The U.S. Soccer Federation unveiled an updated version of their "U.S. Soccer Curriculum" and a new "Best Practices for Coaching Soccer in the U.S." These documents offer guidelines on coaching age-appropriate training sessions and are great tools for a soccer coach at any level.
"Best Practices" emphasizes the importance of letting the game be the teacher, of letting players play. The introduction reads:
"Best Practices" emphasizes the importance of letting the game be the teacher, of letting players play. The introduction reads:
"At the youth and junior levels ... young soccer players require a certain amount of uninterrupted play. This allows them to experience soccer first hand. They should be allowed the opportunity to experiment, and with that, succeed and fail.Claudio Reyna, the USSF Youth Technical Director, presented the new curriculum. Reyna emphasizes development over winning, creativity and fun over tactics.
The coach’s long term goal is to prepare the player to successfully recognize and solve the challenges of the game on his or her own. It is vital that the coach approaches soccer with this in mind."
