There is not an exact chronological process for coaching children – it is only a guide.
Coaches need to be flexible and adapt to the characteristics of the individual children they are coaching.
The coach of a 15-year-old beginner. for example, should focus on the development of basic skills which is the main aim of the preceding stage.
Stage 1 (0 to 4 y.o) – no organized coaching.
Stage 2 (5 to 8 y.o) – General coordination and creativity in a totally fun environment we would develop a large basis of general motor skills and experience of various movements. Mini-games, modified individual and team sports, interaction of child and equipment: broom sticks, hula-hoops, skipping ropes and mattresses.
Children should experience playing with different kinds of balls, (balloon, plastic, tennis, rugby, soccer, basketball, volleyball and of course Futsal). It is recommended that each child has his/her own Futsal ball.
We suggest children in this age group not participate in organized competition under the traditional formats but play at carnivals with a participation basis.
Stage 3 (9 to 11 y.o) – Learning and improvement of specific Futsal skills is the main aim at this stage. The same emphasis should be given to all skills including the practice of goalkeeper skills. Players should experience playing in all positions. A basic tactical awareness of defensive and attacking positioning can also be introduced.
Stage 4 (12 to 15 y.o) – At this stage players can be stimulated to have a better understanding of the game. The emphasis is on tactical knowledge, comprehension and application of different systems. Coaching and playing should involve gradual increase of intensity.
Stage 5 (16 to 18 y.o) – Developing autonomy and the ability to read the game identify and handle different game situations. Players in this age group can be stimulated to organize competitions, manage and coach younger teams. This is a good strategy to develop the maturity and responsibility of the players. At the same time, when coaching they will have the chance to think about the game and visualize their own strengths and weaknesses as players.
with thanks to futsal.com.au