Are individual player targets useful at U9?

Question

I am thinking about giving each player one simple target for a block of weeks, things like checking before receiving or reacting quicker when we lose it. Good idea or does it risk nine-year-olds playing for their personal target instead of reading the actual game?

Verified Coach · Accepted Answer

Individual targets can work well if they stay flexible.

I would keep each target broad enough that the player still has to read the game. “Look before receiving” is useful because the player can apply it in lots of situations. “Make five forward passes” is more likely to distort decisions.

Use the target as a coaching lens, not a matchday scorecard.

You might revisit it for three or four weeks, notice examples together and then change it when the player is ready.

I would also avoid giving every child a target just because everyone needs one. Some players may benefit more from a simple team theme for a while.

The target should help the player notice more of the game, not make them ignore the game to complete a task.

MM48 · Answer

I revisit them every few weeks. Sometimes the best decision is to drop the target because the player's game has moved on.

BecksM84 · Answer

As a parent I would want the target to stay between coach and child, not become another thing I quiz them about in the car.

luke_again · Answer

Targets work best for us when they are things the player can notice rather than count. 'Look before it arrives' is much better than 'make five passes'.

Are individual player targets useful at U9?

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