To compete successfully in soccer, preparing your team effectively for the upcoming season is critical. No matter how short or long your pre-season is, we recommend the following approach.
Break the pre-season into two major phases:
General preparation (first 1/3 of available time)
Specific Preparation (balance)
For each of the phases address the following:
Skills/Techniques
receiving
passing
shooting
dribbling
goalkeeping
Test, monitor, and evaluate the skills of your players and use this information to determine the most suited position for each player; to develop the skill/technique segments of your training sessions; to assess your team’s relative strengths and weaknesses vs the competition. This will also assist you in deciding on your system of play.
Tactics/Strategies
style (possession/penetration)
system of play
game plan
game strategies
Knowing the technical abilities of your team may direct you to a certain playing style and system. For example, if your players are struggling with ball control and passing accuracy, but are fast, can win a ball, and have scoring ability, you may prefer a penetration (fast break attack) style over a possession game. You may also play a more conservative system of play.
Mental Training
develop positive environment
emotional control by players/team
attentional control
strategies
Test, monitor, evaluate your player’s confidence, focus, attentional control, emotional control, and commitment. Put them through some tests to see how they respond to challenging situations. Review the outcomes with the team and then steer them towards the type of behaviour that fits your vision for the team.
Physical Preparation
aerobic
anaerobic
speed
strength
power
flexibility
nutrition
Test, monitor, evaluate by developing fitness tests and measurements to guide you with the fitness trining required in the pre – and early – season. If there is not enough time to bring your team to the required level, use your system of play and player positions to compensate.
Peaking Index
volume of work (high, med, low)
intensity (high, med, low)
part II will focus on specifics for each area in each phase
Check www.soccerpracticebooks.com for more info.

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