U16 Fervid Phase (The Dedication) Development of Skill and Group Tactics

This is a critical time in a player’s development. Many stop playing due to other interests, lack of success, shortage of playing opportunities, poor leadership or other reasons. Players tend to be mentally tough, self confident, but with a need for attention and security .There is a need for team spirit, leadership and discipline within the team.

Coach: charismatic, experienced, knowledgeable, articulate, disciplinarian, managerial, know how, thoughtful persuader. License: USSF “B" license or higher.

Technique: skills should be mastered leading to artistry, all under match conditions, individual skill, covered during the warm-up,  increase technical speed and strike balls cleanly over distance with accuracy under pressure. Speed of play should be increased by two-touch and one-touch play.

Attacking:  keep possession with a purpose, width, depth, support and combination play; wall pass, take over, overlap, double pass, third man running, penetration, mobility and creativity, crossing with proper runs in the box set plays. Counter-attack and set plays.

Defending:   pressure, cover balance (loose marking) compactness, delay tracking back communication (who, what, when, where) teach to enjoy, winning possession of the ball and defensive set plays.

* A great deal of coaching, teaching within 7v7 games *

Physical:  fitness work with and without the ball. Simple plyometrics.

Flexibility:  static and dynamic stretching before and after training and matches, agility exercises with and without the ball.

Endurance:   aerobic and anaerobic strength, upper and lower body.

Nutrition:   proper diet, pre-game, post-game, tournaments, etc. Prevention and care of injuries.

Psychological: increased concentration, leadership, player responsibilities, discipline respect for the game, goal setting, vary program,  satisfy player’s urge for competition. Must be competitive in training and games.