Player Development Curriculum
A curriculum is a plan for teaching that includes explicit statements known by both the coach and the player. The player knows not only what to do, but also whether he or she has done it. These benchmarks are what the coach will use to access a player’s performance.
There is continuity throughout the year in the way training sessions are conducted. Training sessions are planned in advance and in detail. The following is an overview of the factors influencing player development within all three components of soccer.
1. Gaining Possession: Psychological, Physical, Technical, Tactical
a. Specific Drills
b. Assessment
2. Keeping Possession: Psychological, Physical, Technical, Tactical
a. Specific Drills
b. Assessment
3. Counter Attack: Psychological, Physical, Technical, Tactical
a. Specific Drills
b. Assessment
Principles of Play
The principles of play are essentially the checklist a player goes through psychologically for each tactical situation that occurs in a match. Over many years of appropriate training and matches, these principles will become second nature for the players, and improved decision making quickens.
Principles of Attack
✓ Penetration
✓ Depth – support (angle and distance)
✓ Mobility – unbalancing (off-the-ball runs)
✓ Width – switch the point of attack
✓ Improvisation
✓ Finishing
Principles of Defense
✓ Pressure – immediate chase
✓ Delay – get goal-side
✓ Depth – cover
✓ Balance – get ball-side
✓ Compactness – concentration
✓ Control and restraint
Applying the Principles of Play
Player role – attack
1st Attacker – Penetration
2nd Attacker – Support
3rd Attacker – Width and Depth
Player role – Defense
1st Defender – Pressure and Delay
2nd Defender – Depth
3rd Defender – Balance
Background
Hawaii United believes fostering a structured, developmental environment requires common standards and benchmarks that can be followed by trainers and understood by players and parents. Hawaii United standards focus on developing smart, complete soccer players, while preparing boys and girls to play at higher levels.
Workload
The table below illustrates relative workload in a given year for each skill; 5 being highest and indicating an area of emphasis, 0 being lowest and indicating no emphasis in training for that age group. For example: heading is a 1 (and unimportant) for U8s and a 5 (very important) for U14s
Categories
Technical – The ability to execute individual skills critical to gameplay. As players mature and settle into positions, skill emphasis may differ by position. For example, a central midfield player will need different techniques and expertise as compared to an outside back.
Tactical – Hawaii United aims to create players, capable of adapting to the constantly changing circumstances of the game. Tactical skills are when a player takes action or makes a decision to gain an advantage on the field.
Physical – Strong and resilient players will provide a significant advantage to the team. A tired player will struggle to think properly and is prone to commit more errors.
Psychosocial – A player is often affected by his/her emotions. Players will learn to use these emotions to their advantage and turn them into strengths.
Effective Proficiency
Demonstrates competence to execute the skill with opposition.
Adequate Proficiency
Demonstrates competence to execute technique but frequent errors occur with opposition.
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OPERATIONS: What to expect
- Professionally Managed
- Technical and tactical coaching
- Dedicated Team Coaches
- Developmental Reporting
- Competitive and Developmental Teams
- Tournament Play
- Travel Opportunities
- Structured practices
- Organized team activities – Cookouts, barbeques, sporting events
- Volunteer opportunities