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
Small Sided Games, Free Play, Pre-Season.
- Both sessions during this week were for Small Sided Games. A 3v3 to 4v4 format where players play the sport. Gaining game insight and intelligence while playing the sport in a pressure free environment
11’s to 08’s Competitive Teams
Small Sided Games, Free Play, Pre-Season.
- Both sessions during this week were for Small Sided Games. A 3v3 to 4v4 format where players play the sport. Gaining game insight and intelligence while playing the sport in a pressure free environment
Physiological Conditioning – Speed
- Speed session works on the linear pathway through ladder work with a combination of double and single foot movements, followed by ball work, dribbling back at speed so the next player can now enter the ladder. Group size is used to condition the player to a work:rest ration of 1:6. This allows for enough of a recovery period to perform the activity at maximum speed. The player needs to sue these sessions as a tool to challenge themselves and for the intrinsic reward of knowing they performed at 100% effort.
- Depending on the level and practice experience of the group, some groups worked for a second exercise which include players dribbling while being chased. Statistics show a players fastest sprint speed is during the recovery run when needing to defend.
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
Physiological Conditioning – Speed
- Speed session utilizing the ladders, and a possession game to work on linear speed, and then explosive speed through pressing the ball in a 4v1 keep away inside a 6×6 playing area. Players need to get a minimum of a touch on the ball or force the ball out of the playing area. Then the player must sprint back to the start to release the next player. A competition is created between multiple groups.
Physiological Conditioning – Speed Shooting
- Working a footwork pattern through a small grid, players speed is dependent on the footwork pattern, moving forwards, back, and laterally, exploding on to a ball to then drive at a goal and finish. Working for 6 repetitions and through 3 sets, the players challenges progress from individual challenge, to a point scoring challenge against opposition, to the introduction of a defender to chase down the attacker in an attempt to prevent the goal scoring opportunity. This introduces a level of strength if the attacking player needs to hold back the defender, relating to the context of the game situation.
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 – Speed
- A combination of the Speed and Speed Shooting session from U13 to U15 curriculum, with a greater number of sets and reps to challenge the players.
Physiological Conditioning – Speed Endurance (Counter Attack)
- Speed session built around the context of the game and specifically the moment of transition to counter attack at speed. From inside half way, a team of 3 are given a flank to attack and a time limit to get away a strike, along with the condition of all players being within the 18 yard box, and all having a touch on the ball. Progressions included recovery to a point where a counter attack could be prevented, and further to where opposition attempt to prevent the initial attack, completing the game context to not only challenge speed of action and physical speed, but also the speed of thought.
Shooting and Finishing
Receiving the ball with back to goal, attacker uses first touch to turn, and strike with the next touch as quick as possible. Looking over the shoulder to see where the goal and keeper is positioned, for quicker speed of thought and ultimately the action. Defender is added to challenge the decision of the turn and whether to shoot or go 1v1 with keeper. Progression to add transition and support by combining with additional attacker once attempt at goal is completed.
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.