There are five basic elements that need to be given attention in properly developing soccer players. Yes, I realize I titled this article The Four Elements. I will list the four elements with brief descriptions in a moment, but first we need to concentrate on the most important and sometimes overlooked element - the passion for the game a player must have.
The Four Elements
Technical
Tactical
Physical
Psychological
A good coach will have at least a basic understanding of these four elements and know enough to incorporate all of them in each training session.
A players technical ability references the ability to perform fundamental skills or the quality of mechanics in the skills being performed.
For example: When executing a "push pass" are the athlete's toes up, heel down and does he strike through the ball with the ankle bone?
The tactical element refers to the decision-making involved in playing the game. The who does what, when and where in game. And maybe most importantly why and how it is done. This includes both decisions made "on-the-ball" and of at least equal importance the decisions made when not in possession of the ball.
For example, before a player receives the ball he should already have made a decision based on data gathered via scanning the pitch. He then decides how to properly position himself to execute that decision before his first touch on the ball. The amount of space he will have to play in will impact the decision he makes. Shoot, advance into position to shoot, pass to a teammate in position to shoot, advance the attack, maintain possession for his team possibly by dropping the ball back to relieve pressure or by executing a switch of fields to change the point of attack. It's a complicated yet simple process that requires constant attention in training. These are all components required to achieve a fast pace of play.
The physical or fitness element of the game is exactly what it sounds like. Physical speed, explosive strength, quickness, agility, flexibility and balance are all necessary to performing at peak ability.
Unlimited substitutions in youth and high school soccer might diminish the importance of being properly conditioned to some small degree, but if you want playing time and a lot of it physical fitness is paramount.
For a lack of a better description the psychological element refers to the intangibles a player can bring to the game. Attitude, confidence, mental toughness and other controllable emotions or mindsets that result in an even keel or stability in the athletes approach to the game.
The athlete can train for these things as well. This often includes asking or forcing an athlete to step beyond his established comfort zone to redefine a new comfort zone. It involves problem solving and overcoming obstacles the game or opponents present in successful manner. In that regard it is very much about developing and maintain confidence.
A sound understanding of these elements of the game will help the player (and by extension the coach and parents) enjoy the game to the fullest extent possible.
Good training session will address all of these elements of the game. That holds true whether the session is an organized team activity or simply an athlete working on his own. The role of coaches and parents to provide the athlete with the opportunity to experiences all elements of the game as a set as often as is reasonably possible. It is then up to the fifth element of the game, the athlete himself, to decide whether to take advantage of the opportunity he is presented with. If the passion is present in the athlete he will embrace the opportunity.
I firmly believe the game remains the best teacher. This is when athletes demonstrate their technical proficiency by passing, receiving, executing a move to defeat a defender or tackling the ball away. It is also when they make the decisions that impact the pace of play, possession and general flow of the game - the tactics of playing soccer. Physically they walk, jog, run, backpedal, shuffle, change directions, jump and play the ball. And psychologically they learn to deal with both success and failure with failure often preceding success when failure is handled appropriately,
In conclusion, it takes a team environment to help an athlete develop - the parents and coach play critical parts secondary only to the athlete himself. Understanding the four elements will help the parent and coach understand a players strength and weaknesses enabling them to help the athlete address these.
If I had to choose one word to focus on in developing players it would be confidence. It is the parents and coaches role to help instill confidence in the athlete. I often refer to the necessity of coaches to give their confidence to the player. This is accomplished with honesty to praise and critique. The same holds true for the role of parents. Give a realistic assessment of your child when and only when your child asks for one. Otherwise, cheer the efforts of your child and his teammates... even the opponents. Do not coach your child from the parent sidelines or when you play with him in the backyard. Enjoy the experience of watching your child play, compete and grow as a player and more importantly as a person. Remember, soccer is something your child does, but is only a very small part of who he is in the grand scheme of life.
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