There are 5 primary pillars associated with the development of a player and the progression of a team. Improvement in each of these categories directly correlates to individual and team development and improvement. The five factors are listed in Diagram 1 below:
Diagram 1: Factors Implementing Individual performance
Technical Proficiency – comfort level and ability of a player on the soccer ball (example, 1st touch, passing, receiving, turning, dribbling, shooting).
Tactical Proficiency – decision making when you have the ball, movement and support when you do not have the ball, positional understanding and functioning (defender, midfield, forward, goalkeeper).
Physical Proficiency – ability to meet the physical demands of the game (for example, speed, strength, endurance, balance, agility, explosiveness).
Psychological Proficiency – desire and ability to compete / perform irrespective of circumstances associated with the game / training condition and situation/s.
Psycho-social Proficiency – competency in assimilating with teammates, receptiveness to coaching, discipline, dedication to meet individual and team goals and objectives
Improving Individual Player Development One Pillar At A Time …
Players are evaluated at the very on set and based on their proficiency level are divided into appropriate training groups. Coaches work closely with players based on their proficiencies and engage players in multiple ways to move them along the continuum.