Mockingbird Valley Premier Player Benchmarks
Update Coming Soon! As a staff, we not only like to create goals for our players to aim for, but we are constantly reevaluating these goals to make sure that they most accurately reflect our current players.
The benchmarks below were established during the previous year and will be updated throughout the course of the year.
U8s, U9s, U10s & U11s (Boys + Girls)
Ball mastery with application in small sided game setting
Number of touches per training session should be 800
Exploration during training and games on how to play different positions
TECHNICAL GOALS
Can change direction while dribbling at speed
Will attempt to use non-dominant foot in game situations
Can juggle same number as his/her age
Improve ball striking technique (all surfaces)
TACTICAL GOALS (offense)
Enjoys shooting and dribbling past a defender
Looks up while dribbling the ball
Learn how and where to move to create space for teammates
Learn how and where to move to receive a pass
Introduction of combination play
TACTICAL GOALS (defense)
Learn to defend 1v1 and how to win ball back without fouling opponent
Understand importance and technique of defensively delaying penetration and allowing time to for support to arrive
Immediate chase
Pressure/cover/balance
Correct way to communicate
U12s, U13s & U14s (Boys+Girls)
Build aerobic base and build/increase strength
Further develop soccer specific (technical) skills/abilities which can be applied in 11 v 11 game
Number of touches on ball per training session should be 800
TECHNICAL GOALS
Perform 4-6 attacking moves to beat an opponent
Can pass, receive and shoot with skill using non-dominant foot
Develop capable footwork for defense with both sides of the body
Can juggle two times his/her age
TACTICAL GOALS (offense)
Knows where holes are on defense by looking up and communicates accordingly
Looks to play the ball into open space
Moves to provide a passing target/option. Moves to ball when receiving a pass from teammate
Knows his/her position on the field in various game situations
Knows how to use combination play to unbalance opponent (wall pass, overlap and takeover)
TACTICAL GOALS (defense)
Understanding of 1v1 defense and how to be successful in these situations
Works with other defenders, (how and when to delay attack and when to pressure)
Immediately chases after ball is lost to apply immediate pressure
Pressure/cover/balance
How to effectively communicate
U15s & U16s (Boys + Girls)
Optimize fitness preparation prior to special events (College showcase, State Cup and Regionals). Uses Baptist East for assistance with this field
Begin the process of teaching position specific skill set
Number of touches on ball per training session should be 800
Start process of learning how to communicate to potential College Soccer programs
TECHNICAL GOALS
Extend length accuracy of passing/receiving with non-dominant foot
Be able to use specific techniques in game setting, (how and when to use them)
Combine technique with core/strength (turning/shielding, 1v1 pressure)
TACTICAL GOALS (offense)
Players know when/how to play direct versus indirect (collective problem solving)
Team can effectively build the attack by playing the ball out of back through goal kick or GK distribution
Good understanding on how to make runs to support crosses
Know where on the field and how to possess ball to penetrate
Can adjust to tactical adjustments with formation or role difference
TACTICAL GOALS (defense)
Can defend against direct or indirect style teams
Can connect 2 lines on defense
Understand how and where to transition on defense
Can tactically adjust to different playing formations
Understand cues on when to step versus when to drop
Understanding on how to defend crosses
U17s & U18s (Boys + Girls)
Maximize fitness preparation prior to special events (College showcase, State Cup, Regionals). Use Baptist East for suggestions/ideas
Players should have position specific skillset and be able to apply in game environment
Number of touches on ball per training session should be 800
College bound athletes should be in direct communication with College Soccer program
TECHNICAL GOALS
Extend length and accuracy of passing/receiving
Understand application of technique in game settings
Be able to execute consistently at game speed while under pressure
TACTICAL GOALS (offense)
Understand rhythm/tempo of ball movement to effectively keep possession
Be able to maintain ball possession when team is winning
Precision/detail on restarts (corners, free kicks, throw-ins and goal-kicks)
Know how to effectively connect between the lines based on opposition pressure
Ability to transition efficiently at speed
TACTICAL GOALS (defense)
Be able to win ball back against team with good ball possession (playing from a goal down)
Understand team defense using all 3 lines
Goalkeeper role in organization
Be able to channel balls into areas of pressure
Understand how to drop or step as an entire group of 11
Proper organization on set plays, (individual/group roles and responsibilities)