Question Number: 22115

Law 18 - Common Sense 9/30/2009

RE: YMCA - recreation Under 7

Karolynn of Macomb, IL McDonough asks...

At what age should volunteer coaches, with little or no training in soccer teach small children headers. As I have researched on line, there is no official age... but with TBI's, concessions, childs mental capcity to make good decisions, skull development... I have concerns with my Y's desire to teach to 6 year olds... it seems they should be 10 or older?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Karolynn
Scientific research has concluded that it takes eight to twelve years of training for a player / athlete to reach elite levels. This is called the ten year rule or 10,000 hour rule, which translates to slightly more than three hours practice daily for ten years.

The FAI in association with Dr Istvan Balyi an internationally recognised sports scientist developed a framework for soccer development. Based on this framework, fun, fundamental motor skills and soccer specific skill development should be strongly emphasised at an early age. If younger players are to develop their skills and decision making, they need to be exposed to enjoyable practices to develop their capacities on a regular basis.

In Ireland at present it is a four phase model of development

Phase 1 - The FUNdamental Phase
Age: Males 6 to 9 / Females 6 to 8 years
The main objective of this phase is to learn all the fundamental movement skills using a well-structured, positive and fun approach. Soccer skills should be introduced, with an emphasis on fun, skill development and small sided games. Appropriate and correct running, jumping and throwing techniques are taught using the ABC's of athletics. Participation in as many sports as possible is encouraged. The development of these fundamental movement skills will contribute significantly to future at achievements.

Phase 2 - The Learning to Train Phase
Age: Males 9 to 12 / Females 8 to 11 years
The main objective of this phase is to learn the specific soccer skills in conjunction with FUNdamental skills from a range of other sports. These skills form the cornerstone of all player development. An emphasis on technical development should be a key part of this phase, with the 7 v 7 game being introduced, progressing to 9 v 9.

In phase 1 there would be no emphasis on heading and it only begins to be introduced in Phase 2. If a young player show an appetite for heading then so be it. From 9 onwards there is more emphasis on soccer specific skills which includes heading. I certainly would not recommend heading practise for anyone under 9/10. No need for it.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Some kids are incredible they show no fear and should not be discouraged from using the head when it useful or possible to do so. A bouncing ball at head height should pose no difficulty and no harm to nod past opponents or into goal. Where the issue starts to be a bit dicey is the long clearances balls or hard balls and the fact the kids lack skill or fear the ball plus their muscles and bones are undergoing considerable strain. I agree at 6 years there are a great many things ahead of heading a ball but if the child asks then demonstrate it CORRECTLY with the advice not to worry at this point of their career. Be sure the ball weight is suited to the age size 3. I think the physical development and cognitive ball skills are too iffy to teach this at age 6, having fun, kicking the ball must dominate practice. It is always a good idea to instill correct procedures and good habits to increase muscle memory and instinctive reactions but a ball sliding into the nose or compressing a spine or even a crash of concussions is a possibility. I do know protective head gear is on the market and deemed ok by the FIFA, FA and USSF soccer and while not a big fan of it cannot fault those who think it prudent to do so. Chelsea's keeper Peter Cech had a special cap shipped in from New Zealand to protect his head after suffering a serious break and concussion.
As head guards are not part of a player's , "basic compulsory equipment' as set out in the laws of the game, it's essential that they are safe to wear. Head guards must be soft in construction, with padded areas of dense foam all over to protect the head of the wearer. It can covers the ears but must ensure his hearing is unaffected. There must be no risk to the safety of either the wearer, or any team-mate, or opponent. No areas on the helmet that could cause unnatural deviation of the ball if it were to either strike the helmet or if the wearer were to head the ball are permitted


There are many AYSO videos out there to teach basics to youth suggest you get the volunteer coach one of those as a starting point!


http://www.screencast.com/users/soundsoccer/folders/Drill%20Library/media/df8c8825-08d7-479d-be25-a4887b3981b4

www.soccercoaching success.com

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Each child is different, but national associations worldwide are strongly encouraging letting young children have unstructured play in small groups. My experience is that the less training a coach (usually at this age just a parent) the more likely they will try to teach soccer like American Football - - as a series of coach- led static events rather than the dynamic, flowing sport we love.

We have a great program in my area for u6. One of our BU19 coaches (also a fine referee) runs the u6 program. On Saturdays, groups of kids arrive, are assembled into ad hoc teams of 4, and play in very small fields in a series of short matches. No keepers, no referees, just lots of kids having fun. Through play, they learn that soccer is fun, and they learn to kick and run and pass (sort of), follow the ball and score goals. And snack. Snacks are very important.

The studies I've seen suggest that there isn't a safety issue about heading, but rather this is a matter of age appropriate priorities.