COACH: Must be enthusiastic. Must be able to give encouragement. Must be understanding and fair. Must be able to give equal playing time and rotate positions. Cannot be concerned with wins and losses. Must secure safe environment. Should play with players.
TECHNIQUE: Every player should have a ball. No elimination games. Establish fundamental motor skills like running, jumping and rolling. Focus heavily on kicking the ball, stopping the ball, dribbling the ball and stealing the ball. No heading what-so-ever. Encourage individual success.
TACTICS: No tactics taught. The player only understands themselves and the ball and cannot think in an abstract or tactical manner. Get players to move in the correct direction to score or defend. In the game, everybody moves up and down the field as a unit. Do not leave defenders standing at the top of the penalty box.
PHYSICAL: Poor eye, hand and eye, and foot coordination at this age. Balance is increasing. Must be given frequent but short rest periods. They will give the activity 100% effort until fatigued. Not much physical difference between boys and girls. Do not have players run laps.
MENTAL: Poor judgment in regards to safety. The focus is on themselves as an individual. Must be fun. Need positive reinforcement and praise. Prone to exaggerate. Need plenty of room to move.
