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As a parent sitting on the sidelines - it can be really difficult to evaluate whether or not your youth soccer player’s coach is implementing a sound training program. Being able to discern a well-structured session from a not-so-effective one can greatly influence your young player’s growth in the sport.
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has long championed a distinctive, and controversial, training model known as Play-Practice-Play (PPP) which is meant to serve as a standard for fostering holistic development in young players. This guide is designed to familiarize you with the various components of the PPP model, so you can have an informed perspective while watching your child train and play.
First, a disclaimer. While the Play-Practice-Play model is the standard taught in USSF coach licensing curriculum, it has faced some (in my opinion) very valid criticism. So while we’ll save a deep dive into the specifics of those criticisms for another post, please understand that there are countless other frameworks your coach may employ.
Let’s get into it:
What is the Play-Practice-Play Model?
Designed with the primary goal of nurturing a balanced and comprehensive growth path for young soccer enthusiasts, the PPP model encapsulates three crucial phases: Play, Practice, and again, Play. Here's a look into each segment, helping you understand what to expect and how to assess the quality of the training sessions your child is a part of.
1. Play (First Phase): Cultivating an Environment of Fun and Learning
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Objective:
- Encouraging Creativity: In the initial playful phase, children are encouraged to bring their creativity to the fore, experimenting without the fear of making mistakes.
- Building Confidence: By allowing the young athletes to explore, this phase instills confidence and nurtures their innate love for the game.
Activities:
- Small-sided games that stimulate exploration and enjoyment
- Free play sessions with minimal coaching intervention to facilitate a spontaneous and joyful flow
- Activities that cultivate independent decision-making and problem-solving skills
2. Practice (Second Phase): Developing Skills and Understanding the Game
Duration: 30-40 minutes
Objective:
- Skill Enhancement: This phase is structured to focus on developing specific skills and understanding the tactical nuances of soccer.
- Guided Coaching: The coaches step in to provide structured guidance, helping children polish their techniques and comprehend the game's strategic elements.
Activities:
- Drills that emphasize the cultivation of skills like precise passing, dribbling, and goal-focused shooting.
- Exercises that highlight positional awareness and teamwork
- Tactical setups that encourage problem-solving abilities and critical thinking.
3. Play (Third Phase): Applying Acquired Skills in Real-Game Situations
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Objective:
- Skill Application: This concluding phase facilitates the application of learned techniques in real-game scenarios, encouraging kids to integrate the skills developed during the practice phase.
- Nurturing Independence: Here, children are guided to make independent decisions, fostering a sense of ownership and personal growth in their game strategies.
Activities:
- Participating in match-play or scrimmages that mimic real game settings, encouraging the application of newly honed techniques
- Promoting teamwork and collaboration
- Reflective sessions post-game to underscore learning and inspire a culture of continuous growth and improvement.
The Coach's Role: Facilitating Rather Than Dictating
You’re probably wondering with “PLAY” making up over two thirds of the training time, what the heck does the coach do? Well, in the PPP model, the coach acts more as a facilitator than an authoritative figure. The approach encourages coaches to create a positive, learner-centered environment. Coaches guide players through each phase, encouraging creativity, fostering skills, and helping young athletes analyze and learn from their performance.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Role in Your Child's Soccer Journey
By acquainting yourself with the intricacies of the USSF Play-Practice-Play model, you are taking a significant step towards becoming an active participant in your child’s soccer evolution. This understanding will equip you to offer valuable support and encouragement as they navigate the complex world of youth soccer… and help you better evaluate the effectiveness of your player’s training environment.
