Characteristics of U10 Soccer Players Fourth & Fifth Grade Psychomotor Development Cognitive Development Psychosocial Development

Notable Quotes n Dr. John Lawther, Child Development Expert, clarifies that feelings and all learning tends to utilize and build on earlier learning and that growth and development actually owes its efficiency to the slow and inefficient experiencing that has gone before.

Psychomotor Development n Boys and girls begin to develop separately. n Ability to stay physically active is increased.

Psychomotor Development n More prone than adults to heat injury. n Affected by accelerated heat loss, increasing risk of hypothermia.

Psychomotor Development  Gross and small motor skills becoming more refined.  Greater diversity in playing ability.

Psychomotor Development n Physically mature individuals demonstrate stronger motor skills. n Children make rapid gains in learning and function at increasingly sophisticated levels in the performance of movement skills.

Cognitive Development n Some children begin moving from concrete operational to formal operational stage. n Lengthened attention span, ability to sequence thought and actions.

Cognitive Development n Pace factor becoming developed – they are starting to think ahead. n Intrinsically motivated to play.

Cognitive Development n Demonstrate increased responsibility: –bring ball and water to practice –tuck in jersey & pull socks up –“carry own stuff”

Cognitive Development n Starting to recognize fundamental tactical concepts such as changing direction of the ball. n Repetitive technique very important, but it must be DYNAMIC not static!

Notable Quotes n Dr. Robert White, Harvard Professor, famous for his classic study, “Motivation Reconsidered” (1959). “Play may be fun, but it is also a serious business in childhood. During these hours the child steadily builds up his competence in dealing with the environment.” “Play may be fun, but it is also a serious business in childhood. During these hours the child steadily builds up his competence in dealing with the environment.”

Psychosocial Development n May initiate play on their own. n Continued positive reinforcement needed. n Explanations must still be brief, concise and purposeful.

Psychosocial Development n Becoming more serious about “their play.” n Peer pressure is significant.

Psychosocial Development n Team identification becomes important. n Adults outside of the family may take on added significance.

Typical U10 Training Session n Should not exceed 1 hour and 15 minutes. n Warm-up, partner and small group activities, stretching. (approx. 15 min.) (approx. 15 min.) n Introduce small group activities (3-6 players).

Typical U10 Training Session n Add more directional games. Play to targets and/or zones. (approx. 25 min.) (approx. 25 min.) n Conclude with small-sided game 6v6 with GK’s. (approx. 25 min.) (approx. 25 min.) n Finish with a cool down activity. (approx. 5 to 10 min.) (approx. 5 to 10 min.)

U10 Tactical Sign n Awareness of Width & Direction

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