The WSA Way Session Typology is meant to help guide sessions towards a defined objective. The typology presented is not concrete or final, but a guidepost for the myriad of types of sessions and session elements a coach/trainer may develop and include. A single session may include various "types" of session components.
The range of "session typology" increases with older and more advanced teams.
The range of "session typology" increases with older and more advanced teams.
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TOPICAL (PRINCIPLE)
PATTERNS ADAPTIVE GAME TACTIC ANALYSIS |
TECHNICAL |
PHYSICAL |
PSYCHOSOCIAL |
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TOPICAL SESSION
TOPIC/PRINCIPLE This session will cover a particular topic, normally based on a principle, sub principle, and occasionally a sub-sub-principle of play. The session phases and progressions will remain focused on the single topic being covered. PATTERN PLAY SESSION
PATTERNS This session will be used to help players understand spatial awareness, geometric configurations, and the team's game model priorities for a combination of ball movement, and attacking or defending player shape and orientation. This session transfers the whiteboard/paper/film to the field for players to visually and physically engage in "patterns of play". ADAPTIVE SESSION
ADAPTIVE This session covers topics catalyzed by and adapted to coach appraisal of a recent game(s) or session(s). The session may cover multiple topics and could include various types of a session, blending for example technical work to expand a focus or improve proficiency, with tactical focus in a troubleshooting area. GAME TACTIC SESSION
GAME TACTIC A session which targets preparation for an upcoming opponent with a focus usually on a particular sub or sub-sub principle. This would normally involve adapting or revising a minor part of the team's game model. This session may integrate various other types of training into the "game tactic" portion. ANALYSIS SESSION
ANALYSIS Opponent - or - Game Analysis sessions will involve a review of either your own team or the opponent. The session might be a "debrief" for a post-game appraisal or a "prep" for an upcoming match. This analysis will involve either film, statistics, tactical diagrams, images and photos, or combinations of all. This is typically a "classroom" setting session (or virtual) that has already tied to a field session or will tie to a field session. This type of session may also be used to achieve helping players create their IDAP (Individualized Development Action Plan). |
TECHNICAL SESSION
TECHNICAL The focus of this session would be a particular technique of the game. This would usually include some type of "Ball Mastery" element, but could also include footwork required to defend, or body preparation and body shape to receive. This session could be integrated into a regeneration or activation session, or be a portion of each team's session "prep phase". Reminder "technique" executed at "speed" = SKILL. FUNCTIONAL SESSION
FUNCTIONAL When training a specific role, including technique or skill, of a specific position, or a position group. Often the session's drive is to help create understanding of the functional role of the position or the position group and specific uses of technique (i.e. prep touch for wingbacks). These sessions may be specifically targeted as situational, phased (which phase of play), or territorial. When the functional session requires a specific skill or technique, related to the function the session can be considered "technical". * The session may also be considered "tactical" if the emphasis is less technical or physical in nature, and more focused on cognition and role recognition. FUNDAMENTAL SESSION
FUNDAMENTAL Training fundamentals will involve two directives: introducing and maintenance. Fundamentals are the base techniques and principles for the development of all others - the "foundation" for the "formation". For the youngest ages, many game fundamentals will be "introduced" while for older ages fundamentals will be "maintained". The mechanics and principles will be the same, while the teaching methods will flex to meet the age and developmental curve of the athlete (i.e. older players may do more repetitious training that is outcome based, while younger players may do more "trial-and-error", non outcome based training). SKILL SESSION
SKILLS SESSION A "skill" session will focus on transferring a technique to the pace and action and timing of decision of game play. Think of dribbling as the "technique", and attacking 1v1 as the "skill". Skill sessions will often times challenge players to utilize and apply certain techniques to game related situations. Normally in this session there is either opposition, or competition against time or space to simulate game related situations. Reminder: Technique is the mechanic used, while Skill is "technique" applied with speed, decisions and multiple scenarios of pressure. |
PHYSICAL SESSION
PHYSICAL This session could have the primary focus of developing a physical component in each player. It is important for "physical" sessions to fit into the proper periodization scheme and not be "stand-alone" sessions. These sessions could target, speed, endurance, balance, coordination, footwork, strength, leaping, quickness (start-stop movements). REGENERATION SESSION
REGENERATION Typically after a recent run of high-intensity activity, including long travel, multiple games, or challenging training, the coach may opt for a regeneration session that is either physical or mental in objective. Active and Passive regeneration sessions are different and utilized in response the athlete's current capacity and energy, as well as within the upcoming and future schedule. ACTIVATION SESSION
ACTIVATE An activation session would include movements that help prepare the athlete for an upcoming competition, as well as cognitive exercises that help promote focus, concentration, and positive thinking. Usually held in close proximity to competition. |
MINDSET TRAINING
MINDSET Training the Growth Mindset through mental imagery, positive talk, understanding of others, and various psychological aspects of performance and competition is critical towards development of the entire athlete and person. TEAM BUILDING TRAINING
TEAM BUILDING Sessions that develop your team's community, culture, core values, and mission are important to The WSA Way. This session helps players understand their teammates and build relationship within the team. This session could include soccer-related or non-soccer-related activities and will include a debrief and/or follow up session at the conclusion to help create understanding. COGNITIVE TRAINING
COGNITITIVE Cognitive sessions help train athlete's mental speed and problem solving. These sessions may include a myriad of passing patterns that require solutions, or individual challenging problems created such as multiple soccer balls and multiple movements that are simultaneous. |