TRAINING
METHODOLOGY
TRAINING & ENVIRONMENT GOAL
DEVELOP CONFIDENT, ADAPTABLE, AND
CREATIVE PLAYERS IN A PLAYER-CENTERED AND
GAME-REPRESENTATIVE ENVIRONMENT.
METHODOLOGY FOCUS
Repetition without repetition rather than repetition after repetition
Repetition without repetition: Games-based learning
Repetition after repetition: Isolated activities
Perception and action coupled
Scanning, finding the cue, decision-making, and execution at a high speed takes
experience, trial, and error
As representative as possible, as often as possible
As close to the game as it can look without taking about from learning objectives
Consistent club identity with playing style, terminology, and core
values
Clarity for everyone involved: players, parents, coaches
Developmentally-appropriate coaching
Physical and cognitive demands being met
METHODOLOGY PRINCIPLES
Constraints-Led Approach
We affect behavior through rules and environments rather than lectures or
repetitive drills
“You must take a minimum of four touches” to encourage dribbling
Perception & Action
What and/or where to look for cues to positively impact decision-making
“What did you see?” rather than “What should you do?”
Activities have decisions, direction, and opponents as often as possible
Player Ownership
Players are encouraged to ask questions, identify solutions, and lead parts of
training (warm-ups, team talks, etc.)
Resting players given observation tasks to remain engaged and instill ownership
of their own and teammates’ development
Prepared Periodization
Training is planned proactively rather than reactively (long-term focus rather than
short-term gains)
Based on phase of play and principles to ensure well-balanced training
SESSION STRUCTURE
Activation
Arrival game or activity to physically, technically, and mentally prepare players for
the training session
Linked to the session theme/focus
Small-Numbered Games
Involve 50% or less of the players that would be involved in a weekend game (less
than 7 total players such as a 5v2 at 7v7)
Increases number of decisions
May only involve on a specific team/unit function (playing through midfield
players)
Examples may include rondos or positional play games
Coaching players on or around the ball
Large-Numbered Games
Involve more than 50% of the players that would be involved in a weekend game
Less repetition on or around the ball
Ability to coach players away from the ball and relationship between those
players
AGES & STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
F = Focus | I = Introduce | M = Maintain
SEASON PLANNING/PERIODIZATION
COACH DEVELOPMENT & ALIGNMENT
Club-Wide Principles of Play
Broken down by age group to be developmentally-appropriate
Club Terminology
Clarity amongst coaches and within a team
Player Profiles
Shared expectations of positional qualities, role, and responsibilities
Regular CPD Meetings
Shared Session Library
Coach IDPs
PLAYER EVALUATION
Players are assessed on:
Game Understanding
Understanding of roles, responsibilities, and principles of play
Game Recognition
Perception and reading of cues (decision-making)
Technical Execution
Ability to execute the decision chosen
Mentality
Growth Mindset, Desire to learn, Work rate
Physical Profile (post-puberty)
Pace, Power, Endurance, Size/frame
FEEDBACK LOOPS
Club-Wide Player Development Plan & aligned Individual
Development Plan
In-season & post-season check-ins
Post-match reviews & reflection tasks
