A Technical Overview of Player Development

The acquisition of soccer skills is a long developmental process where player's progress gradually from a simple action to complex involvement in the game. The following structure will identify a number of stages players go through to achieve soccer competence.

 

FUN PHASE - 6 to 8 YEARS

• Introduction to soccer.
• The love of soccer is best nurtured by allowing the freedom of expression within small group situations. The fascination for the ball and the thrill of scoring goals will produce the desire to play real soccer.

 

FOUNDATION PHASE - 8 to 12 YEARS

• The romance period.
• Acquisition of basic skills.
• The introduction of key concepts.
• The motivation to learn basic skills is never greater than this age level. Children gradually begin to change from being self-centered to being self-critical and develop the need for group or team games. The game itself should be central to all skills training. Remember that 11-a side soccer is too sophisticated and complicated for young players small-sided games, which provides the right amount of pressure for the child's level of development, are more appropriate.

 

FINAL PHASE - 16 YEARS & UP

• The "flower of bloom".
• Conforming to adult standards.
• Sound understanding of the games principles and concepts.
• Mastery of basic skills leading to artistry.
• Emotional stability when confronted with pressure situations.

 

FORMAL PHASE - 12 to 16 YEARS

• The recognition of adult standards and the drive towards competence.
• The pace of development quickens at this level due to the acceleration of physical and mental maturation. The demands of skill training should like-wise increase. Awareness within the 11-a side game becomes an important part of the work.

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