Document that summarize the appropriate planning of training with relation to competition and in particular the development of youth soccer players.

1. Continuous Professional Development
12th February 2018
Philip Joe Cauchi – 2018

2. To identify the importance of
Periodization in optimizing
performance and prevent the
accumulation of fatigue thus
reducing the risk of injuries.

3. • Understand what periodization is.
• Understand how to manipulate exercises to stimulate different fitness
parameters.
• Understand the difference between fitness vs. freshness.
• Understand how to overload training from time to time to progress
and stretch the physical capacities of the players.
• Understand the principles of periodisation and how to plan a training
week.

4. Workshop – What is Periodization?
1. Which one of the below statements BEST describes periodization?
a) The planning of training sessions over a week
b) The planning of fitness training
c) The planning of every component in football except tactics
d) The planning of training and matches
e) The planning of every football activity including prioritizing training components
(sequence of exercises done during the week and also within the same session)
2. The style of play (game model) is important because… (choose ONE)
a) We will know how many sprints, squats we will have to perform during the
week
b) We will plan better attacking and defending training sessions
c) We can design and implement exercises that best improve the team’s
performance on the field of play

5. • Periodization includes planning every football activity – training and
matches.
• Involves prioritizing training components
1. Recover from previous match
2. Develop/maintain the bio-motor abilities in respect of the next match
3. Prevent over-reaching thus be fit and fresh for the next match
4. Prevent injury through appropriate planning

6. • Our playing identity – style of play. Example: counter,
direct, long ball, high press, short constructive build-
up.
• Our system of play including the characteristics of our
players. Example: 1-3-5-2 using wing backs bearing
high aerobic and anaerobic endurance bio-motor
capacities.
• Tactical demands imposed on our players during
match play. Example: press in the attacking third,
press in midfield and press in the defending third.

7. Start from the game –
1-3-5-2 as an example
Wingbacks in all
phases of the game
Need to cover long
distances at high
speeds
Taking part of the game
for training endurance
within a position
specific game situation
Designing a
training exercise
Play 4v4 to develop
specific endurance

8. 8+GKv8 with Wing
Zones
Wingbacks experience
similar physiological
stress as they do in a
real match and they
are allowed to move in
coordination with their
teammates and the
requirements of the
match situations. Such
as combining play with
the closest midfielder
and dropping into a 3-
4-1 shape
Match realistic
training

9. Interval runs that
stimulate similar
physiological response as
the match
Example: Run a distance
of 40m in 6” then rest for
18” and repeat for 6
times
6x6” – 18” rest
High Intensive effort
interspersed with
periods of recovery

10. Global – 11v11

11. Global – 11v11
7v6

12. Global – 11v11
8v7
2v1

13. Global – 11v11
8v7
2v1
1v1

14. Workshop– Bio-Motor Abilities
Letter Description True False
a
The bio-motor abilities are: Strength, Speed, Endurance (stamina),
Suppleness and Skills.
b Speed can best be developed in games of 6v6.
c 1v1 and 2v2 exercises are great tools to develop football strength.
d
Games to develop strength should be played in big areas with large
numbers.
e Games of 8v8 can be used for both endurance and strength.
f
Progression in fitness can be done in several ways. One of them is by
decreasing the rest period between repetitions.
g Shooting is a form of strength/power.
h
Games of 1v1 and 2v2 should be of a very long duration. Five minutes
and above.

15. Performance
Strength
Stamina
(Endurance)
Skill
(Coord.)
Suppleness
Speed
Parts to stimulate the growth of different bio-motor abilities
Functional
Strength;
1v1, 2v2
with
shooting
Interval
runs; Small
Sided
Games
(SSG) 4v4,
6v6, etc
1v1 to
finish; 2v1
attack
Small
Sided
Games
and
Rondos
Strength Stamina Speed Skill

16. 1v1, 2v2
3v3, 4v4
5v5 – 7v7
8v8 – 11v11
Duration
(mins)
Size of Pitch (Area)
Strength
Extensive Interval
Intensive Endurance
Extensive Endurance
Number of players

17. Strength

18. 2v2+GKs
Strength
Maximal effort
required
Area: 20m x 15m
No of games: 6
Duration: 1’
Rest: 3’
Many actions per
minute: shots, tackles,
passes, saves, etc

19. Defending in Midfield
3v3+Target
Extensive Interval
High Intensive football
actions
Area: 20+5m x 20m
No of games: 6
Duration: 2’
Rest: 1’

20. GK+6v.6 Compact
Defending Game
Intensive Endurance
Ability to keep playing
football with minimal
accumulation of
fatigue
Area: 50m x 35m
No of games: 4
Duration: 5’
Rest: 1’

21. 4v4+GKs
Extensive Interval
The ability to maintain
playing football at a
high intensity
Area: 40m x 30m
No of games: 6
Duration: 3’
Rest: 1’

22. Sets
Repetitions
Duration
Rest
Pitch size
Number of
Players
Constraints
Between Reps
Between Sets
Touches
Playing in a numerical
disadvantage
Man-to-man / zonal
marking
1-0 down 5’ to go

23. Figures are just to provide an example
1v1
• 2 sets
• 6 reps
• 20”:60”
• 2’ rest between
sets
1v1
• 2 sets
• 7 reps
• 20”:60”
• 2’ rest between
sets
1v1
Same sets, reps and
rest periods but
attacker receiving with
his back to defender
Strength
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3

24. 1v1 – Four goal game
Strength in the duel
Maximal Intensity
Sets: 1
Repetitions: 6
Duration: 15”- 20”
Rest: 60”

25. Figures are just to provide an example
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3
8v8
• 80mx50m
• 2 games
• 8’ play
• 2’ rest
5v5
•50mx30m
•4 games
•5’ play
•2’ rest
3v3
•30mx20m
•6 games
•2’ play
•1’ rest
Endurance

26. Figures are just to provide an example
Week 1
8v8
• 80mx50m
• 2 games
• 8’ play
• 2’ rest
8v8
• 80mx50m
• 2 games
• 9’ play
• 2’ rest
8v8
• 80mx50m
• 2 games
• 10’ play
• 2’ rest
Progression of 8v8 games
Week 4
Week 7

27. Figures are just to provide an example
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3
1v0 to shoot
• 20m to 30m
distance
• 2 sets
• 6 reps
• 5”:50”
1v1 to shoot
• 20m to 30m
distance
• 2 sets
• 6 reps
• 5”:50
1v1 from cross
Same training load as
in week 2 but attacker
tries to anticipate
defender from cross
Speed

28. 1v1 from the cross
Explosive football
actions
Maximal Intensity
Sets: 2
Repetitions: 6
Duration: 3”
Rest: 30” (reps) ; 2’ (sets)
Short duration and
long rest

29. July August September December May
Gradual Build-Up
Quick Build-up Gradual Build-Up
Better adaptation of the body
Less risk of injuries
More training time
More playing time
Solid Foundation of Game Model
Less accumulation of fatigue
More fresh players

30. PLAYER 1 PLAYER 2 PLAYER 3
Fitness v. Freshness
Absolute Football Fitness Freshness
1. Which player has the highest absolute fitness?
2. Which player has the lowest absolute fitness?
3. Which player will have the highest fitness output?

31. FATIGUEPhysical Mental
1. Slows down the nervous system.
2. Muscular work is negatively
affected.
3. Loss of coordination.
4. Injuries more likely to occur.
1. Negatively affects the ability to
think and make decisions.
2. High frequency of technical-
tactical errors.
Reduction
In
Performance

32. Workshop– Principles of Periodisation?
4. Put the below bio-motor components in the order of how they will be
trained during the week.
STRENGTH
ENDURANCE
(STAMINA)
SPEED

33. • Takes approximately 48 hours. After that no
need to waste a training session on recovery.
• Period to repair muscle damage.
• Recover from mental fatigue.
• Train in a way which prevents further muscular
damage or developing further mental fatigue.
Principle 1 – Recover from previous match
Sunday Game
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday Game

34. Sunday Game
Monday Day off
Tuesday Football Technical Tactical Training-Strength
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday Game
• Takes approximately 48 hours. After that no
need to waste a training session on recovery.
• Period to repair muscle damage.
• Recover from mental fatigue.
• Train in a way which prevents further muscular
damage or developing further mental fatigue.
Principle 1 – Recover from previous match

35. • Emphasise game intelligence based on the
game model and system of play
• Friday: Speed and Agility – longer
distances even up to 30 meters
• Saturday: Speed and Agility – Shorter
distances of approximately 10 meters
• Watch out for duration of reps and total
volume – avoid accumulation of fatigue
Principle 2 – Prepare for next match
Sunday Game
Monday Day off
Tuesday Football Technical Tactical Training-Strength
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday Football Tactical Training – Speed and Agility
Saturday Football Tactical Training – Activation
Sunday Game

36. • Stretch (improve) football
endurance parameters
• Maintain many actions per
minute
Principle 3 – Football Conditioning Training
Sunday Game
Monday Day off
Tuesday Football Technical Tactical Training-Strength
Wednesday Football Conditioning Training – Endurance
Thursday Day off – Rest
Friday Football Tactical Training – Speed and Agility
Saturday Football Tactical Training – Activation
Sunday Game

37. An Alternative Possibility
Sunday Game
Monday Recovery Session
Tuesday Day off – Rest
Wednesday Football Tactical Training – Strength
Thursday Football Tactical Training – Endurance
Friday Football Tactical Training – Speed and Agility
Saturday Day off – Rest
Sunday Game
Acquisition
days

38. Phase Duration Monday Wednesday Friday Sunday
Pre-Session
Workout
20’
Full Body Strength
(Core & Upper/Lower Body)
Full Body Strength
(Core & Upper/Lower Body)
YOUTHLEAGUEMATCH
Warm-Up 10’ – 15’
Intensive Warm-Up:
Movement activation and coordination
(balance + comb/trans of movements)
Extensive Warm-Up:
Movement activation and coordination with
the ball (spatial awareness + comb/trans of
movements)
Intensive Warm-Up:
Movement activation and coordination
(reaction speed + comb/trans of
movements)
Speed and agility:
3 sets x 4 reps x 15m x 3” – 30” Rest
Game 1 12’
1v1 with GKs and 1v1 Line Soccer
(2 sets x 6 reps x 10” – 1’R)
4v4 Line Soccer and 3v3+GKs Build-up v.
Pressing Game (3 x 3’ – 1’ Rest)
8v8 defending from the front game – 2
zones (2 x 5’ – 2’ Rest)
Practice 1 10’
6v2 Rondo. (8 x 30” – 30” R) Passing exercises (3 x 2’– 1’ Rest) Defend two mini goals and attack regular
goal 3v4+GK. (3 x 2’ – 1’ Rest)
Game 2 12’
2v2 with GKs (6 x 40” – 80”R) 4v4 Line Soccer and 3v3+GKs Build-up v.
Pressing Game (3 x 3’ – 1’ Rest)
8v8 defending from the front game – 2
zones (2 x 5’ – 2’ Rest)
Practice 2 10’
6v2 Rondo – Switching Zones
(8 x 30” – 30” R)
Passing exercises (progression)
(3 x 2’ – 1’ Rest)
Defend two mini goals and attack regular
goal 3v3+GK+1 neutral (3 x 2’ – 1’ Rest)
Game 3 15’ – 20’ 8v8 (3 x 4’ – 1’ Rest) 8v8 (3 x 5’ – 1’ Rest) 8v8 (3 x 4’ – 1’ Rest)
Cool Down 8’ – 10’
Individual ball control exercises at a
low intensity followed by static
stretching
Passing and moving in groups of three
followed by static stretching
Bounce and control game in twos followed
by static stretching
Tactical Aim:
Disrupt the
build-up
Players:
2 goalkeepers.
14 outfield
players.

39. Tactical Aim:
Build-up from
the back through
the thirds.
Players:
2 goalkeepers.
16 outfield
players.
Phase Duration Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday
Pre-Session
Workout
20’
Full Body Strength
(Core & Upper/Lower Body)
Full Body Strength
(Core & Upper/Lower Body)
YOUTHLEAGUEMATCH
Warm-Up 10’ – 15’
Various dynamic exercises
with special focus on
mobility
Intensive Warm-Up:
Rondo 6v2 interspersed with
mobility and dynamic flexibility
Extensive Warm-Up:
Coordination exercises
integrated with passing and
receiving.
Intensive Warm-Up:
Psychokinetic passing followed by
quick footwork. Speed and agility:
2 sets x 6 reps x 15m x 3” – 30” rest
Game 1 12’
8v8 in 50m x 40m
3 x 2’ – 1’ Rest
1v1 in different zones of the
field (8 x 20” – 1’R)
4+GKv4 Build-up game (3 x
3’– 1’ Rest)
8v8/11v11 Build-Up through the
thirds (2 x 5’ – 2’ Rest)
Practice 1 10’
Passing exercises
4 x 2’ – 1’ Rest
Y – Passing: Focus on individual
outcomes. (2 x 4’ – 2’ Rest)
3v3+3 Positional Play inc. GK
(3 x 2’– 1’ Rest)
Positional Play: 6v6+Gks + 4 Neutral
players (2 x 4’ – 2’ Rest)
Game 2 12’
8v8 in 50m x 40m
3 x 2’ – 1’ Rest
2v2 in different zones of the
field (6 x 1’– 60”R)
6v6+Gks and 2 flank players
each team Build-up game (2
x 5’ – 2’ Rest)
8v8/11v11 Build-Up through the
thirds (2 x 5’ – 2’ Rest)
Practice 2 10’
Y – Passing progressions: Focus
on individual outcomes. (2 x 4’
– 2’ Rest)
Repeat Sprints: 6 x 20m x 5”
– 20” rest
Set Plays: Attacking Corners with
counter (2 x 4’ – 2’ Rest)
Game 3 15’ – 20’ 8v8/11v11 (2 x 7’ – 1’ Rest) 8v8/11v11 (2 x 9’ – 2’ Rest) 8v8/11v11 (2 x 5’ – 2’ Rest)
Cool Down 8’ – 10’
Light passing in groups of
fours followed by static
stretching
Individual ball control exercises
at a low intensity followed by
static stretching
Passing and moving in groups
of three followed by static
stretching
Light passing in twos followed by
static stretching

40. Workshop– Principles of Periodisation?
• Design a weekly training programme for an under 15 team training four times a week with a
match at the weekend using the below template. For each exercise write down the area,
number of sets, repetitions, duration and rest.