HSC Philosophy and Player Development 5 (1)

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Table of Contents
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Club Philosophy…………………………………………………………………………………… 4
LongTerm Development vs the Win Now Approach ………………………………. 5
LifeLessons to Teach Our Children ……..………………………………………………..7
The Typical HSC TrainingSession byAge Group ………………………….. 10
Introduction to Funiño ………………………………………………………………………… 14
Player Benefits of Funiño ……………………………………………………………………. 15
The Funiño Field …………………………………………………………………………………. 16
Styleof Play ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 17
The Shapes of Our Game ……………………………………………………………………….19
Introduction to the SpanishTraining Model ………………………………………... 21
Analytical vs GlobalTraining………………………………………………………………..23
Rondos …………………………………………………………………………………………………25
Nurturinga Love for the Game …………………………………………………………….. 29
Juggling Routine …………………………………………………………………………………. 31
WallRoutine …………………………………………………………………………………………32
Common Club Terminology ………………………………………………………………….. 36
Recommended Reading ……………………………………………………………………….. 37
Recommended Videos …………………………………………………………………………. 38

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“It is not sufficient to develop your players well; it is essential for
future successes to prepare them better than the others.”
Horst Wein (Internationally recognized coaching mentor)
Introduction
It is the philosophy of Hillsboro Soccer Club to teach human development through
sport. It is also our goal to create an environment that helps children awaken to
the joy of the game while inspiring them to strive to reach their maximum potential.
The building of character is one of the driving forces in everything we do – in all
practices and competitions. We demand that all our players and our coaches
embody a growth mindset: the desire to constantly improve and learn more about
the game, the will to compete, the ability to overcome obstacles, and the
commitment to put team before self while winning and losing with honor and
respect.
Our passion for the game runs through every aspect of what we do both on the
field, and off the field. We love the beautiful game of soccer, and all that it stands
for, and all that it can do to help prepare young people to lead accomplished lives.
It is our belief that soccer is a unique vehicle that can promote equity and social
justice within our community. Hillsboro Soccer Club is a club where players and
families from all corners of our community are welcome. We view the global
nature of the game, as an opportunity to help weave together the diversity in our
community.

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We value both effort and results, and we are constantly looking to improve at
every level, to develop superior soccer players, to develop outstanding teams, to
grow the depth and knowledge of our coaches, and to instill a love of the game in
our players.
“What is the plan you have? What is your style of play? What’s your
philosophy? What do you teach them? What do you do with your staff? If
you don’t address that, then what are you doing? Going from week to week
trying to win games?”
Claudio Reyna
Club Philosophy
Hillsboro Soccer Club’s Philosophy is Based on Five Concepts
1. A Long Term Player Development Model Over a Win Now
Approach that values Human Development through sport.
2. Quality Training Sessions
3. Appropriately Complex Training Sessions
4. A Possession Oriented Attacking Style of Play
5. Nurturing a Love For the Game
Hillsboro Soccer Club believes that the long term development model is far
superior to the short term view of the win now approach. We understand that if
development is done correctly, winning becomes a byproduct of the process. We
believe that in the long run our players will have the opportunity to reach higher
levels of the game using the long term development approach. The characteristics
of both approaches are listed on the following pages.

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Long Term Development versus the Win Now Approach
Characteristics of the Win Now Approach: Horst Wein
1. Choice of bigger players who are more physically developed.
2. Soccer is antidemocratic. Less chance is given to smaller players.
3. Beginning at 8 years old there is an overemphasis on team tactics.
4. Only one system of play is applied.
5. The long pass is given immediately after winning possession. The team
is hurried and plays more quickly than it is able.
6. The team plays direct and tends to favor vertical play.
The goalkeepers always punt the ball and take long goal kicks.
7. There is little intent on building the play.
8. When attacking, the team rarely switches the point of attack.
9. The person in charge is a coach who instructs with the goal of winning
the game or the championship.
10. In search of victories, the coach instructs his players to push the limits of
the laws of the game and to cheat the opponents and the referee. The
ends justify the means.
11. The game is played AGAINST the ball. There is little time or space for
fakes and creative moves.
12. There is premature specialization in one determined role or position. The
same players play most of the games while the substitutes play little.
13. Young players are exposed prematurely to the adult game. It takes years
for the same habits to develop that adults show in the 11v11 game.
14. An excessive amount of time is dedicated to physical training.
15. The traditional methodology of coaching is prevalent in training
sessions.
16. Sporting results are valued more than the person. Poor behavior is
frequently overlooked in order to gain immediate results.

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Characteristics of the Long Term Development Approach: Horst Wein
1. Everyone plays and not only the stronger players. During the selection
process, preference is given to the more intelligent and skilled players.
2. Good behavior on and off the field is a criteria for selecting players.
3. Everyone has a right to play independent of their physical capacity.
Soccer is Democratic.
4. The game serves to evaluate ability level and to gain tactical experience.
5. The culture of possessing the ball is prevalent. The team’s play is not rushed.
6. Everyone touches the ball. There is a higher percentage of shorter
passes along with support for shorter passes. The goalkeeper tends to
throw the ball out rather than punting.
7. The ball generally advances from the backline to the midfield line and
then to the forwards with play based on the principles of communication
and cooperation.
8. With the objective of creating space for penetration, the point of attack is
frequently changed.
9. The one in charge is a coach who stimulates learning with the goal of
improving the play of his players and his team. The player makes his own
decisions on the field.
10. Sportsmanship is taught, honesty, respect for the laws of the game, and
to be loyal to them when in confrontation with opponents.
11. The game is played WITH the ball – caressing it. Situations are provided
where players are allowed to try out new fakes and use fantasy and
imagination.
12. Players are allowed to experience playing in different positions. Everyone
plays regardless of skill level.
13. The training and competition is adapted to fit the development of the child
and his physical and intellectual capacities.
14. Respect is given to the natural development of the child. Conditional and
coordinative abilites are improved through a wide variety of games.
15. To best help a player’s development, the application of an active
methodology should be present.
16. Priority is given to human development through sport. Sport is used as a
classroom to teach life’s lessons.

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Life Lessons to TeachChildren
Don’t be afraid to fail: If you never fail at anything, you may be aiming too low.
So, keep challenging yourself, even – and especially – after defeats. Emerson
wrote, “When it’s darkest, men see the stars.” Failure and adversity are among the
best ways to grow and to learn.
Find the good in yourself. We all deserve to feel good about ourselves, without
the need to derive our sense of self-worth from the people around us. Taken
together, the judgments of teachers, parents, bosses and friends amount to a hall
of funhouse mirrors – one in which you’ll never get an accurate reflection of
yourself. If you grow up longing for approval, you’ll risk becoming a pleaser,
dependent on others for your sense of security and well-being. The opinions of
those around you – though worth considering – are slender reeds on which to
base your self-image. Instead, pick what matters most to you and stick with it.
And see the good in others, too. The harvest from showing genuine interest and
respect to others is almost invariably an increase in your own self-esteem. The
world is full of other people, so don’t go through life dismissing them, seeking
distance from them, or being shy or afraid. Showing respect – and even reverence
– for other humans is virtually always a “win-win” proposition.
There's no substitute for hard work. Honest work may be the surest path to
self-respect. Hard work is a privilege – it allows you to discover the depth of your
own abilities, and to see the potential in others. Go the extra mile, and see how
good you can be at something. The harder you work, the less crowded a road
you’ll find – fewer people than you think embrace work as a central path to self-
worth.
Building great habits is critical. The more of them you have, the more capacity
you’ll have to handle the many competing claims life throws at you. Good habits
can take you to unanticipated heights – and in ways that’ll almost feel effortless.
The “muscle memory” from having developed good habits in your youth (yes,
including basics like eating right, good sleep hygiene, regular study and exercise)
will sustain you when others waiver.

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Don't expect fairness – at least in the short run. To deal with life’s unfairness,
focus on the future, not on the past. Whatever happens, don’t wallow. Legendary
Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi reminded players that, “it’s not how
many times you're knocked down, but how many times you get up again, that'll
determine your destiny.” The message: just keep getting up.
Be kind – it has more power than you think. In Aesop’s fable about
strength, the Sun’s warm rays win out over the gale force of the North Wind. This
gentle approach to influencing others may not be obvious in your early years. A bit
of subtle kindness costs nothing, but can have huge benefits. Remember that it
doesn’t take much to help lift someone’s burden, to say a kind word, to notice a
success.
Take yourself out of the center. The most miserable people I know live in a self-
designed universe that revolves eternally around them. To keep their planets
aligned, they desperately amass power, money, or fame – but their supernova
usually ends up a black hole. One way to avoid this is by helping those less
fortunate than you. As Helen Keller said, “There is no better way to thank God for
your sight than by giving a helping hand to someone in the dark.”
Embrace reality. President John Adams said, “Facts are stubborn things.” You
can't change reality, so you need to face it head on. It might sound crazy, but you
should seek out bad news – the earlier you find it, the earlier you can do
something about it before it gets worse. Look for problems and become the
solution. Nothing good ever comes of avoiding the hard truths.
“Solve” for the long term. It’s crucial to be deliberate about your life. One way to
approach this is to ask yourself: What am I solving for? Pleasure is short-lived.
Even happiness is dependent on circumstances, and temporary. But joy – or
deeper satisfaction – is rooted in meaning. Joy lives beyond the moment and
despite present circumstances; and it can be conjured when needed. Peace is the
ultimate resolution of a life well lived. It derives from finding a oneness with a
purpose outside of yourself. In your own life make peace the quest that trumps the
constant allure of pleasure.

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“The ideal training session is that which produces the intensity
and emotions of competition.”
Tele Santana (Former Brazilian National Team Coach)
The Training Session
A typical Hillsboro Soccer Club Training Session for 7-10 year olds.
*Funiño game numbers increase to 5v5 when the players are ten year olds.
The most important concept to teach the children at this age is to love to
play the game of soccer.
1. Play (3v3 Funiño Game)
2. Pause: Water Break
3. Corrective Game: Example (Multiple 1v1 games)
6. Pause Water Break
7. Corrective Game Example (4v1 Rondo)
Skills/technique being taught at these age levels include: Ball control, 1v1
dribbling, fakes, passing, receiving, shooting, tackling. Tactics being taught
include: Attacking and defending - 1v1, 2v1, 3v0, 3v1, 3v1+1, 3v2, 3v2+1,
and 3v3 – Ten years olds increase numbers to 5v5 with and without a
goalkeeper. Important concepts include: Proper angle of support, “Getting
into the light” - (getting into a passing lane), receiving with the proper body
position, receiving across the body, overlapping (running from behind). Size
7-8: Size 3 Ball 9-10: Size 4 Ball
Based on the Horst Wein model of training.

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A typical Hillsboro Soccer Club Training Session for
11-12 year olds. Players are assigned extra technical
practice to be done at home.
1. Pre-warm-up: Juggling/5v2/6v2/7v2 Rondo
2. Warm-up the Spirit (Example: Chain Tag
Game)/Stretching
3. Rondos/Positional Games/Possession
Games/Perception Games/Funiño 3v3, 5v5
4. Analytical Exercise: Technique (Example: 1 touch
passing for 10 minutes)
5. 7v7 Game (3-2-1)
Skills/technique being taught at these age levels include: Ball control, first
touch, 1v1 dribbling, fakes, passing, receiving, shooting, tackling, +
heading.
Tactics being taught include: Attacking and defending - Continued
reinforcement of 1v1, 2v1, 3v1+1, 3v2, 3v2+1, and 3v3, 5v5 (up numbers,
down numbers and even numbers) and now 7v7. Switching the point of
attack, and playing out of the back. Important concepts being taught
include: “Getting into the light” - (getting into a passing lane), proper angle
of support, receiving with the proper body position, receiving across the
body, taking the first touch towards where you will pass next, wall pass,
proper speed on the pass, scan the field, looking over the shoulder,
disguising intent, overlapping (running from behind), doblada run, getting
away from a mark (checking). Size 4 Ball.
Based on the Spanish and Horst Wein models of training.

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2. Warm-up the Spirit (Example: Ball Tag
Game)/Stretching
3. Rondos, Positional Games, Possession
Games/Perception Games/Technical and Tactical
Training
4. Small-Sided Games, 7v7 Game (3-2-1)
Skills/technique being taught at these age levels include: Ball control, 1v1
dribbling, fakes, passing, receiving, shooting, tackling, + heading. Tactics
being taught include: Attacking and defending - Continued reinforcement of
1v1, 2v1, 3v2, 3v2+1, and 3v3, 5v5, 7v7, 9v9 and limited full team tactics
11v11, switching the point of attack, playing out of the back. Important
concepts include: “Getting into the light” - (getting into a passing lane),
receiving with the proper body position, proper angle of support, receiving
across the body, taking the first touch towards where you will pass next,
wall pass, proper speed on the pass, disguising intent, scanning the field,
looking over the shoulder, overlapping (running from behind), doblada run,
getting away from a mark (checking), after a diagonal - a straight. Size 5
Ball.
Increasingly space is taken away in order to prepare the players ability to
recognize and make the proper decisions on the field in tight situations.
Based on the Spanish model of training.

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2. Warm-up the Spirit (Example: Ball Tag
Game)/Stretching, Agility, Rondos, Technique,
Positional Games
3. Strength Resistance, Speed, Possession,
Positional Games, Technical and Tactical Training
4. Small-Sided Games, 2 Team Game.
Skills/technique being taught/reinforced at these age levels include: Ball
control, 1v1 dribbling, fakes, passing, receiving, shooting, tackling, heading.
Tactics being taught include: Attacking and defending - Continued
reinforcement of 1v1, 2v1, 3v2, 3v2+1, and 3v3, 5v5, 7v7, 9v9, and full
team tactics 11v11 – Examples: Playing out of the back, Team Defending,
Pressing. Important concepts include: “Getting into the light” - (getting into
a passing lane), proper angle of support, receiving with the proper body
position, receiving across the body, taking the first touch towards where
you will pass next, wall pass, proper timing of the pass, proper speed on
the pass, disguising intent, overlapping (running from behind), scanning the
field, looking over the shoulder, doblada run, getting away from a mark
(checking), after a diagonal - a straight.. Size 5 Ball.
Resistance and speed training is introduced at this stage. Before this stage
fitness is gained through playing modified versions of the game such as
3v3 in a large space for limited periods with recovery time.
Based on the Spanish Model of Training.

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Introduction to
What is Funiño? Funiño is the foundation for the training environment
used by Hillsboro Soccer Club for the players ages 7-10. We have chosen
this methodology as it is directly linked to our belief in long term player
development.
Funiño is the abbreviation for Fútbol a la Medida del Niño or football
designed for children. The program is the result of 27 years of innovation,
practice and continuing improvement and is part of the Horst Wein Youth
Football Development Model, which has been the official textbook of the
(RFEF) Royal Spanish Football Federation since 1993 and is used by F.C.
Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, La Real Sociedad, Monterrey, Cruz Azúl, Club
America, Inter Milan, Peñarol, Nacional and many other top youth
academies around the world. This proven approach to introducing young
children to the game of football obviously has an emphasis on FUN so that
children come to fall in love with the game from the earliest ages. It has
been called the Revival of Street Football. Having four goals out
wide immediately introduces width and helps to prevent the familiar
swarming at the younger age groups. Also having two goals to attack with
three defenders means that one goal is usually less-defended, which
means there is always a better option available. Both of these factors
encourage young players to look before they act and to think before they
execute – so perception and game intelligence are introduced naturally
from the earliest ages.

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Player Benefits:
1. Experiencing success brings greater confidence and enjoyment
2. More touches on the ball, more goals, more 1v1s and 2v1s
3. Lots of dribbling, then when they get tired, lots of passing
4. It develops skills such as controlling, passing, dribbling, shooting and
tackling.
5. The player has plenty of opportunity to “be in love with the ball,” to
improvise and to take risks without fear of making mistakes.
6. Greater participation as each player is vital in a 3 person team
7. Goals out wide improves perception, peripheral vision and spatial
awareness
8. Reduces crowding and the suffocation of the player with the ball
9. More time and space to think and make decisions
10. Great variety of games keeps it interesting for everyone
11. The positive environment of discovery instead of instruction is much
more stimulating than traditional coaching style
12. Everyone usually scores a goal!
13. Rolling substitutions and equal playing time benefits everyone
14. The two goals create options which stimulate creativity and
improvisation.
15. Develops support play and off-the-ball play

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“I pass and I move. I help you. I look for you. I stop. I raise my
head.I look, and above all I open up the pitch. The one who has
the ball is the master of the game. That’s the school of Joan
Vila, of Albert Benaiges, of Johan Cruijff, and Pep Guardiola.”
Xavi
Style of Play
Hillsboro Soccer Club believes in playing a possession oriented attacking
style of play. We believe that this is the best environment for our players to
develop their game intelligence, perception, skills as well as a love for the
game.
The following is a list of characteristics of this style of play.
1. Keep the ball and don’t lose it.
2. Play mostly on the ground
3. Constant support is given to the player in possession of the ball.
4. When in possession, move in order to support the player with the
ball. (Get into the light)
5. Play on the right in order to attack on the left and vice versa.
(switch the point of attack frequently to create space for
penetration to create scoring chances) Disguise intent.
6. Switch the point of attack with speed and precision.
7. Play out of the back.
8. Play a high percentage of the time through the lines. Backline to
midfield line and then to the forward line.
9. Goal kicks are frequently taken on the ground to feet.
10. The goalkeeper distributes the ball by bowling or throwing rather
than punting long.

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11. Throw-ins are mostly taken to a teammate’s feet and then passed
back to the thrower on the ground.
12. Team maturity can be measured by an appropriate ratio of back
passes.
13. Wingers open up the game and stay wide while our team is in
possession. Feet on the touch line.
14. Seek numerical superiority in attack. (2v1) is even better than 1v1.
15. Running from behind (overlapping and doblada runs) are highly
encouraged.
16. Encourage aggressive 1v1 dribbling especially in order to get to
the end line, eliminating an opponent or to creating space for a
shot.
17. A cross should be a pass for a goal.
18. When we lose possession everyone helps to win the ball back, and
when we regain possession everyone joins in the attack.
“A player should always be moving. You can come up with a
reason for every player in every position and in every
circumstance, why he should be moving. In football there is no
reason to be immobile.”
Marcelo Bielsa

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Shapes of our Game
3v3 Funiño Field (Triangle)
5v5 Funiño Field (Diamond + Player in the Middle)

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7v7 Half Field (1-2-3-1)
11v11 (1-4-3-3)

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Introduction to the Spanish Training Model
The Spanish training model is based on a style of play more than a system
of play. The training sessions in Spain tend to be based on a game that is
played on the ground with a lot of passing, movement off the ball and
support of the player with the ball. Players are discouraged from kicking the
ball aimlessly or putting the ball up in the air where it can be contested by
the opponents.
In the Spanish training model there is a premium placed on building
perception and game intelligence, and for this reason, the majority of the
training sessions in Spain are global in nature as opposed to analytical.
Around 85% of the training session is carried out in a context where there
is a ball, teammates, opponents, rules and space. In the context of a game,
each time a player executes a movement or skill such as dribbling, passing
etc… it comes after perception and decision making.
The “rondo” (a possession game in numerical superiority) is the foundation
of the Spanish training model and some variation or variations are used at
almost every training session. On the following pages you will find a list of
characteristics for analytical exercises and for global exercises as well as
the benefits of rondos. Although some analytical exercises are used at the
team training session, isolated technical training is given to players as
homework to do on their own outside the regular training sessions.
“No two situations are the same in a game of soccer, and this is
why players have to develop their technique by actually playing.
There is no “ideal” technique; how a player kicks the ball with his
instep will always depend on the options available to him, his
position on the field, and the positions of his teammates and
opponents.”
Bert van Lingen (KNVB Coach - Holland)

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Analytical Training (repetition of isolated technique)
1. Allows for many repetitions of the technique being practiced.
2. Does not allow for development of perception or decision making.
3. Player motivation is generally lower than when playing in game
situations.
4. Does not involve the emotion and intensity of the game.
5. Uses the left hemisphere of the brain. (non-creative)
Global Training (a ball, teammates, opponents, rules, space)
1. Allows players to experience a more realistic situation to the game
with opponents, teammates and the ball.
2. Allows for the development of perception and decision making.
3. Player motivation is generally high during global or game related
activities.
4. Involves the intensity and emotions of the game.
5. Uses the right hemisphere of the brain. (creative)

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An example of an analytical exercise on the
left and a global exercise on the right.

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Rondos
At Hillsboro Soccer Club, “rondos” form a part of almost every training
session beginning at the youngest ages and all the way through our U18
age group. Here is an explanation of the different benefits of using rondos
in training. On the following pages there are some examples of rondos.
COGNITIVE. In rondos the player is constantly perceiving and making
decisions with respect to his teammates, opponents, position of the
ball etc. … For this reason the capacity to make the correct decisions
and the speed of play are improved.
TECHNICAL COORDINATION. Due to the way that the rondo is set up,
it is necessary to have control of the physical movements and
technical skills with respect to time and space, the game, the ball
and opponents.
TEAM BUILDING. (mini-societies) With the type of work done in
rondos, the understanding between teammates is improved, and the
sense of “team” is also built.
CREATIVITY AND EXPRESSION. The nature of the rondo, with its
limited time and space, forces the players to use various technical
and tactical abilities in order to solve constantly changing problems
within the game. This helps develop creativity.
COMPETITIVENESS. In the development of the rondo, the player’s
competitive nature is improved. Players have to fight to make space,
learn how to counteract marking and how to win the ball back.
Nobody wants to be the one making the mistake which leads to time
in the middle.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONING. With rondos a team may work anaerobic
resistance by varying the space, time and number of players
involved.

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“Everything that goes on in a match, except shooting, you can
do in a rondo. The competitive aspect, fighting to make space,
what to do when in possession and what to do when you haven’t
got the ball, how to play ‘one touch’ soccer, how to counteract
the tight marking and how to win the ball back.”
Johan Cruijff
4v1

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5v2 Square in the Middle
3v3+3 (6v3) with 3 Neutrals

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5v5 with 4 Neutrals
6v6 + 5 Neutrals

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“A player may only achieve his maximum while he is enjoying
himself.”
Johan Cruijff
Nurturing a Love for the Game
Keeping in mind that the primary reason our youth come to practice is to
play and enjoy themselves, it is essential to honor this during our sessions.
Mixing in a variety of games during the warm up is a fantastic way to get
the players moving and warming up while at the same time creating an
environment where the players are enjoying themselves. Mauricio
Marques, Brazilian Staff Instructor at the EBF (Escola Brasileira de
Futebol) at the CBF Brazilian national training center outside Rio de
Janeiro, makes a point of emphasizing the importance of players entering
the training session in a “joyful” frame of mind. As part of the level 1
Brazilian Youth License, he includes a number of these types of games.
Here are a few examples on the following page.

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Practicing at Home: Players Taking Ownership of their
Own Development
At Hillsboro Soccer Club we understand that in order to master a skill set
such as soccer, one has to commit to upwards of 10,000 hours of practice
time. Players who only come to practice and then spend no other time
working on improving their game will never reach their full potential. We
encourage our players to own their own development by practicing at home
with a ball – juggling, dribbling and playing against a wall for other skills
such as passing, receiving, shooting, etc…
Below and on the following pages we provide a routine for juggling and for
playing against a wall.
Juggling Routine
Free Juggling
Anything goes juggling to get warmed up.
Pattern Juggling
50 times with Right foot Laces
50 times with Left foot Laces
1 high touch and 1 low touch
juggling below knee height + clapping on each touch
juggling from the foot to hip height
juggling from the foot to head height
juggling from the foot to above head height
pattern of 2 touches with Right Foot and 1 touch with Left Foot
pattern of 2 touches with Left Foot and 1 touch with Right Foot
pattern of 1 touch with Right Foot Laces and 1 touch with Left Thigh
pattern of 1 touch with Left Foot Laces and 1 touch with Right Thigh
3 touches and 1 high touch and control/deaden with Laces
Juggling without using the laces

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Wall Routine
“If tennis, baseball, volleyball, and basketball are sports in which
players use repetition to improve specific skills, why not use a
wall with measurements of a goal, where each player can
practice finishing 50 times a week, 200 times per month, 2,000
times in ten months until he or she becomes an expert finisher."
ATFA (Association of Argentine Football Coaches)

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Passing focus (aim for a target)
Distance 10-12 yards from the wall. The distance may be adjusted so as to
be appropriate
for the player’s age, size and strength. Reminders: When passing with the
inside of the foot, the ankle should be locked and the toes of the foot
contacting the ball should be slightly pointed up. The plant foot should be
towards the target. When passing with the laces the toes of the foot
contacting the ball should be pointing down while the plant foot
points towards the target.
100 one touch passes inside right foot
100 one touch passes inside left foot
100 one touch laces right foot
100 one touch laces left foot
Receiving focus
Distance 5-8 yards from the wall
Hit the ball hard against the wall and receive with the inside of the foot
cushioning the ball. After 100 repetitions one side then do 100 with the
opposite foot. The receiving foot should hardly contact the ball. Imagine
that the ball is made of glass and will break if not received softly enough.
Volley the ball against the wall and receive with thigh, abdomen, chest, or
head and then bring to the ground. 100 repetitions.
Passing and receiving focus (aim for a target)
100 two touch receive outside of right foot / step right foot / step left foot
(plant foot) / pass inside of right foot
100 two touch receive outside of left foot / step left foot / step right foot
(plant foot) / pass inside of left foot. Distance from the wall varies.
Chip the ball 100 times to the wall and as it comes back bouncing, adjust
your body position forward or backward, cover the ball so it stops bouncing
and rolls to one side of your body, then pass to a target. Alternate right and
left feet.

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Passing and receiving focus (aim for a target)
100 two touch receive outside of right foot / step right foot / step left foot
(plant foot) / pass inside of right foot
100 two touch receive outside of left foot / step left foot / step right foot
(plant foot) / pass inside of left foot. Distance from the wall varies
Chip the ball 100 times to the wall and as it comes back bouncing, adjust
your body position forward or backward, cover the ball so it stops bouncing
and rolls to one side of your body, then pass to a target. Alternate right and
left feet.
Shooting focus (aim for a target)
Shoot at a target from varying distances. The target may be a drawing of a
regulation size goal or simply various circles or boxes in different positions.
100 repetitions. Practice bending the ball – inside and outside of feet.
Juggle the ball 3-4 times with your back to the wall, on the last juggle play it
up in the air, in one motion cover the ball with either inside or outside of the
foot and turn and shoot at the target. Place an object such as a moveable
bench (imagine this is the goalkeeper) about ten yards from the wall.
Dribble in at an angle and then lift the ball over the bench in order to
score.
Volleying Focus
Distance volleying 10-12 yards away
The skill of volleying can be used for clearances, passing, or shooting at
goal. If the goal is practicing clearances the trajectory of the ball should be
up in the air. If the goal is passing or shooting the trajectory of the ball
should be toward a target straight forward or down. Toss the ball up in the
air and volley it first time against the wall. The toss may be made directly in
front of the body or to either side. If the ball is tossed directly in front of the
body the toe of the foot contacting the ball should be pointing slightly down.
The plant foot should be pointing towards the target and contact made with
the laces. If the ball is tossed from the side, the player must remember to
dip the shoulder farthest from the ball in order to get over the ball and keep
the trajectory down. Contact should be made with the laces. Both types of
volleys from the front and from the side may be practiced on a half bounce.

35
General Practice
Juggle the ball as long as you can against the wall. Depending on skill
level, this may be done with one or two bounces or for more advanced
players with no bounces. Practice juggling against the wall with the inside
of each foot and with the laces of each foot.
Turning Focus
Distance 10-12 yards
Pass the ball against the wall, come toward the ball, look over your
shoulder, then turn using either the inside of the foot or the outside of the
foot. After turning dribble away and then turn towards the wall and repeat.
Alternate right and left feet.
Heading Focus
General Practice
Practice juggling the ball against the wall only using the head. (no bounces)
Shooting
Toss the ball high off the wall and then head down to a target to the left or
right of the wall. (small goals)
Flicking
Clearing
Toss the ball high off the wall and then with a running start jump off one
foot, arch the back and come forward heading the ball high against the
wall.
Throw-In Focus
Throw the ball in from various distances towards the wall. Try to throw the
ball so that it contacts the wall low to the ground where a teammates feet
would be. Next practice throwing to where a teammates head would be.
Draw a box as a target. Also practice throwing for distance with a slight run
up before the execution of the throw.

36
Common Club Terminology
“Get into the light” = move into a passing lane where you can
receive a pass.
“Rondo” = A game where a group of players with numerical
superiority keeps the ball away from another group of players.
“Running from behind” = Any type of overlapping run from a
deep position into a more advanced forward position. It can be
done in a central or wide area of the field. Running from behind
is done to surprise and to create numerical superiority 2v1
advantages.
Funiño = An soccer learning environment based on a 3v3 game
with four goals and scoring zones. Players learn by playing the
game. The word Funiño refers to “Fútbol a La Medida del Niño”.
Translated to English this means “Soccer at the level of the
Child”.
Global Exercise = This refers to any activity in training that is
based on the game itself with teammates, opponents, ball, time,
rules and space.
Analytical Exercise = Any exercise at training focusing on
isolated technique.

37
Recommended Reading
Coaches:
Developing Youth Soccer Players – Horst Wein
Developing Game Intelligence – Horst Wein
The Spanish Soccer Coaching Bible - Laureano Ruiz
Coaches and Parents
The Talent Code – Daniel Coyle
Mindset – Carol Dweck
Our Competition is the World - Stan Baker
Changing the Game – John O’ Sullivan

38
Recommended Videos
Horst Wein Interview English (USA) Topic: Youth Soccer Development
Part: 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvdNnqHo__k
Part: 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zms5bNbze-0
Part: 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTl_obyH7EI
Part: 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9yHKG-UvqE
Entrevista de Horst Wein (ESPN - Argentina) Tema: Fútbol Base
Parte: 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBHBGN7ESGY
Parte: 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV41SShZKYg
Parte: 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qtdgbMDDNI
Parte: 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLv7Thz6fy0

HSC Philosophy and Player Development 5 (1)

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