The Concept of Total Soccer

This is a critical time in the player's development, the high school age programs focus is on the concept of total soccer. Topics covered during this program include: systems of play, tactical awareness, combination play, attacking out of the back, set pieces, movement off the ball and support

Technique

• Mastered skills leading to artistry - all at speed under match conditions

Tactics

• Increase tactical speed
• Decision making
• Increased pressure and competition
• Understand various team formations, 4-4-2, 5-4-1, 4-3-3, etc.
• Understand individual responsibilities in above team formations

Attacking

• Possession with a purpose
• Combination play with tactical implications
• Penetration and creativity
• Counter attack
• Wide flank play
• Target play and creating chances
• Crossing with proper runs into the box
• Set plays

Defending

• Man to man marking with sweeper behind and in front
• Zonal marking
• Pressing (winning possession of the ball as an attacking concept)
• Set plays

Physical

• Fitness work with and without the ball
• Agility - with and without the ball
• Prevention and care of injuries

Psychological

• Increased concentration
• Leadership/increased player responsibility
• Discipline
• Respect for the game
• Self confidence, self motivation - goal setting