How youth soccer players learn the game

How do youth soccer players learn the game? The answer is simple! They learn the game by watching, imitating, practicing and being tested during game play.

How do youth soccer players learn the game? The answer is simple! They learn the game by watching, imitating, practicing and being tested during game play.

 

1. Observation - When young soccer players watch elite players such as players in the English Premier League, Champions League or Major League Soccer (MLS), this gives them a role model to mimic their play and helps young players set goals. These players who watch older elite soccer players play in practice and in games often develop a much higher level of understanding of the tactics behind the game.
   
2. Imitation – Often times the above mentioned “observation” turns into young soccer players trying to mimic or re-enact the techniques learned from the older elite soccer player.
   
3. Practice – This stage is the area where the player works on and improves their technique. This can be juggling by one’s self, playing soccer with a friend at the local school, or practicing in a group or team setting.
   
4. The Game (Testing) – This is the area where the player attempts to perform the practiced techniques during a game. This can be 1v1 with a friend, 2v2, 4v4, 8v8 or a full sided 11v11.