smithwaystacked

Phase 1

Welcome to Phase 1! A few guidelines for how I would like the kids to train to insure as close to an optimum learning curve as possible.

This program is designed in 2 week blocks to make sure the concepts begin to be habit forming.

For maximum results the player should work through the drills a minimum of 3x per week. Preferably on the days that they do not have practice or a game.

REMEMBER, it is always better to work a few minutes a day vs one long session a week.

Work each Phase where applicable using the 3-4-3 principle. 3 minutes Strong foot/side, 3 minutes Weak foot, 3 minutes the 10% or players choice. If short on time keep the ratio 1-2-1.

Strive for 50%-80% success rate, less than 50% decrease the difficulty (speed, complexity, etc.), above %80 increase the difficulty (add defender, increase the speed etc).

Work in PERFECT CONSECUTIVE REPS. 3 out of 5, 5 out of 7, 7 out of 10. Increase difficulty when above %80.

IF STRUGGLING, break the actions into CHUNKS. Work on one PERFECT CHUNK per section. Try the movement in SLOW MO REPLAY.

BE WILLING TO MAKE MISTAKES!! No progress can be achieved without TRIAL AND ERROR

Remember that HARD WORK and REPETITION are the most valuable tools in a players arsenal!! Lionel Messi, Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo all are famous for their work ethics.

Always end with a GAME and a HIGH NOTE!

Start every session with Foundation Five Warmup or the Foundation Combos Below. Get started now!

DOWNLOAD PHASE 1 FIELD PAGE

Recommended Footwork

Ball Striking

Ball Striking: No Step, Inside Foot

All ball strikes require the plant foot to be alongside the ball to insure power and clean contact with the ball. With this basic drill we are cementing that concept into the player’s head. Foot on the line, ball on the line. The inside of the foot is the most used surface for passing and shooting, keep the toe pulled toward the knee and turn it out at a 90 degree angle.

Ball on the line, Plant foot on line pointed at the target
Turn the kicking foot out at a right angle (hockey stick, putter)
Keep the Toe pulled up towards the knee
Strike the ball with the inside of the foot
Take a Step Forward

Ball Protection

Ball Protection: Straight Line Dribbling

When a player dribbles quickly they want to have their feet facing as close to forward as possible. If they dribble with the inside it will be slow and awkward. Dribble with the “3 toes”, pinkie toe plus 2.

Use “3 toes”, pinkie plus 2
Angle the big toe towards the other big toe.
Keep the hips and shoulders facing forward
Protect the ball with your body

Offensive Recognition

Offensive Recognition: The Cow

The easiest way to beat a defender is to recognize that they are committed to tackling. If they are running at the player or lunging in with one leg, they are committed to that direction. Play the ball on one side of the defender and run around on the other side.

See defender moving towards you
Play the ball on one side of them
Run quickly around the other side and get the ball.
Use the outside of the dribbling foot for extra deception

Body Position and Receiving

Body Position and Receiving: Far Foot, Drive Out

The majority of receiving a ball in a game is done with the inside of the foot. Using the foot furthest from the ball insures that we keep an open body position. Keep the toe up and the heel down, to keep the ball from popping over the foot. Drive away quickly with the “3 toes”.

Receive the ball with the inside of the Far Foot
Keep the toe up and heel down
Drive away with the “3 toes” for at least 5 yds

Aerial Receiving

Aerial Receiving: Sole Wedge

Kids are scared of balls out of the air at first, so we use the sole of the foot to stop the ball from bouncing back up in the air. Pull the toe up and the heel down. As the ball bounces, put the sole of the foot over the ball and press it forward like riding a bike.

Toe up, Heel Down
Put the sole over the ball as it bounces
Push out like pedaling a bike