AFC Lightning Curriculum Developed by Roby Stahl âExecutive Director
AFC Lightning Curriculum Developed by Roby Stahl –Executive Director
UNDER 7 & 8 DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM "Play is the highest form of research” - Albert Einstein The goal is development of a progressive non-result oriented based, fun, learning experience that will focus on developing a love for the game, individual technical range, and the development of coordination. At these ages, a child does not need the fixed dimensions of a playing field. A safe playing area will do. At this stage, every game on an unrestricted area depends on the imagination of children who very often transform it into action. The choice of the ball is very important. In size and structure it must be adjusted to a child’s physical capabilities. His dexterity with the ball develops slowly and only when the ball is neither too big nor too heavy. Otherwise it is no fun. In time, the child who is still entitled to play freely will control his playing area with the ball. In these age groups it’s fun being active. A rhythm evolves as the ball goes to and fro. When a child becomes tired and can no longer concentrate, he will sit down, and he will try again when he wants to. Relaxation and rest automatically follow moments of effort. At these stages, a child is very egocentric. He is especially concerned with himself. The ball becomes his very own possession that he unwillingly shares. The child hardly needs any instruction. He is self-critical and will find a solution himself if he doesn’t succeed. He will repeat an action of his own accord. When practicing, the emphasis lies with the pleasure of playing with the ball. The child learns to control it. This is the hidden start to personally controlling the ball. Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) believed that experience (doing) was necessary for perceptual change to occur. This included play experiences. He believed that curiosity and play should be used to inspire learning. Characteristics of the coach: Can effectively make decisions on what is best for the children. The modern coach has the qualities of empathy, imagination, enthusiasm and an open mind, a high sense of fairness and fair play, a sense of humor and a ton of patience! Recommended License: Minimum of an US Soccer “E’ license or US Youth Soccer U6/U8 Module Technical Development: 100% of the training time The four phases of technical development for the U7/U8 program: Phase 1: Primarily concerned with manipulating the ball through two areas, those being running with the ball and dribbling. During all warm-up sessions the focus will be on fast footwork and the learning of new ways to control the ball when moving. Fun games
and low level competitions will be used frequently. All sessions will end with a smallsided game. Passing and shooting will become fixed elements within each training session. Phase 2: Along with continuation of the above elements, the players will focus on taking and controlling a rolling or spinning ball. Introduce ball lifting, juggling, block tackle, receiving ground balls with the inside and sole of the foot, shooting with the inside of the foot, toe passing and shooting and dribbling while changing direction. Introduce the push pass. Phase 3: Along with the above progressions, the players will focus on passing and solo runs. Phase 4: The perfecting of the above elements and the additions of turns with the ball and body feints will be central. Tactical Concerns: Very little emphasis will be placed in this area. The major tactical concern will be in recognizing where the open space on the field is and where the player can dribble. Physical Development: No training time set aside strictly for fitness. However, some basic body movement/awareness activities will be included daily in order for the player to begin to move like an athlete. Games like bib tag, crab soccer, etc will be used. Psychological development: Psychological development will be modified through training, games, and festivals. The emphasis is on: 1. The child having fun! 2. The child feeling good about himself and about adults. 3. The child enjoying the game of soccer and wanting to play again both next season and at home. 4. The child learning at least one new thing each training session. 5. The coach having fun! The Game: 1 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 3 and 4 v 4 with weekend Soccer Festivals Piaget’s theories center on his discovery that children perceive the world differently than adults and that their development proceeds in determined stages which always follow the same sequence. He viewed imitation as an important part of learning via the play process. Jean Piaget (1896-1980), Swiss Psychologist and Developmental Theorist
Make it a FUN experience. This is their only childhood!
UNDER 7 & 8 DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM "Play is the highest form of research” - Albert Einstein The goal is development of a progressive non-result oriented based, fun, learning experience that will focus on developing a love for the game, individual technical range, and the development of coordination. At these ages, a child does not need the fixed dimensions of a playing field. A safe playing area will do. At this stage, every game on an unrestricted area depends on the imagination of children who very often transform it into action. The choice of the ball is very important. In size and structure it must be adjusted to a child’s physical capabilities. His dexterity with the ball develops slowly and only when the ball is neither too big nor too heavy. Otherwise it is no fun. In time, the child who is still entitled to play freely will control his playing area with the ball. In these age groups it’s fun being active. A rhythm evolves as the ball goes to and fro. When a child becomes tired and can no longer concentrate, he will sit down, and he will try again when he wants to. Relaxation and rest automatically follow moments of effort. At these stages, a child is very egocentric. He is especially concerned with himself. The ball becomes his very own possession that he unwillingly shares. The child hardly needs any instruction. He is self-critical and will find a solution himself if he doesn’t succeed. He will repeat an action of his own accord. When practicing, the emphasis lies with the pleasure of playing with the ball. The child learns to control it. This is the hidden start to personally controlling the ball. Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) believed that experience (doing) was necessary for perceptual change to occur. This included play experiences. He believed that curiosity and play should be used to inspire learning. Characteristics of the coach: Can effectively make decisions on what is best for the children. The modern coach has the qualities of empathy, imagination, enthusiasm and an open mind, a high sense of fairness and fair play, a sense of humor and a ton of patience! Recommended License: Minimum of an US Soccer “E’ license or US Youth Soccer U6/U8 Module Technical Development: 100% of the training time The four phases of technical development for the U7/U8 program: Phase 1: Primarily concerned with manipulating the ball through two areas, those being running with the ball and dribbling. During all warm-up sessions the focus will be on fast footwork and the learning of new ways to control the ball when moving. Fun games
and low level competitions will be used frequently. All sessions will end with a smallsided game. Passing and shooting will become fixed elements within each training session. Phase 2: Along with continuation of the above elements, the players will focus on taking and controlling a rolling or spinning ball. Introduce ball lifting, juggling, block tackle, receiving ground balls with the inside and sole of the foot, shooting with the inside of the foot, toe passing and shooting and dribbling while changing direction. Introduce the push pass. Phase 3: Along with the above progressions, the players will focus on passing and solo runs. Phase 4: The perfecting of the above elements and the additions of turns with the ball and body feints will be central. Tactical Concerns: Very little emphasis will be placed in this area. The major tactical concern will be in recognizing where the open space on the field is and where the player can dribble. Physical Development: No training time set aside strictly for fitness. However, some basic body movement/awareness activities will be included daily in order for the player to begin to move like an athlete. Games like bib tag, crab soccer, etc will be used. Psychological development: Psychological development will be modified through training, games, and festivals. The emphasis is on: 1. The child having fun! 2. The child feeling good about himself and about adults. 3. The child enjoying the game of soccer and wanting to play again both next season and at home. 4. The child learning at least one new thing each training session. 5. The coach having fun! The Game: 1 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 3 and 4 v 4 with weekend Soccer Festivals Piaget’s theories center on his discovery that children perceive the world differently than adults and that their development proceeds in determined stages which always follow the same sequence. He viewed imitation as an important part of learning via the play process. Jean Piaget (1896-1980), Swiss Psychologist and Developmental Theorist
Make it a FUN experience. This is their only childhood!
