soccer training skills
 

Long term development for soccer;
Training performance.

 

Long Term Development,
General Guidelines for long term development for soccer.

Phase/age:..............................4-8, (FUNdamentals)

Objective:..............................

  • Fun
  • mixing motor skills
  • group organization
  • agility/flexibility
  • working in pairs & groups
  • involving parents/coach relay races
  • fun games
  • working in two's
  • mini games
Practice organization:..................
  • Lines, circles, squares and grids
  • relays, skills
  • awards (no candy) use some sort of point a system please
Time:................................... 30-45 mins.

 For practice routines, go here.





Phase/age:.............................. 8-12, (Fundamental techniques)

Objective:..............................

  • Play soccer
  • ball mastery
  • simple techniques
  • individual practices
  • group activities
  • mini soccer
  • receiving ball
  • passing
  • shooting
  • screening

Practice organization:...................
  • 3x1, 3x3, 4x4,
  • small sided games
  • individual ball work
  • simple drills
  • grids
  • relays skill
  • awards
  • mini soccer

Time:.................................... 45-60mins.

  


Canada is becoming a leader in sports sciences.
These links offer a clear understanding in the role
of long term development;
It is called "Wellness to World Cup"

http://soccer.rapidmanager.com/files/CSA_2009_W2WC_Brochure_EN.pdf

Phase/age:................................ 12-14, (training to train)

Objective:................................

  • play soccer
  • consolidate technique and skill
  • small group tactics and competition
  • mental focus
  • work on imagery and goal setting

Practice organization:....................


  • dribbling
  • crossing
  • receiving
  • passing
  • heading
  • shooting
  • support in defense
  • set plays
  • combined plays
  • 11 aside games
  • drills in grids
  • functional practices
  • conditioned practices

Time:....................................60-90 mins.

It is now possible to entertain some weight training programs. Make sure that they are age appropriate and gender specific, and ensure that they are incorporated into a well designed yearly program that includes mental focus components.

Try this link, Weight training for soccer.


 

Phase/age:...............................14-16, (technique on demand)

Objective:..............................

  • Increase intensity
  • advanced skills and technique
  • competitive games and practices
  • strength training using body weight
  • enhance mental work focusing on emotional and attentional control
  • technique on demand
  • principles of play
  • attacking and defending functions
  • restricted strength and fitness programs
  • competitive games
  • Drills, Grids
  • functional practices
  • conditioned games

Practice:...............................

  • 11 X 11 aside games
  • aerobic training
  • circuit training

Time:....................................90-120 mins.

At this stage you will need to concern yourself with the following Flexibility, and Stretching.

Phase/age:.............................. 16-18, (train to compete).

Objective:.............................. Practice intensity

  • tactical awareness
  • strategic awareness
  • game toughness
  • psychological awareness
  • Health and fitness
  • Restricted fitness and strength program
  • attacking/defending functions and principles of play
  • advanced skills and techniques
  • techniques on demand
  • competitive game

Practice organization:.................

  • drills, grids,
  • functional practices
  • conditioned games
  • small sided games
    5x2, 3x3, 5x5, 6x6, 7x5
  • aerobic training
  • circuit training
  • 11x11

Time:................................... 90-120 mins.

Wellness to World Cup complete manual;

http://soccer.rapidmanager.com/files/CSA_2009_WellnessWorldCup_volume1_EN.pdf

When this last phase is in place, the player needs at least 3 years to develop the potential for play after youth soccer. For soccer players in North America this would mean that you start planning at grade 10. Anywhere else consider planning in the last three years of secondary school.

The following are serious considerations:

  • Post secondary school placement
  • Scholarships for colleges and universities
  • Pro-league, national and international placement
  • Fact finding and research as a team and club.
  • Resource pooling, for individuals and organizations through community participation
  • Local soccer organizations.

To add to your commitment to long term development, I recommend going to College-Athletic-Scholarships.