Background and Philosophy of the Hilliard FC Academies
Excerpts from US Soccer’s Document: Best Practices for Coaching Soccer in the United States
Practices:
The most fundamental skill in soccer is individual mastery of the ball and the creativity that comes with it. This should be a priority in training and games, especially in the early years. As this skill is mastered, the rest of the game becomes easier - both to teach and to learn. Practices should be built around facilitating the development of the skills necessary to move and control the ball well.
Games:
U.S. Soccer recommends that there be no organized matches at this age. For the 6- and 7-year-old groups, games should only be seen as another fun activity that happens to include a soccer ball. They will have plenty of opportunities to play in “real soccer games,” as they get older. Most of the information from coaches during these times will pertain to each player’s individual relationship with the soccer ball — to want it, how to find it, deal with it, feel more comfortable with it, keep it close, etc. Games are played in small numbers to provide each player a greater opportunity to touch the ball.
Development:
The level of skill and competence for a soccer player age 6 or 7 provides little indication as to where that player will be at 16 or 18 years of age. The emphasis is on encouraging each player to be competent and comfortable with the ball to maximize their potential over the long term.
Competition:
Competition is one element in a player’s overall development. However, for youth players said environment should not be results-oriented. A competitive environment at the youth level should encourage decision making by the player with an emphasis on performance not outcome. Competition among kids playing games will always exist, whether adults are present or not. Making soccer “fun” at the younger ages does not mean that competition is removed. Competition can be positive and healthy, at this stage skill based objectives are the focal point.