The AHU Training Hub

Resources for excellence. Empowering our coaches, players, and families to grow the game together.

AI Soccer Assistant Enabled

Coaching Zone

Curriculum, session plans & club DNA.

Locker Room

Ball mastery, fitness & challenges.

Parent Ed

Culture, nutrition & rules of the game.

The Coaching Zone

U6-U8: Discovery Phase

Focus: Ball mastery, fun games, 1v1 confidence.

Sharks & Minnows
Red Light, Green Light
1v1 to Goals

U9-U12: Skill Acquisition

Focus: Passing, receiving, first touch, 2v1 tactics.

Coerver Moves
Passing Gates
Possession Rondos

U13+: Game Training

Focus: Tactics, positional play, fitness, set pieces.

Building from Back
Pressing Triggers
Zone Defense

The Locker Room

Ball Mastery

Join the "10,000 Touch Club". Daily juggling and dribbling grids.

Technical Library

Learn the fundamentals: Passing, Shooting, and Turns.

Fitness & Injury

FIFA 11+ warm-ups, ACL prevention, and speed ladder drills.

GK Union

Handling drills, footwork, and distribution exercises for keepers.

Parent Education

The "Car Ride Home"

The most important conversation you have with your child isn't on the field—it's in the car. Learn how to support them effectively.

"I love watching you play." — The only 5 words they need to hear.

Quick Links

Video explainers on Offside and Handball.
What to eat pre-game vs. post-game.
Respect the Ref code of conduct.

CoachBot

Youth Soccer Assistant

Skills Library

Fundamental Techniques

Dribbling & Turns

Inside/Outside Touches: Using both feet to maneuver.
The Pull Back: Drag ball back with sole, turn 180.
The Cruyff Turn: Fake shot, drag behind standing leg.
Lateral Rolls: Rolling ball across body with sole.
The Chop: Sharp cut inside with inside/outside of foot.

Passing

Basic Push Pass: Inside of foot, ankle locked.
Chip Pass: Striking underneath for height.
Long Drive: Laces strike for power and distance.
Curve Pass: Wrapping foot around the ball.

Shooting

Power Shot: Head down, laces, land on shooting foot.
Finesse/Placement: Inside of foot, aim for corners.
Volley: Striking ball while in air.

First Touch & Traps

Inside Trap: Cushioning ball to feet.
Directional Touch: Touching into space away from pressure.
Chest Trap: Arching back to cushion high ball.
Thigh Trap: Controlling mid-height ball to drop to feet.

U6-U8 Coaching Plans

Discovery Phase

Session 1: Dribbling Confidence (Sharks/Minnows)

Grid: 20x25 yds

1. Sharks & Minnows (10 Min)

Minnows dribble across; Shark tries to kick balls out.
If ball goes out, player freezes as seaweed.

CP: "Baby touches!"

Distance: 20 yds

2. Red Light, Green Light (10 Min)

Green = Fast dribble. Red = Stop with sole.
If moving on Red, go back 3 steps.

CP: "Head up!"

Scrimmage: 3v3 (No Goalies) - 20 Mins

Session 2: Passing & Teamwork (Gate Passing)

Grid: 20x20 yds

1. Gate Passing (15 Min)

Pairs pass through small cone gates scattered in area.
Count how many gates in 60 seconds.

CP: "Use inside of foot."

Target: Tall Cone

2. Bowling (10 Min)

Set up tall cones. Players try to knock them down with a pass from distance.
Make it a competition (First to 5 hits).

CP: "Aim and lock ankle!"

Scrimmage: 3v3 (Focus on passing) - 20 Mins

Session 3: Shooting & Fun (1v1 to Goals)

Two Zones

1. Clean Your Room (10 Min)

Two teams in separate halves. Each starts with balls.
Kick balls into other team's yard.
Team with fewest balls wins.

CP: "Strike the ball hard!"

2 Small Goals

2. 1v1 to Goals (15 Min)

Coach rolls ball; two players battle to score in either goal.
Encourage physical battles and quick shooting.

CP: "Be brave! Shoot!"

Scrimmage: 3v3 - 20 Mins

U9-U12 Coaching Plans

Skill Acquisition Phase

Session 1: Possession & Passing (Rondos)

10x10 yds

1. 3v1 Rondo (15 Min)

3 Attackers outside, 1 Defender inside.
Keep possession. Switch on interception.

CP: "Receive across body."

Grid: 20x20 yds

2. Passing Gates (15 Min)

Pairs pass through small cone gates scattered in area.
Count how many gates in 60 seconds.

CP: "Communicate!"

Scrimmage: 4v4 + 1 Neutral - 20 Mins

Session 2: 1v1 & 2v1 Attacking (Coerver Moves)

1v1 Grid

1. Coerver 1v1 Moves (15 Min)

Scissors, Step-overs, and Maradona turns.
Players perform move at cone, then accelerate.

CP: "Sell the fake!"

Attacking Third

2. 2v1 Overloads (15 Min)

Two attackers vs one defender to goal.
Decision: Dribble or Pass? Engage defender to commit.

CP: "Commit the defender."

Scrimmage: 4v4 (Free Play) - 20 Mins

Session 3: Defending Principles (Pressure/Cover)

10x20 Channel

1. 1v1 Defending (15 Min)

Defender closes down attacker, slows down, gets low.
"Jockeying" - don't dive in. Guide them sideways.

CP: "Fast, Slow, Side, Low."

2v2 Grid

2. Pressure & Cover (15 Min)

Closest defender pressures ball. Second defender drops to cover space.
Communication is key.

CP: "I got ball!"

Scrimmage: 4v4 (Goals allowed only after 5 passes) - 20 Mins

U13+ Coaching Plans

Game Training Phase

Session 1: Building from Back (The Split)

Defensive Third

1. Phase of Play: The Split (20 Min)

GK starts. CBs split wide. CDM drops in.
Objective: Play out of pressure to midfield.

CP: "Trust your technique."

Scrimmage: 9v9 with Build-out Lines - 25 Mins

Session 2: Attacking Final Third (Finishing)

Attacking Third

1. 3v2 to Goal (20 Min)

Fast break attack. 3 attackers vs 2 defenders + GK.
Look for overlap or through ball. Shoot early.

CP: "Speed of play."

Wing Play

2. Crossing & Finishing (15 Min)

Play wide to winger. Winger crosses to runners in box.
Near post run, far post run, and top of box run.

CP: "Attack the ball!"

Scrimmage: 9v9 (Goals inside box = 2 pts) - 25 Mins

Session 3: Defensive Shape (Pressing & Zonal)

Midfield Block

1. Pressing Traps (20 Min)

Force opposition inside where we have numbers.
Trigger: Press immediately on a bad touch or backwards pass.

CP: "Hunt in packs."

Penalty Box

2. Zonal Defending (Corners) (20 Min)

Protect the 6-yard box first.
One player on near post, one on far post.
Attack the ball at its highest point.

CP: "Clear it wide and high!"

Scrimmage: 11v11 Full Field - 30 Mins

Ball Mastery Zone

Juggling Club

50

Rookie

Feet Only

100

Pro

Any part (no hands)

500

Elite

Free Shirt!

Driveway Drills

Figure 8s

Use inside/outside of both feet. Go for 60 secs.

Toe Taps

Fast feet on top of the ball. Stationary.

Performance & Injury

Speed & Agility

Ladder drills are essential for quick feet. Focus on precision over speed at first.

• Icky Shuffle
• In-In-Out-Out
• Lateral High Knees

Injury Prevention (FIFA 11+)

Protect your knees and ankles. Do this routine before every practice.

• Running Straight Ahead
• Hip Out / Hip In
• Circling Partner
• Jumping with Shoulder Contact

Strength Basics

Bodyweight exercises to build core stability and power.

• Plank (3 x 45 secs)
• Walking Lunges (3 x 10 yards)
• Push-ups (3 x 10)

Recovery Protocol

Post-game routine to reduce soreness and injury risk.

• 10 min Static Stretching
• Foam Rolling (Quads/Calves)
• Hydration + Protein

Goalkeeper's Union

Handling Basics

W

The "W" Catch

Thumbs touching behind the ball creating a 'W' shape. Elbows tucked in.

Footwork

• Shuffle Steps (Don't cross feet!)
• Crossover Step (For long dives)
• Drop Step (For balls over head)

The Car Ride Home

The most important conversation you have with your child isn't on the field—it's in the car. This 15-minute window can build or break their love for the game.

Avoid This:

Analyzing mistakes immediately ("Why didn't you pass there?").
Criticizing the coach or other players.
Giving a lecture on effort or tactics.

Try This Instead:

"I loved watching you play today." (The golden sentence).
"Did you have fun?"
"What was your favorite moment?"
"What do you want for dinner?" (Shift focus to recovery/life).

Rules of the Game

Offside Simplified

A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played to them.

Note: It is not an offense just to be in an offside position. They must be involved in active play.

Handball

It is an offense if a player:

Deliberately touches the ball with their hand/arm.
Scores in the opponent's goal directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental.
Touches the ball with their hand/arm when it has made their body unnaturally bigger.

Fueling the Athlete

Pre-Game (2-3 Hours)

The goal is to top up energy stores without causing stomach discomfort.

• Oatmeal with fruit
• Turkey sandwich on whole wheat
• Pasta with light sauce
• WATER (Hydrate early!)

Post-Game (30 Mins)

The "anabolic window". Replace fluids and rebuild muscle.

• Chocolate Milk (Great ratio!)
• Banana & Peanut Butter
• Chicken & Rice
• Electrolyte drink

Sideline Protocol

Cheer, Don't Steer

Avoid giving instructions like "Shoot!", "Pass!", or "Kick it!". This is "joystick coaching" and it confuses players who are trying to listen to their coach and their own instincts.

Respect the Ref

Many referees are young and learning, just like the players. There is zero tolerance for abuse or aggressive dissent. Without them, there is no game.

The 24-Hour Rule

If you are upset about playing time or a coaching decision, wait 24 hours before contacting the coach. This allows emotions to cool and leads to more productive conversations.

CoachBot

Youth Soccer Assistant

Skills Library

Fundamental Techniques

Dribbling & Turns

Inside/Outside Touches: Using both feet to maneuver.
The Pull Back: Drag ball back with sole, turn 180.
The Cruyff Turn: Fake shot, drag behind standing leg.
Lateral Rolls: Rolling ball across body with sole.
The Chop: Sharp cut inside with inside/outside of foot.

Passing

Basic Push Pass: Inside of foot, ankle locked.
Chip Pass: Striking underneath for height.
Long Drive: Laces strike for power and distance.
Curve Pass: Wrapping foot around the ball.

Shooting

Power Shot: Head down, laces, land on shooting foot.
Finesse/Placement: Inside of foot, aim for corners.
Volley: Striking ball while in air.

First Touch & Traps

Inside Trap: Cushioning ball to feet.
Directional Touch: Touching into space away from pressure.
Chest Trap: Arching back to cushion high ball.
Thigh Trap: Controlling mid-height ball to drop to feet.

Training Hub Access

The AHU Training Hub

Coaching Zone

Locker Room

Parent Ed

The Coaching Zone

U6-U8: Discovery Phase

U9-U12: Skill Acquisition

U13+: Game Training

The Locker Room

Ball Mastery

Technical Library

Fitness & Injury

GK Union

Parent Education

The "Car Ride Home"

Quick Links

CoachBot

Skills Library

Dribbling & Turns

Passing

Shooting

First Touch & Traps

U6-U8 Coaching Plans

1. Sharks & Minnows (10 Min)

2. Red Light, Green Light (10 Min)

1. Gate Passing (15 Min)

2. Bowling (10 Min)

1. Clean Your Room (10 Min)

2. 1v1 to Goals (15 Min)

U9-U12 Coaching Plans

1. 3v1 Rondo (15 Min)

2. Passing Gates (15 Min)

1. Coerver 1v1 Moves (15 Min)

2. 2v1 Overloads (15 Min)

1. 1v1 Defending (15 Min)

2. Pressure & Cover (15 Min)

U13+ Coaching Plans

1. Phase of Play: The Split (20 Min)

1. 3v2 to Goal (20 Min)

2. Crossing & Finishing (15 Min)

1. Pressing Traps (20 Min)

2. Zonal Defending (Corners) (20 Min)

Ball Mastery Zone

Juggling Club

Rookie

Pro

Elite

Driveway Drills

Figure 8s

Toe Taps

Performance & Injury

Speed & Agility

Injury Prevention (FIFA 11+)

Strength Basics

Recovery Protocol

Goalkeeper's Union

Handling Basics

The "W" Catch

Footwork

The Car Ride Home

Avoid This:

Try This Instead:

Rules of the Game

Offside Simplified

Handball

Fueling the Athlete

Pre-Game (2-3 Hours)

Post-Game (30 Mins)

Sideline Protocol

Cheer, Don't Steer

Respect the Ref

The 24-Hour Rule

CoachBot

Skills Library

Dribbling & Turns

Passing

Shooting

First Touch & Traps