Foto: SV 98 05.06.2025 / English
NLZ training: “How do you successfully change fields?”
Last Monday (June 2nd), the SV Darmstadt 98 Youth Performance Center (NLZ) hosted another training event for regional coaches. Interest was high, with more than 100 participants having already registered in advance. This time, the event focused on the development of youth football in the U11 to U14 age groups.
The training began with a game scene from the Lilies‘ youth team. Based on this, the participants analysed the striking aspects and drew conclusions for practical training. Michael Fischer, sporting director of the U10 to U14 division, and Simon Kustan, coach of the U14 division, then led the participants through the theoretical and practical content of the evening.
At the youth performance center, we see ourselves as a partner to the clubs in the Darmstadt region and want to offer coaches opportunities for further training in the area of children's and youth training. We are therefore delighted that the response has continued to be so positive, with over 100 coaches participating in our third training event today.
Growing playing fields – new requirements
A central theme was the change in pitch sizes and player numbers as children grow older. The speakers demonstrated how this changes the game and what adjustments are necessary – particularly with regard to spatial distribution, communication, and game principles.
The importance of establishing simple principles as guidelines that help players in many game situations was emphasised. The question of whether and how formations should be adapted in the youth sector was also discussed intensively.
Special role of goalkeepers
Another focus was on the special role of goalkeepers, especially in light of the increasing size of goalmouths and the question of how young goalkeepers can be best supported in defending their goal effectively.
Finally, the theoretical content was illustrated in the practical part – with examples from U14 training, but also insights into work with the U13 and U11 age groups.
Passing on knowledge, promoting young talent
The SV 98 NLZ plans to continue offering regular training courses for club coaches. The goal remains to share knowledge and thus sustainably promote the development of young footballers in the region.