Bulls Soccer Club Player Development Curriculum 2017-2018
Purpose This curriculum lays out a developmental design for Bulls players from U8 to U19.
U8-U11 Fun and enjoyable Continuous program of learning by example and encouragement Players learn by DOING not listening All basics are to be practiced constantly every session This age of learning must practice using both feet constantly, the aim is MASTERY OF THE BALL Footwork, moves, and technical skill
U8-U11 Skills to be introduced in 2 week blocks and repeated Defending 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, and 2v3 (decision making) Defeating opponents, dribbling (1v1), Learn a Trick, learn a few moves Screening and turning (receiving the ball properly) Shooting, ball striking, finishing, crossing, passing All surfaces of the foot Early plyometric/co-ordination and balance Small sided games only
U8-U11 Encourage taking on opponents, especially in the attacking third. This will develop confident, productive players. Highlight when to pass, when to dribble Should be a continuous program with variety, encouraging player confidence, enthusiastic, and committed.
U8-U11 Basic Outline of the Technical Program Transferring the skills to the game (8v8) Encourage players to rotate positions on a regular basis Produce defenders who can defend 1v1 and are comfortable with the ball to break out of the defending third Produce midfielders who can receive the ball and maintain possession while under pressure Produce attacking players with the 1v1 ability to beat defenders Produce overall effective and efficient players
U12-U14 The Development Period (Adolescence and Growth Spurts) Defenders Heading skills (height and distance) Being comfortable marking 1v1 Distribution from the back (long and short) Working as a unit (covering responsibilities) Defending set plays
Receiving the ball under pressure Turning and playing the ball forward U12-U14 Midfield Develop the ability to see the whole pitch, i.e. when to pass long vs. when to pass short Making forward runs Shooting from distance Understand defensive responsibilities
Turning and beating defenders Turning defenders without the ball Linking with midfield support Heading for goal Finishing crosses Quick finishing (1-2 touch) Turning and shooting U12-U14 Forwards
U12-U14 General Speed Agility Fitness and flexibility for all players Decision making and awareness is a vital component in all situations Use realistic practice (opposed or unopposed) Combined passing moves, i.e. third man runs, overlaps, etc. Introduce organization at set plays (basic)
U12-U14 General Competition becomes progressively tougher, can be highlighted during practice Coach players to create space for the role required Coaching the team i.e. organization of defense, midfield, and forwards (attacking and defending) Less rotation, more selection for role required Are we challenging the best players?
U15-U16 Understanding their Role within the Role Develop better tactical understanding Improve specific weakness in individuals (1 to 1 coaching) Identify talented, effective players to fast track them Develop strong mental attitudes as games get more competitive Do not stop the dribblers encourage effectiveness
U15-U16 Encourage speed and urgency during training and match play Match play effectiveness transferring the training into matches Fitness and strength become evident, begin to introduce the importance to the players Winning becomes important College recruiting education
U17-U19 Can They Climb the Ladder? Revisit all previous technical work (9-16 years) Develop fitness speed and strength (scientific approach) Continue to develop understanding (player and team) Mental ability to cope with criticism To play the game with desire and passion
U17-U19 The importance of winning Fast track the best players College recruiting and signing Set plays, for and against, and their importance The 17-20 year old can take more responsibility for his own improvement and development.
A Pattern of Growth U8-U12 U12-U14 U12-U14 U17-U19 Focus Fun & Enjoyable Decision Making & Field Awareness Filed Tactics Fitness, Desire, Passion Skills 1v1 & 2v2 3 v 3 4 v4 up to 9 v 9 Distribution, Midfield Play, Beating Defenders ID Specific Individual Weaknesses Develop Individual Fitness Emphasis Footwork Team Play Strong Mental Play Winning Coaching Individual Team Encourage Effectiveness More Player Responsibility
Coaches Coaching from habit is comfortable challenge yourself or stagnate Was I planned and prepared for all session? Did I communicate effectively? Did the players understand my instruction? How much praise, information, and criticism did I deliver? Did I coach all the players or just a select few? Fail to prepare, the prepare to fail.