Curriculum U10 / 2025-2026

Organization The U10 teams' playing field has doubled in size compared to the previous season. It's therefore important that these teams train on a larger field, if possible half a field per team. Training also needs to allow for passing at longer distances and playing off over-numbered players. Arrange drills so that players leave the field at the end of the training session with a red face (high intensity) and having had numerous ball contacts. Age Characteristics The hockey skills of children aged 9/10 (Group 6) are improving significantly. Each child is also eager to experience and demonstrate their technical skills again and again. This is evident in the "pingelaars" (playing the ball), and their "self-focused" attitude. This "self-focused" attitude gradually transitions to "together we are stronger." The more adept they are with stick and ball, the more time they have to focus on other things and the more opportunities they have to resolve game situations. Learning Objectives 8-a-side hockey (8:8) is primarily a transition from 6-a-side to 11-a-side hockey. This type of hockey is already played with lines: a forward line of 3, a back line of 4, and a goalkeeper. Especially since the field is twice as wide as in 6-a-side hockey, learning to utilize the entire width of the field is one of the most important lessons in team tactical development. Because the field is relatively small and the formations are simple, the children will always be involved in the game and will also "play along" without the ball, by constantly learning to choose their positions. Points of Attention Children's motivation can be stimulated by approaching them imaginatively and playfully. Children at this age are visually oriented. It is important that during training, an example is always given when explaining the drill: Show & Go. You cannot yet overload the child with endurance training. Frequent and varied movement (games with, for example, reaction games) is especially important.