Elite Soccer Academy

Fulfillment of a player’s potential depends on his/her own efforts, the support of his/her teammates and the unselfish guidance of player’s coach. Each player must be exposed to a playing and training environment, which extends technical, tactical, physical and psychological capabilities to the limit. A sound understanding of the game’s principles and concepts are a must have. Players should show emotional stability when confronted with pressure situations. Demanding and challenging training sessions and games are a must.

 

Charismatic, well informed, up to date, experienced, knowledgeable, articulate, disciplinarian, No doubts about coach authority; Managerial know-how.

Recommended License: “B” License or higher  

 

Mastered skills leading to artistry: All at the speed under match conditions- Demanding excellence. Individual skill covered during warm –up and competitive situations.

 

Increase tactical speed (decision making). Increased pressure and competition. Having the ability to change and adapt to game dynamics, up or down a goal, management of the clock and flow of the game.

 

 

A good deal of time spent in functional training environments

Decisions based on thirds of the field

Comfort in playing in the different areas of the field/team (back, middle, front, center, and wide).

Confidence to hold possession as an individual and solve problems at the individual level.

 

Clear understanding of how the quality of pressure affects the ability of the team to defend

Decisions based on thirds of the field.

Comfort at playing two different positions

 

Improvisation/deception encouraged

Advanced understanding of combination play and how to combine to break down a defense

Balance of possession and penetration with a purpose to score goals

Recognize opportunities to penetrate with by a variety of means

Attacking in groups of 3 (forwards, midfielders and defenders)

Pressure, cover, balance

Control of the game’s speed and direction due defending decisions

Recognition of double team opportunities

Defending in groups of 3 (forwards, midfielders, and defenders)

 

Understanding of lines and linkage. Positional and Team needs.

Comfort with direct and indirect styles of play

Combinational with tactical implications

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

Speed of play: the game is faster and more physical

Creativity, quality of final ball to beat backs

Understanding how and when to counter attack

Serving runners in the box

Organizing the box with runners (penetration, width and support)

Decisions based on thirds of the fields

Set plays (80% success rate: where we get: 1. Goal, 2. Shot on Goal, 3. Corner Kick

 

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

Pressing (when and where to pressure, channel, and dictate defensively)

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

         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/increased player responsibilities

Discipline

Accountability

Goal setting

Respect for the game

Self confidence, self motivation-goal setting

Vary program-satisfy player’s urge for competition

Will to win. Mental Toughness/competitive Mentality

Establish pre practice and pre game routine (as individuals and teams)

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

Playing numbers: 11 v 11 (with goalkeepers)