Progressive Skill Development
The LeftFoot Coaching Academy is divided into three levels of training based on specific skill sets that combine multi-directional movements, ball striking, ball mastery and the players field vision and emerging self-awareness.
Recognizing that the “level” of play as it relates to age group, C1, Premier, C2 and Recreational have only a general orientation to what a player should have learned or brought to the training program --most players demonstrate a lack of physical technical skills that are consistent to others who are asking to become better players and seeking training.
The organization of these levels of training comes from the martial arts which demands excellence in technique of basic stances, kicks, blocks and strikes before advancing to new and more advanced techniques. Also, mixed age and gender groups are accepted since technique is the priority outcome while older and younger players help each other through the learning process.
Experience Level 1 Training (Generally U11-U17)
Level 1 training is the basic entry point for players starting to work at LeftFoot Coaching Academy. We focus on specific movements related to a clean driven ball, both in terms of their general athletic skills but also build on their self-awareness, discipline and attitude to improve and focus on task-related learning and general problem solving.
The organization of these levels of training comes from the martial arts which demands excellence in technique of basic stances, kicks, blocks and strikes before advancing to new and more advanced techniques. Also, mixed age and gender groups are accepted since technique is the priority outcome while older and younger players help each other through the learning process.
Experience Level 1 Training (Generally U11-U17)
Level 1 training is the basic entry point for players starting to work at LeftFoot Coaching Academy. We focus on specific movements related to a clean driven ball, both in terms of their general athletic skills but also build on their self-awareness, discipline and attitude to improve and focus on task-related learning and general problem solving.
Level 1 players will aim to master and demonstrate proficiency within small sided games of the following technical skills: the low instep drive, the slap roll, lateral deceleration, attitude to score and the ability to win 1v1s with multiple changes of direction.
Players will need to have learned specific moves and techniques to advance to Level 2 training.
Experience Level 2 Training (Generally U12-U16)
Level 2 training is the next progression of skills mastery for players. Having mastered or demonstrated proficient skills players begin learning how to advance the previous skills learned in Level 1.
Experience Level 2 Training (Generally U12-U16)
Level 2 training is the next progression of skills mastery for players. Having mastered or demonstrated proficient skills players begin learning how to advance the previous skills learned in Level 1.
Players will also advance ball mastery skills to include moves at speed, combining several moves at once and a superior control of first touch, aerial play and heading skills.
Movement skills will include the cutting circle that will include all directional stops and acceleration techniques within 5 yards demonstrating superior multi-linear changes of speed.
Level 2 players have taken their basic skills mastery and added another level of complexity to already learned skills. Level 2 players are beginning to self-correct, becoming aware of new possibilities and are mastering 2v2 and 2v1 skills in training and can demonstrate within small sided games.
*Level 2 training is for players with a minimum 3 months of instruction within the LFC Academy or by permission of the instructor.
Experience Level 3 Training (Generally U13-U21)
Players who are in Level 3 training have already demonstrated proficient skills in ball mastery, multi-directional movements, ball striking and are ready for more gameplay and application. Level 3 training is still individual focused but is reserved for elite athletes to train with other athelets from across the state. Level 3 is by permission only and reserved for a few athletes.
Skill Progressions
Players are constantly learning and mastering the following skills:
Multi-directional movements (often referred to as Movement Skills)
Experience Level 3 Training (Generally U13-U21)
Players who are in Level 3 training have already demonstrated proficient skills in ball mastery, multi-directional movements, ball striking and are ready for more gameplay and application. Level 3 training is still individual focused but is reserved for elite athletes to train with other athelets from across the state. Level 3 is by permission only and reserved for a few athletes.
Skill Progressions
Players are constantly learning and mastering the following skills:
Multi-directional movements (often referred to as Movement Skills)
Linear and lateral deceleration skills combined with balance, rhythmic movements and running technique. We actually teach the the skills of cutting, changing direction and moving efficiently, not just running the kids through ladders and calling it agility training.
Ball Striking
The ability to cleanly strike with superior technique in a variety of movements, angles, and approaches. Includes heading and passing, but primarily driving the ball (otherwise known as driving the snot out of the ball)
Ball Mastery
More than just “footskills”, these skill sets are developing coordination, rhythm, spatial orientation and speed with the ball. We develop the visual cues of how to beat opponents, set up a shot, and accelerate. Includes signature moves learned at LFC that no one else teaches.
Vision and Awareness
The ability to see and understand how and why on the field with the ball and with opponents. Vision as it relates to seeing and attacking space both on the ball and with specific runs. Awareness as it relates to self, technique and the learning process.
The ability to cleanly strike with superior technique in a variety of movements, angles, and approaches. Includes heading and passing, but primarily driving the ball (otherwise known as driving the snot out of the ball)
Ball Mastery
More than just “footskills”, these skill sets are developing coordination, rhythm, spatial orientation and speed with the ball. We develop the visual cues of how to beat opponents, set up a shot, and accelerate. Includes signature moves learned at LFC that no one else teaches.
Vision and Awareness
The ability to see and understand how and why on the field with the ball and with opponents. Vision as it relates to seeing and attacking space both on the ball and with specific runs. Awareness as it relates to self, technique and the learning process.
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