Player Development Curriculum

Player Development Curriculum

MonU Programs at a Glance AGE FUNdamental Intermediate Advanced 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13-19 Competitive Academy Mini s Recreational / Rec Select 1 v 1 4 v 4 7 v 7 9 v 9 11 v 11

The Four Pillars of Soccer and how they relate to the match THE MATCH The objective of any training session is to prepare players for competition. The match shows the tactical, technical, physical and psychosocial development of the player. These are also referred to as the four pillars of soccer. TACTICAL - Soccer IQ This component helps the player fit into the team. Our aim is to create clever players, capable of adapting to the constantly changing circumstances of the game. TECHNICAL - Individual Skills All players on the team have to be individually competent and proficient in the most important skills for each position. For example, a central midfield player will need different techniques and expertise as compared to an outside back. PHYSICAL - Speed, Strength, Fitness and Endurance Strong and resilient players will provide a significant advantage to the team. A tired player will struggle to think properly and is prone to commit more errors. PSYCHOSOCIAL - Mental toughness The human being is often affected by his/her emotions. We will train the players to use these emotions to their advantage and turn them into strengths and not weaknesses.

Creating an Appropriate Environment The four major components of player development All four components are interrelated with the four pillars of soccer. Developing these components in the training session will be essential to create an appropriate environment in order to develop successful players. QUALITY This component is related to the TECHNICAL side of the game. A quality touch of the ball is indispensable to the tactical side of gameefficiency. Technique in soccer allows for great diversity; therefore, repeating specific technical actions in a game context provides the player with a wide range of technical movements. Coaches will insist on a clean touch on the ball as well as quality technique. GAME UNDERSTANDING This component is related to the TACTICAL side of the game. Developing vision and game awareness is crucial from an early age. In soccer, one action is never repeated in exactly the same way and game situations change constantly. Collective practices and experience in different game situations aids the player by improving his/her knowledge of the game. COMPETITIVENESS This component is related to the PSYCHOSOCIAL part of the game. Opposed and high intensity practices are essential in the development of high-quality and competitive players. Developing committed and competitive players from an early age is an indispensable aspect in the creation of successful teams. INTENSITY This component is related to the PHYSICAL side of the game. Practices must be performed at game intensity. Short working periods of high-intensity develops the technical quality and the quick, tactical decisions required in the game. Reproducing game intensity during training sessions is essential to the mprovement of the different types of speed and endurance.

Methodology Coaching Style Below are general coaching guidelines and preparation for our coaches COMPETITIVE - All games will have a competitive environment, rewarding the winning team and creating a healthy, competitive spirit and training environment. BALL - All practices must be done with the ball whenever possible. FUN - The coach must use his/her creativity to design fun practices which apply to soccer, especially for the younger players. Organization PREPARATION - All coaches should prepare and review a session plan before the session. DURING THE SESSION - Do not stop the session too often. Players must learn to find solutions without constant coaching. Give clear and accurate coaching points and quickly restart the session. EVALUATION - Take a few minutes after the session to review and note what worked well and what needs improvement. Coaching the Player BALL CONTROL AND PASSING - The technique of the player is based upon ball control as well as accuracy of the pass. The quality and direction of the first touch is of paramount importance. PERCEPTION AND AWARENESS - Emphasize keeping the head up and scanning the field at all times. Perception and awareness are major parts of the game. SPEED AND REACTION - All practices will incorporate speed in perception, decision making and execution. Increasing individual speed will increase the speed of the whole team. Coaching the Team SPACE AND MOVEMENT - Creating space in order to receive the ball and offer passing options to the player in possession is essential. Demonstrate to players how to move at the right time. ATTACK - DEFEND - All players attack and defend. Give specific roles and explain the appropriate movements for your players individually and as a team-unit. SPEED OF PLAY - The main objective of the team will be to play at a maximum speed. Reducing the space and number of touches on the ball increases the speed of play.

Principles of Age Appropriate Development Training characteristics based on human development Stage Age Characteristics FUNdamental 3 4 5 6 7 8 Very young players from 3-8 years of age love to play. Therefore, all practices should be based on fun games. Players must spend the maximum time possible in contact with the ball and experiment by themselves. For the first time the player has to build a relationship with other players. Give different responsibilities to the players in order to develop a sense of team. Basic motor skills like walking, running or jumping have to be combined with ball handling and ball control. Intermediate 9 10 11 12 Pre-pubescent players from age 9-12 have a special ability to learn. Therefore, this is the right age to work on specific soccer techniques and skills. Developing good technique is essential at this age. 1v1 and 2v1 attacking and defending situations are important to develop individual skills as well as the passing techniques to develop the necessary team game. Use small-sided games to develop basic attacking and defending principles. Other important aspects of tactical training are possession, combination play, transition and finishing in the final third, as well as zonal defending. Players will rotate in two or three different positions to avoid eaarly specialization. Speed, coordination, balance and agility are the main physical aspects to improve at this stage.

Principles of Age Appropriate Development Training characteristics based on human development Stage Age Characteristics Advanced 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 At this stage, training sessions are oriented more towards tactics and the player will practice in bigger spaces. Players must practice all different types of techniques at this stage. Strength and endurance should be part of the fitenss training. Coaching methods have to consider and preserve plsyers' health since they will be experiencing many changes due to puberty at this stage. Warm-ups and cool downs are essential as is dynamic flexibility. Players must develop discipline at this stage by following the instructions of the coach both during and outisde training sessions. Players should be expected to show commitment to the team, concentration in training sessions, and compeitiveness during the game. Tactical training and small-sided games are an essential part of the training at this stage. Attacking and defending principles must be part of all games. Important aspects of the tactical training are speed of play, quick transition, counter attacking and finishing in the final third, as well as pressing. Technique will focus on speed and accuracy. Passing and finishing are two of the main techniques emphasized at this stage. Part of the technical training will be position-specific (e.g. defender: passing, center midfield players: receiving to turn and strikers: finshing). The physical aspect of the game is key at this stage: endurance, strength and speed will be part of the weekly training routine. Strategy and Set-Pieces now become a critical aspect of training.

COACHING CONTENT SUMMARY TECHNICAL 1. Passing 2. Running with the ball 3. Dribbling 4. Turning 5. Shooting 6. Ball control 7. Heading (starting at U12) 8. 1v1 attacking 9. Strong on the ball 10. Receiving to turn 11. Crossing & Finishing 12. 1v1 Defending -Body Shape -Anticipation -Intercepting -Prevent turning -Tackling ATTACKING 1. Attacking Principles -Creating Space -Support -Width -Depth -Overlaps -Diagonal Runs -Playing forward -Speed of Play -Switching positions 2. Possession 3. Transition 4. Combination Play 5. Switching the point of attack 6. Counter attacking 7. Playing out of the back 8. Finishing in the final third TACTICAL DEFENDING 1. Defending Principles BASIC -Mark -Pressure -Cover -Balance ADVANCED -Tracking -Switching places 2. Zonal Defending 3. Pressing 4. Retreat & Recovery 5. Compactness 1. Strength 2. Endurance 3. Speed -Reaction -Acceleration -Deceleration 4. Flexibility & Mobility 5. Coordination 6. Balance 7. Agility PHYSICAL PSYCHOSOCIAL SET PIECES FORMATIONS GOALKEEPING 8. Basic motor skills 9. Preception & awareness BASIC 1. Motivation 2. Self Confidence 3. Cooperation 4. Decision - Determination ADVANCED 5. Competitiveness 6. Concentration 7. Commitment 8. Self Control SOCIAL 9. Communication 10. Respect 1. Kick off 2. Goal Kick 3. Throw-in 4. Corner Kick 5. Direct Free Kick 6. Indirect Free Kick 7. Penalty 1. 7v7 2-3-1 2. 9v9 3-2-3 3-3-2 3. 11v11 4-3-3 4-4-2 TECHNICAL 1. Ball handling 2. Managing crosses 3. Diving 4. Footwork 5. Positioning 6. Shot stopping TACTICAL 1. Distribution 2. Support Play 3. Controlling tempo PHYSICAL 1. Agility & reaction 2. Coordination & balance 3. Flexibility 4. Perception & awareness 5. Strength & power PSYCHOSOCIAL 1. Focus/attention 2. Decision/ determination 3. Communication See GK Milestone?

OBJECTIVES TECHNICAL: Develop basic individual technique CURRICULUM - U3-U5 (MINIS)- SEASON PLAN ORGANIZATION Sessions per week 1 Session Time 60 Players per team N/A Game Time N/A CONTENT DISTIBUTION PHYSICAL: Develop coordination and basic motor skills with and without the ball PSYCHOSOCIAL: Feel comfortable and confident with the ball TECHNICAL Dribbling -Beckenbauer -Fake/Take -Strong on the ball SESSION STRUCTURE Technical Warm Up Small Sided Expanded Small Sided Scrimmage Attacking -Recognizing when to shield the ball -Accelerate past a defender after executing a move N/A N/A N/A N/A ASPECTS TO CONSIDER -Age of the players -Parental involvement -Are they having fun? -Can they replicate at home? By the end of the season the player must be capable of: 1. Running, jumping and stopping with and without the ball 2. Demonstrate the basic moves with the ball 3. Coordinated movements at increased speed. Scrimmage Tactical Technical Physical 10% 0% 50% 40% CONTENT TACTICAL PHYSICAL PSYCHOSOCIAL Speed Motivation -React to a coaches command -Have fun instantly -Accelerate -Decelerate Develop basic motor skills Self-Confidence -Without the ball -With the ball Concentration -Be able to listen to a coaches instruction without interuption Develop self-control

OBJECTIVES SCRIMMAGE: Take up good postiions during the match TACTICAL: Recognizing triangles TECHNICAL: Improve basic individual technique PHYSICAL: Develop coordination and basic motor skills with the ball PSYCHOSOCIAL: Feel comfortable and confident with the ball TECHNICAL Dribbling (both feet) -Beckenbauer -Cruyff -Zico -Circle Fake/Take -Strong on the ball Passing and Receiving -Be able to pass on the move with both feet -Be able to receive with a first touch into space Shooting -Be able to strike a ball towards goal with the instep of both feet Sessions per week 2 Session Time 75 Players per team 10-12 Game Time 50 SESSION STRUCTURE Technical Warm Up 20 Small Sided 20 Expanded Small Sided 15 Scrimmage 20 1v1 Attacking -Understanding when to use each of the dribbling techniques in a game setting CURRICULUM - U6-U8 - SEASON PLAN ORGANIZATION ASPECTS TO CONSIDER -Size of the practice -Time of the practice -Intensity level -Rules -Number of players -Teammates - Opposition By the end of the season the player must be capable of: 1. Basic skills in 1v1 situations 2. Move forward when attacking and back when defending 3. Coordinated movements at speed with and without the ball Scrimmage Tactical Technical Physical 20% 10% 40% 30% CONTENT TACTICAL PHYSICAL PSYCHOSOCIAL Speed Motivation -React to game situations -Have fun effectively -Accelerate with the ball -Deceleratewith the ball Improve basic motor skills with and without the ball Perception and Awareness -Recognize boundries and attempt to keep the ball in play when possible CONTENT DISTIBUTION Self-Confidence -Without the ball -With the ball Concentration -Be able to listen to a coaches instruction without interuption Develop self-control Communication -Interact with teammates during the training session

OBJECTIVES SCRIMMAGE: Efficiently occupy space in relation to the ball and teammates TACTICAL: Creating space and applying basic principles TECHNICAL: Accuracy in individual soccer techniques PHYSICAL: Develop speed, agility, coordination and balance PSYCHOSOCIAL: Interact positively and feel confident within the group TECHNICAL Dribbling -All moves should be mastered at game speed Passing and Receiving -Passing with both feet -1st touch on the move -Receive with inside and outside of the foot Shooting -Strike the ball with the instep with both feet Sessions per week 2 Session Time 75 Players per team 10-12 Game Time 50 SESSION STRUCTURE Technical Warm Up 20 Small Sided 20 Expanded Small Sided 20 Scrimmage 15 TACTICAL Transition Immediate chase when the ball is turned over Combination Play -Give and Go -Overlap Possession -Understand support angles CURRICULUM - U9-U10 - SEASON PLAN ORGANIZATION ASPECTS TO CONSIDER -Size of the practice -Time of the practice -Intensity level -Rules -Number of players -Teammates - Opposition By the end of the season the player must be capable of: 1. Being efficent in 1v1 situations 2. Applying the basic attacking principles. 3. Coordinated movements at speed. CONTENT PHYSICAL Speed -React to game situations effectively Endurance -Play at a high intensity for 10-15 minutes at a time Balance -When challenging for the ball Agility -Ability to change directions quickly and effectively CONTENT DISTIBUTION Scrimmage Tactical Technical Physical 30% 20% 30% 20% Motivation -Have fun PSYCHOSOCIAL Self-Confidence -Willing to take risks with the ball in attack Competitiveness -Develop a competitive edge Committment to the team Concentration -Be able to listen to a coaches instruction without interuption Communication -Interact with teammates during the training session

OBJECTIVES SCRIMMAGE: Match focus is on possession, transition and collective defending. CURRICULUM - U11-U12 - SEASON PLAN ORGANIZATION Sessions per week 2 Session Time 75 Players per team 12-14 Game Time 50-60 CONTENT DISTIBUTION TACTICAL: Develop attacking & defending principles and combo play TECHNICAL: Focus on quality of passing and receiving technique as well as ball control in game situations. PHYSICAL: Compete to increase speed, agility, coordination and balance in games. PSYCHOSOCIAL: Increase collective selfconfidence TECHNICAL Dribbling -Dribble at pace and under pressure with both feet Passing and Receiving -Play and receive long balls on the move with both feet -Turn with the ball with both feet Crossing and Finishing -Bending balls (both feet) -Volleys (both feet) -Half Volleys (both feet) Defending -Utilize proper tackling techniques SESSION STRUCTURE Technical Warm Up 10 Small Sided 25 Expanded Small Sided 25 Principles of Attack -Penetration -Support -Width and Depth Combination Play -3rd man combo Defensive Principles -Pressure -Cover -Balance Scrimmage 15 Transition - Counterattacking Switch the point of attack through midfield ASPECTS TO CONSIDER -Size of the practice -Time of the practice -Intensity level -Rules -Number of players -Teammates, oppostiiton By the end of the season the player must be capable of: 1. Application of technique at speed in game situations. 2. Application of attacking and defending principles in games. 3. Agility, coordination and speed movements in game situations Scrimmage Tactical Technical Physical 20% 30% 30% 20% CONTENT TACTICAL PHYSICAL PSYCHOSOCIAL Speed Motivation -React to game situations -Have fun effectively Endurance -Play at a high intensity for 15-20 minutes at a time Balance -When challenging for the ball Agility -Ability to change directions quickly and effectively Recognize the importance of nutrition in athletes Self-Confidence -Willing to take risks with the ball in attack Competitiveness -Improve one's competitive edge Committment to the team Respect -Coaches, players, referees Communication -Develop responsibilities and accountability in training and in the match

OBJECTIVES SCRIMMAGE: Coordinate playing out of the back, possession, transition, combo play and finishing during a match. TACTICAL: Application of attacking and defending principles in a match TECHNICAL: Focus on speed of passing and receiving technique and ball control in small spaces. PHYSICAL: Develop speed, endurance and strength PSYCHOSOCIAL: Competition in indivual and team situations TECHNICAL Dribbling -Change of pace in runs and dribbling Sessions per week 2 Session Time 75-90 Players per team 16-18 Game Time 60-70 SESSION STRUCTURE Technical Warm Up 15 Small Sided 30 Expanded Small Sided 30 Scrimmage 15 Transition -Individual roles in various thirds of the field CURRICULUM - U13-U15 - SEASON PLAN ORGANIZATION ASPECTS TO CONSIDER -Size of the practice -Time of the practice -Intensity level -Rules -Number of players -Teammates - Opposition By the end of the season the player must be capable of: 1. Combo play and communication with teammates 2. Playing short passes at speed in small spaces 3. Combine endurance and speed during the match CONTENT DISTIBUTION Scrimmage Tactical Technical Physical 20% 30% 25% 25% CONTENT TACTICAL PHYSICAL PSYCHOSOCIAL Speed Self-Confidence -Immediate reaction to game -Willing to take risks with the ball situations effectively in attack Passing and Receiving -Proper control of balls played with pace -Controlling air balls with all surfaces -Comfortable heading the ball with proper technique Crossing and Finishing -Runs in the box -Combo play to create chances Possession -Ability to play out of the back -Capable of creating 2v1 situations -Possession with a purpose Defending -Recognizing when to press vs delay Zonal Defending -Understanding compactness Endurance -Build endurance for match play Balance -When challenging for the ball Agility -Ability to change directions quickly and effectively Understand the importance of a proper warm up and cool down Competitiveness -Maximize one's competitive edge Committment to the team Respect -Coaches, players, referees Communication -Increase responsibilities and accountability in training and in the match Set Pieces -Individual Roles Recognize the importance of nutrition in athletes

OBJECTIVES SCRIMMAGE: Develop possession, transition and finishing at speed as well as organization for pressing and recovering. CURRICULUM - U16-U19 - SEASON PLAN ORGANIZATION Sessions per week 2 Session Time 90 Players per team 16-22 Game Time 80-90 CONTENT DISTIBUTION TACTICAL: Improvement of quick transitions, attacking in the final third, pressing and zonal defending TECHNICAL: Focus on perception and quick execution of passing, receiving, and finishing in the match PHYSICAL: Maximize balance, power, speed and endurance PSYCHOSOCIAL: Increased concentration and self control TECHNICAL Passing and Receiving -Proper control of balls played with pace in small spaces -Focus on perception and quick execution of passing and ball control in small spaces -Receive to turn at speed in small spaces -Comfortable heading the ball with proper techniqueon attack or when defending Crossing and Finishing -Finish at speed in small sided games -Combo play to create chances in small sided games SESSION STRUCTURE Technical Warm Up 15 Small Sided 30 Expanded Small Sided 30 Scrimmage 15 Attacking/Defending Principles -Recognizing roles within vertical and horizontal lines on attack and defense Build from defensive third to the middle third Build from the middle third to the final third Transition -Recognizing the ability to exploit the defense when unbalanced Defending -Line of Confrontation ASPECTS TO CONSIDER -Size of the practice -Time of the practice -Intensity level -Rules -Number of players -Teammates - Opposition By the end of the season the player must be capable of: 1. Coordination of tactical principles of movements with teammates at speed 2. Good technique under pressure while fatigued. 3. Coordinate with teammates to press when possession is lost. Scrimmage Tactical Technical Physical 20% 40% 15% 25% CONTENT TACTICAL PHYSICAL PSYCHOSOCIAL Speed Concentration -Immediate reaction to game -Capable of completing tasks situations effectively throughout the entire match Endurance -Maximize endurance for match play Agility -Ability to change directions quickly and effectively Understand the importance of a proper warm up and cool down Recognize the importance of nutrition in athletes Communication -Increase responsibilities and accountability in training and in the match

GOALKEEPING BENCHMARKS U9 - U12 U13 - U15 U16 - U19 Displays proper technique when handling the ball at all levels. Methods of handling may not be technically sound but allow keeper to control the ball and limit rebounds. Demonstrates proficient ability in all handling techniques. HANDLING Understands and can demonstrate hand positioning required for saves at varying body levels. May have limited knowledge and application of proper body positioning which could impact the effectiveness of the keeper's handling skills. Understands and can demonstrate boxing and deflection skills Demonstrates proper body positioning to allow secondary surfaces to back up handling skills. Displays effective decision making skills in determining how to handle the ball in any situation. Body positioning is correct when executing all handling skills Can demonstrate GK specific locomotor skills: Shuffle Crossover step Side-on run Backpedal Can combined GK specific locomotor skills and utilize them in the correct situations. Demonstrates the "ready" position in a dynamic environment. Displays proficiency in all GK specific footwork. Demonstrates effective agility, balance, coordination, speed and power. FOOTWORK Demonstrates "ready" position in a static environment. Ability to maintain a center of gravity that allows for quick change of direction. Utilizes footwork in the attempt to make saves without resorting to dives. DISTRIBUTION Can distribute the ball through rolls, throws and punts. Displays accuracy of distribution with moderate success. Understands the need for varying levels of power when distributing to field players. Rolls or throws the ball in a manner that is easily receivable by field players. Consistently displays proficiency and accuracy when ditributing the ball. Understands the need to distribute the ball to the appropriate side of a field player. Demonstrates proficiency in all distribution techniques

GOALKEEPING BENCHMARKS Displays willingness to go to the ground to make a save. Dive trajectories are on an angle in front of the GK. Ability to go to the ground under control and in preparation for restanding to make a secondary save. Demonstrates excellent technical ability when executing all diving techniques. DIVING Demonstrates the ability to avoid landing on elbows, back or stomach when diving laterally. Dive trajectories are angled forward and the ball can be secured. Displays proper diving technique consistently. AERIAL COMPETENCY Attempts to gain possession at the highest point of contact possible. May lack hand size necessary to secure the ball overhead. Uses "keeper" and "away" commands. Attempts to take a direct path to the ball. Attempts to secure the ball above the head when possible. Displays consistent ability to read the flight of the ball and determine when to engage. Demonstrates confidence when using "keeper" and "away" commands. Displays confidence, aggression and effective decision making skills when engaged in any aerial situation. FOOT SKILLS Displays confidence receiving a ball with either foot. Demonstrates the ability to punt and take goal kicks. Can clear a ball delivered from a back pass. Takes a direct path to the ball and maintains forward momentum after the ball is secured. Can receive and redistribute the ball for possesion. Develops accuracy with punts and goal kicks. Demonstrates confidence staying connected to the defense and can act as a safety outlet for clearances. Displays effective ability to play the game with the confidence of a field player. TECHNICAL ABILITY Goalkeepers in this age group will vary in skill development and retention, and may inconsistently display proper technique in practice and game settings. U9-U11 Coaches should focus on the building blocks of goalkeeping ("ready"position, handling and footwork). Goalkeepers in this age group are beginning to play the position the majority of time for their teams. They display confidence in technical ability and decision making skills. Teams at this age group should find ways to incorporate the goalkeeper position during practice sessions and individual goalkeeper training is recommended. Goalkeepers at this age group are fully immersed in the position. They demonstrate confidence in organizing defense and display excellent technical abilities as a goalkeeper. Teams at this age group need to spend time training their goalkeepers both individually and in team settings.

GOALKEEPING BENCHMARKS Can verbally alert defenders of the presence of attacking players. Can instruct defenders concerning specific marking assignments. Properly organize their defense and show confidence communicating with teammates. TACTICAL ABILITY Develops an understanding of angle play and basic positioning in the goal. Reads the game and displays proper positioning in the net. Consistently executes proper positioning and technical skills in all situational settings. PHYSICAL Understands vertical positioning and stays connected to the defense. Goalkeepers in this age group will vary in a number of physical attributes. Hand size may make catching a ball a difficult task. Foot speed and handling technique should be areas that all keepers at this level can develop. Plyometric and and low impact body weight exercises can be introduced for all body levels. Physically, the goalkeeper at this age may be able to block down shots but may struggle to collect the ball at levels at the chest and above the head. Actively contributes to team possession by following play vertically and showing comfort receiving and distributing the ball with their feet. More emphasis is placed on goalkeeper specific fitness. Goalkeepers at this age should understand the need for increased muscle strength and endurance training that targets the legs and core. Plyometric and high impact body weight exercises should be utilized in this age group. Training should also focus on agility, coordination, reaction time, power and speed. The goalkeeper at this level displays the ability to properly secure a ball at all body levels. Goalkeepers at this level should be engaged in fitness programs that will enahnce their goalkeeping abilities. This may include weight training, plyometrics and high impact exercises designed to increase muscualr strength and endurance. Training should also focus on handling skills, agility, speed, coordination, reaction time, balance and power. PSYCHOLOGICAL Goalkeepers in this age group are just learning the position. Coaches must help their GK's understand that goals will be scored and mistakes will be made. Courage, leadership, resiliency and self-efficacy are traits that should be fostered. Goalkeepers at this age level understand and manage the pressures of the position. Consistent goalkeeper training (team and/or individual) is necessary to maintain confidence and decision making skills unique to the position. Goalkeepers at this level engage in as much gk specific training as possible to improve their craft. They display confidence, emotion regulation and leadership on the field. They command respect from their teammates and are seen as a captain on the field.