HOW DOES A COACH IMPROVE A PLAYERS TECHNICAL LEVEL?
Training: Mix warm up with Technical Skill Development during the first segment of Practice (20-30 minutes). Play small sided games and give encouragement and goals for individual “creative” techniques.
Player Program: Design a specific @ home program for each player based on their technical deficiencies. Pre and Post Test the players and set measurable goals so you as the coach can track their progress.
~ Technical Skills
Dribbling - @ game speed, inside outside, change of direction, change of speed
Passing – proper weight on pass, to feet vs. lead receiver, inside foot, instep, chip, long and short passes
Vision – Look over your shoulder at all times, take a peak prior to receiving a ball or making a run
Runs (Support) – Movement to make yourself or teammates available for a pass
Receiving – Body positioning (open up), directional 1st touch
1st Touch – To read and avoid pressure, to set up next play (dribble, pass, shot)
Shielding – Wide base, contact with defender, seeking support
Coerver Moves – Quick deceptive change of direction to gain space and time (fakes & feints)
1 v 1 play – Attacking with speed and deception to get into space behind defender (fakes & feints)
Use of Outside of Foot for Passing – Quick, disguised method to split or penetrate in tight spaces
Servicing Balls – When and how to serve driven or flighted balls
Finishing – Proper shooting and heading techniques (Placement vs. Power)
Free Kicks – Placement, power & finess
Attitude – Intensity yet composed in Attacking Area (Slow your mind) as well as other thirds of field
1 v 1 Defending – make play predictable, give proper spacing , contain (protect space behind you), force
mistake, win ball (use patients and stay on your feet as much as possible)
Defensive Heading – Clear ball high and long
Slide Tackling – When and how to block and when and how to clear
A Player will improve if they are willing to invest time and effort into these areas! Repetition @ game speed vs. pressure is the key.
