Elite Soccer Academy

(The Dedication)

This is a critical time in the player’s development. Many stop playing due to other interest, lack of success, shortage of playing opportunities, poor leadership, or other reasons. Player’s tend to lack mental toughness and self confidence. They tend to be self-critical and struggle with their desire to be competitive or need to be more competitive. There is a need for attention and security. A great focus on team spirit, leadership and discipline within the team.

 

Charismatic; Experienced; Knowledgeable; Articulate; Disciplinarian; managerial know how; Thoughtful persuader.

Recommended License: “B” License or higher.

 

Skills should be mastered leading to artistry and improvisation: All under match condition.

      Individual skills covered during the warm-up, and/or in
      competitive situations.

      Increase technical speed. It is important that technique is still highly emphasized at this age.

      Strike balls cleanly over distance with accuracy under pressure.

 

Increase tactical speed (decision making)

 

      Decisions based on thirds of the field.

      Attacking:

      Application of varied technical abilities in order to increase  
      tactical options.

      Aggressive attacking mentality in final third. Emphasis placed on
      predicting what the game will need next. Knowing what each
      player’s specific roles and responsibilities are, leads to greater
      understanding of the big picture.

      Defending:

      Clear understanding of how the quality of pressure effects team

      defendin success.

      Being able to take options away from attacker.

 

      Small Group Tactics:

      4 v 4, 7 v 7, 9 v 9

      Attacking:

      Balance of needing possession and penetration

      Combination play: wall pass, take over, overlap, double pass,
      third man running

      Penetration

      Creativity in solving problems

      Mobility- movement without the ball

      Crossing- picking out a runner rather then putting it in the box

      Box Organization-penetration, width and support for every ball
      played in the box

      Attacking as group of 3 (forwards, midfielders, defenders)

      Set plays (80% success rate: where we get: 1. Goal, 2. Shoot on
      goal, or 3. Corner kick

      Defending:

      Compactness

      Cover, Delay, Dictate and Recover

      Communication (who, what, when, where)

      Defending as a group of 3 (forwards, midfielders and defenders)

      Enjoy winning possession of the ball and dictating the play

      Set plays

 

     Team tactics:

     Clearly defined team tactics…how the team decides to play as a
     group

     Attacking:

     Comfort with direct and indirect styles

     Sustained possession as a means to break down the
     opponent’s defense

     Understanding how to counter attack

     Decisions based on thirds of the field

     Defending:

     Comfort with “high pressure” and “delayed high pressure” styles

     Understanding of zonal and man-to-man marking play

     Goalkeeper as the last defender

     Keeping good team compactness

     Stopping the counter attack

     Decisions based on thirds of the field and different systems of
     play

Fitness work with and without the ball.

      Flexibility-Static stretching after training/matches

      Dynamic Flexibility-partner stretching

      Importance of discipline for warm-up and cool-down

      Agility-with and without the ball

      Footwork-keeping the feet active when moving/playing

      Endurance-Aerobic and Anaerobic

      Strength-Upper and lower body. Core strength and stability

      Balance

      Nutrition- Proper diet: pre-game, post-game, tournaments, etc.

      Prevention and care of injuries.

      Importance of rest/recovery-schedule issues relative to the
      physical demands.

 

 

      Increased concentration

      Leadership/player responsibilities

      Discipline

      Respect for the game

      Goal setting

      Vary program-Satisfy player’s urge for competition

      Establish pre practice and pre game routine (as individuals and

      team)

      Encourage players/teams to watch professional and national
      team soccer on TV.

      Playing numbers: 11 v 11 (with goalkeepers)