Creating a More Athletic Soccer Player…Part 3

Part 3:  Strengthen and Condition Athleticism / Correct Imbalances:

This module progresses the players over their entire career. It starts as a small portion of their overall training (the small point at the bottom of the diamond in the blue graphic), then broadens as the reach the 13-16 age group (widest part of the diamond) and then continues to get very specific as we shift away from strength and more into power and speed based fitness as some of the physical areas of their game begin peak out at 17-22 (top of the diamond).

This block, like the Specific Speed and Situational Drills block draw heavily upon

Creating a More Athletic Soccer Player…Part 2

Part 2:  Coordinate Movement / Enhance Rhythm / Improve Confidence:

From an athleticism perspective, this is where we begin to lay down a very solid foundation. Especially in the early ages (6-10), we want to spend as much of our total session time dedicating our efforts to rhythmic, graceful and efficient movement. The time you spend in this module will pay off later as they start to add speed, resistance and ball based technical skills into their training.

We focus on several key movement patterns that show up in all sports when we are in this module. They are listed below:

• Linear Movement:
• Lateral Movement:
• Linear-Lateral Change of Pace and/or Direction:
• Jumping and Landing:
• Multi-Directional Change of Direction

Example of Change of Direction Technique in Young Soccer Players:

Creating a More Athletic Soccer Player…Part 1

Part 1:  Reduce the Risk of Injury / Enhance Warm Ups / Improve Function:

If the number one goal of our curriculum is to reduce the risk of injury, then we first need to set down a solid foundation in these key areas:

• Flexibility (or the movement about the joint, muscle or connective tissue)
• Mobility (the movement itself and whether or not it is free or impeded)
• Stability (or the ability to control the movement)

One might assume that many injuries could be avoided, and these avoidable injuries are caused by the athlete attempting to perform movements at speeds or loads their body cannot control.

QUESTION: Fitness Testing for U13′s

I got this question by email yesterday and thought I would respond to it in a post.

Question: We are starting a team at the under 13′s age (1997 birth year) for next season. Can you recommend some suitable fitness testing activities that I can use on this squad?

FALL 2009 Schedule:

 

Pre-Practice Speed/Agility Training Session – 2x per week

(all training is at the OP Soccer Complex -135th / Switzer)

• Mon/Wed:  4:20pm, 5:50pm or 7:20pm
• Tues/Thurs: 4:20pm or 5:50pm
• Classes Run Aug. 31, 2009 thru Nov.9, 2009
• Cost: $87.50

Team Training Session – 1x per week

• Mon: 5:00pm, 6:30pm
• Tues: 5:00pm, 6:30pm
• Wed: 5:00pm, 6:30pm
• Thurs: 5:00pm, 6:30pm
• Classes Run Aug. 31, 2009 thru Nov.9, 2009
• Call 913-269-0770 for availability and pricing

Functionally Integrated Training

• Mon: 3:30pm
• Tues: 3:30pm
• Wed: 3:30pm
• Thurs: 3:30pm
• Classes Run Aug.31, 2009 thru Nov.9, 2009
• Call 913-269-0770 for availability and pricing

Learn more about each class…

• Pre-Practice Sessions

Individualized Peaking Program (Experianced Players Only)

Winter 2009 Class Schedule – (click on your choice to register)

Mon/Wed: – 90 minute Classes

• 3:30pm – FULL
• 8:00pm – Advanced
  

Tues/Thurs: 90 minute Classes

• 3:30pm – FULL
• 8:00pm – Advanced
  

Classes run from November 9th to February 26th. Classes meet 2x per week on a Monday / Wednesday or Tuesday / Thursday Schedule and are 90 minutes in length.

Normal fees for this age group are $396 – 16 week program (includes 2-90 minute sessions each week, testing and evaluation, free access to any on-field class, individual instruction for special needs).  Prices are subject to change with discounts for families with multiple children in the program and families in need of scholarship assistance. For more information, please email me at Scott@athletefit.com or call at 913-269-0770

Class Description:

This stage of Soccer Development is centered on peaking each athletes performance in Soccer Specific Speed and Power.  The pyramid model below shows our progression to sports mastery and the yellow areas are targeted in this program.

To learn more about each of the modules click on the links for each:

1. Flexibility, Mobility, Stability – Balance and Body Control
2. Rhythmic Movement Patterns – Speed/Agility Technique
3. Strength and Conditioning – Soccer Specific Preparation
4. Speed and Power – Using plyometrics to enhance speed
5. Technical Ball Work – Ball Agility
6. Specific Speed – Integrated with On-Field Training in Spring, Summer and Fall

These sessions differ from other programs due to the fact they are made up of players that train with us year round and most likely are part of our research team. That being said there is usually far less instruction as the player is able to perform almost all tasks at an extreamly high level. We research these programs and the players will have the maturity to record their own data as well as make recommendations as to how they are progressing through (and recovering from) the training sessions.

These classes are far cheaper than our other programs and we feel that it is a reward for those players (and parents) that have put in the time and money to get to this point. These players will most likely be the examples we point to for motivating the younger athletes. It is a privilege to be in one of these classes and we will be very selective when it comes to scheduling.

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 1st, 2009 at 3:21 pm and is filed under INFORMATION. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Edit this entry.

Advanced Soccer Specific Strength and Speed Training

Winter 2009 Class Schedule – (click on your choice to register)

Mon/Wed: – 90 minute Classes

• 4:30pm – Advanced 14-18 year olds – M-Full, W- 2 spots left
• 5:30pm – Advanced 14-18 year olds – 2 spots left
• 6:30pm – Advanced 14-18 year olds – 2 spots left
• 7:30pm – Advanced 14-18 year olds – 2 spots left

Tues/Thurs: 90 minute Classes

• 4:30pm – Advanced 14-18 year olds – 4 spots
• 5:30pm – Advanced 14-18 year olds – 4 spots
• 6:30pm – Advanced 14-18 year olds – 2 spots
• 7:30pm – Advanced 14-18 year olds – 4 spots left

AS THESE CLASSES FILL UP, PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY TO INQUIRE ABOUT SPOTS THAT MAY COME AVAILABLE OR GETTING ON A WAITING LIST (it never fails, someone always drops out before we get started): scott@athletefit.com

Classes run from November 9th to February 26th. Classes meet 2-3x per week on a Monday / Wednesday or Tuesday / Thursday Schedule and are 90 minutes in length. Friday classes are also an option, as are the open gym classes which can be used as make ups.

Normal fees for this age group are $540 – 16 weeks  (about $15 / session). Although this fee is non-refundable, it is transferable to other Soccer F.I.T. Academy programs. This program includes 2-3, 90 minute sessions each week, testing and evaluation, free access to any on-field class, and individual instruction for special needs.  Prices are subject to change with team packages, discounts for families with multiple children in the program and families in need of scholarship assistance. For more information, please email me at Scott@athletefit.com or call at 913-269-0770

Class Description:

This stage of Soccer Development builds off of the foundation which was set in the developmental classes. Increasing the foucus on speed, strength and plyometic activities will result in noticable improvements on the soccer field. We will also increase the emphasis on soccer specific conditioning and reducing the risk of injury.  The pyramid model below shows our progression to sports mastery and the yellow areas are targeted in this program.

To learn more about each of the modules click on the links for each:

1. Flexibility, Mobility, Stability – Balance and Body Control
2. Rhythmic Movement Patterns – Speed/Agility Technique
3. Strength and Conditioning – Soccer Specific Preparation
4. Speed and Power – Using plyometrics to enhance speed
5. Technical Ball Work – Ball Agility
6. Specific Speed – Integrated with On-Field Training in Spring, Summer and Fall

These sessions will focus on building on an already established foundation (points 1, 2 and 5 in the list above) in the areas of specific speed, and plyometric activity as it applies to soccer. This is a class that is designed for players that have been in the CAP system for 2+ years and have a great understanding of training philosophies and methodology.

A “Mentor” group is a group that will merge older players with younger players for some of the basic work so that they may act as mentors in the development process. This added level of communication can bring younger players along faster, while motivating older players to set great examples.  This integration will not detract from the training program of the older (mentors) players, but allows the opportunity for them to be examples to inspire and motivate the younger players.

Developmental Strength and Speed Training

Winter 2009 Class Schedule – (click on your choice to register)

Mon/Wed: – 60 minute Classes

• 4:00pm – 12-13 year olds -  1 spot left
• 5:00pm – 11-12 year olds – 2 spots left
• 6:00pm – 12-14 year olds – 2 spots left
• 7:00pm – Advanced 12-14 year olds -M-Full, W-4 spots left

Tues/Thurs: 60 minute Classes

• 4:00pm – 12-13 year olds – 2 spots left
• 5:00pm – 10-12 year olds – 1 spot left
• 6:00pm – 8-10 year olds – 4 spots left
• 7:00pm – Advanced 12-14 year olds - 2 spots left

Click Here to get on a waiting for any of the classes above! We should have space comming available soon as peoples schedules change. Please make sure to put the class in which you wish to participate in the NOTES SECTION.

Winter Schedule: November 9th - February 26th.

Price: $440 – 16 weeks (around $110 / month).

Although this fee is non-refundable, it is transferable to other Soccer F.I.T. Academy programs. Prices are subject to change with discounts for teams, families with multiple children in the program and individuals in need of scholarship assistance.For more information, please email me at Scott@athletefit.com or call at 913-269-0770

Class Description:

This stage of Soccer Development is centered on developing a strong foundation in the athletic factors that reduce the risk of injury while improving performance and confidence throughout your athletic career. The pyramid model below shows our progression to sports mastery and the yellow areas are targeted in this program.

To learn more about each of the modules click on the links for each:

1. Flexibility, Mobility, Stability – Balance and Body Control
2. Rhythmic Movement Patterns – Speed/Agility Technique
3. Strength and Conditioning
4. Technical Ball Work – Ball Agility
5. Specific Speed – Integrated with On-Field Training in Spring, Summer and Fall

Whether you are 8 or 18, this class should be the starting point to your training program. Most of the players in this program will be between the ages of 10 and 14. We have the time slots organized to meet age specific requirements, but there are always exceptions to this scheduling process. For instance, we sometimes have 11 year olds that have been training with us for 1-2 years that can be competitive in a group with 14 year olds.

http://www.athletefit.com/academy/soccer/classreservepolicy.cfm?Class=WINTER700pmMW

RESEARCH: Creating a Soccer Specific Interval Test

Introduction:

In the majority of team sports speed, agility, explosive power, strength, and endurance combine to different degrees as key components to maximal performance. Many of these sports do not embody continuous movement but instead consist of periods of maximum effort following by periods of slower movement or rest.  It is typical for these sports to involve all three major energy pathways during the course of practice or games.  Coaches often use conditioning programs aimed at developing each specific area of the energy continuum.  Or they may use specific programs that more closely mimic the sport to train athletes in a stop-and-go manner.

The beep test or multi-stage shuttle was developed to test the aerobic endurance of athletes involved in these stop-and-go sports. Many variations of these shuttle runs involve continuous straight-ahead running and are aimed mainly at assessing aerobic capacity.

However, many team games such as soccer, lacrosse, and basketball involve additional movement, short rest periods, and changes of pace and direction.  Thus, a more specific test that combined varied movement patterns, pace and  short rest intervals, might yield a better assessment of a player’s level of readiness to participate in a specific sport.

Subjects:

Soccer F.I.T. Academy Info…

TRAIN WITH A PURPOSE…

“If motor skills and movement patterns are not developed at a young age, children may never gain the confidence to engage in certain activities later in life. This decrease in confidence may lead to a decrease in activity resulting in low levels of fitness and self esteem, putting them at risk for health issues later in life.

It is our passion to use sport as a vehicle to develop confident movement in a fun and energetic atmosphere. Build a foundation, strong and solid. Introduce challenging and competitive activities. Then blend in sport specific developmental skills which will not only create amazing athletes, but also develop the strong, confident leaders of tomorrow. This is our goal.”

-Scott Moody, TRIAD Founder and CEO

The Soccer F.I.T. Academy is the part of the Training Branch of the 501c3 Not For Profit Training and Research Institute of Athletic Development (or TRIAD). TRIAD has 3 unique branches that Train, Research and Educate the community in the areas of youth athletic development. The Soccer F.I.T. Academy will train various fitness and performance related aspects in a developmental format, and then provide testing information to the Tracking Branch so that we might make observations as to what programs are making the greatest impact in areas such as:

• Injury Reduction
• Increased Fitness/Performance
• Increased Participation in Sport
• Confidence and Self Esteem

By blending aspects of soccer (technical foot skills, coordination, rhythm, speed, fitness, etc.) into a developmental format or age specific curriculum we hope to see continued participation and increased performance. These two aspects should lead to increased confidence and participation, not only in soccer, but also in other sport and fitness related areas for the rest of their lives. A visual of this developmental model is shown below…

The Soccer F.I.T. Academy will launch it’s on-field training sessions in teh fall of 2009 at the Overland Park Soccer Complex, starting with it’s Pre-Practice Speed Sessions and progression to a full spectrum of services by the winter of 2009 with a unique programs that focus on speed, agility and fitness for both teams and individuals. This new and innovative F.I.T. (or Functionally Integrated Training) method will combine great soccer skills coaching and proven methods for improving speed and agility. All programs will share one common goal… elevate soccer fitness, skill and confidence in a fun and competitive, educational environment.

Click here to register for any of these sessions or call (913) 851-1862 or email: scott@athletefit.com