WEEK 7 TRAINING: May 4 - May 10
UPDATE:  Tentative Return to Play Date: May 18, Pre-Registration May 15

THIS WEEKEND'S GAME DAY, SATURDAY, MAY 9
Let's get to the game! 
GAME ANALYSIS #7: "Greats from a Generation Back"
MATCH REVIEW:  What are the team tactics in this match? 
Instructions: Please watch the game video below (10 minutes).  At the end, report what you learned via the Quiz. During the game pay attention to the "team" strategy and see if you can think like the coach and what he asked his players to do before the match.  The quiz shows up at the very end of the video after you sign-in w/ your email or opt out of signing in. 

17TH TRAINING SESSION 15U-19U, Thursday, May 7
Complete by:  Sunday, May 10
Topic: Fitness & Body Feints Advanced   Time Required: 75 minutes 
Equipment: 1X Soccer Ball,  10X colored markers 

SESSION PLAN: 
a. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up (today's warm-up can be light as session is physically low-intensity)  - DYNAMIC WARM-UP ADVANCED PLAYERS.
b. Watch the training Video Below (if you can take video to the training ground that is better).  You've done this session before.  Try to improve from last week when you were first learning. 
c. TWO VIDEOS:  VIDEO 1 FITNESS:  Interval Training.  Follow video instructions.  Perform 10 sets of intervals without the ball and end with 3 additional sets with the ball.  5 Min Recovery at end of all of the fitness. 
VIDEO 2: Body Feints.  Perform each activity in the video.  You will be training after ftiness.  This is intentional.  Sometimes this type of training, under a fatigued situation is good.  But STAY FOCUSED - do not let technique suffer.  Use mental energy to compensate for fatigue.  Provide a 5 minute rest-recovery period after fitness prior to the technical training.  The activities progress towards more complex and complicated.  Be sure to try the activities SLOW at first then progress towards game speed.  There will be a "high fail rate".  That is OK.  We are progressing towards "game readiness" training and increasing the "transference" level of the training.  Be persistent! 
d.  Finish the session with 5 minutes of imagination play.  Get creative with the soccer ball.  Use juggling, dribbling, and your own imagination.  Play for the pure joy the game brings and let yourself score a game winner, make a game saving interception, a key pass, a great 1v1 move to eliminate a defender.  Be sure to cool down properly as you wrap up the session. 
e. Report to your coach at the end of the session. 

VIDEO 1: Fitness, Interval Training by WSA Senior Technical Director, Alex McLaurin

 

VIDEO 2: BODY FEINTS

16TH TRAINING SESSION 15U-19U, Monday, May 4
Complete by:  Wednesday, May 6
Topic: Cognitive Training & Advanced Defending   Time Required: 90 minutes 
Equipment: 1X Training Buddy (Teammate/Training Partner) 1-2 Soccer Ball, 8 markers, 4 Colors, 1 Ladder and/or hurdles, Duct Tape or Athletic Tape to create a knee-high hurdle (get creative). 

SESSION PLAN: 
a. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up. 
b. Watch the training video below.  If possible take training video to the training ground. 
c. Perform each activity in the video.  A good rule of thumb is 3-5 Reps "Per Side" (i.e. 3-5 reps on the right side, and 3-5 reps on the left side).   
e. Do each of the "Cognitive" passing exercises.  If you cannot complete the "cognitive" passing exercises at speed, that is OK.  Be sure to attempt each slowly and then attempt closer to game speed.  There is a high fail rate on these.  We have advanced the training today and moved to a higher degree of "transference" which means game application and simulation.  WE RECOMMEND TAKING THE VIDEO TO THE TRAINING GROUND FOR THE COGNITIVE PASSING DRILLS in the second stage of training today. 
f. Report to your coach.  Post on FB using #TSW (The Side Works).  Sign in at end of video. 
 

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WEEK 6 TRAINING: APRIL 27-May 3
UPDATE:  Tentative Return to Play Date: May 18

THIS WEEKEND'S GAME DAY, SATURDAY, MAY 3
Let's get to the game! 
GAME ANALYSIS #6: "When Spurs made their push."
MATCH REVIEW:  What are the team tactics in this match? 
Instructions: Please watch the game video below (20 minutes).  At the end, report what you learned via the Quiz. During the game pay attention to the "team" tactics.  What formations are being used.  Is there any particular game tactic being appllied?  Can knowledge of soccer tactics help a player gain an advantage?  There will be less questions during today's game, and more of YOUR OWN EVALUATIONS.   The quiz shows up at the very end of the video after you sign-in w/ your email or opt out of signing in. 

15TH TRAINING SESSION 15U-19U, Wednesday, April 30
Complete by:  Sunday, May 3
Topic: Juggling Progressions  Time Required: 40 minutes 
Equipment: 1X Soccer Ball, 1X Tennis Ball, 1X Target or Goal for Imagination Play 

SESSION PLAN: 
a. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up (today's warm-up can be light as session is physically low-intensity)  - DYNAMIC WARM-UP ADVANCED PLAYERS.
b. Watch the progression juggling video below.  
c. Perform each activity in the video.   Attempt to get to master each progression by completing one cycle, and instead of "catching the ball", start a second cycle.  Completing 2 cycles is the goal for each progression.  For the basic juggling, 50 touches in a row w/ the real football, and 25 touches w/ the tennis ball is the goal.  Spending approximately 5 minutes on each activity is the appropriate time. 
e.  End the session with "Imagination Play".   Use your yard, or training space, and dribble around with the ball beating imaginary defenders.  Since today's topic was control, take a couple of opportunities to toss the ball above your head, control it, and dribble on!  Have fun, Challenge yourself.  Be creative.  Do not be shy!
f. Report to your coach.  Post on FB using #TSW (The Side Works).  Sign in at end of video. 

14TH TRAINING SESSION 15U-19U, Monday, April 27
Complete by:  Wednesday, April 29
Topic: Defending, Basic Drills  Time Required: 40 minutes 
Equipment: 1X Soccer Ball, 1 rebounder/wall or training partner 

SESSION PLAN: 
a. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up - DYNAMIC WARM-UP ADVANCED PLAYERS.
b. Watch ALL THREE training videos below - there are three videos on defending today!  Two are basic defending, and the third part of the session will end with DISGUISED FITNESS! 
c. Perform each activity in the video.   
e.  Then end the session with "Imagination Play".   Use your yard, or training space, and dribble around with the ball beating imaginary defenders.  Score a goal maybe.  Celebrate.  Have fun!  And since today's topic was defending, try to intercept a couple of passes off the wall or rebounder, or have your training partner serve some ballls for you to intercept. 
f. Report to your coach.  Post on FB using #TSW (The Side Works).  Sign in at end of video. 

DEFENDING DRILLS #1

DEFENDING DRILLS #2: Basic Defending


ADVANCED DEFENDING FOR A WINGBACK & FUNCTIONAL FITNESS

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WEEK 6 TRAINING: APRIL 20-26

THIS WEEKEND'S GAME DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Let's get to the game! 
GAME ANALYSIS #5: "When Beckham Became a National Hero"
MATCH REVIEW:  What qualities make a good attacking soccer player? 
Instructions: Please watch the game video below (10 minutes).  At the end, report what you learned via the Quiz. During the video pay attention to the trends in Beckham's game, and try to identify a single attacking quality that helped him become a national hero.  The quiz shows up at the very end of the video after you sign-in w/ your email or opt out of signing in. 

13TH TRAINING SESSION 15U-19U, Thursday, April 23
Complete by:  Saturday, April 25
Topic: 1v1 Attacking Dribble, Feints  Time Required: 55 minutes 
Equipment: 1X Soccer Ball, 1 target/goal. 

SESSION PLAN: 
a. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up. 
b. Watch both of the the training videos below. 
c. Perform each activity in the video. 
d. Do each activity / skill 5X RIGHT SIDE and 5X LEFT SIDE.   Repeat at a comfortable pace for set #2.
e.  Repeat each activity at your fastest pace for set #3. 
f.   Imagination Play:  Dribble around your yard or training area, going at different speeds, fast, fastest, comfortable, and slow, using the "feints" you just learned to beat the imaginary defender. Practice ocassionally scoring a goal, or completing a pass.  If you have a wall, use the wall for a give-and-go / 1-2.  Have fun.  Be creative.  Challenge yourself.  Create a couple of body feints.  Have a good one.  Send it in to thesidemedia@gmail.com. 
g. Report to your coach.  Post on FB using #TSW (The Side Works).  Sign in at end of video. 

BASIC BODY FEINTS: Video 1 of 2

ADVANCED BODY FEINTS: Video 2 of 2

 

12TH TRAINING SESSION 15U-19U, Monday, April 20
Complete by:  Wednesday, April 22
Topic: Cognitive Training   Time Required: 90 minutes 
Equipment: 1X Training Buddy (Parent/Sibling) 1-2 Soccer Ball, 8 markers, 2 colors, 1 target/goal. 

SESSION PLAN: 
a. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up. 
b. Watch the training video below. 
c. Perform each activity in the video. 
d. Do each activity / skill 5X RIGHT SIDE and 5X LEFT SIDE.   If traveling through the cones, perform each activity 3X with each next rep progressively faster.   
e. Do each of the "Cognitive" passing exercises.  If you cannot complete the "cognitive" passing exercises at speed, that is OK.  Be sure to attempt each slowly and then attempt closer to game speed.  There is a high fail rate on these.  We have advanced the training today and moved to a higher degree of "transference" which means game application and simulation.  WE RECOMMEND TAKING THE VIDEO TO THE TRAINING GROUND FOR THE COGNITIVE PASSING DRILLS in the second stage of training today. 
f. Report to your coach.  Post on FB using #TSW (The Side Works).  Sign in at end of video. 
 

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WEEK 5 TRAINING: APRIL 13 - APRIL 19
THIS WEEKEND'S GAME DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 18
 Let's get to the game!  GAME ANALYSIS #4: "Attacking Soccer" 
MATCH REVIEW:  What attacking qualities make a good attacker, good at attacking? 
Instructions: Please watch the game video below (15 minutes). Have a pen and paper handy.  Answer questions or take notes throughout.  At the end, report what you learned via the Quiz. The quiz shows up at the very end of the video after you sign-in w/ your email or opt out of signing in. 

ELEVENTH TRAINING SESSION 15U-19U, THURSDAY, APRIL 16
Complete by:  Friday, April 17
Topic: Shooting Mechanics For Power & Then Accuracy  Time Required: 45 minutes 
Equipment: Soccer Ball & Flat Surface & Four Cones or Markers, Goal or Target (extra soccer balls if you have them).  One Mini-Band (if you have one - if you do not have one, mimick routine w/o the bands).  Preferred is two training sticks.  Two cones can substitute for the two training sticks, as well as two other "objects". 

SESSION PLAN: 
A. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up - Dynamic Warm-Up
B. Activate for session with - Band Activation Routine 
** if you do not have a trainng band, watch the 3 minute video and mimick the activation as closely as possible
C. Perform each shooting repeitiion methodical and focused.  Be sure to do a cool-down/stretch after completing activity today. 
D. Today do equal reps with right and left foot for each activity.  Follow rep control in the video. 
E.  When you complete today's training you will need a short recovery / stretch after the session. 
H. Report to your coach.  Post on FB using #TSW (The Side Works).  Sign in at end of video. 

SKILL CHECK #4: The Tootsie Challenge;  Complete skill check, send video to TheSideMedia@gmail.com

TENTH TRAINING SESSION 12U-14U, MONDAY, APRIL 13
Complete by:  Wednesday, April 15
Topic: Finishing & Crossing in Final Third Time Required: 55 minutes 
Equipment: Soccer Ball & Flat Surface & Four Cones or Markers, Goal or Target (extra soccer balls if you have them).  One Mini-Band (if you have one - if you do not have one, mimick routine w/o the bands).  Preferred is two training sticks.  Two cones can substitute for the two training sticks, as well as two other "objects". 

SESSION PLAN: 
A. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up - Dynamic Warm-Up
B. Activate for session with - Band Activation Routine 
** if you do not have a trainng band, watch the 3 minute video and mimick the activation as closely as possible
C. Perform each crossing or finishing activity at a rep-control rate.  We recommend 8-15 pending your warm-up, fitness, age, etc.   Be sure to do a cool-down/stretch after completing activity today. 
D. Today do equal reps with right and left foot for each activity.  
E.  When you complete today's training you will need a short recovery / stretch after the session. 
H. Report to your coach.  Post on FB using #TSW (The Side Works).  Sign in at end of video. 

MINI-BAND ACTIVATION ROUTINE

WEEK 4 TRAINING: APRIL 6 - APRIL 12

THIS WEEKEND'S GAME DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Let's get to the game!  GAME ANALYSIS #3: "Club Ethos"
MATCH REVIEW:  MATCH THAT MADE HISTORY, THAT NOONE KNEW ABOUT
Instructions: Please watch the game video below (10 minutes). At the end, report what you learned via the Quiz. The quiz shows up at the very end of the video after you sign-in w/ your email or opt out of signing in. 
 

NINTH TRAINING SESSION 15U-19U THURS, APRIL 9
Complete by:  Saturday, April 11
Topic: Advanced Close Footskills, Stength Circuit   Time Required: 60 minutes 
Equipment: Soccer Ball & Flat Surface & Four Cones or Markers 

SESSION PLAN: 
A. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up - Dynamic Warm-Up
B. Today's session will be progressive.  Move from Skill #1 to Skill #2, but master each along the way. 
C. Perform each skill in the video. Use a 60 second to 2 minute "learning phase".  Go at your own pace.  We recommend taking the video with you to the training ground to be able to review the skill by video. 
D. For each skill, once the learning phase is complete, attempt the skill for either 25 seconds, or for 10 quality reps.  That is ONE set.  Complete 3X sets for each skill.  
E. Today for the 4-cone drills progress through all 12 skills even if you do not master one of the levels.   Stay focused.  Be persistent.  
F. At the end, attempt to "interleave", meanning go through an entire circuit, possibly 6 skills, from Skill 1, to Skill 2, to Skill 3, etc... And then the last 6 skills in a circuit.  Stay at HIGH INTENSITY once you are in "work phase".  
G. You should need a brief recovery.
H.  Session Topper: Strength Circuit (see video below).  Perform each body-weight exercise X10, and V-Ups (abs) X25.  Do two complete circuits. 
H.  Before you sign off today.  Did you get to the Ajax Step-Over from Monday's session?  Possibly review a few of these wider range of motion skills.  See if you can perfect a few.  
F. Report to your coach.  Post on FB using #TSW (The Side Works).  Sign in at end of video. 

THURSDAY SESSION TOPPER: A STRENGTH CIRCUIT:  Each exercise X10; V-Ups (abs) X25.  Equals one circuit.  Complete 2 circuits. 

SESSION VIDEO FROM MONDAY.  If you can return to this sometime by Saturday and try to master a few more of these wider range of motion ball skills.  Attempt this at your level of intensity based on your current level of fitness. 

EIGHTH TRAINING SESSION 15U-19U MON, APRIL 6
Complete by:  Wednesday, April 8
Topic: Advanced Footskills, Progressive   Time Required: 50 minutes 
Equipment: Soccer Ball & Flat Surface & Four Cones or Markers 

SESSION PLAN: 
A. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up - Dynamic Warm-Up
B. Today's session will be progressive.  You must complete level 1 before moving to level 3. 
C. Perform each skill in the video. Use a 60 second to 2 minute "learning phase".  Go at your own pace.  We recommend taking the video with you to the training ground to be able to review the skill by video. 
D. For each skill, once the learning phase is complete, attempt the skill for either 25 seconds, or for 10 quality reps.  That is ONE set.  Complete 3X sets for each skill.  SUPER GOAL IS TO REACH THE "AJAX DRAG STEPOVER". 
E. DO NOT PROGRESS PAST THE POINT WHERE YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO MASTER A SKILL.  Stay focused.  Be persistent.  We recommend not spending longer than one hour today on this session.  If you want to come back o this session tomorrow, do so, and start at level 1 and see if you get farther. 
F. Report to your coach.  Post on FB using #TSW (The Side Works).  Sign in at end of video. 

THIS WEEK'S SKILL CHECK #3: Lifting the Ball (Parents Can Try!)
Complete. Video. Send to thesidemedia@gmail.com.  Post on IG, TW, FB #TSW #TheSideWorks


 

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WEEK 3: MARCH 30 - APRIL 5

THIS WEEK'S GAME ANALYSIS, SAT APRIL 4
Let's get to the game!  GAME ANALYSIS #2: "Action Decisions"
Match Review: Barcelona vs Real Madrid, 2017 La Liga 
Instructions: Please watch the game video below (20 minutes). Have the pause button ready. Answer the questions and make the predictions "in-game" during the action.  Then, at the end, report what you learned via the Quiz. The quiz shows up at the very end of the video after you sign-in or opt out of signing in. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 2 
SEVENTH VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSION: Technical Work w/ Fitness Demand
Complete by:  Friday, April 3
Topic: Technical Work    Time Required: 50 minutes 
Equipment: Soccer Ball, Flat Surface, Open Area, 8 Cone Markers

 

SESSION PLAN:
a. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up - Dynamic Warm-Up
b. See 3 Videos Below: Brazilian Cone Dribbling Basic, Two Cone Drills, Technical Square 
c. Brazilian Cone Dribbling - This is a repeat from the previous session with the following progression: Today create a circuit as follows:  Pattern #1, rest 10-15 seconds, Pattern #2, rest, Pattern #3, etc... That is "one set".  Complete 4 sets.  This is called "interleaving" and makes the activity more game applicable.  It will be tougher to master.  That is OK.  Go for long-range growth.   
d. Two Cone Drills - Perform Skill 30 seconds, rest 30 seconds, Move to NEXT Skill. Repeat to complete the entire circuit of skills.  Each circuit is one set.  Complete 4 sets. Continue to apply interleaving. 
e. Technical Square - Perform Skill 30 seconds, rest 30 seconds, Move to NEXT Skill. Repeat to complete the entire circuit of skills.  Each circuit is one set.  Complete 4 sets.   This activity should be "anaerobic fitness".  If you have the skill down, you can add a weighted vest, add time, or shrink time and increase intensity level.  If you can do this in a sand pit - excellent alternative to getting the fitness in. 
c. Stretching Cool Down
c. Report to your coach.  Post on FB using #TSW (The Side Works).  Sign in at end of video. 

 

SKILL CHECK #2: The Neck Catch Challenge
Complete Level 3!  Send video to email: TheSideMedia@gmail.com.  Post on IG, TW, FB with #TSW or #TheSideWorks. 

MONDAY, MARCH 30TH 
SIXTH VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSION: Technical Work 
Complete by:  Wednesday, April 1
Topic: Technical Work    Time Required: 40 minutes 
Equipment: Soccer Ball, Flat Surface, Open Area, 8 Cone Markers

SESSION PLAN:
a. Prep for the session with a quick warm-up - Dynamic Warm-Up
b. See 3 Videos Below: Brazilian Cone Dribbling Basic, One Cone Drills, Two Cone Drills 
c. Brazilian Cone Dribbling - Repeat Each Pattern X4 w/ each set bit faster than the previous 
d. One Cone Drills - Perform Skill 30 seconds, rest 30 seconds, Move to NEXT Skill. Repeat to complete the entire circuit of skills.  Each circuit is one set.  Complete 4 sets. 
e. Two Cone Drills - Perform Skill 30 seconds, rest 30 seconds, Move to NEXT Skill. Repeat to complete the entire circuit of skills.  Each circuit is one set.  Complete 4 sets.  
c. Stretching Cool Down
c. Report to your coach.  Post on FB using #TSW (The Side Works).  Sign in at end of video. 

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LAST WEEKS GAME ANALYSIS, MAR 28th
Let's get to the game!  GAME ANALYSIS #1: "Modes of Play"
Match Review: USA WOM vs SPAIN WOM
Instructions: Please watch the game video below (12 minutes). Have the pause button ready. Answer the questions and make the predictions "in-game" during the action.  Then, at the end, report what you learned via the Quiz. The quiz shows up at the very end of the video after you sign-in or opt out of signing in. 
NOTE: Exciting news!  There is a chance The Side is able to get the South African Women's National Team Coach, Ms. Desiree Ellis, to connect with our players on social media to answer questions next week!  Stay tuned! 

#TSW: PAST WEEKEND'S 15-19U FIELD PLAYER BONUS FITNESS MAR 28-29
Workout Sat or Sun:  Dynamic Warm-Up/Prep (10 minutes)   
Change of Direction Exercises:  See video below. Go to Chapter 1: Angled Change of Directions - each set consists of 8 angles (4 angled right and 4 angled left).  Do one set. Rest 1 minute.  Repeat.   Go to Chapter 2: 5-5-10 Doggies.  Each set is the equivalent of 4 reps.  In between reps rest long enough to allow yourself to recover breathing.  Do one set.  Rest 60 seconds after set 1.  Repeat for 3 more sets for a total of 4 sets. 
Stretching / Cool Down (10 minutes)