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.
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.
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.
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