Player Development
The Grand Bank-Fortune Soccer Association is committed to the Long Term Player Development Plan (LTPD) and age appropriate Player Development. We offer programs that players can progress and have a pathway in both recreational and competitive stream.
Canada Soccer Pathway – Long Term Player Development Community Guide
Active Start – Bumble Bees/U5
FUNdamentals – U7
Learn to Train – U9/U11
Training to Train – U13/U15
Training to Compete – U17
Coaching Philosophy:
GBFC coaches follow a “player centered” philosophy. This allows the player to make sound decisions within session and games. At first, players will be unsuccessful and make mistakes, only through support, time and patience will decision making improve. To apply this philosophy coaches will create environments in which players are encouraged to be creative and expressive without judgement or fear of failure.
Physical Literacy:
The first 3 stages of LTPD encourages physical literacy for all ages regardless of abilities or disabilities. For young players, each activity is fun and an opportunity to learn physical literacy through play. And they can try several match-related activities which will aid in their knowledge of the game.
Four Corner Development Model:
Technique:
It is important to establish a good strong solid base. Young players should continually work on their dribbling ability, passing and receiving and how to successfully execute individual skills under the pressure of time, space, and an opponent.
1. Dribbling: Take risks! Develop your moves to beat an opponent
2. Improve your ability to keep possession. Work on shielding, spin turns and changes of speed and direction to get away from opponents
3. Receiving: Work on the ability to receive and have a quality 1st touch – when receiving on the ground and in the air. Receiving using all surfaces should be developed
4. Shooting: Proper striking technique from different angles should be worked on and taking shots on the volley and half-volley with both feet
5. Passing: Proper technique – Laces, Inside, Outside, Short and Long; Crossing
6. Heading: Jumping to head
7. Tackling: Proper technique, in balance, no fear.
Tactics:
Team tactics do not take priority at this age. Focus should be on knowing how to maintain balance in the team (between attacking and defending) and playing skillful soccer.Players should be open to playing a variety of positions to develop awareness and begin to understand the basic principles of play such as:
● Retaining possession
● Taking players on 1v1 in proper areas of the field
● Off the ball movement to support teammates in possession and execute combination play
● Communication with teammates, apply proper defensive pressure from front/behind and be able to press and channel opponents
Physical:
All fitness work should be done with the ball with an emphasis on developing :
● Flexibility
● Agility – with and without the ball
● Speed – teaching proper running technique
● Strength
● Endurance
● Balance
Psychological:
Enjoy the game and foster a desire to play. Focus in on the following areas:
● Encourage decision making
● Imagination / Creativity
● Discipline
● Good academic study habits
Social/Emotional:
● Understanding decision making to increase confidence
● Making friends
● Develop life skills
● Teamwork
● Co-operation
Coaching Methodology:
Coaching methods outlines a range of approaches that can be used to meet a players needs. The coaching methods vary and should be considered;
● With a group of players or individuals
● The intended outcome of the practice
● The technical ability of the player
Q&A: Coach leads with a question to gain a response from players
ex. “Can you tell me who you could pass to”
Observation and Feedback: Coach and observe players
ex. “Lets’ watch and see what happens”
Guided Discovery: Coach asks a question or issues a challenge
ex. “Can you show?”
Trial & Error: players & or coach decide on a challenge
Command: Coach tells and shows required solution
ex. “I want you to pass the ball to Owen”