SPORTS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FOR KIDS
Skill Development Platform for Soccer Fans
Overview
The main objective of the SOCCERMAT® training method is the development of key sports skills for playing soccer. Among those skills are: balance, proprioception, flexibility, speed, strength, sensomotor coordination and rhythm.
The SOCCERMAT® method should be used to complement the other training routines traditionally used by coaches to teach soccer skills.
The SOCCERMAT® is designed for girls and boys 8 to 12 years old.
Creativity
One of the priorities of the SOCCERMAT® is to stimulate creativity in the soccer player.
This is achieved through a two-step process:
First, the player learns to innovate by combining together the different SOCCERMAT® sequences he/she has learned.
The “modular” structure of the SOCCERMAT® sequences makes it possible to “connect” them together, as all sequences were designed to have the same starting and ending point.
The second step allows a more advanced player to creates sequences of his own, using the basic elements of motion in the SOCCERMAT®
Symmetry
In a game situation, the soccer player who is skillful with both legs, doubles his possibilities, since he has learned to perform successfully with both legs.
RIGHT & LEFT
LEGS
Rhythmicity
To teach the sense of rhythm to soccer players, different “rhythm tracks” have been included in the Instructions DVD. A metronome can also be used.
Soccer players should be sensitized to three elements of rhythm: beat, accent and pause.
Rhythm should be understood from the viewpoint of four factors: the soccer player’s body, the ball, the rival and the teammates.
By observing the best soccer players in the World, it becomes evident that they are “masters of rhythm” .
Skill Levels
The SOCCERMAT® sequences are classified into three Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
Using the Evaluation Forms provided in the Instructions DVD, the coach can determine how a player measures up against specific personal and team objectives.
Rhythm should be understood from the viewpoint of four factors: the soccer player’s body, the ball, the rival and the teammates.
By observing the best soccer players in the World, it becomes evident that they are
“MASTERS OF RHYTHM” .
Group Dynamics
Group exercises can also be implemented within the SOCCERMAT® method. The main advantage of group exercises is that they are generally more challenging than individual ones.
- Two or more players take turns performing either the same or different sequences.
- Players compete to create the most innovative sequence that requires the highest skill level.
- Two or more players compete to see who does the sequence with the most precision, speed or best synchronized to the element of rhythm.
- The second player tries to repeat the movements of the first one. A variation of this group dynamic which entails more complexity has the second player repeating the sequence backwards, that is, from the end to the beginning.
- When practicing in group, several players can take turns using the same SOCCERMAT®️, or contiguous can be SOCCERMAT®️ utilized.
Warming up
As with any physical activity, it is highly recommended to warm up before starting to exercise.
Using the SOCCERMAT®, coaches may design warm-up routines for the different muscular groups such as: feet, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, hips, waist, back, shoulders, neck, arms, forearms and hands.
Other Practice Formats
Several contiguous SOCCERMAT® can be used so that the player develops skills on wider spaces.
A small soccer goal can be placed on one of the sides of the SOCCERMAT® for the development of additional sports skills.
Also a training mannequin may be used.
Additionally, plays can be designed and practiced that cover the whole field with several players.
Multiplataform
Group exercises can also be implemented within the SOCCERMAT® method. The main advantage of group exercises is that they are generally more challenging than individual ones.
