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The RUSH BLUE THREAD guides our Player Centered approach to development. In soccer, as in life, most things are not back or white, and common sense can’t be replaced. Exceptions aside, this will facilitate the goal of improving the technical ability of all Rush players and teach them how to utilize those skills in games.
SKILLED PLAYERS:
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Read a game situation (perceive, observe and understand)
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Make a decision on which action is appropriate (decide)
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Execute the decision under pressure (action)
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Reflect, with self and others. Communicate (develop)
READ -> PLAN -> DO
All decision, all actions are based on the relationship between the player making the decision, the action, and everybody around the player, both opponents and teammates.
SKILL TRAINING:
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The emphasis is on having an effective outcome in the game
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They explore, discover, sample and learn
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They feel the effectiveness of change (success)
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Meaningful learning moments (connected to the game)
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The coach facilitates (doesn’t depend on the coach)
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY
At Rush Soccer, we believe that the game is the teacher. It is in the complexity of the game where skills and creativity arise and develop, not in isolated, mechanized situations. It is in the game that the player discovers solutions and creativity arises, and it is the role of the coach to facilitate that environment and guide, when needed, through that discovery.
It’s player/participant centered, not coach centered.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
The Washington Rush Soccer is a club developed and run by coaches. Coaches are the agents of change within our organization and each coach is a reflection of their players, team, and the club overall. Therefore, all coaches should conduct themselves at all times as first class role models.
The Rush Coach puts people first, and finds in every opportunity to coach an opportunity to create an environment in which the player will learn. Creating these environments and pulling out the passion the players have deep down inside of them is always pursued. This is the heart of a Rush Coach.
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The Rush Coach is active, positive, empathetic, thinks of the club over their own team, has a strong work ethic, and is a reflection of Passion. Our coaching always aims to nurture the player’s game understanding, and our environments create challenges for these players to make decisions based on these principles: The first step is to make decisions, the second is to make correct decisions, the third to make them fast.
COACHING METHODOLOGY
Zone 1 players (U6-U12) learn and develop to their full potential through game-like experience in an enjoyable environment which supports individual growth. With that, in an attempt to create a developmentally appropriate practice environment, US Soccer has adopted a three stage practice model (ie Play-Practice-Play).
Washington Rush will be adapting the Play-Practice-Play training model for all Zone 1 players (U6-U12)
This approach aligns with the best available research on athlete development pathways and is designed with the intent of maximizing player enjoyment, intrinsic motivation, and skill development. (US Soccer Grassroots Coach Education)
Zone 2 & 3 players (U13-U19) have different needs as a player and person. Physically these players need a Global Dynamic Warm Up prior to starting training.
Coaches can utilize a variety of training models in Zone 2 & 3 to best teach the team. These include: Progressive, Whole-Part-Whole, Part-Part-Whole, Big to Small, etc. Each model has pros and cons, which means the coach should utilize any and all means to best educate the team and players. The main requirement is utilizing a Reality Based Training Methodology.
Click HERE for more information about Play - Practice - Play training model for Zone 1 players
STYLE OF PLAY
ATTACKING, We have the ball:
We value high tempo progressive possession that utilizes the full field to disorganize the opponent with the objective to score a goal.
TRANSITION Attack to Defense (+/-), We just lost the ball:
We prioritize winning the ball back as quickly as possible, and will defend high on the field with intense pressure to force the opponent to make mistakes.
DEFENDING, We don’t have the ball:
We set up a defensive structure to limit central spaces, make play predictable, and try to press in key areas.
TRANSITION Defense to Attack (-/+), We just won the ball:
We will look vertical first, then horizontal, trying to advance toward the goal.
RESTARTS, Attacking and defending:
We will be organized with a purposeful plan that is appropriate for the age and stage of the team.
Rush teams are flexible and adapt to varying circumstances while being organized and having a clear understanding of their roles/responsibilities on the field.
The Rush Way to Play represents both PASSION and PURPOSE.
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