In the Junior Academy, players build on the technical base they established in the Academy and continue their pursuit of technical proficiency and excellence.  The objective at this stage is development of individual skills, individual and small-group tactics.  A dynamic training environment of small sided games develops technical speed under pressure of time, space and opponent.

Technical areas of focus – dribbling, change of speed/pace, shielding/spin turns, receiving (including balls in air), shooting, passing, etc…

Tactical awareness within the game becomes a more important facet of the learning process during this stage as we strive to increase the tactical speed (decision making under pressure) of each player.

Technical / Tactical Development Ratio = 60/40 to 50/50

(Introduction of the physical development of the player as the player prepares to exit the Junior Academy program)