Soccer Coaching Sessions - Developing Ability

It is believed, not by all psychologists, that abilities can be developed, and the general consensus is that the most important phase for development is during the individuals early childhood. Therefore it is crucial that children are provided with many opportunities to practice a wide range of experiences, as well as coaching / teaching and access to necessary equipment and facilities. Therefore if as a coach you are in charge of a young group of players, it should not be viewed as merely ‘babysitting’, this is because you may be responsible for the player’s long term development and success.  Abilities form the foundations for skills, and generally abilities are developed through experience and maturation, and follow a predetermined set of stages.

1. Learn basic movement skills such as walking, skipping, pushing, stretching and balancing. These movements form the basis for further development.
2. The basic movements are developed into Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) between the ages of 4 and 9 years old. Each FMS is made of a series of actions against which skills mastery can be measured. All FMS have established coaching points and therefore performance of the skill can be broken down and improved. For example the process of kicking a ball can be broken down into Approach, Body Shape, Non-Kicking Foot, Point of Execution.
3. Once the FMS have be mastered they can then be developed into sport specific movements that correspond with the requirements of that sport. For example basic catching can be developed into the different goalkeeping techniques of catching (bucket, ‘W’ etc).

The earlier and more competently the individual learns the fundamental motor skills the more successful they will be at learning sports specific skills. Therefore soccer coaching sessions should be diverse and inclusive of all the movements a child requires and not just focused upon soocer specific exercises.

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