Kalama Soccer Club
U13–U19
Full 11v11 soccer. Real FIFA rules. Big field, big game — here's everything you need to coach it.
11v11
Full FIFA Laws
Size 5 Ball
SWYSA League
U13 is where youth soccer becomes the real game — same field, same rules, same ball as what you watch on TV. Your players are ready. Here's how it all works.
⚽ The Game at a Glance
Season Length
9 games (Fall)
Substitutions
Any stoppage
Game Duration by Age Group
| Age Group | Half Length | Total Time | Roster Max |
|---|
| U13 | 35 min | 70 min | 18 players |
| U14 | 35 min | 70 min | 18 players |
| U15 | 40 min | 80 min | 18 players |
| U16 | 40 min | 80 min | 22 registered / 18 on game sheet |
| U17 | 45 min | 90 min | 22 registered / 18 on game sheet |
| U18 / U19 | 45 min | 90 min | 22 registered / 18 on game sheet |
📄 Official SWYSA Rules: All U13–U19 games follow the FIFA Laws of the Game. SWYSA rules take precedence in any conflict. Always verify current half lengths with the official competition chart — these can be adjusted by the association.
The Field
⚠️ Jewelry Rule (strictly enforced): No jewelry of any kind — earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, hair barrettes. Medical bracelets and religious scapulars are the only exceptions, and these must be taped completely to the skin and under the jersey. Covering earrings with bandaids is NOT permitted under SWYSA rules.
Your players grew up in CYSA (Cowlitz Youth Soccer Association). At U13 they move into SWYSA (Southwest Washington Youth Soccer Association) — and several rules are meaningfully different. Here's a side-by-side so neither you nor your players are caught off guard.
The big picture: CYSA runs recreational soccer at U5–U12 with modified rules designed to help kids learn safely. SWYSA is the full FIFA game. Think of it as moving from "learning soccer" to "playing soccer the way it's played everywhere in the world." The adjustments are real — but your players are ready for them.
| Rule / Situation |
CYSA (U5–U12) |
SWYSA (U13–U19) |
| Build-Out Line | U9–U12 had a build-out line — opponents must retreat when GK has the ball | Gone. Opponents can press the keeper or defenders anywhere on the field immediately. |
| Heading | Banned for all CYSA ages (U5–U12). No heading allowed in games. | Fully allowed. Heading is a normal, legal part of the game. |
| Slide Tackles | Discouraged or restricted at younger ages for safety | Allowed when legal — going for the ball without reckless force. |
| Yellow / Red Cards | Not formally tracked at many CYSA ages; limited real consequences | Cards are official and tracked. 3 yellows = suspension. Red = next game suspended automatically. |
| Substitutions | Flying subs at U9–U12 — players can swap at many restarts freely | All subs require a stoppage AND referee permission. Outgoing player must be off before replacement enters. |
| Offside Rule | Existed but often not called strictly at younger ages; some leniency | Full FIFA offside strictly enforced. Attackers can no longer camp near the goal. |
| GK Distribution | At U9–U10, GK could not punt — only throws, rolls, or drop-kicks from ground | GK can punt, throw, roll, or kick. No distribution restrictions. |
| Back-Pass Rule | Existed at U11/U12 but not always enforced at younger levels | Strictly enforced. GK cannot handle a deliberate back-pass kicked by a teammate. Indirect free kick if violated. |
| GK Contact | No contact with GK at all in U12 and under — any touch was a foul | No contact within the goal area only. Outside the goal area, fair physical challenges are allowed while the ball is live. |
| Game Sheet / Roster | Simpler check-in process at younger ages | Official SWYSA game sheet required before kickoff. Each player must confirm name and number with the referee before playing. |
| Field Size | U11/U12: 9v9 on a modified field (~70×50 yards) | Full-size pitch: 100–120 yards × 55–80 yards. Significantly bigger — spacing and fitness matter more. |
💡 For new-to-SWYSA players: The biggest adjustments are (1) no build-out line — the GK must distribute fast and defenders need to be organized immediately; (2) offside is real and called — forwards who camped near the goal will get flagged; and (3) the game is physically bigger and faster. Reassure your players: these aren't harder rules, they're just the real game. They'll adapt within a few practices.
Rule Changes at a Glance
🆕 New at U13
Heading Allowed
Banned under CYSA. Now fully legal. Teach proper technique early — eyes open, forehead contact, neck muscles engaged.
🆕 New at U13
Slide Tackling
New option — legal if going for the ball without excessive force. Reckless slides = yellow or red card.
🆕 New at U13
Cards & Consequences
Yellow and red cards are official and tracked across the season. 3 yellows = suspended next game.
🆕 New at U13
GK Can Punt
No more distribution restrictions. GK can punt, throw, or kick — any legal method they choose.
❌ Gone at U13
Build-Out Line
No mandatory retreat for opponents. GK and defenders must deal with immediate pressure from the restart.
❌ Gone at U13
Flying Subs
All substitutions require a stoppage and referee permission. No mid-run swaps.
✅ Still Applies
No GK Contact (Goal Area)
No physical contact with the keeper inside the goal area. No harassment once they have control of the ball.
✅ Still Applies
Shin Guards Required
Mandatory at every age. Must be covered by socks. No exceptions under any circumstances.
Legal: Going for the ball, from the side or front, reasonable force
Legal: Ball within playing distance when the tackle starts
Legal: Makes contact with ball first, even if player contact follows
Foul (Direct Free Kick): Tackles the player first, or leads with cleats-up
Yellow Card: Careless or reckless — too much force, no attempt to control
Red Card: Endangers player safety — two-footed lunge, studs showing, from behind
Coach guidance: teach players to stay on their feet first. A missed slide tackle leaves the defender on the ground and out of position. Slide tackles should be a last resort.
🟨 Yellow Card
Persistent infringement of rules
Unsporting behavior (diving, shirt-pulling)
Dissent — arguing with the referee
Delaying restart of play
Encroachment on free kicks or corners
3 yellows in a season = 1-game suspension. Each additional yellow = another game.
🟥 Red Card
Serious foul play or violent conduct
Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO)
Offensive or abusive language
Two yellow cards in same game
Automatic suspension from next game. Must leave field immediately and not return that day.
Can be appealed to SWYSA Disciplinary within 48 hours.
Heading is legal and normal at U13+, but most of your players have never legally headed in a game before. Spend a few minutes in early practices on basic technique — it builds confidence and reduces injury risk.
Technique cues: Eyes open on the ball. Contact with the flat part of the forehead — not the top or side of the head. Neck muscles tight. Head through the ball. Call "Mine!" before going for aerial balls to prevent collisions with teammates.
Concussion protocol (Washington state law — Lystedt Law): Any player suspected of a head injury must be removed from play immediately and cannot return without written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider. "When in doubt, sit them out." This is not optional.
U13 and U19 are the same game on paper — but very different in practice. Players develop rapidly in these years. Here's how the coaching focus, expectations, and complexity should evolve as your players move through middle school and into high school.
🎯 Primary Focus
- Adjusting to SWYSA rules and full-size field
- Understanding position and basic team shape
- Applying skills under more space and pressure
- Learning what offside means — and how to use it
- First real experience with heading and slide tackling
- Getting comfortable with game sheets and referees
💡 Best drills: Rondo Decisions, 4v1 Add a Defender, Ball Chaser, Shot + 1v1. Keep fun high — this age decides whether kids love soccer or walk away from it.
🎯 Primary Focus
- Owning a position with clear defensive AND attacking duties
- Reading the game — scanning before receiving, anticipating pressure
- Combination play: wall passes, overlaps, third-man runs
- Defending as a compact unit — not just 1v1
- Set pieces: corner routines, free kick zones, throw-in patterns
- Physical fitness — 80-minute games require real conditioning
💡 Best drills: Dutch Possess & Counter, 8v8 Thirds, US National Team Finishing Game, Inter Milan SSG. Introduce tactical constraints that reward smart decisions.
🎯 Primary Focus
- Full-game tactical understanding — knowing WHY the team does what it does
- Mental game: handling adversity, cards, tough calls, losses
- 90-minute fitness and smart energy management
- Set piece delivery and organization (corners, free kicks)
- Transition speed — best players at this level win in the 3 seconds after possession changes
- Bridging to high school / competitive club if interested
💡 Best drills: Game Model Rondo, Dutch Possess & Counter, Attract & Attack, 3v2 Recovery. Challenge them with open-ended tactical problems, not just repetition.
🌱 Rec soccer plants seeds for competitive sport: SWYSA recreational soccer isn't trying to produce professional players — it's trying to build kids who love the game enough to keep playing. Many players who discover soccer at U13 go on to try out for school teams at U15–U16. Your job as a rec coach is to make the game feel achievable and worthwhile. The competitive path will find the players who want it — your job is to make sure they want it.
Use these as guides — not report cards. Every team is different. New players, different experience levels, and varying practice time will all affect where your group starts and where they get to. The goal is progress, not perfection.
For coaches: These benchmarks help you plan early practices and identify where to focus. For parents and players: they answer the question "what are we actually working toward this season?" Consider sharing the end-of-season column with your team in the first week — it gives everyone a shared picture of what success looks like.
U13–U14 Benchmarks
Position awareness is vagueMost players know they're "forward" or "defender" but follow the ball in clusters
Heading is brand newPlayers have never legally headed in a game — expect hesitation and poor form
Offside confusionMost don't understand it. Forwards will be flagged repeatedly in early games.
No build-out line — panicGKs and defenders used to retreating opponents will be shocked by immediate pressure
Cards feel scaryPlayers who've never been cautioned will play timidly at first
Passing under pressure is rushedBigger field means more space theoretically, but players aren't using it yet
Holds a basic positionDefenders generally stay back. Forwards track back to help. Shape is recognizable.
Attempts headers in gamesWilling to go for the ball in the air with reasonable technique and no hesitation
Understands offside practicallyForwards check their position before runs. Fewer flags. Some use it tactically.
GK distributes quicklyKeeper scans and moves the ball before pressure arrives. Defenders ready to receive.
Manages card riskPlayers have seen cards called and understand what earns them. Fewer reckless challenges.
Uses space on the full fieldWide players stretch the field. At least some plays go wide before switching to goal.
U15–U16 Benchmarks
Individual skills solid, team play inconsistentPlayers can dribble and pass; using those skills within a system takes work
Defending is reactive, not organizedPlayers chase the ball individually rather than pressing as a compact unit
Set pieces are improvisedCorners and free kicks have no structure — players guess where to go
Transitions are slowAfter winning the ball, there's a pause before anyone reacts and moves forward
Fitness gaps at 40+ minutesSome players slow noticeably in the second half of longer games
Plays within a team systemFormation is visible. Players know their role and fill it without being told each time.
Defends compactlyFirst defender pressures; second covers; team stays between ball and goal as a block
Has 1–2 set piece routinesSimple corner play, a free kick zone, or throw-in pattern — and they actually run it
Reacts quickly to transitionsOn winning the ball, at least 1–2 players immediately break forward. No pause.
Maintains effort for full gamePlayers are physically ready for 80-minute games. Second-half intensity holds.
U17–U19 Benchmarks
Experience levels vary widelySome have years of club experience; others are still learning basics. Both are normal.
Mental game is inconsistentFrustration, arguing with refs, or giving up after falling behind are common at this age
Positional understanding variesSome players understand their role deeply; others are still positionally reactive
Leaders haven't emerged yetTeams at this age often lack vocal on-field organizers — everyone waits for someone else
Adapts to game situationsAdjusts shape when winning/losing, knows when to hold possession vs. go direct
Stays composed under pressureFewer card-worthy challenges, less sideline drama. Players bounce back from mistakes.
Owns their position fullyUnderstands both the attacking and defending responsibilities of their specific role
Self-organizes on set piecesPlayers communicate during corners and free kicks without sideline coaching prompts
11v11 means more space, more specialized roles, and a clearer division of responsibilities. Here's who does what — and what to say to each position group.
🧤
Goalkeeper
1 player
Guards the full-size goal. Can use hands inside the penalty area. Must distribute quickly — opponents can press immediately. Cannot handle a deliberate back-pass kicked by a teammate's feet.
🛡️
Defenders
3–4 players
Last line of defense in front of the keeper. Center-backs win headers and tackle centrally. Fullbacks cover wide areas and can overlap forward when it's safe to do so.
⚙️
Midfielders
3–4 players
The engine of the team. Central mids control possession and press. Wide mids (wingers) provide width, make crossing runs, and deliver balls into the box. Most physically demanding position.
⚡
Forwards
1–3 players
Primary scorers. A center forward holds the ball up and finishes. Wide forwards create from the flanks and cut inside. Movement off the ball matters as much as on the ball.
Shape
Teams maintain a structured shape — defenders don't all chase the ball. The whole team defends and attacks as a connected unit, not as individuals.
Pressure
When the opponent has the ball, the nearest player pressures while others cover. One player doesn't try to win it alone — they delay while teammates organize.
Support
When a teammate has the ball, nearby players create passing options at angles. Two or three players forming triangles makes a team nearly impossible to press effectively.
Transition
The moment possession changes is the most critical. The best teams react instantly — defenders sprint to recover shape, attackers spring forward to exploit the disorganization.
When players hear the same words year after year, the game gets easier to understand. This is a shared vocabulary for Kalama Soccer Club — coaches at every age group use the same terms so players build on what they already know as they move up.
For coaches: Use these terms consistently in practice and games. When a player learns the word at U8, they'll know exactly what you mean at U15. These aren't jargon — they're short, clear, universal cues that work on any field.
Pass / Play it
Move the ball to an open teammate. On its own it means there's an open player nearby — look for them.
"Pass!" or "Play it!" — teammate is open and calling for the ball
Through / Play through
Pass the ball through a gap between defenders — usually behind the defensive line for a forward to run onto.
"Play through!" — space is available for a penetrating pass behind the defense
Center / Cross it
Deliver the ball from a wide position into the penalty area for teammates attacking the goal.
"Center it!" — wide player has the ball, teammates are making runs into the box
Switch / Switch it
Move the ball from one side of the field to the other to find space where defenders aren't organized.
"Switch!" — current side is crowded; space is open on the far side
Up the line
Play the ball forward along the touchline to a wide player making a run. Keeps play moving in a safe direction near the sideline.
"Up the line!" — wide player is running and the touchline channel is open
Shoot / Strike
Take a shot on goal now — you have the chance and an opening.
"Shoot!" — player is in position with a clear look at goal
Hold / Hold it up
Keep the ball and shield it, waiting for teammates to get into position before playing forward.
"Hold!" — player has the ball but teammates aren't in position yet
Square it
Pass the ball sideways — across the field to a teammate who is level with you.
"Square it!" — forward option is blocked but a level teammate is open
Clear / Clear it
Get the ball away from your own goal — kick it out of danger. Direction and distance matter more than accuracy here.
"Clear!" — ball is in or near the penalty area and needs to go far away fast
Clear the middle
Don't clear the ball back through the center — kick it wide to the touchline or out for a corner, never back into danger.
"Clear the middle!" — defender about to head or kick a loose ball near goal
Press / Get on them
Immediately close down the player with the ball — reduce their time and space. First defender pressures, others cover.
"Press!" — opponent receives the ball and your team needs to close them down fast
Drop / Drop back
Fall back toward your own goal to help defend. Stop pushing forward — get goal-side now.
"Drop!" — your team lost the ball and defenders need to get back in shape
Hold the line
Defenders keep a flat line across the field to maintain an offside trap or prevent attackers from getting in behind.
"Hold the line!" — defenders about to step up to catch attackers offside
Delay / Slow them down
Don't dive in for the tackle — get in position and make the attacker wait while teammates recover.
"Delay!" — first defender is isolated 1v1; help is coming; don't commit yet
Sweep / Sweep it
A last-ditch clearance — the last defender cutting out a ball that's gotten past the main defensive line.
"Sweep!" — ball is rolling behind the last defender and needs someone to cover
Mark up / Pick up your player
Find an opponent and stay near them on set pieces so they can't receive the ball easily.
"Mark up!" — before a corner or free kick, remind defenders to find their player
Keeper! / Mine!
The goalkeeper is coming to claim the ball — all other players must get out of the way immediately.
GK calls "Keeper!" on any ball they're going to catch or punch. Defenders hear it and clear the path.
Away!
GK telling a defender to head or kick a ball away from goal — not to pass it back into danger.
"Away!" — loose ball near the goal needs to be cleared, not passed back
Out! / Step out!
GK telling the defensive line to step forward — to catch attackers offside or cut out a through ball.
"Step out!" — opponent about to play through, GK wants line to step up
Time! / You've got time!
GK telling the player with the ball that no opponent is close — they have time to look up and make a decision.
"Time!" — helps defenders relax and find options instead of panicking and booting it
Recycle / Recycle it
No forward option available — pass the ball backward or sideways to reset and keep possession. Better than losing it forcing a risky pass.
"Recycle!" — teammate is under pressure with no forward option; go back and start again
Shape / Get in shape
Reorganize into the team's basic formation — spread out into proper positions. Usually said when the team has clumped.
"Get in shape!" — team has bunched together and needs to spread back out
Win your header
Go for the aerial ball aggressively — don't duck away from it. Call "Mine!" and attack the ball with your forehead.
"Win your header!" — high ball coming in; player needs encouragement to challenge for it
Show for it / Get open
Move to a position where you can receive a pass — make yourself available. Don't stand still waiting for the ball.
"Show for it!" — player with the ball has no options because teammates aren't moving
Transition
The moment possession changes. React now — if you just won it, attack; if you just lost it, get back.
Used in practice to highlight the critical 3-second window after possession changes
Near post / Far post
Near post = goalpost closest to the ball. Far post = one farthest away. Attack: aim for far post runs. Defense: cover the near post.
"Attack the far post!" — tell forwards where to run on a corner kick
Set / Take your set
Get into your assigned position before a corner, free kick, or throw-in. Don't wait to be placed individually.
"Take your set!" — players should know their position without being told each time
Dummy / Dummy run
A decoy movement designed to pull a defender away so a teammate can use the space you just vacated.
Used in pre-planned corner kick or free kick routines at U15+
Encroachment
Stepping inside the required distance during a free kick or corner before the ball is played. Results in a yellow card or re-take.
"Watch the encroachment!" — remind players defending free kicks to stay at the correct distance
📋 For parents: If you hear these words during games or practice, that's what they mean. Knowing the vocabulary helps you understand the game alongside your player — and helps you reinforce the right messages at home without accidentally contradicting the coach.
At U13 and up, soccer becomes intentional. Players are building real tactical awareness alongside their technical skills. Here's what to aim for across a full season — and why each one matters.
01
Read the GameKnowing where to be before the ball arrives — scanning, anticipating, deciding early. This separates U13 players from U12 more than any technical skill.
02
Positional DisciplineUnderstanding your role in the team shape both on and off the ball. Defenders who push forward need to know exactly when to get back.
03
Combination PlayWall passes, overlapping runs, 1-2 combinations. Playing through players, not just around them. Two players combining is nearly impossible to stop.
04
Defensive ShapePressing as a compact unit, cutting off passing lanes, staying organized under pressure. Defending is a team skill, not just a 1v1 skill.
05
Set PiecesSimple corner routines, free kick zones, and throw-in strategies. Set pieces are underrated sources of goals at recreational level — especially as ages increase.
06
Transition SpeedReacting instantly when possession changes in either direction. Recreational teams win because they're first to move in the 3 seconds after a turnover.
07
Resilience & SportsmanshipHandling cards, tough calls, and losses with maturity. Help players stay positive and coachable under pressure.
08
Technical ConsistencyEverything from U12 — passing weight, first touch, shooting accuracy — now under more physical and spatial pressure on a bigger field.
Ask, Don't Tell
Instead of shouting "pass it!" ask "what were your options there?" Players who figure things out remember them. Players who are told forget by the next game.
Praise Effort
Acknowledge the hard tackle, the sprint back to defend, the brave shot that missed. Players who stop trying the hard things usually had a coach who only praised goals.
Keep It Fun
The top reason players quit soccer at this age is that it stops feeling fun. A season where everyone shows up to every practice and finishes laughing is a successful season.
Let Them Play
The games belong to the players. Coaches don't score goals, make saves, or win tackles. Prepare them in practice and let them problem-solve in games.
These drills are designed for U13+ — tactical thinking, larger spaces, and real competitive pressure. Organized from warm-ups through possession, attacking, and defending.
U13+PassingReceivingAll PlayersIntermediateWarm-UpSmall Group (3–5)Cones OnlyMedium⭐⭐
U13+PassingReceivingBall ControlMidfielderIntermediateWarm-UpSmall Group (3–5)Cones OnlyMedium⭐⭐
U13+DribblingDefendingAll PlayersBeginnerTechnicalPairsBalls OnlyHigh⭐⭐⭐
U13+PassingReceivingAll PlayersBeginnerTechnicalSmall Group (3–5)Cones OnlyMedium⭐⭐⭐
U13+DribblingDefendingPassingAll PlayersIntermediateTechnicalSmall Group (3–5)Cones OnlyHigh⭐⭐⭐⭐
U13+ShootingDribblingDefendingAll PlayersIntermediateTechnicalFull TeamGoals NeededHigh⭐⭐⭐⭐
U13+ShootingPassingDefendingAll PlayersIntermediateGame/PlayFull TeamGoals NeededHigh⭐⭐⭐⭐
U13+DefendingPassingAll PlayersIntermediateGame/PlayFull TeamGoals NeededHigh⭐⭐⭐
U13+PassingDefendingAll PlayersAdvancedScrimmageFull TeamGoals NeededHigh⭐⭐⭐
U13+DribblingPassingShootingAll PlayersIntermediateGame/PlayFull TeamGoals NeededHigh⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚 MA Youth Soccer U13 Curriculum: This page features drills from the MA Youth Soccer 12-week U13 curriculum (weeks 1–3 build-out, weeks 4–6 scoring, weeks 7–12 defending) plus Iron Valley, SS360, and Lexington United tactical sessions. The full set of 47 U13+ drills is searchable in the Drill Finder with complete tag filtering.