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Coastal Soccer has embraced developing
youth players according to the Coastal
Skills and Concepts™, implementing
the Mini-Method™,
and outlining the Player
Progression by Age. These three key
elements to our Training Method allow players
to grow with the game and be equipped with
the necessary tools along the way.
The objective of Coastal Soccer’s
Skills and Concepts™ is to revolutionize
the way youth players learn and receive
the game of soccer in the United States.
The current trend in this country has seen
youth soccer being driven by a focus on
results and the desire to play too much
like adults. In turn this has led to a large
dropout rate and insufficient development
relative to the truly important aspects
of the game, which are proper technical
skills, basic tactical concepts, and developing
a love for the game.
In response to this trend, Coastal has
created a progressive curriculum relative
to the specific skills and concepts of soccer,
which when mastered, will provide youth
players the fundamental foundation to excel
in the sport and enjoy the process of learning.
Coastal Soccer has carefully outlined the
Skills and Concepts to allow players to
gradually progress their development through
the various programs we offer.
The MINI-Method (Size 2 Training Ball)
is a unique training system developed by
Coastal Soccer for the benefit of all players,
whether they're new to the field or looking
to hone their advanced skills. Research
has shown that players' comfort, coordination
and confidence on the ball increases dramatically
when they train with the MINI-Method.
Coastal Soccer's MINI-Method training challenges
players of all ages and levels. Using the
MINI-ball for a majority of the program
duration, younger players achieve results
better than they ever have before. For the
youngest ages, players become more comfortable
and confident from using a lighter ball
that is more proportionate to their small
body size. Older players embrace the MINI-Method
for the emphasis it places on perfecting
technique. The MINI-method provides an advanced
challenge during our Training Program, where
upon after use and return to their normal
sized ball players will experience a more
refined comfort and ease in executing skills.
The MINI-Method is an integral aspect of
our Training Program that has been implemented
into our Club Support Programs, Team Training
Sessions, and Camps. Training with a mini
ball has proven to be a critical factor
in developing some of today’s best
soccer players from around the world.
In an effort to simplify the development
of the youth soccer player, Coastal Soccer’s
Skills and Concepts™ provide the necessary
guidelines that ensure players are learning
at a steady rate. It is important that all
youth soccer players are enjoying what they
do and are consistently reinforced in a
positive manner. Coastal has defined the
proper goals by each age group to allow
players to reach their potential according
to their physical, psychological, and emotional
ability. Below is a progressive breakdown
of the Skills and Concepts™ focus
as they pertain to each age group.
For most, this is their first introduction
to the game of soccer. “Creating a
joyful environment is mandatory” (source:
United States Soccer Federation). Coastal
Soccer provides an environment where players
gain a brief introduction to the Individual
Skills, but focus more on fun games where
every player interacts with the ball and
develops a love for playing.
“Soccer at this age is still all about
having fun with the ball and encouraging
the children to want to have the ball at
their feet. The numbers should still be
one and two players to a ball” (source:
United States Soccer Federation). At this
stage players focus on a majority of the
Individual Skills, basic Partner Skills,
and a brief introduction to Small Group
Concepts.
Players of this age group look forward to
a consistent environment where they can
learn new skills while applying the ones
that they have already learned in a fun
environment. A key feature is still developing
more comfort with the ball and having the
ability for each player to have plenty of
opportunities to experience the ball at
their own pace. Throughout this year, players
will still work on a majority of the Individual
Skills, begin to develop more Partner Skills,
and learn the basics of Small Group Concepts.
At this age, continuing to build comfort
with the ball will provide the players with
a variety of crucial tools they will need
as they become older and the level of ball
skill and athleticism rises. During this
year, players will have been exposed to
and should be competent in all Individual
Skills, a majority of the Partner Skills,
and half of the Small Group Concepts.
At this stage competition begins to become
a prominent theme among teams. “Competition
is a central element in a player’s
development. However, a competitive environment
should not be result-oriented or an environment
without fun” (source: United States
Soccer Federation). The approach at this
age and beyond is to focus on the process
and performance rather than the outcome.
This ultimately leads to proper long-term
development and participation, rather than
achieving short-term results. During this
year players continue to develop upon all
Individual Skills and Partner Skills, learn
a majority of the Small Group Concepts,
and begin to develop Team Concepts.
At this stage it is imperative for players
to begin to learn Small Group Concepts in
small-sided environments that allow for
the fun and feel of a real soccer game.
Players at this age begin to listen and
understand concepts more than previously
and are now more able to apply the skills
they have learned in games. Throughout the
course of this year players learn to combine
their Individual Skills in creative ways
to make new ones, practice all Partner Skills,
focus a majority of their time understanding
Small Group Concepts, and develop half of
the Team Concepts.
“As soccer players, this age group
is still young. Although there are some
areas of the game where the players are
beginning to make progress, this is an age
where ball skill and soccer instincts must
be encouraged above results” (source:
United States Soccer Federation). Players
are more focused at this age and should
be encouraged to compete in a positive manner.
A typical session is geared toward players
fully understanding Team Concepts. This
is the age when players should master all
of the Skills and Concepts and regularly
perform them during competition.
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