OVERVIEW
The New York Red Bulls Youth Programs follow a proven approach to player development. The following information introduces our philosophy, player development rationale, and the methods that are used to deliver our curriculum.
MISSION STATEMENT
To offer unparalleled support and education to the youth soccer community.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY
Create a FUN and CHALLENGING environment where players have the opportunity to LEARN.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT RATIONALE
The New York Red Bulls Youth Programs & Academy operate a building block approach to player development. Players follow an initial path that is heavily focused on technique and skill development. As competency increases, tactical elements are introduced. The following diagram illustrates the New York Red Bulls Building Blocks of Player Development which is based on a players soccer-age:
BUILDING BLOCKS OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
The table below provides (1) Building Block Phases (2) Building Block Age Span and (3) a description of each phase.
MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT – Ages 4 and above
- What: Fun based soccer activities
- Why: Aid in the development of basic motor skills and inspire players to love and grow in the game
- How: Short, fast paced games that relate to a player's understanding of the game
TECHNIQUE AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT – Ages 7 and above
- What: Technical based soccer activities
- Why: Prior formation of motor skills enables introductions of soccer specific techniques
- How: Activities that maximize soccer ball contact and repetition
INDIVIDUAL TACTICS – 9 and above
- What: Activities that focus on 1v1 attacking and defending situations
- Why: Prior formation of technical development enables introduction of individual tactics forming the foundation to build group and team tactics
- How: Introductions of fully opposed activities that develop decision making skills
GROUP TACTICS – 11 and above
- What: Focuses on groups of players working together in attacking and defending situations
- Why: Introduced so that players are comfortable in dealing with "outnumbered" game situations
- How: A range of numbers up (ie: 2 v 1), numbers down (ie: 2 v 3), and balanced numbers activities are used to teach group concepts
TEAM TACTICS – 13 and above
- What: Situations where multiple groups of players are working together to develop full team concepts
- Why: Players transition to the 11v11 game, functioning within an adult framework and standards
- How: Team tactics are typically taught using 7v7 to 11v11 scenarios that connect the three lines of team shape (defense, midfield, attack)
Note: An experienced coach should be able to adjust training sessions based on the specific needs of each player and should not feel confined by the curriculum which acts as a starting point
COACHING METHODOLOGY - HOW TO TEACH
The New York Red Bulls Youth Programs coaching staff focuses on three methods to deliver the building blocks of youth player development: Inspiration, Expertise, and Repetition.
INSPIRATION
Players need to develop motivation, desire, and passion to work hard during training sessions, as well as during their own time away from structured sessions.
Every player-coach interaction serves as an opportunity to develop a passion and love for the game.
EXPERTISE
In order for a player's ability to improve, they require accurate and concise information, combined with specific and immediate individual feedback.
An adaptive coaching style is used to ensure that every player is developed during the training session; the objective is to create players who are skillful, proficient and independent thinkers.
REPETITION
Repetition and deliberate practice are the keys to learning. To master new skills players need to receive a high frequency of realistic situations that offer maximum contact with the soccer ball.
Players must be challenged to work at a high-intensity level that replicates a game environment.
SESSION STRUCTURE
All New York Red Bulls training sessions follow a precise format, designed to improve specific skills while fostering overall player development. The following table provides an overview of how a typical session would be structured.
