Our Objectives
(Individual Skills and Individual and Group Tactics)
As a coaching
staff, we will focus on player development guided by the four components of the
game listed below.
1 - TECHNIQUE: It is important to establish a mastery of the fundamentals techniques.
Once a strong base is established there will be a corresponding increase
technical speed, performance under pressure, and an understanding of time,
space and opponents. The technical focus at this age will be:
- 1st Touch - All surfaces and on the move.
- Passing - All surfaces
and on the move. Proper timing, weight, accuracy and disguise.
- Dribbling - Encourage risk taking! Players must be allowed to take on opponents and
feel confident in a 1V1 situation. Players must be creative and make
things happen.
- Shooting - Proper
striking technique from all angles, 1st touch, and
preparation to strike and finish.
2 - TACTICS: The most fundamental tactic is the 1V1 upon which all other tactics are
built. Players need to understand and
play a variety of positions. The Fusion will promote attacking soccer. The
tactical focus at this age will be:
o
Attacking
- Take players on. Encourage
the creative risk taker. Shielding.
o
Defending
- Proper pressure (from the
front and from behind). How to jockey and how and when to tackle.
·
Small
group - 2V1, 2V2, 3V1, 3V2,
3V3.
o
Styles
of play - Understand indirect attack (possession) and direct attack (through
ball) styles of play. Become skilled at support
and combination plays.
o
Attacking
– Penetration/support/width.
o
Defending
- Pressure/cover/balance;
marking.
3 - PHYSICAL: Maintain flexibility. Stretch your muscles; it cuts down on injuries and
increases range of motion. The physical focus will develop overall strength,
speed, agility, and balance through the use of exercises, competitions, and
small sided games.
4 - MENTAL: The
mind can be very powerful tool but you must train it just as you train your
body. The mental focus at this age will be:
High Standards - Set high standards and make every effort to meet
them.
Thinking - Soccer is a “thinking” game; always ask yourself,
“What will I do when I get the ball?”
Decision Making – Make a decision and do it! Do not hesitate.
Have imagination; be
creative; take risks!
Attitude
– Always positive, always
determined, always supportive of your teammates.
Become
a student of the game - Watch
high-level games and study how the players play as a team.
Goalkeeper Specific
1 – TECHNIQUE: Set position
General handling / Basic
shot stopping / Catching
Ground balls
Bouncing balls
Mid-range balls
Head Height balls
Dealing with Crossed balls
Flighted
Driven
Distribution
Throws
Roll
Sling
All kicks
Goal kicks
Volleys
Balls played to feet
2 - TACTICS: Basic communication
1v1 Principals
1v1 with the defense
Beginnings of support for
defense
3 - PHYSICAL: Goalkeeping specific stretching and flexibility
Beginning stages of foot
work skills
Increase speed in short
distances (18 yards)
4 - MENTAL:
Encourage
effort/determination
Drill home basics for
muscle memory
Watch
older goalkeepers in games
KEEP IT FUN!