TECHNICAL training rather than TACTICAL training

Competition, be it for a place on the team or between local clubs (youth, amateur or professional), is tough - the will to succeed, be first and win is endemic and tangible at every level. Therefore the atmosphere and attitudes in sports is often emotional and incredibly competitive. However experience has taught that this can, when taken out of context, be detrimental to the development of players.  

Therefore this type of competitive mentality MUST be put into perspective. We train players to look beyond mere game results.

Working on the TECHNICAL aspects of the game of soccer – from a young age is, the best method for which to develop players. Our goal is to implement programs for our players which will facilitate the advancement of these skills in an optimum learning environment.

When it comes to youth soccer the most important factor for children is they must have fun, they must enjoy what they are doing, and they must focus on TECHNICAL training rather than TACTICAL training. The will to win should not overshadow the first and foremost responsibility of each coach – that is to develop each player on an individual level.

Players need to master ball control, first touch and then the techniques needed to be able to execute strategic plays in matches. These techniques include, passing, heading, tackling, dribbling, running with a ball and finishing. Without basic technique it is very difficult to execute any kind of play!

Once the technical is mastered, coaches and players can then start working on understanding the tactical aspects of the game, such as roles and responsibilities of the different positions, combination plays etc.

At the highest level all of these techniques have to be learned with and without pressure and at speed, so players can replicate match conditions in training. This is where a structured and professional program becomes vital to success, training has to be intense, interesting, challenging, address both strengths and weaknesses of players and be relevant.

SCOR's dedication to technical development will be supported with the introduction to the Coerver Soccer Training System, beginning Winter 2012. Philosophically this will change the way SCOR players are trained and challenged at all levels. 

The primary objective of SCOR is to deliver all of this to our players, expose them to a professional environment and constantly asses, evaluate and improve the individual skills.