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» Advanced Player Development

Soccer is played at a much faster pace today than it was in the past. Teams need to respond instantly to the transition from having possession to losing possession of the ball and vice versa. When the ball is lost all players need to understand the principles of defense and when the ball is gained every player should know how to attack or support the attack. A forward who doesn't know how to defend is a liability and a defender who doesn't participate or support the attack will not be effective in a more competitive match. In short all players should know how to:

• Mark an opponent
• Slow down an opponent
• Take away options the opponent has
• Tackle and win the ball
• Support wile tracking other opponents
• Create space
• Spread out the opponent
• Make effective runs with and without the ball
• Support on attack
• Take on and beat opponents
• Recognize or create combination play opportunities
• Finish and score

Our course teaches the duties the 1st defender (the player closest to the opponent with the ball) has and how to execute them. We spend time on explaining, demonstrating and practicing the responsibilities of the 2nd defender. That is how to support the 1st defender, using the right distance and angle while tracking the opponent closest to the opponent with the ball. All other players are taught the roles the 3rd defenders play. That is marking and closing passing lanes.

When transition occurs and our team wins the ball, we're on attack. The Advanced Player Training course teaches the role and responsibilities of the 1st attacker, the player with the ball. How does s/he maintain possession of the ball until passing, dribbling or shooting opportunities present themselves? At the same time we work hard with the 2nd attacker and show that player how to support the 1st attacker and how to create passing and combination play opportunities. All other players are taught the importance of the roles that the 3rd attackers play. That is providing depth and width, availability for a pass, runs without the ball, etc.

We work with all players to improve their finishing ability.

The tactics are first demonstrated then practiced by the individual players. After which the new skills are worked on in small-sided games until each player has a clear understanding of the principles of play.