U09-U10 Age Group
The U9 age group is the first year of competitive soccer within Kansas Rush. Therefore each training session will focus on building a strong individual foundation of skill by developing good training habits and working on the technical aspects of the game in 7 v 7 format.
High Priorities:
Make every player technically confident on the ball with both feet
Develop good training habits
Make training fun and competitive
Dribbling to develop the function of moves
Low Priority:
Finishing
Recieving balls out of the air
Player Expectations:
Players confident enough to take risks with the ball in training and game situations
25 juggles in one minute
U11 Age Group
The U11 age group continues the training priorities created in the U10 age group. However, the main focus of this age group is the 1v1 dual between players. High pressure will be introduced earlier in the sessions. Players will participate in an 8 v 8 format.
High Priorities:
Advanced Dribbling to beat the defender
Passing/receiving - 1st touch
Finishing
Low Priority
Recieving balls out of the air
Combination play (2v1; 2v2)
Communication
Player Expectations:
Passing/receiving for distance
Striking the ball with both feet
50 juggles in one minute
U12 Age Group
The U12 age group is an overlap of the U11 age group and every session will encompass the continued development of individual skill on the ball. However, the main focus is the introduction of play within small groups. Playing format is 8 v 8.
High Priorities:
Passing/receiving and striking the ball (for distance, crossing; flighted balls)
Combination play (2v1, 2v2, 3v2, 3v3) when to pass vs when to dribble
Small Group Defending - Lose it get it back; everyone attacks everyone defends
Communication
Low Priority:
Possession with a purpose
Penetration and shape
Making the field bigger with longer passes and movement of the ball
Player Expectations:
Hit and receive a driven ball
75 juggles in one minute
U13 Age Group
At the U13 Age Group there is still an emphasis on small group play. However, it begins a simple introduction to larger group play. The playing format is 11v11 at this age group.
High Priorities:
Possession with a purpose (as a means to an end).
Penetration Play
Attacking Shape
Advanced combination play (short-short-long, up-back-thru, 3rd man runs).
Defending Shape
Low Priority:
Changing the Point of Attack
Attacking Rhythm of Play
Speed of Play
U14 Age Group
At the U14 Age Group, the focus is now squarely upon large group play and finding success within the full game (11v11). While individual player development is still important, the roles within the team and overall team development has now come to the forefront.
High Priorities:
Rhythm of Play
Speed of Play
Large Group Defensive Tactics (high pressure, low pressure, pressing)
Advanced combination play
Low Priority:
Zonal Defending
Playing in Thirds of the Field