There has been much research into the points of specialisation for young people in relation to sport. The research into this highlights that the experiences gained by children in their early years will have an effect on their sporting development as they reach adolescence and beyond.
Our youngest age groups are given fun based activities to firstly stimulate their imaginations within the football environment. We pride ourselves on creating imaginative structures that encourage early skill development in a way that is informal. It is hoped that the emphasis on fun and enjoyment will encourage further development in the future.
Our older age groups have a much bigger focus on skill and tactical development, with a higher emphasis on competition. We feel that we give our players the right tools to go out and represent the club in a positive and determined manner.
So, how do we do it?
The Rotation System
Shield Academy is dedicated to ensuring that our players access a minimum amount of playing time, and therefore will be operating a rotation policy for 08-09. This means that players are entitled to a minimum amount of football, in order to aid their development. The minimum is 1 full match and 2 half matches in every 3 games. Extra football is at the discretion of the coach, although this must be recorded. If there is a squad with a high number of players, a rest week may become mandatory also.
Dynamic structures
The approach taken by the project and football club is based on academic research into sports science. Shield has adopted a dynamic style of coaching. This means that the amount of a time that a player is waiting to be involved in a practice is minimal. Warm-up structures will be based around dynamics and development of skills.
Imaginative Structures
It can be difficult to provide a session that is enjoyed by all. Participants are not robots, and will have their own needs. It is vital that the sessions provided are imaginative and progressive. They must provide a challenge, in order to meet the needs of the participants.
In addition, it is vital that the coach teaches using a variety of methods. We encourage our coaches to think about things such as the V.A.K model. This stands for Visual, Auditory and Kinesthesia. Participant motivation is essential, in order to result in a high level of participation.
Sessions such as Zip Zones, shadow play, quality circle sessions and phases of play are examples of the type of sessions displayed.
The Development of the Individual!
We strongly believe in the development of the individual technical ability of our players, from an early age. It is vital that we attack our players ability to control the ball, turn and change pace with the ball, in order to then develop their other technical abilities. We provide progressive and fun sessions to ensure the competence of our players.
The 3v3 and 4v4 structure
It is vital that the development of our players is based upon the realism of football’s structures. 3v3 and 4v4 coaching structures allow for the key principles of both attacking and defending play to be explored. Players learn the main factors, and develop an understanding and appreciation of this through this style of coaching.
11v11 and Phase of play coaching
The 11 aside football teams involved with the project will be coached in conjunction with realistic aspects of their game. Phases of play are incorporated in order to work on team faults, and correction of these over a length of time. In addition, set piece and other 11v11 aspects are coached, such as pattern play.