Week 2 — Summer Training (Periodization)

Monday — torrential rain so cancelled this morning’s session.

Tuesday — Technical focus (9v9 on smaller pitch): stress team communication; individual position, moment, direction, speed.

Observations: communication is an issue; understanding communication such as “man on” = pass ball back (one touch) then look to play a forward pass (principle of play).

Wednesday — Tactical focus(9v9 on smaller pitch): scenarios, question (what options are available? what if this happens, then what? etc.)

Observations:backline must look to play vertical (very robotic at times and play laterally without looking to split lines); forwards have to look to get in behind; take chances; group is a work in progress but a good start overall.

Thursday — Conditioning focus (2 games of 13:00 with 2:00 rest-not a drink break but a chance to get input from coaches)

Observations: effort good but room for improvement; great starting point for the players. Soccer fitness (communication, decision making, execution) dropped over the course of play.

Friday — Recovery (4 games of 3:00 with 4:00 rest)

Observations: great opportunity to reinforce principles of play; all players on the pitch starting to recognize nonverbal communication better.

Goal with the tactical periodization is to instill our principles of play while improving soccer fitness of the players. A healthy squad is a must!