What is Long Term Player Development?
- A system to create a logical progression in holistic player development
- Incorporates Age-Appropriate Training
- Focuses on Technical & Tactical Training and Development
- Emphasizes Physical & Mental Training and Development
- Spotlights the well-being aspects of player development
Developmental Training Methods – Age-Appropriate Training Curriculum
Phase I ages 5-7 years old :
- Spark imagination and creativity
- Develop movement skills and general coordination
- Develop speed, agility, and balance
- Soccer education hidden in fun games during training
- Small sided jamborees encourage total involvement, expression, and enjoyment
Phase II ages 8-12 years old :
- Technical mastery & experimentation is needed for skill acquisition
- Small sided games & playing opportunities
- Continue to develop movement management
- Encourage and develop confidence
- Develop goal setting qualities and improvement indicators
Phase III ages 13-15 years old :
- Reliability in executing quality fundamental techniques
- Ability to play with consistency and quality under the pressure of game-related conditions
- Technical / Tactical implication development
- Positional awareness on both sides of the ball
- Development of your role within the team from a tactical standpoint
- Rotation of playing positions
- Deep knowledge of the laws of the game
- Development of how to read and understand the needs of the game
- Understanding the principles of attack and defense
- Options of set pieces in attack/defense
Phaser IV ages 16-18 years old :
Proficiency in all soccer skills
- Soccer-specific technical and tactical skills under competitive conditions and at high intensity individualization of skills: ‘creativity,’ consistency and control
- Competition-simulation training
- More advanced team play and principles in the full game
- Awareness of new styles/systems of play • Develop a winning mentality and implement ‘winning tactics’
- Ability to link to players/units of team movement on/off the ball • Play 11 v 11 formats
- Ability to read the game • Awareness of opponent’s tactics, strengths, and weaknesses
- Adaptation to different situations.
- Clarity of team shape and role within the team
- Options of set pieces in attack/defense