U 18/19 Final Phase -The Fulfillment (Flower in Full Bloom) Development of Positional and Team Play

Fulfillment of a player’s potential depends on his or her own efforts, the support of his or her teammates and the unselfish guidance of his or her coach. He/she must be exposed to a playing and training environment which extends his/her mental, physical and technical capabilities to the limit. He/she must have a sound understanding of the game’s principles and concepts. Players should show emotional stability when confronted with pressure situations. Demanding and challenging training sessions and competitive matches are essential.

Coach: charismatic, well Informed, up to date, experienced, knowledgeable, articulate, disciplinarian, no doubt about his/her authority, managerial know how.

Technique: mastered skills leading to artistry.  All skills performed at speed under match conditions, demand excellence. Individual skill covered during the warm-up.

Tactics: increase tactical speed (decision making), increased pressure and competition.  Understanding how to win a game. Comfortable and able to adapt to changes in tactics during games.

Functional: understanding of lines and linkage, attacking, possession with a purpose. Combination play with tactical implications, penetrations with creativity, counter attack, target play and creating chances and crossing with proper runs in the box, set plays.

Defending: man to man marking with sweeper behind and in front, zonal marking as in a flat back four, pressing (winning possession of the ball as an attacking concept) and set plays.

* A great deal of coaching, teaching within 8v8 and 11v11games *

Physical: fitness, work with and without the ball.

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

Endurance: Aerobic and anaerobic strength, upper and lower body. Weight training a must.

Nutrition: proper diet, pre-game, post-game, tournaments, etc.

Psychological:  Increased concentration, leadership, increased player responsibilities and discipline.

Respect for the game and self confidence, self motivation and goal setting.  Vary program and satisfy player’s urge for competition and will to win.