The 4 Phases of Player Development – The Full Bloom

Coaching Philosophy, General Coaching, Mental Skills, Physical Skills, Player Development, Tactical Skills, Technical Skills 1 Comment 1,915 Views

The Elite Phase: The Full Bloom (U-19)

Development of functional and team play:

Fulfillment of a player’s potential depends on his or her own efforts, the support of teammates and the unselfish guidance of her coach. He or she must be exposed to a playing and training environment, which extends her 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. No doubts about his/her authority; managerial know-how.

Technique:

Mastered skills leading to artistry. All at speed under match conditions, demanding excellence. Individual skill covered during warm-up and competitive situations.

Tactics:
Increase tactical speed (decision-making) with increased pressure and competition. Having the ability to change and adapt to game dynamics, up or down a goal, management of the clock and flow of the game.

Individual:

In attack: A good deal of time spent in functional training environments

Decisions based on thirds of the field
Comfort in playing in the different areas of the field/team (back, middle, front, center, wide).
Confidence to hold possession as an individual
Solve problems at the individual level.

In defense: Clear understanding of how the quality of pressure affects the ability of the team to defend

Decisions based on thirds of the field.
Comfort at playing two different positions

Small group:

In attack:

Improvisation/deception encouraged
Advanced understanding of combination play and how to combine to break down a defense
Balance of possession and penetration with a purpose to score goals
Recognize opportunities to penetrate by a variety of means
Attacking in groups of three (forwards, midfielders and defenders)

In defense:

Pressure, cover, balance
Control of the game’s speed and direction due to defending decisions
Recognition of double team opportunities
Defending in groups of three (forwards, midfielders and defenders)

Team: Understanding of lines and linkage between lines. Understand positional and team needs.

In attack:

Comfort with direct and indirect styles of play
Combination play with tactical implications
Sustained possession as a means to break down the opponent’s defense
Speed of play; the game is faster and more physical
Creativity, quality of final ball to beat backs
Understanding how and when to counterattack
Serving runners in the box
Organizing the box with runners (penetration, width and support)
Decisions based on thirds of the fields
Set plays (80 percent success rate where we get: 1) goal; 2) shot on goal; or 3) corner kick

In defense:

Comfort with “high pressure” and “delayed high pressure” styles
Understanding of zonal and man-to-man marking play
Goalkeeper as the last defender
Keeping good team compactness
Stopping the counterattack
Decisions based on thirds of the field and different systems of play
Pressing (when and where to pressure, channel and dictate defensively)

Systems: The recommended system – all. Based on a variety of factors (individual/team abilities, opponent, field conditions, game management etc.). The Women’s National Team, U-21, U-19 and U-16 National Teams predominantly employ three forwards using a 3-4-3 and 4-3-3 system.

Note: A great deal of coaching/teaching within 9 v. 9 and 11 v. 11 games.

Physical:

Fitness work with and without the ball

Flexibility – static stretching after training/matches
Dynamic flexibility – partner stretching
Importance of discipline for warm-up and cool-down
Agility – with and without the ball
Endurance – aerobic and anaerobic
Strength – upper and lower body. Core strength/stability
Balance
Nutrition – proper diet pre-game, post-game, tournaments
Prevention and care of injuries
Importance of rest/recovery – schedule issues relative to the physical demands

Psychological:

Increased concentration
Leadership and increased player responsibility
Discipline
Accountability
Goal setting
Respect for the game
Self-confidence, self-motivation, goal setting
Vary program – satisfy players’ urge for competition. Will to win.
Mental toughness/competitive mentality
Establish pre-practice and pre-game routine (as individuals and teams)
Encourage players/teams to watch professional and National Team games on television