We believe that each individual player must learn how to master the ball and dominate their 1v1 match-ups as a foundation to build upon. By using a diverse approach of unopposed and opposed activities, we seek to improve the individual's technical skill & tactical understanding.
At this early stage of learning, players need to become familiar with the ball and get the most touches as possible. Every player at this stage will have their own ball. Different skill games are used to maintain players interest in soccer rather than boring line drills. Competition will be gradually introduced to expose the players to the feeling of winning and losing. Understanding and coping with both success and failure are discussed and reiterated many times at this stage. Training sessions are treated more like physical education classes rather than soccer specific.
The emphasis at this stage is learning the habits of determination for overall improvement of oneself and not comparing to others. Athletes at this age often compare their skill with the skills of their peers. Players will also be introduced to a session structure (not content) that is used with all older groups. The consistent use of this session structure will make players feel comfortable in what is expected. The attitudes and intensity towards training are introduced and reaffirmed every session. Technical skills such as dribbling/ball mastery, and passing and receiving are the main focuses at this stage. 1 v 1 attacking and defending will be continuously a main theme during training sessions as well.
The trainers at this stage begin the explicit comparison of soccer to real-life experiences and learning. This is the stage where the “coachability factor” is developed and reinforced. Getting in the habit of learning from each session and being able to apply it or make adjustments to game-like situation is key to this stage. Building on the foundation that were developed in the first 2 stages, players will begin to refine their technical abilities and begin the basics of tactical/strategic concepts in game-like situations. Repetition and consistency will help players improve their skill and for more advance players will start speeding up their play.
This is a very difficult time for players in many different aspects. Not only are players rapidly changing physically, the size of the field and complexity of the game also increases. During this transitional stage, players will be pushed physically and mentally to compete at a high level and train them to hold themselves accountable for their performance; players are in control. Trainers mentor players about what is expected off-the-field to compete at a high level. Training session will have a heavy focus on muscular strength & endurance development.
At this stage, players are highly invested in their progress and are now competing at a high level. Our trainers put these athletes through rigorous workouts that are meant to challenge them to focus and maintain their technique and composure while fatigued. Advanced technique and quicker game play are main ideas that are present in every session.