THE FAR POST WAY
“The Far Post Way”
In May of 2011 a new curriculum for US youth soccer was released under the direction of former US international Claudio Reyna and author Javier Perez. The curriculum provides a blueprint for coaches in the US with the aim of player development through age appropriate training. The curriculum serves as a map for coaches in organizing training to players ensuring it is introduced at the right time. The overall goal for the US is to establish parallel development in the United States like countries such as Spain, Holland, Brazil and Argentina. Through starting a thorough coaching process starting at u-6, with the aim to match other leading countries from the beginning continuing on into the highest youth leagues such as the boys US Development academy and girls Elite Clubs National League. Both leagues strongly filter players into US youth national teams and beyond. The overall goal is to enrich the women’s and men’s US national teams. So that the US players can compete internationally on a world stage and play domestically with the top teams in Europe. So regardless of level all coaches should feel they are developing players as part of a cycle that will improve soccer in the US.
At Far Post we believe curriculum’s can only exist through implementation. Far Post Soccer has designed a coach’s manual known as “The Far Post Way” to act in reference to the US curriculum and to ensure that the program is not lost in translation. The methods of teaching and types of training used are clearly presented for our coaches in this document so that FPS can provide the best possible learning experience for players. ’The Far Post Way’ focuses on two key aspects in its delivery of coaching.
#1 – How We Teach #2 – What We Teach
How We Teach
At Far Post Soccer we focus on four key aspects of training which act as our pillars of player development.
Repetition
Practice habits equals’ permanent performance. Players must combine correct technique in an environment that allows skill development through repetitive play. Players must also be challenged to work at a high intensity so that quality practice transitions to effective game play.
Enthuse
At FPS our aim is to balance high intensity through a creative and enjoyable learning environment. Our training is delivered by motivated coaches who have a passion for the game and care about player development.
Intelligent Coaching
Providing players with accurate feedback on performance and creating realistic expectation levels where all players are both challenged but can also succeed.
The Game Being the Teacher
Training sessions are designed so that players are physically and mentally prepared to execute skills related to the area of practice. Practice evolves into functional, small sided and tactical training games where the game acts as the teacher and players can become independent thinkers.
What We Teach
The actions in practice should replicate the actions of game. Therefore training should be specific to the game. All training should focus on the four main characteristics of soccer.
Technical – Tactical – Physical – Psychological
Training Implementation
“Games that teach the Game” is a manual of training plans assembled by Far Post Soccer. The training guide breaks down all aspects of the game into a series of training games which players can relate to as they are specific, progressive and fun. Most of the training exercises are designed with a global training concept of addressing multiple aspects of the game at the same time to accelerate development and ensure the four main characteristics of soccer Technical, Tactical, Physical and Psychosocial are a part of practice.
The training exercises are designed or collected with a specific focus of preparing players for the modern game. Soccer is getting faster and the importance of ‘speed of play’ is characterized by how fast players can mentally solve the problems on the field, with the technical speed and physical execution to match. To ensure players are equipped with the necessary tools, soccer coaches must encourage their players to make quicker decisions in less time through taking fewer touches on the field. Players must learn to be comfortable in tight spaces at an early age with coaches enforcing an attacking style of play. Strong fundamentals such as quick passing, receiving and shooting skills should be established as the most important techniques at the golden learning period between u-9 through u-12. As players reach the intermediate stage of soccer at u-14 special attention on transition, counter attack and speed, with continued focus on passing and shooting become vital. At the advanced stage u-15 on, physical power, tactical understanding and determination become dominant factors.