By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching Instruction, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
As we head into the cold winter months, I thought it might be a good idea to share some thoughts on what may be considered a sound winter player development program. To keep it simple and clean, let’s consider it from an end of season point of view and by age.
For those players that just finished High School season – their winter training program should start with a 3 or 4 week periodization break to allow their bodies time to recover and recharge. After this break, winter training can begin with (assuming no other sports played seriously) three sessions per week. If the temps are conducive and wind chill above 40 degrees, then outdoor training is always advised. Coaches should note that to keep these sessions enjoyable and productive, these outdoor sessions should have a good rhythm with lots of ball contact and that their coaching should be in the flow (while players play). It may be above 40 but it's still not fun to stand around and do nothing.
If due to adverse weather conditions you are forced to go inside with your players, then try to adhere to the checklist below to ensure that your sessions are developmentally appropriate.
• Look at the indoor space available and decide on a sensible list of topics that can be coached in the space available (e.g. switching the point of attack and attacking crosses do not fit into most indoor spaces) I suggest you choose from – individual ball work, dribbling, passing, first touch, two player combinations, possession exercises and small sided games.
• Ensure that players do not have to rotate out and stand watching as others get to play because you are determined to play a bigger game. They will learn nothing while they are watching.
• Avoid laps, lines and lectures and lots of work without a ball.
• Avoid indoor tournaments played on a field which is too small with a regular ball and parents screaming so loud your kids get a headache.
• Consider playing in a futsal league which will help maximize time with a ball, decisions made at speed and encourage a possession-based approach to the game (ball is too heavy to whack).
For those players that just finished their league season – and were not involved in a long school season, their winter training program should start with a 2-week periodization break to allow their bodies time to recover and recharge after the end of their regular season. After this break, winter training can begin with (assuming these younger players are involved in another sport e.g. Basketball then I suggest two sessions per week. If the temps are conducive and wind chill above 40 degrees, then outdoor training is always advised. Coaches should note that to keep these sessions enjoyable and productive these outdoor sessions should have a good rhythm with lots of ball contact and that their coaching should be in the flow (while players play).
If due to adverse weather conditions you are forced to go inside with your players, then try to adhere to the checklist above to ensure that your sessions are developmentally appropriate.
It is difficult to discuss winter training without mention of injury care and prevention. Coaches should be aware of the types of surface their players are training on (across all sports) and the type of training they are involved in. Be wary of youth players plodding around on hard surfaces in in-appropriate footwear.
For those very dedicated players who wish to use the winter period to help improve aspects of their player profile which may help them begin next season in a strong way, I recommend the following for players 13 and up:
• Spend 20 minutes five days a week trying to extend your range of flexibility – the more flexible you are the greater the chance of avoiding injury next season.
• Consider spending time improving your core strength (planks) and some light strength training push-ups, sit ups etc. only ever using your own body weight as resistance.
• On those days when the weather turns out nice, grab some friends and play a little street soccer (2-a-side is fine)
Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all players, parents and coaches a truly wonderful holiday period.