Technical:

 

At a young age the most successful players are often those who are the most physically developed. Ultimately, however, technique is the most important factor in determining how much success a player enjoys.

 

Every one of our training sessions will incorporate technical training. Unless our players become technically more proficient than their opponents there will be a limit to what they can achieve.

 

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Tactics :

 

Soccer is a game played with very few breaks. This means that the coach has a limited ability to influence the play when a game has started. It also means that it is crucial that players are able to solve problems by themselves in the heat of competition. The only way to achieve this is through progressive, age appropriate tactical training. At a younger age this is achieved through simplified games that replicate real match situations (e.g. 2v1 situations). These become more complex as the players get older. We have developed a full curriculum that seamlessly moves from year to year so we can ensure that the players are exposed to all of the relevant material.

 

This on field training will be enhanced by the use of information technology. Using an online system developed at insidesoccer we will employ animations to create a truly interactive program whereby players attempt to solve soccer problems with hints from the coach. Following the principles of guided discovery we believe that if players attempt to solve these questions by themselves it gives them a greater understanding of the material.

 

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Fitness:

 

Every game or sport has its own specific physical demands. Usually these are most efficiently developed by playing the game itself. To prepare adequately for a game of soccer it is not enough to jog and lift a few weights. Fitness training must be:

Age appropriate:   An example would be that it is inappropriate to use weight training for 10 year players but VITAL to train agility, balance and co-ordination. Every age group needs specialised training for maximum benefit while minimizing the risk of injury. This needs to be carefully planned and monitored. Every session will have fitness or physical objectives.   Specific:  To achieve the desired outcome, fitness training must be specific. Take for example aerobic conditioning. For a top soccer program the days of just running are gone. When we talk about endurance training do we mean: a/ Aerobic low and mid intensity exercise (70-80% HRmax) to allow the body to recover from games and high load practices. b/ Aerobic high intensity (aerobic capacity  and aerobic power ~85-100% HRmax) which is essential to get the players ready to perform optimally throughout the game. c/ Anaerobic intensity (lactic and alactic) to train our players to be able to dominate their opponents in key moments in the game, like 1v1 situations, shooting or dribbling. All of the above physical aspects need to be trained and the intensity needs to be carefully monitored. We do this by playing small sided games where we will employ heart rate monitors to control the intensity, and manipulate the parameters of the game (e.g. number of touches, etc) to achieve the desired outcome.

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Psychological            Many players are brilliant in training yet fail to perform in games. This is usually because they have not developed the psychological strength to allow them to take risks and accept the mistakes and setbacks that are inevitable part of soccer. By gradually increasing competition in training and, for older players, practising psychological techniques such us goal setting, visualisation and focusing on process and not outcomes players can come much closer to realising their full potential.