U10 level there are many differences we must attend to in order to provide an optimal experience for young players of this age. However, there are also many similarities. Just as in parenting, it is important to be consistent in coaching and we must make sure that we follow a progressive trend of development for young players. To this ends, we need to continue to focus on technique during our practices, as we did at the younger ages. Creating environments in which players get maximum repetitions of technical skills is key. Players at this age should still work on ball mastery and demonstrate growing familiarity and comfortability with a ball at their feet.
  • Lengthened attention span
  • Ability to sequence thought and actions; begin to think in advance of the ball…anticipate
  • Ability to remember, follow more complex instructions and solve higher-level problems (i.e. simple combination play)
  • Developing ability to focus and stay on task
  • More understanding of time and space relations
  • Gain a tremendous amount of physical strength, endurance and power; this is related to body size and muscle mass
  • Motor performance includes a variety of motor tasks that require speed, balance, flexibility, explosive strength and muscular endurance; pace factor is developing quite well
  • Gross and small fine motor skills becoming refined
  • Children this age are in a linear growth mode (head to toe)
  • Height can approach 5 feet and weight can approach 80 pounds
  • Self-concept and body image are important
  • Less Sensitive…but still dislike personal failure in front of peers
  • Begin to initiate play on their own…they want to play
  • Becoming more serious about their play
  • Inclined more toward small group and team activities
  • Peer group attachment and pressure becoming significant 
  • Adults outside the family become influential (coach, teacher, etc.)
  • Gender differences becoming more apparent ​
  • Keep it fun!!!


Below are a series of lesson plans designed for the 10U age group, as provided from WYSA's Craig Carlson from his Y1 Course. 

ROLE OF THE 10U COACH

The role of the coach in the 10U age group is to be a patient and motivating teacher.  At this level, in addition to understanding technique, coaches should be able to provide environments conducive to problem solving (decision-making) by the players utilizing guided discovery methods.  

10U SEASON OBJECTIVES & GOALS

10U CURRICULUM TRAINING TOPIC CHART 

TECHNICAL SKILLS ARE STILL THE MAIN OBJECTIVE AT THE 10U AGE GROUP
SOURCES:
  • USYS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CURRICULUM
  • MASSACHUSETTES YOUTH SOCCER CURRICULUM
  • US SOCCER CURRICULUM