TST Small Group Technical Development Program :  Format

I know you know it, but I just want to re-emphasize the TST development model. If it varies too much then parents are on my back pretty quick.
 
The format is just a framework. It is not set in stone and you are free to add value to it where you feel it is needed.
 
Footwork Development (fundamental footwork patterns) as springboard for all techniques.
 
1. We use footwork development (fundamental footwork patterns) as springboard for all techniques. FFPs can be used in first touch moments, ball moving moments and often as part of a release so there is universal quality to them.
  • FFPs can be done at a basic ball mastery level (beginners or a warm up for advanced players) and can be advanced as much as you want. Keep it interesting and varied. You can progress difficulty within a session, or over a number of sessions. [ Good 10 years olds can do this : https://vimeo.com/521223018/4bc731e9da : i build this up : initially do each pattern as a ball mastery exercise. Then combine in pairs (no cones), then go to cones and build up 2 patterns at a time0. If you can't come up with creative and interesting ways to do footwork, then let me know and i will send you some ideas.
  • They can be combined with passing and receiving (advanced players)
  • They can be combined with fast feet, agility, movement into and out of the ball (all players)
  • Beginners might take step back, and work on foot strength, flexibility, non game functional ball mastery, basic passing and receiving - as without these fundamentals, learn footwork might be to big of a jump. Your call on this.
  • Very advanced players, should already have great 'technique' and technique development always needs to be alongside pressure and a test of intelligence. Again your call on this.
Always push the boundaries of technique. Initially technical development is about learning a technique (introduce, refine (using the feedback cycle), improve..until it gets embedded correctly in the subconscious requiring no conscious thought to execute.That's often as far as technique development goes for most players and coaches. The reality is most technical development occurs only once a player can do the technique. Introducing and perfecting a technique is just the beginning. True technical development is about developing dexterity and quality of touch, whilst moving with intensity, and whilst having the head up thinking of the game, not the ball.  That is interacting with the ball, without conscious thought, under increasing time and space constraints and this has to be combined with individual football intelligence (which is part #2)
 
Individual football intelligence
  • Technique needs to be nurtured alongside the nurturing of individual football intelligence. That is ; develop the recognition of pressure, and the ability to deal with the pressure by using time and space intelligence to improve the position of the ball.
  • So part 2 of a TST session, is all about solving pressure problems.
  • So games must be played that solve pressure problems, in conjunction with good efficient and effective footwork.
  • So tech games must be 1v1s, 2v1s, 2v2s in some way...etc. These game should build into the final part of the sessions
 

Small sided games : Who plays what?

  • Game intelligence emphasis : Older advanced players won't play 3v3s as it creates too much of an individual mindset. They need games that are much closer to the actual game, and in which the use of team-mates is essential and at the core of everything they do.
  • 3v3s : Advanced young players however will benefit from the opportunity to be individual, and the play in tight spaces will help develop their ability on the ball. As soon as players are old enough and good enough - they should play 3v3s. 3v3s is a team game with a strong emphasis on 1v1 ability.
  • 2v2s :Beginners and young players who still are poor technically, and who still need to develop their technique, play 2v2s. 2V2s is still very individual with a bit of a team aspect to it.