The following contains information about the weeks practice. The email will outline the sessions that have been completed and what the players worked on. We have a player centric, proactive curriculum which ensures the players will cover all the necessary mechanics, skill work, and give players a chance to be decision makers and creative players. Through the long-term development from U8 to U19, the players will pass through different stages and priorities as outlined in the program welcome meeting.
While during practice the players will be given the tools they need, if an individual wants to push on with playing at a higher level and performing to the best of their ability, practicing at home will always give them that extra edge, and we can’t encourage enough for those with passion for the sports to practice in their own time. This also avoids unnecessary over-training of structured practices continuously throughout the week.
ADP Training Pool, U8 and Competitive Ages (Monday was a rest day, the following breakdown is for the session the coaches chose to run)
- Dribbling 2
Technical session focusing on the mechanical breakdown of dribbling the ball. First activity is to give the player a high repetition of actions in an area with no pressure, other than the awareness of other players also in possession of the ball. Player recognizes spaces to move in to and occupy. Transitioning to skill involves the players now having 2 opposition players in their area, attempting to gain possession of the ball. Upon gaining possession, the player now dribbles back to their own teams playing area. Players recognize when to dribble and when to run with the ball to space, along with the need for ball manipulation in reduced spaces from an opposition player.
- Small Sided Games, Free Play
Free play is vitally important, and more of this is needed in youth sports. https://www.soccertoday.com/platini-soaf-let-youth-players-be-kids-they-are-not-pros-yet/ This gives empowerment to the individual player to perform with creative actions and to use the game situation to problem solve, not relying on the instructions from external sources outside of the games context.
11’s to 08’s Competitive Teams (Monday was a rest day, the following breakdown is for the session the coaches chose to run)
- Dribbling Under Pressure
Individuals dribble under the physical pressure applied from an opposition player. To transition the technique of dribbling and manipulation in to a game realistic skill, players are put in to a situation where the optimize their ability to play with both feet, be strong in possession of the ball, and balanced. Players recognize the need to adjust their body to get between the opponent and the ball, and to adjust this position dependent on the direction of pressure applied by the opponent.
- SSG 1
A game with multiple scoring options. Small sided games allows for the player to be in a game situation, while experiencing different game scenarios through the constraints and conditions placed on the game. This optimizes the players cognitive and socio-affective structure.
- Thursdays Free Play
Free play is vitally important, and more of this is needed in youth sports. https://www.soccertoday.com/platini-soaf-let-youth-players-be-kids-they-are-not-pros-yet/ This gives empowerment to the individual player to perform with creative actions and to use the game situation to problem solve, not relying on the instructions from external sources outside of the games context.
07’s to 05’s (Monday was a rest day, the following breakdown is for the session the coaches chose to run)
- Dribbling Under Pressure
A small sided game where players are challenged to make decisions quickly while under the pressure of an opponent from multiple angles and under different scenarios. While starting with a ball each, as opponents recover possession of the ball and place the ball out of the playing area, attackers must now support those still in possession of their ball. This forces players to recognize danger, and also provide supporting angles best to receive the ball in open spaces. Decision making and problem solving is in an individual and group context.
- Changing the Point of Attack
A rondo played in a 3v3 + 2, positioned to where the 3 players are lateral through the wide playing area. Upon regaining possession the ball, the 3 players recognize the spaces and position themselves accordingly to switch the ball from one side of the playing area to the other. The 2 neutral players are used for support ahead of and behind the ball. Concepts worked on include quick short passes to disrupt organization of opposition, triangulation of support, and communication through player and ball movements. A positional game takes place to replicate the game scenario of knowing when and how to switch the point of attack from one flank to the other.
- Thursdays Free Play
Free play is vitally important, and more of this is needed in youth sports. https://www.soccertoday.com/platini-soaf-let-youth-players-be-kids-they-are-not-pros-yet/ This gives empowerment to the individual player to perform with creative actions and to use the game situation to problem solve, not relying on the instructions from external sources outside of the games context.
04’s and Older
- Physiological Conditioning – Injury Prevention & Core Activation
A circuit of exercises to engage the core through hip hinge movements, and glute activation. A low intensity and low impact session for recovery purposes and re-entry in to the week of practice. A significant amount of time allotted to stretching, loosening up the posterior chain, and hip-flexor muscles.
04 and 02 age groups practice small sided rondos, in a low impact session for managing intensity following the weekend games.
- Attacking with a MF 3
Rondos and positional games to introduce the concepts of attacking with a MF 3. Objectives included connecting the attack and defense through MF, and playing between the lines. Roles of the MF was to support the ball out from the defensive line, and to support the attack with 3rd man runs. Concepts included triangulation of support to open up multiple passing channels and provide multiple options for the possessor of the ball. Conditions placed on the practice to replicate the game situation and to put the players in to different scenarios where they encounter new problems, and need to find the solutions in real time on the field.
- Attacking with a Front 3
Positional game with a front 3, and supporting MF 3. Opponents are put in to formations and given instructions to create problems for the attackers. Solutions are provided with multiple different solutions depending on the oppositions reaction to the attack. CF movement is utilized to create spaces on the opponents defensive line, for the 3rd man runs from MF to take advantage of the unoccupied spaces. Weak sided forwards roll in centrally to provide numbers in attack in zone D, while FB progress to take the created space in the wide channel to provide width in attack.
Every session is structured to facilitate all four pillars of the players development, and to include challenges, targets, and competition to get players to push themselves further. We are a program that heavily focuses on the players individual development, and not to get caught up in the race for trophies and excessive travel to unnecessary tournaments. If you ever have any questions about the Fremont YSC philosophy, and the proactive curriculum, we are always available to answer.
Breakdown of mechanics in technique – https://www.fremontyouthsoccer.com/technical-tactical/