Ages 12+
There is no rush, despite the presence of collegiate scouting at these ages, to be playing at a more advanced level than the player is ready. To be technically sound is for the player to be able to be ahead of the game.
Below we have outlined the primary difference between knowing whether an athlete is ready for competition with a more mature (i.e., experienced and technically sound) athlete or if more fundamental technique work is still necessary. To be ahead of the game encompasses the athlete’s ability to read the game, protect one’s self, to focus on advancement by revising health and nutrition, improving overall athletic performance, implementing injury prevention / strengthening as part of the daily routine, and more.
By age 15 we want decision-making to be automatic / intuitive because a primary focus, particularly for girls, should be on protecting the knee. This is a good time to discuss with us where the player is developmentally in terms of placement along the age chart. Athletes at these ages should be fundamentally and technically sound. The main focus for this age group is body and knee positioning. For the competitive soccer player, club play is important at this stage.
Discussing the Primary Difference between ages 12+ versus 14+.
Ages 12+: Age divisions vary between 12+ and 12-14. Primarily the variations are skill level-dependent; this is because many athletes at these ages, especially 12-13 are still working on chipping and bending with both feet. This age group still needs much 1v1 and 2v1-2 work.
Ages 14+: Age 14+ is a critical divide in skill level. Most 14 year old athletes are freshmen. At this point we begin to see division into JV and Varsity levels of play. We also see changes in social expectations of play. By ages 15+, athletes need to be solid with their chipping and bending. One major weakness in this age group is vision and decision-making. Instead of 1v1 training, these athletes really need 4v2-type training (i.e., a higher level of decision-making should be demonstrated).
We not only teach passing, receiving, and finishing but also creativity which is not taught much in the U.S. Most kids in America are primarily taught the tactical part of the game, which is one reason our American players are not creative on the field. GFT skills will teach you what you do not learn at the club or rec level as they put most focus on the team.
HEADS UP!
One area of concern for this age group in particular is the frequency of heading the ball and collisions that can occur during the intensity of the game. EDUCATE YOURSELF about the statistics, dangers, causes, signs and symptoms, and prevention methods that are available for injury prevention. We take your safety seriously and want you to do the same.