AGE-PHASE PRIORTIES

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE Age 12 - 16

IN POSSESSION

Stay on the ball, master the ball

• Look to receive the ball in all areas of the pitch and be prepared to stay in possession.

Excite with the ball and seek creative solutions

• Seek creative solutions to game situations particularly when outnumbered or in congested areas.

Connect and combine creatively with others

• Stay connected with the ball and your teammates to retain possession, open up compact defences and score goals.

OUT OF POSSESSION

Positive and enthusiastic defending

• Be prepared to defend 1v1 and be confident without cover or support.

Intelligent defending

• Outwit your opponent with excellent patience, timing and intercepting skills.

Master a variety of defensive techniques and roles

• Win the ball cleanly, regaining and retaining possession in the same action to start attacks.

PTO

TRANSITION

Instinctive decision-making

• Dominate transition: react quickly and positively to the first individual action when both attacking and defending.

Positive and intelligent attacking reactions

• React instinctively and intelligently when possession is regained, recognising opportunities to disorganise the opposition. Manage the state of the game when opportunities to attack are limited.

Positive and intelligent defensive reactions

• Prevent progression by disrupting or destroying momentum, forcing errors and protecting the goal.