the training environment prepared by tom goodman, m.ed. director of training and evaluation
TRANSCRIPT
The Training Environment
Prepared by
Tom Goodman, M.Ed.
Director of Training and evaluation
Cycle of Development
The creation of a quality training environment to foster quality player development is determined by a Cycle of Events and Processes. In our sport we call this the Cycle of Development:
Game Analysis Training Game Analysis Training Game
Cycle of Development
Game (match)Evaluate performance of the playersIdentify problems
AnalysisReview problems Determine priorities
TrainingDevelop/create the training sessionCorrect problems
Principles of Coaching
Organization
progression
equipment
time
field space
players
Demonstration…
paint the picture
Observation
watch your team
in games
in training sessions
watch your opponents
Information…
feedback to players
Principles of the Game
Principles of Attack
penetration
support
width/length
mobility
improvisation
Principles of Defense
pressure
cover
balance
compactness
counter-attack
Training Session Design Considerations
Demands of the Game
The moving ball
Body and ball control
Decision making
Opposition
Stresses of the game
Elements of the Game
Ball
Teammates
Field of Play
Direction of play
Objectives…goals/targets
Opponents
Decision making
Training Session Design Considerations
Playing Area
SizeShape
Number of playersTopic/theme
DirectionNatural markings
Components of the Game
TechnicalTactical Physical
Psychological
Training Session Design Considerations
Economical Training
Activities that are like the game
Activities that Incorporate multiple components
Activities that are competitive
Specificity of Training
(SAID)
S = Specific
A = Adaptations
I = Imposed
D = Demands
Training Variables
Goals
Number of goalsSize of goals
Shape of goals
Field
Size of fieldShape of field
Divisions of field
Balls
Number of ballsPlacement of balls
Service of balls
Players
Number of playersNeutral players
Numbers up/downAge/ability of players
Training Variables
Rules
Restrictions
Incentives
Offsides
Point system
Miscellaneous
Outdoors vs indoors
Field surface
Equipment
Time/duration
Lesson Plan Organization
Organization…simple to complex
1. Warm-up Activity
Technical repetition…technical speed
No pressure or light pressure from opponents
Pressure from ball and imposed demands
2. Small Sided Game Activity
Introduce pressure from opponent(s)
Non-directional or directional
Lesson Plan Organization
Organization…simple to complex
3. Expanded Small Sided Game Activity
Increase number of players
Directional…looks like the game
4. Scrimmage (game)
Play soccer
The game with the rules (offsides, etc.)
Lesson Plan Activities
“Make sure activities are realistic to the game!”
Name each activity
Free dribble
4v4 to 4 goals
Etc.
Describe each activity
Objectives
Rules
Restrictions and/or incentives
Point system
Lesson Plan Activities“Make sure activities are realistic to the game!”
Diagram each activityShape of fieldDimensions of fieldNumber & formation of players
(X’s, O’s and N’s for neutral players)Include movement symbols
straight line = passdotted line = runscribbled line = dribble
Use area of the field applicable to the topicGoal area for goalkeepingAttacking 3rd for finishingEtc.
Lesson Plan Content
Does it look like soccer?
Does the activity/practice bring out the elements of the game?
Will the players understand where the practice fits into the game?
Are the objectives for the players realistic?
Are instructions clear and concise?
Lesson Plan Delivery
Player Considerations
Need time for uninterrupted play
need to concentrate
need to hear the game
need to establish a rhythm of play
need to have a chance to solve problems on their own
Lesson Plan Delivery
Coach Considerations…
use the Coach’s Toolkit
• Allow the conditions of the game to coach the theme• Coach at natural stoppages• Coach in the flow of the game• Coach individual players as game continues• Coach using the freeze method…freeze, correct,
rehearse, restart
Things to Avoid
• Excessive coaching…over-coaching
• Incorrect or inappropriate activities
• Activities that are unrealistic
• Training sessions that don’t flow and are frustrating
Final thoughts
• Find ways to make the training environment competitive
• Give rest periods for rest and water (appropriate work to rest ratio)
• Demand technical precision
• Hold players accountable for their decisions on the field
• Keep the session flowing
• Make it FUN…It is a game after all!
Sample lesson planLesson Plan
Topic: Dribbling for Penetration Age group: U14
Free Dribble: players dribble freely throughout the grid (20 x 25 yds). Players work on moves. Select a few players to add passive pressure by jogging at the dirbblers.
Organization Diagram Coaching Points
1v1 competition: set up many 1v1 fields (10 x 15 yds.), side by side. Assign 6 players to each field; 3 players at each goal. 2 play while 4 rest for 30 second bouts.
3v3 to four goals: Each team of 3 defends 2 goals and attacks the other 2 goals. Field wider than longer (25 x 30 yds.) 2 points are awarded when a player dribbles thru their opponent’s goals. 1 point is awarded for a pass thru a goal.
6v6 scrimmage: play a 6v6 match. Field size: 70 x 50 yds.
Head up; bent knees; ball close to body; change speed; change direction
Body feint or dribbling movement to “throw” the defender one way; perform the feint early enough to beat the opponent; change of direction; change of speed; explode past the defender
Reinforce the points listed in the activities listed above. Use teammates as decoys…fake the pass to teammates and dribble by opponents.
Reinforce the points listed in the activities above. Correct team attacking shape to provide options to dribble for penetration.
Credits
• United States Soccer Federation, National C License Curriculum Manual, 2003
• Goodman, Tom, M.Ed., Soccer Coaching Made Easy…A Coach’s Guide to Player Development, Reedswain Publishing, 2005
Thank you for your attention!