Posts Tagged ‘longterm development’
The Pittsburgh Hotspurs Goalkeeping Model
Let’s be honest, whenever anyone talks about “models” in soccer, rarely are the goalkeepers mentioned. No doubt, goalkeepers are part of the team process and approach and need to be included in all aspects of the team. But the role is unique and requires its own attention. At Hotspurs we have a plan along with…
Read MoreThe Phase Model: Youth Development Phase – Train to Understand the Game
In the Youth Development Phase (YDP), we see kids who are going through the biggest period of ‘change’ that they will experience. Physical, cognitive, and emotional maturity plays a huge part in terms of soccer development. It’s our role in the YDP to help players navigate this. In a soccer sense, players at U13 move…
Read MoreThe Phase Model: College Prep Phase – Train to Win the Game
In the College Prep Phase (CPP) we look to challenge our players individually and as a group. With long term player development at the front of everything we do as a club, in the Foundation Phase (FP) we were teaching the players in a fun yet challenging way to ‘train to love the game.’ In…
Read MoreThe Phase Model: Foundation Phase – Train to Love the Game
At the front of what we do, we are trying to help build a love and passion for the sport we all love so much. This is especially true in the Foundation Phase as we focus on ‘training to love the game.’ As a club and individual coaches, we strongly promote training our players in…
Read MoreYouth to Adult: A Full Pathway
When it comes to ‘football,’ Pittsburgh is known for the American game. The Steelers have won the Super Bowl six times, and the area has been the home to numerous household names in the NFL. Unfortunately, the city doesn’t hold the same reputation for producing our type of football players. The most common argument for…
Read MoreFinding the Right Fit to Maximize Development
It’s all about fit. It was during a summer tryout for the ‘05 girls PA Olympic Development Program (ODP) — the first tryout for a higher-level squad — that it was clear it was finally time for more. Emily had been playing soccer for her local recreation program, 2 hours outside of Pittsburgh, all of…
Read More