“There are some people who might have better technique than me, and some may be fitter than me, but the main thing is tactics. With most players, tactics are missing. You can divide tactics into insight, trust, and daring. In the tactical area, I think I just have more than most other players.”
– Johan Cruyff
EXPLORE SOCCER THE SPANISH WAY
Although many clubs, academies and soccer governing bodies preach a hierarchy to development, there are very few that follow through with those preachings.
This has played out among the many high ranking soccer organizations in America and could very well be the reason we have struggled to compete on a National level. It isn’t for the lack of physical conditioning in players. It isn’t for the lack of technique in players. The primary reason for struggle within the American soccer system, we believe and have seen played out through Spanish training, is the lack of understanding of the game itself; particularly in the idea of team play, off the ball movement, and the understanding of tactics.
American Training Methodology
- Physical conditioning highlighted (jogging and runs)
- Ball control in the form of moves emphasizes (scissors, step overs, and pull backs)
- Drills that work foot control
- Practices that emphasize speed, physicality, power kicks and individual prowess
- Games that require yelling from the sidelines creating instructional dependence.
The result: A strong, talented player who has little understanding of the game and working within a team environment.
Spanish Training Methodology
- Trainings that are broken into three parts that build upon each other with a large amount of modulated games developing decision making and creativity.
- Physical conditioning and technique included but corrected naturally in game play creating an environment of both competition and passion for the game.
- Drills in fundamental technical actions passing, receiving, body and spatial movement
- Ball control in the form of scissors, step overs, and pull backs are encouraged on a players own time. Team training is for the entire team to train to work with one another.
- Weekly, monthly and yearly plans developed so that trainings can be left for correction and brain development. This minimizes the need to yell at players from the sidelines and creates an environment for independent thought and decision making.
The result: A player who is not only competent physically and technically but knows how to use the strengths of his/her teammates to continually improve and win games. This player is more confident and more capable.
The Beautiful Game
LIFE BENEFITS
OF DEVELOPMENTAL
SOCCER
Coming Soon!
