26 Fundamental Movement Skills for Success in Soccer
Long-term success in soccer requires the developing athlete to make second nature a whole host of movement skills. I've identified 26 "fundamental" skills that I include in every part of the Soccer Genius Training system and programs. Levels 1 through 6 of the Youth Genius Development Program are chalk full of all these fundamentals.
The following list is the exact one I use when helping young athletes succeed at all positions in soccer. The
developing player must be educated and experienced in all positions in order to be prepared for specialization in their late teen and early adult years. The goal is
both physical and soccer literacy for long-term success, participation and
enjoyment. THE LIST
1.
Walking and Jogging
2.
Sprint Running
(includes speed running on the spot)
3.
Running with a ball
in one hand and both hands
4.
Running with a ball
using both feet (dribbling): inside, laces and outside
5.
Safe stopping of
the body (from a run)
6.
Skipping, Skipping
with a ball in hands, Skipping with a ball using both feet
7.
Multidirectional
running patterns: line, zig zag, circle, triangle, square, diamond, 5 point
star, 5 point dice face pattern, forward and backward, with and without a ball at feet
8.
Balance – with and
without a ball
9.
General Co-ordination,
Agility and Quickness
10. Tumbling/Rolling and Sliding on the ground
11. Catching: one hand, the other hand and both hands
12. Diving on the ground: with and without catching a ball
13. Jumping: vertical, horizontal and lateral
14. Landing: soft two footed
15. Hopping: one foot and two feet
16. Throwing: each hand and two handed
17. Kicking (both feet), includes drop-kicking or ‘punting’
18. Pushing (not kicking) the ball with the inside of foot, laces area, outside of foot
19. Juggling a ball: with feet, thighs and head (soft ball only
for head)
20. Juggling a ball: with palms, back of hands and two-handed
fists
21. Heading the ball (initially soft foam or volleyball only)
22. Rolling the ball: each hand and both hands
23. Rolling the ball with feet: multidirectional
24. Stopping a ball: with sole, inside and outside of both feet
25. Stopping a ball: with thighs and chest
26. Stopping a ball: with one hand and two hands
Whew! I'm just tired reading that list.
Think of how athletically capable and well-rounded each player is after consistently developing these movement skills. That's exactly what it takes to build a successful Soccer Genius. I encourage you to include a healthy dose of these "Fundamentals" each and every time your players and children take to the practice field.
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