This document discusses coordinative capacities in youths and provides examples of coordination training exercises. It defines body coordination as the smooth and timed movement of different body parts to perform physical movements. Proprioceptors in the muscles, joints and tendons provide information to the brain about body positioning. The principles of coordination training emphasize quality over quantity, focusing on fundamental movement skills, progression, and including coordination training in every youth training session. A variety of coordination exercises are described that target capacities like differentiation, reaction, transformation of movements, and spatial awareness through activities like dribbling through gates and following a leader while mimicking their movements.

1. Coordinative Capacities in
Youths
Philip Joe Cauchi – 2016
As part of the UEFA A Elite Coaching Course
Between the ages of 8 and 12
Saturday 22 April 2017

2. • Movement of different body
parts in a well timed and
smooth manner to perform
the intended physical
movements.
• Requires proprioceptors
(found in muscles, joints and
tendons) to identify the
position of different body
parts in relation to space.
What is Body Coordination?

3. Proprioceptors
1.1. Provide information to the brain aboutProvide information to the brain about
angles of jointsangles of joints,, muscles tensionmuscles tension andand
muscle lengthmuscle length thus the position of thethus the position of the
joint in space.joint in space.
2.2. Located inLocated in muscles bundlesmuscles bundles,, ligamentsligaments
andand tendonstendons
3.3. Connected to the spinal cordConnected to the spinal cord through thethrough the
peripheral nervous system.peripheral nervous system.
4.4. Muscle SpindlesMuscle Spindles: Provides information: Provides information
about changes inabout changes in muscle lengthmuscle length..
5.5. Golgi Tendon OrganGolgi Tendon Organ: Provides: Provides
information about changes ininformation about changes in musclesmuscles
tensiontension. Smooths onset and termination. Smooths onset and termination
of muscle contraction.of muscle contraction.
6.6. Joint Kinesthetic ReceptorsJoint Kinesthetic Receptors: Provides: Provides
information about joint movement ininformation about joint movement in
spacespace

4. Proprioceptors

5. Principles of Coordination Training
1. We don’t sacrifice quality for quantity; less is more
2. We are focusing after correct movementcorrect movement – the Fundamental Movement
Skills (FMS)
3. This is imperative both for movement efficiencymovement efficiency and also for the
prevention of injuriesprevention of injuries, acute (traumatic) and overuse (through improper
movement skills)
4. Coach the details (foot position, head position, arm-foot coordination,
etc.)
5. Appropriate general to specific training plan – ProgressionProgression
6. From the age of 8 to 12 coordination training in every training session

6. Principles of Coordination
Training
8. Between 15 to 20 minutes in each session
9. Can form part of the warm-up
10. Could alternate between an exercise and a game
• One group doing technique
• Other group doing exercises dedicated for the enhancement of a specific
capacity

7. Coordination Training within a
Session
Warm-Up Game
Coordination
Football Coordination
Game
Practice
Game
Cool Down
5’
10’
10’
15’
10’
20’
5’
Fundamental Movement Skills
With and without the Ball

8. Fundamental Movement Skills
Foundation skills to build more complex sport-specific skills
Football Specific Skills
Elite
Manipulative
Non-Manipulative

9. Fundamental Movement Skills
Fundamental
Movement Skills
Jumping CoordinationJumping Coordination Running CoordinationRunning Coordination ThrowingThrowing
TurningTurning
HoppingHopping RollingRolling
CatchingCatching
KickingKicking

12. Orientation of Space and Time – Football Application

13. Get to a Free Space Quickly!!!
Description:Description:
Players from each side aim to get to another free space
on the opposite side while dribbling their ball. The player
in the middle aims to dribble to either side to find a free
space.
Description:Description:
Players from each side aim to get to another free space
on the opposite side while dribbling their ball. The player
in the middle aims to dribble to either side to find a free
space.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Differentiation: Dribbling and stopping the ball using
both feet (touch sensitivity).
Reaction: React to move to the closest available space or
dribble to another space which has suddenly became
available.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Differentiation: Dribbling and stopping the ball using
both feet (touch sensitivity).
Reaction: React to move to the closest available space or
dribble to another space which has suddenly became
available.
Progression:Progression:
Include two or three players in the middle starting
without a position.
Progression:Progression:
Include two or three players in the middle starting
without a position.

14. Change your Ball!!!
Description:Description:
Players dribble their ball to a free marker and stop it
their. After stopping their ball they move to another
marker where there is a ball to take the other ball and
repeat the sequence. This equals one point.
Description:Description:
Players dribble their ball to a free marker and stop it
their. After stopping their ball they move to another
marker where there is a ball to take the other ball and
repeat the sequence. This equals one point.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Differentiation: Dribbling and stopping the ball using
both feet (touch sensitivity).
Reaction: React to space available.
Transformation of Movements: Change direction with
feints.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Differentiation: Dribbling and stopping the ball using
both feet (touch sensitivity).
Reaction: React to space available.
Transformation of Movements: Change direction with
feints.
Progression:Progression:
Include a defender in the middle who tackles the players’
ball. Players aim to complete as many points as possible
within one minute.
Progression:Progression:
Include a defender in the middle who tackles the players’
ball. Players aim to complete as many points as possible
within one minute.

15. Change your Ball!!!

16. Through the Gates!
Description:Description:
Players dribble through gates to earn a point. Only one
player may dribble through the gate at any given time.
The gate to go through must be of a different colour that
the previous one.
Description:Description:
Players dribble through gates to earn a point. Only one
player may dribble through the gate at any given time.
The gate to go through must be of a different colour that
the previous one.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Differentiation: Touch sensitivity.
Reaction: React to the space available
Combination of Movements: Different dribbling
techniques and changes of direction with the ball.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Differentiation: Touch sensitivity.
Reaction: React to the space available
Combination of Movements: Different dribbling
techniques and changes of direction with the ball.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Players must perform a skill whilst dribbling through
the area
2.Colour-coded dribble (blue-red-blue, etc.)
3.Have a defender inside the area
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Players must perform a skill whilst dribbling through
the area
2.Colour-coded dribble (blue-red-blue, etc.)
3.Have a defender inside the area

18. Keep theKeep the
rhythm torhythm to
avoid gettingavoid getting
caught offsidecaught offside
Rhythm – Football Application

19. Follow the Leader!
Description:Description:
Players are paired. One of the pair is assigned as the
leader. Follower tries to mimic and keep up with the
leader.
Description:Description:
Players are paired. One of the pair is assigned as the
leader. Follower tries to mimic and keep up with the
leader.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Combination and Transformation of Movements:
Combine or transform pre-programmed movements into
new ones according to the new situation.
Reaction: React to the environment and leader’s
movements.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Combination and Transformation of Movements:
Combine or transform pre-programmed movements into
new ones according to the new situation.
Reaction: React to the environment and leader’s
movements.
Variations:Variations:
Can also be done without the use of a ball and
incorporating changes of speed and direction..
Variations:Variations:
Can also be done without the use of a ball and
incorporating changes of speed and direction..

20. Kite Dribbling
Description:Description:
All four players start dribbling at the signal (visual) of the
player at the top of the kite. All players aim to arrive at
the corresponding position in the opposite kite at the
same time.
Description:Description:
All four players start dribbling at the signal (visual) of the
player at the top of the kite. All players aim to arrive at
the corresponding position in the opposite kite at the
same time.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Combination of Movements: Dribbling the ball.
Spatial Awareness: Players keep the same distance
between each other.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Combination of Movements: Dribbling the ball.
Spatial Awareness: Players keep the same distance
between each other.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Introduce another kite or two kites.. Players have to
react and keep the shape while dribbling to different
kites.
2.Specific players must rotate positions while dribbling.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Introduce another kite or two kites.. Players have to
react and keep the shape while dribbling to different
kites.
2.Specific players must rotate positions while dribbling.

21. Kite Dribbling - Variation
Description:Description:
Player A passes to Player B and overlaps. Player B passes
to Player C and overlaps. Player C dribbles to the first
cone of the triangle. All three players dribble to their
respective angle of the triangle while keeping shape and
arriving at targeted destination at the same time. To
make easier for the learners to understand each origin
point and destination point is colour coded.
Description:Description:
Player A passes to Player B and overlaps. Player B passes
to Player C and overlaps. Player C dribbles to the first
cone of the triangle. All three players dribble to their
respective angle of the triangle while keeping shape and
arriving at targeted destination at the same time. To
make easier for the learners to understand each origin
point and destination point is colour coded.

22. Rhythmic Dribbling
Description:Description:
Leader chooses one of the dribbling paths available.
Follower chooses any of the other two. Both must arrive
in their respective areas at the same time.
Description:Description:
Leader chooses one of the dribbling paths available.
Follower chooses any of the other two. Both must arrive
in their respective areas at the same time.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Combination of Movements: Dribbling the ball.
Differentiation: Touch sensitivity.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Combination of Movements: Dribbling the ball.
Differentiation: Touch sensitivity.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Leader must dribble through two gates.
2.Follower must dribble through two gates.
3.Both players must dribble through two gates.
4.As in (1) but both players may not dribble through the
same gate simultaneously.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Leader must dribble through two gates.
2.Follower must dribble through two gates.
3.Both players must dribble through two gates.
4.As in (1) but both players may not dribble through the
same gate simultaneously.

24. Balance – Football Application
Holding offHolding off
opponentsopponents
to protectto protect
the ballthe ball

25. Diego MaradonaDiego Maradona
v. England –v. England –
Mexico 86Mexico 86
Balance to hold off SIXSIX
England defenders,
dribble the ball
approximately SIXTYSIXTY
meters whilst
changing dribbling
speed and direction to
score

26. Balancing Challenges
Description:Description:
Player stands on one leg while moving the other in
different directions. Further challenges include hopping
on one leg and touching the ground while balanced on
one leg.
Description:Description:
Player stands on one leg while moving the other in
different directions. Further challenges include hopping
on one leg and touching the ground while balanced on
one leg.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Segmentation: See progressions below.
Spatial Awareness: See progressions below.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Segmentation: See progressions below.
Spatial Awareness: See progressions below.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Player inside a small grid with cones and must touch
the cone called or shown by the coach or teammate.
2.While being balanced on one leg, the players move
their arms in different directions.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Player inside a small grid with cones and must touch
the cone called or shown by the coach or teammate.
2.While being balanced on one leg, the players move
their arms in different directions.

27. Ball Manipulative Balance
Challenges
Description:Description:
Player stands on one foot while bouncing and catching a
ball. Perform three catches while being balanced on one
foot then skip, switch balance legs and repeat on the
opposite leg.
Description:Description:
Player stands on one foot while bouncing and catching a
ball. Perform three catches while being balanced on one
foot then skip, switch balance legs and repeat on the
opposite leg.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Rhythm: Keep rhythm of bouncing the ball.
Differentiation: Bouncing weight.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Rhythm: Keep rhythm of bouncing the ball.
Differentiation: Bouncing weight.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Hop on one foot while bouncing and catching the ball.
2.Balance on one foot and heading ball into hands.
3.Balance on one foot while controlling the ball using the
thigh
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Hop on one foot while bouncing and catching the ball.
2.Balance on one foot and heading ball into hands.
3.Balance on one foot while controlling the ball using the
thigh

28. Hop and Score
Description:Description:
Player hops from one hoop to another and throws the
ball into the empty net from the last hoop while still
being balanced on one leg.
Description:Description:
Player hops from one hoop to another and throws the
ball into the empty net from the last hoop while still
being balanced on one leg.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Differentiation: Throwing weight (ball must not touch
ground before entering the goal).
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Differentiation: Throwing weight (ball must not touch
ground before entering the goal).
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Increase throwing distance.
2.Increase the number of hoops.
3.Hop over low hurdles ( 4” height).
4.Combine hoops and low hurdles as obstacles (working
on differentiation).
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Increase throwing distance.
2.Increase the number of hoops.
3.Hop over low hurdles ( 4” height).
4.Combine hoops and low hurdles as obstacles (working
on differentiation).
Work both left and right legsWork both left and right legsWork both left and right legsWork both left and right legs

30. Differentiation – Football Application

31. Flying Ball
Description:Description:
Player Kicks the ball into the net without it touching the
ground prior to entering the goal. Increase distance from
goal accordingly as a progression.
Description:Description:
Player Kicks the ball into the net without it touching the
ground prior to entering the goal. Increase distance from
goal accordingly as a progression.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Equilibrium: Balancing on one foot while kicking the ball
into the net.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Equilibrium: Balancing on one foot while kicking the ball
into the net.
Variations/Progressions:Variations/Progressions:
1.Volley ball from hand and kick it into the net.
2.Bounce the ball once or twice and kick it into the net.
3.Hit the crossbar (accuracy).
4.Kick ball into the net without it touching the ground
after a short dribble
Variations/Progressions:Variations/Progressions:
1.Volley ball from hand and kick it into the net.
2.Bounce the ball once or twice and kick it into the net.
3.Hit the crossbar (accuracy).
4.Kick ball into the net without it touching the ground
after a short dribble
Work both left and right feetWork both left and right feetWork both left and right feetWork both left and right feet

32. Target Ball
Description:Description:
Competition between players who gets the ball into the
red area in less kicks.
Description:Description:
Competition between players who gets the ball into the
red area in less kicks.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Equilibrium: Balancing on one foot while kicking the ball.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Equilibrium: Balancing on one foot while kicking the ball.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Have obstacles that the players need to avoid.
2.Increase distance of target area.
3.Reduce size of target area.
4.Play using weaker foot.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Have obstacles that the players need to avoid.
2.Increase distance of target area.
3.Reduce size of target area.
4.Play using weaker foot.

33. Lob over Obstacle to Shoot at Goal
Description:Description:
Server lobs the ball over the small goal for the other
player to conclude at goal with a shot.
Description:Description:
Server lobs the ball over the small goal for the other
player to conclude at goal with a shot.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Equilibrium: Balancing on one foot while kicking the ball.
Combination of Movements: See progression 3.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Equilibrium: Balancing on one foot while kicking the ball.
Combination of Movements: See progression 3.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Increase distance from obstacle.
2.Increase height of obstacle.
3.Perform a small dribble then lob the ball.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Increase distance from obstacle.
2.Increase height of obstacle.
3.Perform a small dribble then lob the ball.

34. 3v2 Weighted Passes in Attack
Description:Description:
3v2 in the lower zone with the attacking trio aiming to
pass the ball inside the middle zone to end the attack.
Description:Description:
3v2 in the lower zone with the attacking trio aiming to
pass the ball inside the middle zone to end the attack.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Quick Reaction: To the negative/positive transition
Combination and Transformation of Movements: Passing,
receiving, dribbling, shooting, etc. As per requirements
of the situation.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Quick Reaction: To the negative/positive transition
Combination and Transformation of Movements: Passing,
receiving, dribbling, shooting, etc. As per requirements
of the situation.
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Play 3v3
2.Remove the middle zone and play normal
Progressions:Progressions:
1.Play 3v3
2.Remove the middle zone and play normal

36. Reaction Speed – Football Application

37. Catch me if you Can! (Reaction to a tactile
stimulus)
Description:Description:
Player (tagger) touches any of the three players on their
shoulders and flees to run through the gate prior to being
tagged by the tagged player. Tagged player switch places
with fleer. Group players according to ability. New
tagger cannot tag the previous tagger.
Description:Description:
Player (tagger) touches any of the three players on their
shoulders and flees to run through the gate prior to being
tagged by the tagged player. Tagged player switch places
with fleer. Group players according to ability. New
tagger cannot tag the previous tagger.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Equilibrium: See variation 1 below
Combination of Movements: See variation 2 below
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Equilibrium: See variation 1 below
Combination of Movements: See variation 2 below
Variations/Progressions:Variations/Progressions:
1.Standing players stand on one leg
2.Taggers dribble a ball
3.Have a larger group but two taggers simultaneously.
Tagged players must recognise who was the player who
tagged them. This develops peripheral vision.
Variations/Progressions:Variations/Progressions:
1.Standing players stand on one leg
2.Taggers dribble a ball
3.Have a larger group but two taggers simultaneously.
Tagged players must recognise who was the player who
tagged them. This develops peripheral vision.

38. Catch me if you Can! (Reaction to a tactile
stimulus)

39. React after the Pass
Description:Description:
Leader (red player) and defender (blue player) start at
the same time. Leader dribbles the ball and defender
without the ball. After cross their respective lines, the
leader tries to pass the ball into the small goal and
attempts to run through either the blue or red gates.
Defender aims to tag the leader before passing through
the gate.
Description:Description:
Leader (red player) and defender (blue player) start at
the same time. Leader dribbles the ball and defender
without the ball. After cross their respective lines, the
leader tries to pass the ball into the small goal and
attempts to run through either the blue or red gates.
Defender aims to tag the leader before passing through
the gate.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Rhythm: Both players must start and get to their
respective gate simultaneously.
Combination of Movements: Dribble the ball and pass.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Rhythm: Both players must start and get to their
respective gate simultaneously.
Combination of Movements: Dribble the ball and pass.
Easier Variation:Easier Variation:
Both players start without the ball.
Easier Variation:Easier Variation:
Both players start without the ball.

40. React after the Pass! (Variations)

41. React to Defend or to Score
Description:Description:
Coach passes the ball to the Blue player (attacker) who
tries to finish in either goal while the Red player
(defender) aims to defend.
Description:Description:
Coach passes the ball to the Blue player (attacker) who
tries to finish in either goal while the Red player
(defender) aims to defend.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Differentiation: Shot at goal.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Differentiation: Shot at goal.
ProgressionProgression
Attacker must finish with one touch.
ProgressionProgression
Attacker must finish with one touch.

42. React to Defend or to Score

43. Catch the Bouncing Ball
Description:Description:
Catcher faces the other way with the server behind her.
Server bounces the ball and the catcher must catch the
bounced ball before it touches the ground the second
time.
Description:Description:
Catcher faces the other way with the server behind her.
Server bounces the ball and the catcher must catch the
bounced ball before it touches the ground the second
time.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Balance: See progression 1.
Other capacities developed:Other capacities developed:
Balance: See progression 1.
ProgressionsProgressions
1.Catcher faces the other way but balancing on one leg.
She then has to turn to catch the ball while still being
balanced on one leg.
2.Bounce ball at various heights and distances.
ProgressionsProgressions
1.Catcher faces the other way but balancing on one leg.
She then has to turn to catch the ball while still being
balanced on one leg.
2.Bounce ball at various heights and distances.