Education – Game Build Up

The Fremont YSC curriculum is age appropriate from its U4 beginning, through till the end at U19. This approach to long term development enables the player to develop all areas of their game through social, physical, technical, and tactical development. The development of the player is worked on by enhancing the process, these being soccer actions. At each coaching moment one of any of the following is improved, the position, moment, direction, and speed.

One session which was introduced to the curriculum 2 years ago, focuses on the phase of play, Game Build Up.

The session gives the players a challenge of transferring the ball from side of the grid to the other, using players around him to support, and with the pressure of 2 defenders in the same playing area. Important coaching points to be used during the session include –

 

  • Create and use space
  • Play between the lines and through seems
  • Getting open (losing the defender)
  • Numerical superiority

 

This practice is introduced in the U9 curriculum and remains in the curriculum through till U19, while additional coaching methodologies of phase play, functional play, and coaching in the game. At a recent coaching education opportunity with the Earthquakes Academy, we came to learn that the practice as of this season has also been introduced to their practices following their own educational trip to France. While providing an environment for players to enjoy their time playing soccer, encouraging players to make mistakes and try new skills, we will always have the players long term soccer development at the forefront of our curriculum.

College Recruiting

Please additionally read the following article –

http://www.maximumtrainingsolutions.com/what-are-the-odds/

The season for many teams begins this coming weekend, September 9th. All players born 2005 and older are also now entering a period where they may be thinking of their playing options in college. We have a partnership with iSoccerPath, and I hope the following information will also help with players finding their pathway.

No matter what level of play you are at, there are options for playing in college. Yes, you should be realistic with where you want to play, this being cost of the college, does it provide you with the education you want, does your grades get you in, are you at the level of the soccer program they have? There are a lot of factors, and being on a top competitive team is not the answer to these questions. A few important points to consider –

 

  • Scholarships are not what you are told. Very few if any soccer programs will give you a full ride through college. There are multiple sources for gaining financial aid, relying on the athletic scholarship will not be wise. Research the additional resources for financial aid in which the colleges can offer you.
  • You need to put the work in. Don’t expect coaches to fall over you and chase you down. Find out who the coach is, introduce yourself through email, making it personal to them and what you like about their program. Research them and ask about their achievements (too many coaches have insane ego’s). Ask to watch a college practice session, go to games, drop in on unofficial visits to the campus.
  • Let coaches know your game schedule, keep them up to date if playing games in their area, invite them to come and watch one of your games.
  • Select the college ID camps that suit the needs of you. Is it the right place, with the right coaching, and the right education.
  • Your education is what’s most important. Get the grades you need, and study the courses you have an interest and passion in, every college has a soccer program. Use sports as a release from stress, make it your go to for pleasure and stress relief.
  • You will be in college for up to 4 years, pick somewhere you like. No point in being somewhere you do not enjoy for 4 years, pick a city/town that suits your personality and social needs.

 

Important areas to start working on now –

  • Coaches want to see disciplined athletes they can work with. Discipline, respect and integrity are not only important characteristics for a college recruiter, but also to take in to other aspects of your life, career, relationships, personal standards.
  • Clean up your social media. This is the downfall for so many. Social media has become an open diary in to your everyday life, nothing is secret anymore, and all can be seen on a screen. Conduct yourself appropriately and take responsibility for your appearance on and off line.

Ultimately it is a lot of hard work, dedication, and lots of selling yourself. This is now true for not only college recruitment, but also the rest of your life. We have partnered with iSoccerPath as we believe in their program, and this is the best resource for getting ahead in your recruitment.