West Ham United Football Academy
Coaching Syllabus
West Ham Academy 8 11 year olds
Fun and Enjoyable little and often with direction A continuous programme of learning by example and encouragement The players will learn by DOING not listening All basics are to be practiced constantly every session This age of learning must practice using both feet constantly, the aim is MASTERY OF THE BALL
West Ham Academy 8 11 year olds
Skills to be introduced in 2 week blocks and repeated Defending 1 v 1 and Defender 2 v 3 (Decision making) Beating opponents (1 v 1) learn a trick Screening and turning (Receiving the ball) Shooting (2 footed) and crossing balls (both feet) Heading for fun Finishing skills Early plymetrics / co-ordination and balance 4 x 4 games only
West Ham Academy 8 11 year olds
Encourage the taking on of opponents, to develop productive players. Highlight when to pass, when to dribble. This should be a continuous programme, with variety, encouraging players to be confident, enthusiastic and committed.
West Ham Academy 8 11 year olds
Basic outline of the technical programme Transferring the skills to the game (8 v 8) Encourage players to rotate positions on a regular basis Produce defenders who can defend 1 v 1 and are comfortable with the ball to break out of defence Midfield players who can receive the ball under pressure and keep possession Front players with 1 v 1 ability to beat defenders Effective players
West Ham Academy 12 14 year olds
The development period (Adolescence and Growth Spurts)
Defenders
Heading skills (Height and Distance) Being comfortable marking 1 v 1 Distribution from the back (Long and short) Working as a unit (Covering responsibilities) Defending set plays
West Ham Academy 12 14 year olds
Midfield
Receiving the ball under pressure Turning and playing the ball forward Develop the ability to see the whole pitch, i.e. when to pass long, when to pass short Making forward runs Shooting from distance Understand defensive responsibilities
West Ham Academy 12 14 year olds
Forwards
Turning and beating defenders Turning defenders without the ball Linking with midfield support Heading for goal Finishing crosses Quick finishing (1-2 touch) Turning and shooting
West Ham Academy 12 14 year olds
General
Speed Agility Fitness and flexibility for all players Decision making and awareness is a vital component in all situations Use realistic practice (opposed or unopposed) Combined passing moves i.e. 3rd man runs, overlaps etc Introduce organisation at set plays (basic)
West Ham Academy 12 14 year olds
General
Competition becomes progressively tougher, this can be highlighted during practice Coach players to create space for the role required Coaching the team i.e. organisation of defence, midfield and forward (attacking and defending) Less rotation more selection for the role required Are we challenging the best players?
West Ham Academy 15 16 year olds
Understanding their role within the role
Develop better tactical understanding Improve specific weakness in individuals (1 to 1 coaching) Identify talented effective players to fast track them Develop strong mental attitudes as games get more competive Dont stop the dribblers encourage effectiveness
West Ham Academy 15 16 year olds
Encourage speed and urgency during training and match play Match play effectiveness transferring the training into matches Fitness and strength become evident, begin to introduce the important to the players Winning becomes important
West Ham Academy 17 20 year olds
Can they climb the ladder
Revisit all previous technical work (9 16 years) Develop fitness speed and strength (scientific approach) Continue to develop understanding (player and team) Mental ability to cope with criticism Effectiveness of the player is crucial to progress To play the game with desire and passion
West Ham Academy 17 20 year olds
The importance of winning Fast track the best players Set plays, for and against and their importance 3 years education programme including media training, financial planning and coaching The 17 20 year old can take more responsibility for his own improvement and development
West Ham Academy Coaches Page
Coaching from habit is comfortable Challenge yourself or stagnate Was I planned and prepared for all sessions? Did I communicate effectively? Did the players understand my instruction? How much praise, information, criticism did I deliver? Did I coach all the players or just select a few? Fail to prepare then prepare to fail
