Age: Males 16 to 18/Females 15 to 17 years

The main objective of this phase is to optimise fitness preparation and soccer, individual and position-specific skills as well as performance. More advanced tactical elements of the game are introduced. During this phase, high intensity individual, and position-specific training is provided to players. Soccer specific skills are performed under a variety of competitive conditions during training. Special emphasis is placed on optimum preparation by modelling training and competition.

The Training to Compete Phase - Technical

• Proficiency in basic soccer skills
• Soccer-specific technical playing skills under competitive conditions at high intensity
• Individualisation of skills: ‘personal style'
• Consistency and control
• Competition-simulation training

The Training to Compete Phase - Tactical

• More advanced team play and principles in the full game
• Carry out effective set-piece play
• Implement different attacking styles
• Individual specific role within team
• Awareness of new styles/systems/plays
• Develop a winning mentality and implement ‘winning tactics'
• Ability to link to players/units of team movement on/off the ball
• Play in 11v11 format
• Develop individual strengths within confines of team style
• Ability to read the game
• Awareness of opponent's tactics, strengths and weaknesses
• Event- and position-specific tactical preparation
• Principles of attack and defence
• Ability to plan and assess competition
• Adaptation to different situations
• Observe and adapt to opponents
• Detailed systems of play: strategies
• Clarity of team shape and role within the team
• Ability to deal with tactical problems
• Awareness of variations in systems/styles
• Reading the game (SWOT analysis)
• Plan and assess competition and prioritise
• Playing training game: working in SSG up to 11v11

The Training to Compete Phase - Physical

• Football-, position- and individual-specific intensive physical conditioning
• Shoulder, elbow, core, spine and ankle stability
• Optimum preparation: tapering and peaking
• Individualisation of physical capacities to address strengths and weaknesses
• Dealing with environmental influence

The Training to Compete Phase - Mental

• Personal responsibility and involvement in decision-making
• Focus and thought control - self-talk/verbal cues (dealing with distractions and negative thoughts)
• Goal setting (long term)
• Performance routines and pre-competition preparation
• Imagery (competition, different situations/problems, practising strategies)
• Anxiety control and relaxation (Progressive Muscle Relaxation, hypnosis)
• Performance routines and pre-competition preparation
• Basic re-focusing