GLOBAL PREMIER

SOCCER
ANDOVER 2013 CURRICULUM

U10
10 WEEK TRAINING PROGRAM
 GPS CURRICULUM METHODOLOGY

U4 - U8 U9-U12 U13-U18 18+

JUNIORS JUNIOR PREMIER PREMIER PREMIER

Player Evaluation & Assessment

Practice to PRACTICE TO PRACTICE TO

FUN-Damental
develop COMPETE WIN

AIM:
To allow players of all ages and abilities, to develop to their full potential, in an ENJOYABLE, CHALLENGING and POSITIVE environment.
 
OBJECTIVES:
• Create a clear and simple pathway for player development.

• Always keep the player at the centre of the development process.

• Allow players as much active time with a ball each as possible. 

• Teach the principles of the game.

 
• Teach “roles” not “positions”.
  
• Acknowledge that players will learn and develop at different speeds.

• To keep a fresh and current outlook on the changes in young player development.

• Create a deep and underlying passion for the sport of soccer at all ages.
 SCORE METHODOLOGY

GPS recommends that all practice sessions follow the S.C.O.R.E. method:

SIMPLE. Stick to one theme during your practice session. Choose 2 or 3 core coaching points and reinforce them throughout the
session.

CHALLENGING. Ensure that the players are posed problems that they need to find solutions to. Provide guidance and help when
they need it.

O RGANISED. Plan every detail of your session - how many players, space and equipment. Ensure that your sessions have the
appropriate pace and progression to challenge all of your players.

RELEVANT. Ensure that the exercises in your session are relevant to the game.
ENJOYABLE. The players should walk away from every practice having thoroughly enjoyed the session and learning at least one
new aspect of the game.
 GPS CURRICULUM

LEARNS AT U10
TECHNICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL

3 R’S OF PASSING - RECOGNITION, RANGE, RELEASE GIVES A SENSE OF BELONGING AND BEING OF VALUE
PUSH PASS WITH BOTH FEET POSITIVE APPROACH TO PERFORMANCE
OUTSIDE OF THE FOOT (BOTH FEET) MAKING BETTER DECISIONS
COMBINATION PLAY - GIVE AND GO DEVELOPING THE SKILL OF ANTICIPATION
USE OF GOALKEEPER IN BUILD UP PLAY DEVELOPING A BETTER AWARENESS OF TEAM PLAY
ABC’S - AWARENESS, BODY SHAPE, CONTROL
RECEIVING WITH BOTH FEET USING THE SOLE
RECEIVING TO ATTACK
RECEIVING IN TIGHT AREAS
DRIBBLING IN TIGHT AREAS
BREAKAWAYS
RUNNING WITH THE BALL IN 1v1 ATTACKING SITUATIONS
RUNNING WITH THE BALL IN COUNTER ATTACKS
ATTACKING 2v1, 2v2, 3v2
FINISHING ATTACKING MOVES
COMBINING AROUND THE PENALTY AREA
SHOOTING WITH THE INSIDE OF THE FOOT
DEFENDING 1v1, 2v1, 1v2

TACTICAL PHYSICAL

PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK ALL PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IS DONE WITH THE BALL.
UNDERSTANDS PLAYER ROLES AT 6v6
RECEIVING ABC’S (AWARENESS, BODY SHAPE, CONTROL)
MOVEMENT OFF THE BALL (OVERLAP)
 GPS CURRICULUM METHODOLOGY

SESSION STRUCTURE FOR U10

SESSION LENGTH - 75 MINUTES

TYPICAL PRACTICE SESSION STRUCTURE:

WARM UP - 5 MINUTES
ACTIVITY 1 - 15 MINUTES
DRINK BREAK 1 - 3 MINUTES
ACTIVITY 2 - 15 MINUTES
DRINK BREAK 2 - 3 MINUTES
SMALL SIDED GAME (4 v 4 - 6 v 6) - 25 MINUTES
DEBRIEF AND EQUIPMENT COLLECTION - 4 MINUTES

All sessions will end with a small manifestation of the game.

At U10 this game should be 6 v 6.
Encourage players to form a diamond shape to the team (2-1-2).
CURRICULUM KEY
Use various methods of scoring:
- Stop the ball on the endline PLAYER MOVEMENT (RUN OFF THE BALL)
- Dribble through corner gates
- Knock a ball of a cone
BALL MOVEMENT
Ensure that players experience attack and defensive roles during the
game.
Avoid playing teams with larger numbers (i.e. 8 v 8) in order to PLAYER WITH BALL MOVEMENT
increase player exposure to the ball.

Ensure to have a supply of balls so that your exercises flow.

U10 WEEK ONE: RUNNING WITH THE BALL
ACTIVITY 1: TOUCHES
ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Create a playing area of 25 x 25 yards. Head up to see the next ball.
Spread a number of balls around the area (ensure there are
more balls than players). Can players look up while doing toe taps and see
On coach’s call, players have 60 seconds to touch as many
soccer balls with the sole of the foot.
the next ball the plan to go to. 3 1
Move on the balls of the feet. Keep knees bent for
PROGRESSION balance.
Players do 10 toe-taps at each ball.
TOE-TAPS - head up, heels never touch the ground.
Players do a scissors / double scissors at a ball. Use arms to generate power. 2
Players do a scissors and then accelerate away with a ball. SCISSORS - plant left foot on the ground, right foot
Players stop the ball after a few touches, find new ball & repeat. stays low and goes around the ball.

ACTIVITY 2: CONTINUOUS 1v1

ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Create a 20 x 20 yard playing area. Split the area into half (2, 10 Attack the defender at speed.
x 20 yard areas).
Place a goal with a goalkeeper at one end. Split players into 2 Head up to identify space. P1
teams and place at the opposite end.
Player 1 from Team 1 dribbles towards goal - once into the 2nd Use body and moves to draw the defender.
10 x 20 yard area, Player 1 can shoot. P2
Player 1 now defends against Player 1 from Team 2. Accelerate into the space behind the defender P1
Players attack once, defend once then rejoin their team. after using a move / feint.
The game is continuous,
PROGRESSION Take shots with the nearest foot.
Time limit to score (8 seconds, 5 seconds).
Must beat the defender with a specified move before scoring.
2v1. 2 players attack but only 1 remains to defend.

SMALL SIDED GAME: 4 v 4 WITH TARGET

ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Create a playing area of 30 x 40 yards. Create a diamond to team shape.
Split players into 2 teams of 4 players.
Place 1 player from Team 1 at the end of the playing area. Do Create overloads (2v1).
the same for Team 2 at the opposite end.
Team 1 score by passing to their target player at the end line. Movement from the target player.
Team 2 score by passing to their target player at the opposite P2
end line. Don’t force the issue - pass to the target player
Change the target player every 2 minutes. when ready.
PROGRESSION
P1
Team has a target player at each end - to score a point Team
1 must get the ball from one end to the other without Team 2
touching the ball.

Create a 60 x 40 yard area and play 6 v 6 to goal.

U10 WEEK TWO: RUNNING WITH THE BALL
ACTIVITY 1: KNOCKDOWN RELAY
ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS P1
Create multiple lanes of 10 x 5 yards. Dribble with the head up.
At one end of each lane, balance 3 balls on top of cones. P2
Split players into teams of three - 1 player stands behind the Ankle locked, toe pointed down and touch the ball
balanced balls, the other 2 players start at the opposite end with the laces. P1
with a ball.
On coaches call, Player 1 dribbles towards the balancing balls.
1
Larger touches when moving quickly, smaller
Once close enough, Player 1 tries to knock down a ball by touches when approaching the balancing balls. P1
passing a ball.
Player 2 collects the ball and dribbles back to the other end. Play with head up. Pick your target before trying
Player 2 passes to Player 3 who repeats (Player 1 replaces to knock down a ball.
Player 2 behind the balancing balls).
The first team to knock down all of their balls wins.
2
P2 P3
PROGRESSION P2
Players muse perform a move or skill before knocking down a
ball.

ACTIVITY 2: 1v1 4 GOAL GAME

P2
ORGANIZATION D3
COACHING POINTS
Create a 30 yard playing area.
Attack at speed.
Place a number of balls in the center of the playing area.
Place 4 pop up goals (or use cones 5 yards apart) around the A3 A2
Head up to see the defender. D2 D4
outside of the playing area.
1 player defends each goal.
Look to beat the defender with speed first. Use
Attackers start in the middle - attackers take a ball from the A1
move and fakes to create space.
middle and choose a goal to attack in a 1v1.
Accelerate away from defender once beaten.
D1
PROGRESSION
If the defender wins the ball they swap roles with attacker, gets
a new ball and attacks a new goal.

SMALL SIDED GAME: END ZONES NORTH

ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS

Create a playing area of 30 x 25 yards. Create a diamond to the team shape.
Using cones, create an end zone of 5 yards along each side of
the playing area. Look for the end zone with the most space.
Split players into 2 teams. WEST EAST
Players score for their team by dribbling and stopping the ball Create overloads (2v1).
in any of the end zones.
PROGRESSION
Team 1 can only score in the NORTH and SOUTH ends, Team 2
in EAST and WEST.
SOUTH
Create a 60 x 40 yard play area and play 8 v 8 to goal.
U10 WEEK THREE: DRIBBLING
ACTIVITY 1: TEAM CONVEYOR BELT
ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Split players into teams of 4 players. Speed of pass - throw the ball under arm to
Each team has a server (Player 1). improve accuracy.
Player 1 throws the ball to Player 2. Player 2 throws it back to P2 P3
Player 1 and then runs to the back of their team.
The exercise continues with Player 1 passing to Player 3.
Communication - ask for the ball when you are
ready.
P1
1
The first team to have Player 1 back at the front of their line
wins. Gentle touches on the ball when dribbling.
Change the server after every race.

PROGRESSION 2
Player 1 throws it to Player 2. Player 2 drops the ball to the
ground and dribbles it to Player 1.
Player 2 runs to the back of their team.

ACTIVITY 2: CONTINUOUS 1v1, 1v2, 2v2

ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Create a 20 x 20 yard playing area. Split the area into half (2, 10 Tempo - attack at speed or wait for support (2v1)?
x 20 yard areas).
Place a goal with a goalkeeper at one end. Split players into 2 Decision - dribble or pass? Dribble if there is space,
teams and place at the opposite end. pass to a team mate who is open in a dangerous
Player 1 from Team 1 dribbles towards goal - once into the 2nd position.
10 x 20 yard area, Player 1 can shoot.
Player 1 now defends against Player 1 from Team 2. Overlap - can the supporting player overlap in
Players attack once, defend once then rejoin their team. order to get the ball in an open part of the area.
The game is continuous,
PROGRESSION
2v1. 2 players attack but only 1 remains to defend.

2v2. Players defend and attack in pairs.

SMALL SIDED GAME: MULTIPLE 2 v 2s

NORTH
ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Create multiple playing areas of 10 x 5 yards. Play with the head up.
In each area have 2 teams of 2 players.
Have a different way to score in each area: - Encourage players to get open for a team mate
• Dribble through cones. who has the ball.
• Score in a goal.
• Stop the ball at the end line. WEST EAST
Play 3 minute games and then rotate the teams.
The team that has scored the most goals after playing all teams
are the winners.

PROGRESSION
Create a 60 x 40 yard area.
Place goals at each end and play a 8 v 8.
SOUTH
U10 WEEK FOUR: DRIBBLING
ACTIVITY 1: PINNIE GRAB
ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Create a playing area of 30 x 30 yards. Play with the head up.
Using cones, create 6 yard gates on the outside of the area.
Each player has a ball and a pinnie tucked into the back of the Use moves and feints to escape pressure.
shorts.
1 player is the defender - if the defender grabs a tail, the two Stay as far away from defender as possible. Always
1
players swap roles. know where the escape routes are.
If the attacker can dribble out of gate they are safe and the
defender must target another player.
PROGRESSIONS
Players can only stay outside of the gate for 5 seconds. 2
Reduce the number of gates.
Place a defender on the gates.
If players perform a scissors, the defender can not grab their tail
for 10 seconds.

ACTIVITY 2: 4v4 MULTIBALL GAME

ORGANIZATION PROGRESSION
Create a 30 yard playing area. Attack at speed.
Place 4 pop up goals (or use cones 5 yards apart) around the
area. Identify a gaol where the defender has been taken
Place a number of balls in the centre of the playing area. out of position by another defender.
Split players into 2 teams of 4 players.
Team 1 attacks, Team 2 defend the goals. Team 1 can attack in Create overload situations - 2v1 / 3v2.
1v1 situations, as the balls decrease, players in Team 1 attack in
1v1, 2v1, 2v2, 3v2 and then 4v4 with the last ball.
PROGRESSIONS
Competition - how many goals can each team score.

Time limit - how many goals can be scored within 60 seconds.

SMALL SIDED GAME: 4 CORNERS

B
ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS C
Create a playing area of 25 x 25 yards. Attack the corner with the most space.
Using cones, create a 5 x 5 yard square in each corner of the
playing area. Create a diamond shape to the team.
Split players into teams of no more than 4 players.
Players score for their team by dribbling and stopping a ball Create overloads (2v1).
into any of the corners.

PROGRESSION
Team 1 can only score in A and B, Team 2 in C and D. A D
Team 1 can only score in A and C.
U10 WEEK FIVE: PASSING
ACTIVITY 1: PASSING CIRCLE
ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Create a 30 yard playing area. Know where you are receiving a ball from and P1
P4
Split players into 2 teams. Number players 1-4 (adjust based on where it needs to go to once received.
group size).
Player 1 passes to Player 2, 2 to 3 and so on. Last player passes
to Player 1 and the exercise continues.
Communication - always let your team mates
know where you are.
P2 1
First touch in the direction of the pass you want to
PROGRESSIONS
play.
Player in reverse.
P3
Each team has 2 balls (Player 1 and Player 3 start with a ball). 2

ACTIVITY 1: 2 v 2 CAROUSEL
1
ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Create a 30 x 30 yard playing area. Always be ready to play.
Split players into 3 teams of 4 players.
Team 1 can score in the Goal 1 or 2. Attack the goal with the most space at speed.
Team 2 can score in the Goal 3 or 1. 2 3
TEAM 2 TEAM 3
Team 3 can score in the Goal 2 or 3. Create overloads (2v1) with movement (overlap).

The game is a continuous 2v2 - Team 1 attacks Team 2, Team 2 Decision - dribble to goal or pass to a team mate P2
attacks Team 3, Team 3 attacks Team 1. in space.
P1

PROGRESSIONS
3 players now come in from each team to make a 3v3.
TEAM 1

SMALL SIDED GAME: MULTIPLE 2 v 2s

ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Create multiple playing areas of 10 x 5 yards. Attack the goal with the most space at speed.
In each area have 2 teams of 2 players.
Have a different way to score in each area: - Create overloads (2v1) with movement (overlap).
• Dribble through cones.
• Score in a goal. Decision - dribble to goal or pass to a team mate
• Stop the ball at the end line. in space.
Play 3 minute games and then rotate the teams.
The team that has scored the most goals after playing all teams
are the winners.

PROGRESSION
Create a 25 x 20 yard area.
Place goals at each end.
Play a 4 v 4 scrimmage.
U10 WEEK SIX: SHOOTING
ACTIVITY 1: LEFT AND RIGHT
ORGANIZATION PROGRESSION
Create a number of 4 x 4 yards area using cones. Players balanced, on the balls of the feet.
Balance a ball on a cone in the centre of the area.
2 players per box - players have a cone to their left and right Players alert, waiting for coach’s command.
and face the ball in the middle.
If coach calls “Left” players touch the ball to their left, then the Try to shuffle sideways rather than crossing their
1
ball to their right before stealing the ball in the middle. feet.
1 point is awarded every time you steal the ball first.
Rotate players so that they play a different person. Low, quick scissors.
PROGRESSION
Players run diagonally and touch the cones on the opposite side 2
before stealing the ball.
Balance a ball in each corner - players must perform a scissors
at the ball to their left then right before stealing the ball.

ACTIVITY 2: TURN TO SCORE

ORGANIZATION PROGRESSION
Split players into 2 teams (set up 2 goals for larger groups). Head up to see the cone and then the goal.
Place 1 team either side of a goal (ensure the players are at
least 6 yards away from the goal). Smaller touches to keep the ball under control
Place a cone 6 yards away from the players.
On coach’s call, Player 1 from each team dribbles forward and P1
around the cone. P1
Once around the cone it is a race to score in the goal.
Rotate teams that are competing - the team to score the most
goals at the end of play wins.
PROGRESSION
Swap sides so players are using both feet.
All shots must be with the inside of the foot.

SMALL SIDED GAME: 4 GOALS

ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Create a playing area of 25 x 20 yards. Encourage players not to crowd the ball.
Using pop up goals (or cones) create a goal in each corner of
the playing area. Look for the corner with the most space.
Split players into 2 teams of no more than 4 players.
Players score by shooting in any of the corner goals. Praise players who look for space to receive the
ball.

PROGRESSION
Nominate 2 goals that each team can only score through.

Create a 06 x 40 yard playing area and play 6 v 6 to goal.

U10 WEEK SEVEN: SHOOTING
ACTIVITY 1: SHOOTING RACES
ORGANIZATION PROGRESSION
Create 2 goals 20 yards apart with a cone in the middle 10 yards Players now dribble round middle cone and shoot
from each goal. towards own goal

Players split into two teams and line up to the right of each goal. Add GK’s
First player in each line dribbles ball towards opposite goal,
once past the middle cone players shoot. First ball to go in the
goal wins.

COACHING POINTS
Look for GK position
Shoot for open space in the goal
Kick ball with shoe laces

ACTIVITY 2: Shooting 60 second challenge

ORGANIZATION
36x44 yard area. Create a 10x10 box 36 yards from goal. PROGRESSION
After 60 seconds defending team can send out 2
Split into even teams. 1 team in the box, 1 team next to the goal. defenders
Team in the box attack and can take as many players into the Another 60 seconds 3 defenders can go out.
attack as they choose. Only 1 defender may come out to defend.
Attacking team has 60 seconds to score as many goals as pos- M.O.D.E
sible returning to the box each time for new ball. - Movement- Good first touch to allow shot
- Observe - Goal keeper position
- Decision - Where and how to shoot
COACHING POINTS - Execute - correct technique to shoot
Hit the target
Follow up shots
Laces for power/Inside of foot for placement
Quick shot or beat defender

SMALL SIDED GAME - 3v3 - 4 goal game

ORGANIZATION PROGRESSION
30x20 yard field (multiple for large numbers) with 4 goals Reds can only score in 2 goals, whites in the other
2 goals
Play 3v3, 3 min games or the first team to score stays on.
Have large supply of balls to make quick re-starts

COACHING POINTS
Hit the target
Follow up shots
Laces for power/Inside of foot for placement
Quick shot or beat defender
U10 WEEK EIGHT: DEFENDING
ACTIVITY 1: 1v1 DEFENDING
ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Create a playing area of 30 x 40 yards. Body shape - low and of the balls of the feet.
At one end have a goal with a goalkeeper.
Split players into 2 teams. Pressure - apply pressure on the ball quickly.
Place the attackers either side of the goal. Defenders start at
the opposite end of the area.
Begin to slow down as you approach the ball. 1
The game starts with the goalkeeper passing to an attacker. Positioning - run on a curve in order to cut off the
The attacker scores a point by dribbling through the cone gates path to the gate.
opposite them. DEFENDER
The defender comes in to stop the attacker. If the defender wins Stay on your feet - don’t dive in.
the ball, they can score in the goal.
PROGRESSION Wait for a mistake from the attacker before taking
ATTACKER 2
Time limit - defenders have 8 seconds to score in the gate. the ball (a bad touch).
Defenders have 5 seconds to take a shot after winning the ball.

ACTIVITY 2: 2v2 DEFENDING

ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Set up as above. Angles and distance of support. Don’t be too far
Two defenders and 2 attackers come into the area of play. away or too close to your defensive partner. ATTACKER
DEFENDER
Attackers can score by dribbling through either gate.
Defenders score in the goal. Nearest defender to the ball applies pressure -
don’t chase the ball around the area of play.

Patience - wait for a mistake before taking the DEFENDER

PROGRESSION ball.
Competition. See how many goals can be scored. ATTACKER
Don’t dive in.
Restrict attackers to scoring in one gate.

SMALL SIDED GAME: 4 GOALS

ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS

Create a playing area of 30 x 25 yards. Players to keep diamond shape to team.
Using pop up goals (or cones) create a goal in each corner of
the playing area. Encourage team out of possession to move as a
Split players into 2 teams of 4 players. unit to win back the ball.
Players score by dribbling through any of the corner goals.

PROGRESSION
Nominate 2 goals that each team can only score through.

Create a playing area of 60 x 40 yards and play 6v6 to goal.

U10 WEEK NINE: SMALL SIDED GAMES
SMALL SIDED GAME - 3v3
ORGANIZATION
30x20 yard field (multiple for large numbers)

Play 3v3, 3 min games or the first team to score stays on.
Have large supply of balls to make quick re-starts

COACHING POINTS
ABC - Awareness, body shape & Control
Weight and accuracy of passes
Finishing

SMALL SIDED GAME - 4v4

ORGANIZATION
40x30 yard field (multiple for large numbers)

Play 4v4 3 min games or the first team to score stays on.
Have large supply of balls to make quick re-starts

COACHING POINTS
ABC - Awareness, body shape & Control
Weight and accuracy of passes
Finishing

SMALL SIDED GAME - 5v5

ORGANIZATION
30x20 yard field (multiple for large numbers)

Play 5v5, 3 min games or the first team to score stays on.
Have large supply of balls to make quick re-starts

COACHING POINTS
ABC - Awareness, body shape & Control
Weight and accuracy of passes
Finishing
U10 WEEK TEN: TOURNAMENT
ACTIVITY 1: PLAYER’S CHOICE
ORGANIZATION
ALLOW THE PLAYERS TO CHOOSE THEIR FAVORITE GAME
FROM THE PREVIOUS 9 WEEKS.

ACTIVITY 2: PLAYER’S CHOICE #2

ORGANIZATION
ALLOW THE PLAYERS TO CHOOSE ANOTHER FAVORITE GAME
FROM THE PREVIOUS 9 WEEKS.

SMALL SIDED GAME: TOURNAMENT

ORGANIZATION COACHING POINTS
Split players into equal numbered teams (no more than 4 Remember the emphasis is fun and participation.
players per team).
Set up multiple fields and allow the players to play 4 v 4 to goal. Provide praise when you see good play.

All teams play each other once - the team that has scored the Give players other ways to score points than just scoring in the goal: -
most goals at the end of practice is the winner. 1 Point for a pass.
1 Point for a cool move.
1 Point for a player moving into space to receive a pass from a team mate.