Principles for the PLAYERS:
1. Make correct decisions under pressure - Players must be aware and know what decision to make in all areas of the field in and out of possession.
2. Keep the game simple - Do not force situations, dribble too much, or be careless with the ball.
3. Be reliable in possession - Players must value possession of the ball and retain possession in a variety of situations.
4. Accuracy and quality of the pass - Passing must be accurate with the correct weight.
5. First touch - Make a clean, controlled first touch taking the ball away from pressure into space.
6. Awareness - Players with and without the ball should constantly be scanning the field of play.
7. 1v1 ability - Encourage the desire to regain possession in defense and have creativity in attack to beat defenders.
8. Individual transition - Players must react quickly when possession changes.
9. Shooting - Be aware of the goal, players are encouraged to shoot if appropriate to do so.
10. Take Risks - Mistakes are part of soccer and the game is a learning process. Players are encouraged to take risks at the right time in training sessions to increase the speed of play and technical competence the coach must encourage this.
Principles for the TEAM:
1. All players must attack and defend - Players must be involved in the game as a unit.
2. Numerical advantage - Soccer is a game of numbers where we try to create a numerical advantage in attack and avoid a being in a numerical disadvantage in defense.
3. Width, Length, and Depth - Teams must have length, width, and depth when in possession to have a creative and safe possession.
4. Triangle principle and passing options - The player in possession of the ball must receive constant support and have at least two passing options.
5. Speed of play - Quick movement of the ball can create 2v1 situations.
6. Movement off the ball - Find the best available space to create passing options for the player in possession of the ball.
7. Pressure as a unit - The unit must stay compact to reduce the space available for opponents to play.
8. Transition - Improve transition by reducing the number of passes needed to arrive at the target area or opponent’s goal when necessary.
9. Take initiative during the game - Team breakdowns will occur. The team must be capable of adapting to new situations and imposing its own style of play during the game.
10. Respect everyone, fear no one - Players must have confidence in their own ability and their teammate’s ability and demonstrate this to opponents.