The NH Cobras SC endeavors to provide the best possible soccer experience for all its young players. This is carried out through the creation of a positive, development based, age appropriate training environment.

Structured Training Sessions

The majority of our training sessions should be structured with between 3-5 phases. It is important that coaches have a training plan before they arrive at the field (before players) and that the transition between the phases of training is quick, with minimal distractions (ie. lots of cone moving). The training phases should be as follows:

1.Dynamic warm-up (with ball whenever possible – should incorporate more stretching with U12’s and up.)
2.Technical work (moves, controlling surfaces, passing combinations)
3.Age-appropriate possession exercise (3 v 1, 5 v 3, 5 + 5 v 5)
4.Match (age-appropriate, small-sided or medium-sized, with GKs)
5.Coaches choice: finishing, penalties, wrap-up or review of session

Age Group Organization

Initial Stage: 5-8 years old

• An this stage it is critical that the children are experimenting with the ball and developing their technique.
• Games that develop coordination, basic motor skills (with and without the ball) and help the kids feel comfortable on the ball should be primary focus.
• Training sessions should be roughly 75 minutes in duration (includes 30 minute scrimmage) depending on the age.
• Recommended numbers for games: 3 v 3 and 4 v 4.

 Basic Stage: 9-12 years old

• In the basic stage, we continue to emphasize technique with the ball. 
• Lots of technical work at the beginning of training (90 minutes) that transfers into small possession games (5 v 5 + 2, etc) and game-related exercises (5 v 5, 6 v 6 with targets and big goals).
• Emphasize quicker decision-making, 1 v 1 attacking, sharp passing, and collective work when the ball turns over to win it back.  

Intermediate Stage: 13-14 years old

• • Small and large group defending (zonal)
  • Changing point of attack
  • Quick passing movements in tight spaces
  • Getting appropriate numbers forward in attack
  • Balance in midfield
  • Looking for penetrating passes
  • Compactness from back
  • Communication

Advanced Stage: 15-18 years old 

• Emphasis at this stage continues to be on good technique, sharp passing and quick decision-making with the ball.
• Training sessions (90 minutes) should be sharp, focused and competitive.
• Some of the many areas of concentration throughout the season would include:
  • Team shape in attack and defense
  • Transitions
  • Playing out of the back
  • Midfield shape (with and without ball)

Common Themes

There are a few common themes that define the environment in our club through all the age groups:

• Fun
• Challenging
• “Player-centric”: players allowed and encouraged to make quick decisions on the field.
• Emphasis on Technique: enhancing the ability to control