Bellevue Soccer Club

Characteristics of a U10 Player

Lengthened attention span - they are still in motion, but not as busy, only holding still long enough for a short explanation
More inclined toward wanting to play rather than being told to play
Psychologically becoming slightly firmer and more confident
Some are becoming serious about their play
Team oriented – prefer team type balls and equipment. Enjoy the uniforms and team association.
Boys and girls beginning to develop separately
Developing the pace factor – thinking ahead

All children are maturing at different rates and are sensitive to that fact.
Need to warm-up and stretch as muscle pulls and other nagging injuries tend to become more common.
Typically understand elemental abstract concepts and hypothetical situations.
They like to solve problems.
Peer evaluation is a constant.
Egos are sensitive.
Coordination may depend on whether or not they are in a growth spurt.
Technique still needs to be reinforced constantly.
Playing too much can lead to overuse injuries.
Playing too much and not feeling like they have a choice in the matter can lead to burnout and drop-out.
This is the dawn of tactics!
Keep asking the players to be creative and to take risks.
Ask for feedback from them. They will tell you how things are going.
Try to hand over leadership and ownership of the team to them. They will enjoy leading and it will add to the learning environment.

The more advanced players can execute the range of skills, but most others are still developing previously taught skills and are now being exposed to these additional skills.
Important psychosocial implications for a child entering puberty – early or late.
Popularity influences self-esteem.
Tests limits - a know-it-all attitude.
Fertile period to learn – full of eagerness.
Tend to be quite self-critical and may need regular positive reinforcement.
Bodies are going through physical changes that affect personal appearance
There will be significant differences in physical maturation rates between individuals.
Rapid growth spurts of the skeleton leave ligaments, tendons and muscles catching up, so coordination and balance are astray.
Temporary gangly movement may result in a loss of touch on the ball.
Players do not always make the connection between their growth spurt and the temporary loss of form; they need help realizing that everything will come back into synch in six to 18 months.