On Field Timeline

When players enter the TDA program they will follow a carefully constructed program that allows the player to develop over the short, medium and longer terms using our evaluation program. In addition to statistical and written evaluations player will be given continual verbal feedback through the socratic (Question/Answer) style of coaching offered by ProActive Sport and Maestro Soccer.

1) Skills Assessment Tests (SAT’s) - Upon entry to the program players will undergo a bank of uniform skills assessment tests which are measurable by score (and also repeatable at any point for the player). This baselining technique allows us to immediately differentiate players by ability in order to form training groups but also can show measurable improvement as the program evolves.
2) 10 Week scheme of work - The scheme of work is laid out so that players will cover the basic technical components in isolation that will be challenged by progressive pressure exercises that turn the technique into a skill by exposing the player to use the technique in game real situations. All exercises have differentiation options to allow stations to be made easier or more challenging depending on the level of the player.
3) End of Season Evaluation - Each player will be given a detailed written evaluation regarding all of the areas of play covered within the season. This evaluation highlights both players strengths and areas for improvement. At this time players also repeat the SAT’s in order to compare pre and post season development in a statistical and measurable way (this statistical data is a backup to parental field observation through scrimmages/practices they may observe and by the players knowledge from questioning)

10 Week Scheme of Work Breakdown
Each week the players will cover different topics that not only develop new techniques and skills in the game, but also help to reinforce previously covered techniques.
 
Within each session the techniques will be taught and learned through repetition training, once the technique has been learned the session will develop through the progressive pressure method until finally the player is performing the skill with game realistic pressure.
 
A typical 90 minute session is broken down into 4 sections
1) Group warm up (10 minutes)- Activities that prepare the mind and body for the topic that is about to follow
2) Station 1 (25 minutes) - Development of first evenings topic
3) Station 2 (25 minutes) - Development of the second topic of the evening
4) Conditioned games (30 minutes) - Players play 4v4 matches with conditions which promote the evenings topic to be displayed in a game environment. As the desired outcome is reached the conditions are removed.

Each session has learning outcomes which form part of the Season long ‘Detailed Learning Outcomes’ section. This is broken down on the assumption that within any given group there will be sometimes quite large differences in natural ability and the speed at which players pick up concepts. With this in mind outcomes are divided into situations that ALL players can achieve, situations where MOST of the players in the group can achieve and activites/concepts that only a FEW players within the group can master.


Week 1
Dribbling - Multi Directional
Dribbling with close control in straight lines and multi direction using both feet, Introduction to ’cutting’ the ball, inside hook and outside hook turns. Performance of SAT’s
 
Week 2
Dribbling - Moves to Beat a defender
Progression of cutting the ball.
Development of Dummy, Scissors, and Squeezy Push moves to beat a defender
 
Week 3
Dribbling - Keeping possession
Recap of Cutting, Moves to beat a defender at game speed
Introduction and development of turning with the ball, specific turns are Drag Back, Step Over and Cruyff
Use of body to Shield the ball
 
Week 4
Dribbling - 1v1 Situations
Players cover all of the turns and moves covered in the previous 3 weeks all at game speed.
Players learn specifically when and where to use the skills
 
Week 5
Passing - Sharing the ball
Passing using the inside of both feet and to both static and moving targets

Week 6
Passing - For possession
Development of passing in order for the team to keep the ball.
Players will develop the skill of passing against live defenders.
Helps develop players spatial awareness of when to pass and when to dribble.
 
Week 7
Passing - Focus on first touch to maintain possession
Use of inside and outside of foot to get quality of first touch in an intended direction
 
Week 8
Control - Use of Wedge and Cushion control using the foot only
Players use 4 of the 6 surfaces (inside/outside/sole and laces) of the foot to both wedge and cushion the ball both on the ground and out of the air
 
Week 9
Attacking play - Striking and Finishing
Use of laces to drive the ball.
Development of 4 A’s of shooting (Accuracy, Awareness, Attitude, and Aggression)
 
Week 10
Attacking play - Attacking Situations
Players using the technical skills of passing, shooting and dribbling in and around the goal area.
Development of decision making at the variety of angles around the goal. SAT’s retest