- I. Technique (Skill): Mastery of ball handling (dribbling, passing, shooting, receiving/trapping, heading, etc.) within "game-like" conditions.
- II. Tactics (Decision-Making): Decision-making, both on and off the ball, based upon a player's understanding of the game...learning how to "read" the game!
- III. Physical (Soccer Fitness): Conditioning, endurance, speed, agility, power, flexibility, and strength, etc. achieved through soccer-specific activities.
- IV. Psychological (Attitude): Competitive spirit, aggressiveness, sportsmanship, and productive attitude…learning to deal with both success and failure!
Training economically means the inclusion of more than one of the four components of the game into the same activities within a training session. An example of an uneconomical practice would be running for a whole practice. Fitness might be improved (though injuries increased), however, players would not improve tactically or technically. An economical activity at practice such as ball tag would include the manipulation of the ball (technical work), turning, stopping, and running (physical), decision making (tactical), and if the coach sets the environment for success, confidence can be built by the coach (psychological). With the little time we spend with players, economical training is a must. The 4 components of the game must be integrated into all of our activities.
The 4 components do NOT occur in the game in isolation, therefore it is important we do not train or practice this way. Economical training allows our practices to be more functional and allows us to make the best use of the limited time we have and enhance the development of our players.
