Phase 1 — Foundation (U7/8)

Expectations of Players In A No Excuses Environment

* Plyometrics is a type of exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve
   the functions of the nervous system.

Development of individual skills — individual and small group tactics:
The effect of the role model is very important at this stage of development. Hero worship, indentification with successful teams and players and a hunger for imaginative skills typify the mentality of this age. This is a time of transition from self-centered to self-critical. Players of this age have a high arousal level in relation to the training of basic skills. This is the "golden age of learning" and the most important age for skill development. Demonstration is very important and the players learn best "by doing". This is also an important time to introduce and teach the basic principles of play. It is important to establish discipline-both behavioral and technical, from the beginning.

Coach must be: A sensitive teacher, enthusiastic, encouraging, possess soccer awareness, ability to demonstrate or utilize someone who can demonstrate such as an older player or an assistant coach, knowledge of the key factors of basic skills.

Development of individual skills — individual and small group tactics:

Adult standards and formal rules become applicable. The pace of development quickens at this time due to the acceleration of physical and mental maturation. The demands of skill training as well as training loads should increase, thus provoking improvement with mental toughness, concentration and diligence. Awareness of tactics within the game becomes an important facet of the learning process. Players tend to be self-critical and rebellious, but have a strong commitment to the team.

Coach must be: A strong personality with possessing soccer knowledge. The coach should be enthusiastic and patient but demanding.

Development of individual skills — individual, group and team tactics:

This is a critical time in the player’s development. Many stop playing due to other interests, lack of success, shortage of playing opportunities, poor leadership or other reasons. Players tend to lack mental toughness and self-confidence. They tend to be self-critical and struggle with their desire to be competitive or need to be more competitive. There is a need for attention and security. There should be a great focus on team spirit, leadership and discipline within the team.

Coach must be: Charismatic, experienced, knowledgeable, articulate, a disciplinarian, possess managerial know-how, a thoughtful persuader.

Development of functional and team play:

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

Coach must be: Charismatic, well informed, up to date, experienced, knowledgeable, articulate, a disciplinarian, authoritative, and possess managerial know-how.

Development of functional and team play:

Fulfillment of a player’s potential depends on the player’s own efforts, the support of teammates and the unselfish guidance of the player’s coach. Player’s must be exposed to a playing and training environment, which extends their mental, physical, tactical and technical capabilities to the limit. He or she must have a sound understanding of the game’s principles and concepts. Players should show emotional stability when confronted with pressure situations. Demanding and challenging training sessions and matches are a must.

Coach must be: Charismatic, well informed, up to date, experienced, knowledgeable, articulate, a disciplinarian, authoritative and possess managerial know-how.

Goalkeeper:

• Communication
• Bravery
• Concentration
• Shot stopping
• Commanding in the air
• Positional awareness
• Decision making
• Good distribution

Outside Defenders (Right and Left Backs)

• Speed (short, medium and long distances)
• Ability to get up and down the field
• Knowledge of correct covering distance for Center Back
• Strong in the tackle
• Ability to get forward and deliver cross
• Must be able to defend back post when ball on opposite side

Center Defenders

• CommunicationLeadership
• Comfortable on ball
• Good in airStrong in the tackle
• Good range of passing
• Positional and tactical awareness
• Speed (short, medium and long distances)

Center Midfielders (Defensive and Attacking)

• Can use both feet
• Ability to run with the ball
• Quality passing and control
• Strong in the tackle
• Understanding when to rotate, step and delay
• Speed (short, medium and long distances)
• Be creative
• Ability to get forward at the right time and score goals

Outside Midfielders

• Speed (short, medium and long distances)
• Ability to run with ball and beat players
• Skill (fakes, feints) and know when/where to use them
• Know when to give width and play narrow
• Transition quickly (offense to defense and defense to offense)
• Ability to create and score goals
• Quality passing and control
• Must be able to deliver a quality cross

High Forward (Furthest player forward)

• Speed (short, medium and long distances)
• Ability to run with the ball and beat a player
• Good in the air
• Good work rate
• First line of defense
• Quality passing and first touch
• Ability to score goals with both feet and head

Withdrawn Forward (Player behind high forward)

• Ability to link up play from midfield to forward
• Quick enough to get in behind defense
• Always in a position to receive ball on the half turn
• Good awareness of where all players are all the time
• Good agility
• Be able to create opportunities for oneself and others
• Ability to score goals with both feet and head