UEFA Football Coaching l UK Football Academy Luton UK

UEFA Coaching

Training Syllabus

All components of the training programme that we deliver at UK Football Academy are based on our coach’s experience and supported by education and research. Our coaches have a proven track record in developing elite players. It is this experience that is essential as we know we have the ability to help players develop.

Technical Development

Technical ability is key and will go a long way to determining the level a player can play at. Many players demonstrate good technical ability in drills but fail to transfer this into match situations. This can be due to the type of training they have had. The most important part of technical training is that it is transferable to match situations. At UK Football Academy we spend a small percentage of our training time in isolated drills. These isolated drills are used in warm ups and pre the main part of the training sessions. Technical areas covered for outfield players are, passing, shooting, running with the ball, controlling the ball, dribbling, heading, defensive clearances, tackling, 1 v 1 defending, blocking shots and for goalkeepers are, footwork, shot stopping, catching crosses, punching, throwing and kicking.

Tactical Development

The majority of the technical development takes place in opposed practices such as small sided games, functions, phases of play and 11 v 11 matches. In addition to developing technique that is transferable to match situations these opposed practices develop other important aspects of a footballer. The most important part of becoming a footballer is tactical, which includes, game understanding, match instincts, spatial awareness, communication, understanding roles and responsibilities of team play and decision making. We have tried and tested practices that are 11 aside specific and position specific that develop these aspects of a football player.

Physical Development

Physical Characteristics - Football is played on grass and that is where the majority of fitness and physical training should take place. Physical characteristics are important and can be developed in gyms etc. The physical characteristics of football players are height, weight, body fat %, body shape, strength and power. In some cases these need extra training in addition to the football specific fitness training. We can provide detailed training programmes for our players should they need to work on their physical characteristics.

Balance - The key fitness areas we target during our courses are football specific balance and football specific speed. Football specific balance is an area we specialise in and gives our training programme the edge over most coaching as world wide it is an area that not many coaches or fitness trainers understand. The most important skills in football that often determine the results of matches are performed on one leg. These skills include running, changing direction, passing, shooting, heading the list goes on. However not many if any clubs/academies/companies can or do deliver this important aspect of physical development. At UK Football Academy we have experience of delivering this type of training and have seen the benefits it can have on performance.

Speed - Football specific speed is very different to sprint training that is used in athletics. Football speed is about starting speed which can be trained as starting speed is the body’s ability to react to a stimulus. We have numerous drills that improve reaction time, which leads to improved starting speed. The running technique of a football players is very different to an athlete as a football player needs to use their arms to help balance whilst changing direction and fending off opposing players. In addition to this the shorter the strides of a football player when in tight areas or when surrounded by opponents greatly benefits the player’s football specific speed enabling them to change directions and react quickly.

Goalkeeping

As one of the most important players on the pitch, goalkeepers should where possible receive specialist training. Not every football coach understands how to coach goalkeepers. To assist coaches in training goalkeepers we have designed specialist goalkeeper training to help you develop and coach the fundamental goalkeeping skills.

Goalkeepers need to be comfortable and composed with the ball at their feet; they also need agility, anticipation, bravery, technique, strength. Goalkeepers also need to remain focused and concentrating and should have good communication skills.

The position of goalkeeper is that of a 'specialist technician' and is arguably the most important position on the pitch; therefore, a great deal of work on individual goalkeeping techniques is required to reach a competent standard.

Many people think that goalkeepers are a special breed and a little bit crazy, which is probably true. They are very different than outfield players and do need specialised goalkeeping training.

Goalkeeper coaches should look to make goalkeeping training sessions a high tempo with plenty of explosive and powerful movements. It is important that the goalkeeper practices the technique at a speed that simulates match play. Slow goalkeeping practices will develop slow goalkeepers and up-tempo practices will develop fast and explosive goalkeepers. Never sacrifice quality for speed when practicing goalkeeping techniques.

• Soccer goalkeeping for basic ball handling techniques

• Football goalkeeping training to develop quick feet movement

• Goalkeeping training for a range of shot stopping techniques

• Innovative training for goalkeepers on narrowing the angle

• Football goalkeeping training skills on dealing with crosses

• Goalkeeper coaching on working with and supporting the defence

• Soccer goalie drills to improve kicking and distribution

• Soccer Goalkeepers drills for goalkeeper agility and fitness

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