The LeftFoot Coaching Academy organizes sessions based on specific skill sets that allow players to maximize their opportunities to practice soccer skills how and when those players want to focus.
At anytime during the week players sign-up to attend sessions that they want to focus on or have been suggested to attend using the LFC Self-Service Registration System
All Academy sessions position players for the highest optimal level of play. Standards for the Olympic Development Program, Elite Clubs National League, Midwest Regional League and Division I collegiate soccer are all emphasized as the optimal playing level for players developing at the Academy.
The goal of LFC is to raise the bar of Minnesota soccer by creating higher standards of play, both in the training sessions and by the LFC players. Players are prepared on a daily basis for the next level of play.
Below is a description of the variety of sessions that every player has access to and the impact for the players:
At anytime during the week players sign-up to attend sessions that they want to focus on or have been suggested to attend using the LFC Self-Service Registration System
All Academy sessions position players for the highest optimal level of play. Standards for the Olympic Development Program, Elite Clubs National League, Midwest Regional League and Division I collegiate soccer are all emphasized as the optimal playing level for players developing at the Academy.
The goal of LFC is to raise the bar of Minnesota soccer by creating higher standards of play, both in the training sessions and by the LFC players. Players are prepared on a daily basis for the next level of play.
Below is a description of the variety of sessions that every player has access to and the impact for the players:
Mini-Y Academy
This session is designed for the U6-U8 player who is just falling in love with the game. Players learn skills, play the game and just have an awesome time. This opportunity is limited since only 12 players train at a time. If you want your kid to get really good, start them young. Athletic skills and movement patterns are developed through play and guided discovery. Age appropriate skills are developed and kids come out learning 1v1 moves, movement skills and confidence.
Level Y Academy
Level Y is for the u9-u11 player that wants more with specific attention to dribbling, moving, shooting and setting a foundation for advanced play at a higher level. Level Y training includes problem solving with skills, lots of technical coaching and attention to details within a game like setting. The foundation of LFC coaching is that players learn to read the game and excel at it by making a difference with their ability to master the ball.
Level 1, 2, and 3 Academy Sessions
The typical format for Academy sessions are based on the LFC coaching template of skills: Movement skills, Footskills or Ball Striking and game play. Depending on the clientele present the session follows specific templates to maximize touches, foot-skills, movement skills and game like activities based on progressing players through skill sets that build upon each other.
Level 1, 2, or 3 Foot-Skills or Ball Striking. These sessions are specifically designed for players to attend with the knowledge and understanding that Footskills or Ball Striking will be developed. Favorite Academy games such as “2v2 shootout”, or “Slap Fests” are used and played to the delight of the players to focus specifically on these skills.
Movement Skills
In 2009 I ran a pilot course called Gym Rats for players looking to develop overall athletic movement coordination, acceleration and deceleration skills as well as strength, flexibility and rhythm for my clients and team. I was told numerously by all attendees that it was their favorite night of the week. (Read more about Levels of Training)
The Movement Skills class is open to all levels and includes fun games like tag, “best defender”, obstacle courses, “balloon juggling”, “beach ball hockey”, and dodge ball.
Speed of Play
Speed of play sessions are within the 4v4 model and are designed to help the player understand and master the 4v4 principles of play at an advanced level of play.
Most players struggle through their youth career not understanding the basic 4v4 speed of play from every vantage point. This session focuses on increasing the visual and mental speed of the players as well as the technical skills.
This session is highly recommended for players looking to advance levels since defending is covered and oriented toward out of state play at the ODP or ECNL levels of play. Level 1 and Level 2 sessions are offered.
Aerial Warfare
This session is a favorite game within the Academy that focuses on players making plays in the air by either juggling, volleying, heading, flicking and chipping the ball.
Soccer Tennis is used in the warmups but one player to one ball ratios are used constantly. The 12 surfaces of juggling the ball as well as the LFC juggling patterns are reinforced here.
Aerial Warfare is also highly encouraged for players who want to excel at the highest levels since Heading, Volleying, Crossing and Finishing are all skills emphasized in AW.
Player Development Challenge
The Player Development Challenge is designed for individual players to compete and play against other players in a fully functional 5v5 game to full size goals.
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