I = Introduce: This level is exactly what it states. Fundamental
positions, stances, and patterns are introduced to the players and they
develop an understanding of these areas. The can execute the various pieces
of the techniques or tactics in the correct order but the movements look
awkward and unsynchronized or delayed with regard to tactics. For the coach this means we provide a quick
introduction of topics, essentially putting the ‘jargon or language of the
sport’ in front of them and the valuable pictures that they need to
model. However, we do not spend a
great deal of time on these topics however we do expose the young player to
these areas we are simply 'Planting the seeds' for future development.
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L = Learn: At this level players are able to change the
techniques (movements) in order to find success under various conditions and
in different areas of the field. This occurs with limited pressure in the
beginning and then more pressure as experience is gained. Here a coach
must match the level of ability to that of the player. Not a complete match,
but a match that slightly exceeds the current competencies of the
player. The coach must focus training sessions around these topics, not all
at once, but systematically throughout the year. This is where the art and experience of
coaching comes into play. A coach must
recognize where an athlete stands today, and moves them day by day toward the
end goal…the end goal being the next column in the Long Term Player Development model. Much of the learning is built on the back of the players' tolerance to instruction and training/practice. Learning to Train is a critical time for increasing the tolerance of the developing athlete.
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A = Automate: When players
get to this level, their techniques (movements) are coordinated, consistent
and efficiently performed under more complex conditions. Although limited to varying they way they
perform the trained techniques (movements), players begin to create their own
responses to the conditions they begin to see in games and training
exercises. Coaches contribute to automation of an
athlete’s development in these phases consistently offering opportunities for
repetition and variation. Growth occurs
with every variation, slight or extreme, in an automated movement or tactical
situation.
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P = Perfect/Improvise: Players begin to create instantaneous responses that are their
interpretations of techniques or combinations of techniques forming unique
motor patterns. Much of the
development here is experiential and it is mostly in the hands of the player,
although coaches provide
tactical information through instruction, video, and establishing an
environment where the player’s individual development occurs through their
own exploration.
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Development
categories modified from the CAC NCCP Theory
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What do the levels of Development Catgories really reference?
