Focus: Fun • Comfort with the Ball • Basic Game Concepts

Players are evaluated on a 1–5 scale across four key pillars: Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Mental. This framework provides specific training topics, coaching strategies, and program recommendations for players scoring in each development tier.

🔴 Scores Under 2 – "Emerging to Developing"

The player is beginning to understand basic concepts but needs consistent guidance and structured repetition.

Focus Areas:

• Dribbling with both feet

• Ball control and short passing

• Understanding which goal to score in

• Improving balance, agility, and focus

Training Topics by Pillar:

• Technical: Single-foot control, stationary short passes, basic trapping, fun games to build kicking confidence

• Tactical: Which goal to attack, staying on the field, basic spacing

• Physical: Stop-start movement, running without tripping, simple reaction activities

• Mental: Following one-step instructions, staying engaged, responding to the coach’s voice

Recommended Programs:

• Juniors Program – $15/hr per player (Sunday mornings)

• Elimination - Intro to Gameplay – $15/hr per player (focus on small-sided play and spacing)

At-Home Reinforcement:

• Toe touches, cone dribbles

• Wall passing

• Listening games ("Coach Says")

🟡 Scores 2–3 – "Developing to Progressing"

The player shows a basic understanding of skills and is beginning to apply them in training and gameplay.

Focus Areas:

• Refining technique under pressure

• Learning spacing and when to pass vs. dribble

• Combining movement with ball control

• Improving coachability and focus

Training Topics by Pillar:

• Technical: Directional dribbling (pullbacks, cuts), dynamic short passes, first touch to space, basic laces shooting

• Tactical: Spreading out, understanding restarts, staying engaged off-ball

• Physical: Direction changes, control with speed, light-pressure movement

• Mental: Taking turns, following multi-step instructions, consistent effort

Recommended Programs:

• Preseason Prep – $99–$110 per player (multi-week team readiness)

• Shooting & Goal Scoring Camp – $99–$110 per player (finishing techniques)

• Technical Topic Classes – $35/hr per player (dribbling, ball mastery, passing)

At-Home Reinforcement:

• Juggling practice

• Wall passing drills

• 1v1 games with a sibling/parent

🔵 Scores 4+ – "Proficient"

The player executes consistently and effectively in both training and games.

Focus Areas:

• Speed of play

• Advanced dribbling and footwork

• Game awareness and off-ball movement

• Leadership and independent decision-making

Training Topics by Pillar:

• Technical: Combo moves, two-touch passing under pressure, decision-making in ball control, angle shooting

• Tactical: Basic combinations, support runs, simple defensive shape

• Physical: Acceleration, agility under pressure, physical resilience

• Mental: Leadership, focus through session, personal goal setting

Recommended Programs:

• Bronze Level Personal Training – $55/hr per player (1-on-1 coaching)

• High Development Academy (HDA) – High-tempo, competitive training environment

At-Home Reinforcement:

• Fast footwork combos

• "Coach-at-home" (player leads drills)

• Small scrimmages with older or higher-skill peers