Under 6 Years Old

1. Differences between boys and girls are minimal.
2. Easily fatigued but very rapid recovery rates.
3. Emphasis on fundamental movement skills with the ball.
4. Increased use of all body parts as part of training regiment.
5. Have a high degree of imagination and pretend activities.
6. Only process small bits of information at a time.
7. Do not give long instructions. Simple rules only.
8. Very limited understanding of time and space and boundaries.
9. They see the world only from their perspective. They all want the ball.
10. Need generous praise and lots of play with a ball each without pressure.
11. Do not understand team concepts or collective play.

Under 8 Years Old

1. Improvements in pace and coordination in training.
2. Will still get tired quicker but need more rest as well.
3. Injuries near joints need special attention.
4. Still limited ability to do more than one task at a time.
5. Most of their attention capacity will be used to control the ball, leaving little room for additional decision making.
6. “If I tried hard, then I performed well” regardless of actual performance.
7. Limited ability to perform multiple tasks.
8. Very fragile self-concept.
9. A great need for approval from adult role models. NO NEGATIVE comments.
10. Play soccer because it is fun.
11. They enjoy partner activities with a ball.
12. They like to show individual skills and have a desire for social acceptance.

Under 10 Years Old

1. Motor skills are becoming more refined but boys and girls develop separately.
2. More prone to heat injuries than adults, lots of fluids and breaks.
3. The ability to stay on task is lengthened and multiple tasks are accomplished more effectively. Increased risk of hypothermia.
4. A greater diversity in playing ability and physical maturity.
5. Lengthened attention span and they are starting to think ahead.
6. Demonstrate self-responsibility by bringing ball, water, tucking in jersey, etc.
7. Starting to recognize fundamental tactical concepts such as changing directions but not always sure why this is beneficial.
8. Moving, repetitive technique training should be the focus for players. Lots of ball touches.
Explanations must be brief, concise and have purpose.
9. Peer pressure increases and positive reinforcement still needed.