Below is the basis for Hammer FC's training curriculum. These age group models are based on skills identified by US Soccer Technical Director, Claudio Reyna, as essential and basic to the development of youth soccer players. We developed a curriculum with this as a guide. Players are then coached and evaluated using our curriculum.
U-11/12 Model
At the end of the 12 program, a competent and productive player should possess the following skills:
o Technical emphasis continued from 10s
o Love of the game
o Creative Free Play is encouraged
o An array of dribbling moves, i.e. Cruyff, Maradona, etc…
o Confidence and competence of 1 vs. 1 attacking and defending
o Shooting technique
o Heading technique
o Passing technique; inside and outside of foot.
o Receiving technique
o Mastery of juggling
o Futsal play should be leveraged to emphasize and reinforce individual technique.
o Focus in practice. Practice is not for wasting time; players should learn professional habits (show up early, wear Adidas, shake coaches hand at end of practice, maximum effort, respect your teammates, etc…)
o Two-footed players = all skill work should be geared towards developing both feet
o Small group tactics and awareness; 1 vs. 1 and 2 vs. 2 (max)
U-13/14 Model
At the end of the 14 program, a competent and productive player should possess the following skills:
o Technical emphasis continued from 12’s
o Emphasis on style of play (back four, midfield three or four, attacking from width)
o Switching the point of attack
o Functional training introduced (Academy sessions)
o Creative free play is encouraged!
o Futsal
o Touch restrictions introduced
o Possession games
o Passing to the proper foot
o Properly weighted passes; flighted balls over distance with different surfaces of foot.
o Two footed players
o 2nd and 3rd Defender (back four and midfield)
o Understanding and application of the principles of attack = width, depth, mobility, penetration, and improvisation
o Understanding and application of the principles of defending = pressure, cover, balance, compactness, communication
o Introduction to systems of play (4-4-2, 4-2-3-1)
o Combination Play
o Group tactics and awareness; 3v.3, 4v.4, 4v.6.
U-15/16 Model
At the end of the 16 program, a competent and productive player should possess the following skills:
o Zonal defending
o Large group tactics and awareness; 6v.6, 8v.8, 11v.11.
o Awareness and application of offside rule
o High-level fitness
o Tactical knowledge of the game
o Comprehensive understanding of managing the game
o Touch restrictions more prevalent
o Runs/movement off the ball (3rd player combination play)
o Mastery of possession games
o Understanding of importance and execution of offensive and defensive restarts
o Futsal
o Soccer IQ (i.e. when to overlap as wing backs, runs a forward should make and when, positioning of center backs – when to step and when to delay)
o Individual responsibility, learning to take ownership of soccer career and minimizing parent involvement (responsible for e-mails, college profile, etc…)
o Gamesmanship/Professionalism
U-17/18 Model
At the end of the 18 program, a competent and productive player should possess the following skills:
o Technical and tactical emphasis continued from previous years
o Professional approach to training
o Importance of weight training
o Importance of nutrition
o Knowledge of multiple formations
o Roles of different positions in various formations
o Understanding of the college level
o Interaction with college coaches, players and professionals to experience what that level requires
o Mastery of one touch passing drills
o Futsal
o Ready to contribute at the college level
