Coaches Resources
Player Development Pathway
Age Group: U9s
LTAD Stage: FUNdamental
Train/Match: Mini
Window of Optimal Trainability (Focus of athletic training)
Movement FUNdamentals, ABCs (Agility, Balance & Coordination)
Speed
Flexibility
Strength – Only using bodyweight
Overall coaching approach
Safety (with Introduction of Tackling)
Keep it Fun!
Concentrate on Skills development from previous years. Adding tackling as a new skill.
Let it flow but ensure safety always
Develop correct/safe tackle technique which requires a great deal of coaching/time.
Participation through varied Games for ALL abilities
Coach through questions and Keep it concise & positive (SPF)
Keep them active (Max 30 seconds listening time only)
Players to run with the ball (two hands) and evade defenders and be creative
Player Capacities
(Consolidate and develop previous age skills)
TECHNICAL
Consolidate & Develop Individual and team skills / Introduction to tackling (Key element – safety)
Evasion
- Swerve & dodge / change of pace
- Always go forward to space
Handling skills
- Lateral Pass (both hands)/ Decision making (2v1 & 3v2)
- Pick & Pass and Sweep Pass
Contact Skills
- Introduction of tackling (Front & Side) – SAFELY – Build Confidence slowly
- Falling and placing the ball – long and jack knife presentations
- Pop up pass from ground.
- Getting back on your feet to re-join game (Quickly)
Continuity
- Re-alignment / support running & passing
- Defensive lines
TACTICAL
Laws / Ethics
- Knowledge of Mini laws
- Pass backwards / Offside / Scoring (Players may dive to score)
- Introduction of tackle rules (Both defence and attack)
The GAME
- Be aware of law variations
Principles
- Continuity – maintain possession / Communication (encourage verbal skills)
- Decision making – allow them to explore various game scenarios and their outcomes
- Vision – Create/be aware of space and how to use it.
- Formation – Different types of attack / defence formations based on what player sees
PHYSICAL
Agility
Awareness of body space
Balance – Static & dynamic
Co-ordination and manipulation
Speed, Power & Endurance
MENTAL
Tolerance
Focus and concentration
LIFESTYLE / PERSONAL
Positive response to discipline & structure (Particularly given the introduction of Tackling)
Self-control, balancing personal needs / wants with others
Self-expression
Law variations - Under 9s
Players per side: 7
Max pitch size: 60 x 30
Minutes per half: 15
Max game time per day: 60
Additional variations: 60
Coaching tips: Referee & coach with slightly more intervention, especially around the breakdown (Tackle safety). Still free flowing in open play.