Soccer Age GroupsDifferent age groups in soccer require different training methods to optimize their physical development and to prevent costly mistakes.The wrong training at the wrong times can be potentially harmful and actually damaging to the soccer players‘ health and career. Whereas the right training at the right time will lay a good, solid foundation and ensure maximal performance whilst protecting against unnecessary injury. Youth-Development is a big factor in both the soccer clubs‘ as well as the individual players‘ future. Window of Opportunity The Window of Opportunity, once missed, is difficult to make up for... If taken full advantage of, it will allow the player to develop to his full potential. Let me give the stage on this to legendary master coach, Al Vermeil: Taking Advantage Of The “Window Of Opportunity” To Develop Junior Athletes: „Establishing A Great Training Base As The Body Matures Is Like A Savings Account, The Sooner You Start, The Greater The Interest or Return Over A Life Time.Even If They Take A Break, It's Still There For Them To Build On When They Resume Training.” • The Window Of Opportunity Is The Time When The Most Significant Changes In Physical And Skill Development Can Be Made. • The Optimal Period Is 7-17 For Developing Skill, Strength And Power!! • The Body And Nervous System Are Very Malleable, Just Like Putty, And Can Be Molded Easier Than In A Mature Athlete.
• During This Crucial Time Of Accelerated Rate Of Development And Lesser Influence Of Genetics, It’s Paramount That The Correct Training Stimulus Be Applied.
• All These Factors Make This Age Group Extremely Adaptable To The Training Stimulus. • If This Window Is Missed Or Not Properly Managed It Can Limit Their Optimum Performance And Long Term Results. • For Those Who Utilize This Window, They Will Be Able To Access It Throughout Their Lifes As Opposed To Those Who Missed This Opportunity. • This Only Occurs Once In A Life, Ages 7-17. Al Vermeil. At varying ages, the kids/teenagers/adults/middle-aged players will require adequate training methods. During the different stages in the young players‘ life, different physiological systems are developed and should consequently be emphasized at that time. Once this window is closed, other things need focusing on, not to waste time trying to develop something that simply will not further develop via these methods... For example Agility-Training after 12-14 years of age. We use the appropriate methods at the appropriate times for max results. Age Groups: • 6-8: General Development, Multiple Sports: Climbing, Balancing, Throwing, Jumping, Games • 8-10: Speed Development, focus on Sprints and Agility-Drills, Fun-Training • 10-12: Nervous System Development Concludes: Quickness, Agility, Speed, Power • 12-14: Puberty, No Plyometrics! Start adding External Resistance. Specialization-Age, Position-Specific Training • 14-16: Same as 12-14, Resistance and Intensity are increased • 16-21: Full Lifting, Speed and Plyometric Work • 21-35: Maintenance of Top-Performance Levels, Focus on Prehab • 35-40: Prehab/Rehab, start using lower Intensities in the Resistance Training, slow down on Speed, Power and Strength Work, focus more on Hypertrophy A Note on Specialization: Too Early a Specialization Can Limit Development For The Following Reasons: 1:Overuse Injuries 2:Limits Development of Motor Skills 3:Creates Undue Pressure And Expectation 4:The Sport They Excelled At Between 7-15 May Change Due To The Maturation Process 5:Denies A Normal Childhood Experience 6:Burn Out Note: More in-depth detail on specialized Training for the different Age Groups following soon... soccer specific age groups, soccer specific training Training Guidelines Soccer Programs Soccer Periodization Soccer Sleep Soccer Strength Training Coaching Kids Soccer? Find all the Drills and Games here !;-) New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
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